Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII

"Vincent Returns (NA+JPN Review)"

After Advent Children, when talk of a PS2 game starring Final Fantasy's favorite dark brooding gunman, Vincent Valentine was rightfully noticed again. Among the optional characters to find in FF7, or even minor characters, Vincent was considered the coolest among them. Now we get to see what Vincent can do with his own game and a triple-barreled dealer of death.

Graphics - 9

Well, it's Square Enix, and a Final Fantasy game. Your basic expectations of CG cinema and gameplay graphics lack very little. The CG ends being a slight step above Advent Children. In-game, while not trail-blazing is intact. From the JPN version, though Vincent can sometimes take up half the screen, nothing looks too choppy or out of place (for a fantasy world). The NA version does a better job of at least showcasing the graphics. The weapons, faces, buildings are more than decent, but don't get past innovative.

Music/Sound - 9

The sound department remains intact too. Unfortunately, there aren't any remixed tracks from the original game like I hoped, but it works well with what it has. Some tracks like the Silent Edge stage surprised me. The music was overall decent, not really bad, yet not too memorable. One thing I was glad to see carried over from AC was the voice acting. The English and Japanese VAs do a great job again.

Control - 9

The control setup is nice enough. There are actually several ways to play, through controller or keyboard. I haven't had a chance to play on keyboard, but I hear it still has a decent handle there too. This button setup might take some getting used to. For both versions, nearly every PS2 button is used. All the movements are responsive, though sometimes not as quick. But it's a very nice feature for a shooter to have introverted and aiming lock-on options. It can raise the difficulty level of play, or test how accurate you are with the Cerberus.

Playability - 9

For many gamers, it's a love/hate feeling with this game. Dirge being a hybrid of 1st/3rd person shooter and RPG does give it an original feel. Not totally like what MGS2&3 have with first-person capabilities, you can play this as either a FPS, third person, or switch between the two during gameplay. In my experience, you'll probably want to switch up at times. The shooting itself is not bad. The A.I. aren't always the smartest, and will usually go directly after you without using varied tactics. Don't expect the Deepground (foot) soldiers to be geniuses, or the local wildlife that will attack you. The boss battles are more challenging, yet sometimes too challenging. Your patience and maneuvering in shooting will be tested severely, especially with the quicker enemies. Hand-to-hand combat isn't nearly as polished or important, but it'll help in case you happen to run out of ammo. Probably the biggest difference between playing the JPN or NA version (besides the language) is how the weapons are handled. Unlike the American version, when you load up on a weapon's attributes, Vincent will literally feel the weight. Sometimes he won't be able to run and aim as quickly as you'd like him to, but you'll be able to do more. Transforming into the Galican Beast is an accurate addition to a game for Valentine, but playing in stocks or based on MP will make the difference on how effective he'll be. Between Vincent's three customizable weapons (and a special fourth will return from the original), and all the attachments and enhancements available (especially materia) you might have to play this game a couple of times to test how many ways Vincent can gun down someone. Like the original, health is measured in HP so the strength of your shot will register in white, while critical hits (helicopter cockpit, head, etc.) will come up in red. Despite some invisible walls, and not as many creatures or playable characters as you'd hope for, it's a shooter that tried something new and made it work. Progression is the best part of this game, get ready to have fun with it in the long run.

Story - 9

For anyone who's wanted to know more about the elusive Vincent Valentine, of course you need to play this. As far as the plot, I was surprised it stayed that close to involvment with FF7 and AC. Ever since the meteor fell on Midgar, everything there was nearly destroyed, all except what was buried beneath. The Deepground Soldiers, a clandestine product of Shinra's evil reign over the planet have surfaced, and for some reason, they're all homing in on Vincent Valentine...You really get to know about Vincent, his past, and what he'll have to face in the present and future. Since AC covered Cloud, Tifa, Marlene, Sephiroth, and his remnants, DoC is like an ode to other minor characters like Yuffie, Cait Sith, Reeve, and of course Vincent. Nearly everything that you wished AC had, DoC will include. You'll feel more for Vincent, and be glad he's gotten this much focus as interesting as he is.

Replayability - 9

Depending on which version you bought can make the difference on how far you'll take it. The JPN version with the online play is nice. I've only tried it once, but it had decent gameplay for an online shooter. Though not to the level of Halo or MGS3Subsistence, still fun. The NA version featured missions using the stages from the JPN's online play. The missions varied in difficulty and can be as long, or longer than the storyline gameplay itself. Within the storyline, you'll probably play it again to see what other gun modifications you can make, or to collect lost bits and pieces, including more revealing information about the FF7 universe.

Presentation - 9

The familiar world you traverse will bring back a lot of nostalgia FF7 players. The new looks for Kalm, Midgar, Niebelheim, etc are wonderful, while keeping the original structures from several places like the Midgar trainyard or the Shinra Mansion. The map system is a little better here than in other shooters, since it can overlay on Vincent's movements. And while all that Vincent is capable of in cut-scenes, I'm glad the developers tried to keep it more as a shooter instead of a DMC-clone.

Rent or Buy?

Fan of FF7 and/or AC? Buy. Otherwise rent. Like Advent Children, this game was intended more for fans of previous installments. And while this game might not be for everyone, better to try it to see for yourself if it's worthy of Vincent Valentine.

Conclusion

While not everyone had a chance to play this based on some advice from other game players or magazines on good this game wasn't, I was surprised myself. Despite it being the next chapter in the ever-popular and ever-marketable FF7 franchise, it still holds its own as a worthy chapter in the saga. With a whole new way to play, and an expanded storyline, you'll get more out of this game than you might ever expect.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/09/07