Dissidia: Final Fantasy sequel hits next year

Square Enix's Final Fantasy fighting game spin-off is returning to North America. The publisher today confirmed that Dissidia 012 Duodecim: Final Fantasy, announced earlier this month for Japanese release, will head West sometime in 2011.

The original Dissidia merged a one-on-one fighting game setup with the character progression more commonly found in role-playing games and garnered critical praise in the process. As previously reported, Dissidia 012 Duodecim will feature multiple roster additions, including Final Fantasy XIII protagonist Lightning and Final Fantasy IV's lance-wielding dragoon Kain. A number of familiar faces will also be returning, including Sephiroth, Tifa, Onion Knight, Cecil, Golbez, Zidane, and Terra.

While the action is still primarily one-on-one, Square Enix is implementing a new assist feature that will allow players to summon backup allies in battle. Dissidia 012 Duodecim will also include new game modes, items, and costumes, as well as the ability to play through a Chaos-focused storyline.

For more on Dissidia 012 Duodecim, check out GameSpot's hands-on preview from the Tokyo Game Show.