Ehrgeiz

"A Completely Mediocre Game in Every Category."

Don't get me wrong. I actually like this game. I have spent much time playing this game, from the RPG to the actual arcade fighting, but even I realize that this game isn't exactly the "greatest game ever".

Graphics: 7/10

The graphics in this game didn't bother me at all. Actually, when it comes to graphics, I personally prefer the Playstation era graphics in both in-game graphics and movie cut-scenes. I'm not sure why, but I just do. In the arcade game, the graphics are typical for its time, although the backgrounds are kind of bland (since it always uses the same camera angle, it's hard to not have bland backgrounds). In the RPG game, almost all of the dungeon rooms will seem to blend together, and most of the monsters will seem the same.

Sound: 3/10

Actually, I prefer to play this game muted. The arcade game will become very repetitive sound-wise, and so does the RPG. Do yourself a favor and just play some of your favorite music instead. Nothing in here is memorable, so just forget it.

Gameplay: 6/10

Once again, there is nothing really too memorable about this aspect of the game. The arcade game tries its hardest, but it never really "wowed" me. For some people, the controls take some getting used to, while some can just pick it up and play it, but you could say that for many fighting games. Combos are easy to do and the projectile attacks can be used for some typical cheap combos, typical of most fighting games, yet again. The only thing that the arcade game had going for it was the fact that it was in 3-D. If they were to try the same mechanics in a 2-D game, it would fail horribly.

With the RPG game, it is relatively similar to the arcade game with the camera angles and basic attacks. The magic usage is good (Similar to materia allocation in Final Fantasy VII). Jumping is pretty much useless, but it plays as a pretty mediocre action-RPG otherwise. Both characters play the same, except for the fact that they can equip different equipment. The only really bad things about the RPG's system is the fact that finding Dragon Wings (Town teleports) are few and far between, even for a game like this, and the fact that you have to pay to save. There aren't many things more irritating than having to leave and not being able to save your game.

Storyline: 6/10

The storyline of the RPG is actually pretty lame, yet that doesn't really matter. Trying to care about the storyline of this game is essentially the same as caring about the non-existent storyline of "Combat". No one cares why the tanks are shooting squares out of their cannons, as long as they are having fun. While the RPG can be fun for some people, you quickly forget the storyline and never care to remember.

As for the arcade game, I hate to sound repetitive, but no one really cares. Most of the characters in this game are completely forgettable, including the fighters from Final Fantasy VII. Don't get me wrong, though. While Tifa and the gang from Final Fantasy VII have many fans it doesn't mean that the characters are really that interesting in this specific game and the game definitely wasn't worth buying just for them.

Overall: 6/10

The biggest draw to this game was the fact that some of the characters from Final Fantasy VII were in it. But when combined with a cast of horribly mediocre characters with a horribly mediocre gameplay system with horribly mediocre sound effects and music, you get a somewhat forgettable experience.

If you see this game in a bargain bin at your local video game stores, pick it up. It isn't worth buying off of eBay for a hefty sum, even if you are a huge fan of FFVII.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 11/30/06