Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 51
  3. Negative: 10 out of 51
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  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    47
    Ultimately, the game simply isn't that engaging: The unique FFVII setting feels totally wasted here, as you're often running through boring corridors looking for keycards. [Sept. 2006, p.103]
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  2. netjak
    45
    If you're a fan of Final Fantasy VII, do yourself a favor, pretend that this doesn't exist and hope that if a remake ever does happen, that it gets done under the care of someone else.
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  3. Edge Magazine
    40
    It’s a high-profile demonstration of the fact that those who created this much-loved universe have lost their understanding of what originally made it so engaging. [Apr 2006, p.91]
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  5. 1UP
    40
    What's worse is that even if game design and locations fail to excite, then a good combat system could salvage the whole package. But again, Dirge fails to capitalize.
  6. G4 TV
    40
    And this is one mythical, three-headed dog that could possibly have some bite in it, if only the damn thing would only, for one second, consider ceasing its infernal barking.
  7. VideoGamer
    40
    If you enjoy all the exploration and stats building that the series is known for, then trust me, you're not going to find what you're after here. Similarly, if you're NOT a fan of the Final Fantasy series, then you don't want to touch this one either, not unless your idea of great gameplay is random button hammering broken up by really badly-acted cut-scenes.
  8. PSM2 Magazine UK
    36
    Terrible. Oveblown, opportunistic nonsense. If you're a FFVII fan avoid Dirge of Cerebrus completely - it'll only sully your memories. [JPN Import; June 2006, p.68]
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  9. Gaming Age
    33
    The Final Fantasy VII branding is the only real incentive to play, and while a mindless shooter with pretty cinematics isn't the worst fate for a game, it also means there's no reason to bother with it outside of an interest in said cinematics.
  10. Game Revolution
    33
    Square-Enix makes quality RPGs and pretty FMV, and I hope they’re content to bow gracefully out of genres they obviously have little reason to meddle in. Leave the emo-shooters to Dante and just peep Advent Children again if you need a fix.
  11. games(TM)
    30
    Dirge is an ugly, cynical and tiresome videogame, the likes of which the next generation will hopefully eradicate. [June 2006, p.130]
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
15
#15 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 294 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 195 out of 294
  2. Mixed: 65 out of 294
  3. Negative: 34 out of 294
  1. Sumguy
    Aug 24, 2013
    2
    Perhaps the single worst example of cutscence and gameplay segregation in history. Vincent in cutscenes can jump six stories and take down anPerhaps the single worst example of cutscence and gameplay segregation in history. Vincent in cutscenes can jump six stories and take down an attack helicopter without needing to reload. Vincent in game plinks away at footsoldiers and needs keycards to bypass a tall fence. Playing through it, you'll encounter more boring cliches than you can shake a stick at: waves and waves of enemies, shamelessly-recycled boss fights, exploding barrels, moronic AI, forced turret sections, forced stealth sections, the works. It's slow, boring, and not worth your time.
    How about that story, then? Well, it's hardly better. It's heavily connected to the plot of Final Fantasy VII, but at the same time, it has very little to do with it. Hojo's alive now, there's a whole bunch of stuff about Deepground and the Tsvets that was never even implied in the original, and while most of the cast shows up at some point, they're generally just there for fanservice. The ones who get focus, primarily, are Vincent, Yuffie, Cait Sith, and Cid. Cid is generally okay, but Yuffie and Cait Sith were terrible in the first game, and have only gotten more annoying with time. Vincent himself... well, you know how people claim to hate Cloud because 'all he does is mope,' but it's not true because the guy actually did go through some pretty meaty development in the original game? Vincent really does do nothing but mope. He has no goals, no agency, no likes or dislikes, most of his dialogue is ellipses. At times, he has flickers of a romance, but he approaches it with the same monotone dullardry that he approaches everything else. He's basically a brick that shoots things. You could replace him with a gun turret on wheels and keep most of the plot intact. Well, you'd lose the bits where he turns into hilarious-looking monsters, but that's not a bug, it's a feature.
    About the nicest thing I can say about this game is that the FMV cutscenes look very good, and the soundtrack is quite nice. Watch them on YouTube if that piques your interest. If you must own every single appearance by the FFVII characters and have Vincent Valentine tattooed on your chest, then I'd say you might be able to enjoy yourself. Otherwise... no.    … Full Review »
  2. xmrmeow
    Apr 5, 2019
    10
    While this game is nothing like a normal Final Fantasy game, it definitely delivers a unique and fun experience. With the 3 main guns you haveWhile this game is nothing like a normal Final Fantasy game, it definitely delivers a unique and fun experience. With the 3 main guns you have at your disposal, the game is very replayable as I find it's best to pick one and upgrade only that throughout the game. The cutscenes are skippable and the game is not too long if you've beaten it before, so that combined with the significantly different gameplay you get with the different guns extended the gameplay quite a bit. I also loved the story and seeing more of the side characters in FF7 like Vincent, Yuffie, and Cait Sith getting fleshed out more in this game.… Full Review »
  3. Rox22
    Sep 11, 2013
    5
    An OK spin-off title that is altogether completely forgettable. If it wasn't for the FF 7 affiliation I doubt this game would have seen anyAn OK spin-off title that is altogether completely forgettable. If it wasn't for the FF 7 affiliation I doubt this game would have seen any sales.

    At it's core it is a generic third person action shooter. The combat is bland, the gameplay is bland, the story is uninteresting.

    Overall:
    It isn't a bad game as it technically delivers a functioning game. But it is so unbelievably bland I get sleepy just thinking about it. But, at the very least, Vincent is still cool and it's always a pleasure to see him on screen.    … Full Review »
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