Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII

 PlayStation 2
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
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  1. 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 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    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 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.    … Expand
  2. AlienSpaceBats
    Nov 2, 2013
    5
    A chore, for the most part. excessive FMV (which is welcome, thanks to the uneven gameplay) Repetitive, dark and gloomy levels populated by a very small pool of annoying enemy types with some very nasty AI scripting many simply spam knockdown attacks at the player (get up, knock down ad infinitum). Controls are poor but serviceable but the main problem is the camera and auto lock-onA chore, for the most part. excessive FMV (which is welcome, thanks to the uneven gameplay) Repetitive, dark and gloomy levels populated by a very small pool of annoying enemy types with some very nasty AI scripting many simply spam knockdown attacks at the player (get up, knock down ad infinitum). Controls are poor but serviceable but the main problem is the camera and auto lock-on system, which the player needs to fight as well as enemies. Only of interest to the FFVII fanatic, Dirge of Cerberus is both an unnecessary extension of Vincent's backstory from FFVII and a wrecking ball that ruins some core characters of that game (Hojo is reduced to a two-dimensional cackling lunatic), and the less said about the new characters the better. Though it is nice to see the gang again, with exception to Yuffie, Reeve (Cait Sith) and Cid, their screen time is very small, the FMV is the game's greatest asset, and is of equal quality to the animation in Advent Children. In fact there are so many cutscenes and pointlessly easy sections Square Enix probably should have just made an OVA instead. Satisfying conclusion, though, but not a keeper.… Expand
  3. Seryin
    Mar 29, 2013
    5
    Gameplay and features are mediocre. However, if you were a huge FF7 fan, this game expands greatly on the FF7 universe. It takes place after the events of the movie. The story picks up almost painfully slow, but once the twist hits, you will find yourself flung back into an extremely in depth conspiracy with an excellent story. It is unfortunate that this amazing story of the FF7 world wasGameplay and features are mediocre. However, if you were a huge FF7 fan, this game expands greatly on the FF7 universe. It takes place after the events of the movie. The story picks up almost painfully slow, but once the twist hits, you will find yourself flung back into an extremely in depth conspiracy with an excellent story. It is unfortunate that this amazing story of the FF7 world was delivered in a game that fails to deliver. This game receives a bad score from me for the actual gameplay, however if you liked FF7 and if you liked Vincent, you may want to try to experience this story before the gamplay becomes to outdated and unbearable.… Expand
  4. kaim_07
    Jan 27, 2011
    6
    Un producto dirigido casi exclusivamente para los amantes del juego original y del universo/personaje en que se basa.
    Técnicamente raya a un buen nivel, pero jugablemente se dedica a pasearnos por lineales escenarios, hasta ver la escena de turno; que por otra parte, es lo que te mantiene pegado la mayor parte del tiempo.
  5. Watermelon789
    Aug 20, 2011
    6
    Simply forget about the painful gameplay, and focus on the story, overall is just a repetitive, bland, disappointing part of the FFVII series. This is a most play for fans of the series, seriously in terms of story , but those factors. Beauty(graphics) comes with pain(everything).
  6. Arshad_S
    Sep 16, 2010
    6
    Ooh sumthing different this time! HA! Dirge is better with a keyboard and mouse IMO. I didnt like this game that much jus clearing it for the sake of a FF fan. However this game isnt grand at all. Sure the cg gets everyone excited but at sum point i find myself in circles. If this is ur 1st ff game the hard bosses will chase u away from sqaure! Shelke! lol. Impossible to get perfectsOoh sumthing different this time! HA! Dirge is better with a keyboard and mouse IMO. I didnt like this game that much jus clearing it for the sake of a FF fan. However this game isnt grand at all. Sure the cg gets everyone excited but at sum point i find myself in circles. If this is ur 1st ff game the hard bosses will chase u away from sqaure! Shelke! lol. Impossible to get perfects here. Nice story . Cant belive what a high user score this game got. Id probably give this a 58… Expand
  7. Caestus
    Mar 11, 2013
    5
    SE nowadays struggles to make good RPGs, let alone good action games. The game has horrible controls and a ridiculous story.
  8. MrSabatelau
    Oct 17, 2019
    5
    This game is interesting, the gameplay is not the best, but it's fun to play, the game makes me like Vincent Valentine, he's one of the strongest characters I've ever played.
  9. DanielG.
    Jan 1, 2007
    6
    As far as I can see this was just a very brave experiment, this would've been much better if it kept the original FFVII style of play. A few huge problems knock it down though; aside from Vincent (played by Steve Blum) the voice acting is terrible, especially Cait Sith (man am I glad I have the japanese version of FFVII: AC). As a musician and a composer I have to slate Masashi As far as I can see this was just a very brave experiment, this would've been much better if it kept the original FFVII style of play. A few huge problems knock it down though; aside from Vincent (played by Steve Blum) the voice acting is terrible, especially Cait Sith (man am I glad I have the japanese version of FFVII: AC). As a musician and a composer I have to slate Masashi Hamauzu, I mean why the hell did they get rid of Nobuo Uematsu in the first place? The soundtrack is very blocky and boring and some of it even sounds like Uematsu's work re-hashed. The FMVs are absolutely fantastic, however those kinds of animation graphics are becoming easy to create these days so they aren't anything special. The in-game graphics however are a far cry from the FMVs, they're pretty dull, blocky and boring, not to mention the amount of blocky edges, they definitely should've developed this on the FFXII engine since that looks so much better. The gameplay appears as though Square Enix couldn't be bothered and to be honest i was used to this company giving 100% on their games, even FFIX didn't totally suck. In short I would recommend DoC to people wanting a complete FF collection and FF nerds like myself, Vincent Valentine fans may be sorely disappointed with this game though. Casual gamers may enjoy this but it's not one for the hardcore gamers like myself. A decent attempt but it would've been so much better in an RPG system.… Expand
  10. Ben
    Feb 6, 2007
    6
    I'd only recommend this game to the FF fan who wants to complete the FF7 story, as the game plays completely differently to any FF game they may be used to. If the idea of playing as Vincent Valentine is the reason you picked up this game, then unfortunately it will disapoint, and I think this is the games biggest problem. It's an inconsistency highlighted by the games own I'd only recommend this game to the FF fan who wants to complete the FF7 story, as the game plays completely differently to any FF game they may be used to. If the idea of playing as Vincent Valentine is the reason you picked up this game, then unfortunately it will disapoint, and I think this is the games biggest problem. It's an inconsistency highlighted by the games own cutscenes; as with Advent Children, Vincent leaps around the environments, spanning massive gaps and dispatching enemy vehicles in a few shots. Cut to the game, and suddenly our hero seems to have lost all previous abilities and finds himself almost permanently glued to the ground level. A double jump is the most he can manage and even though he clearly peaks higher than most obstacles, invisible walls block progress, forcing players down a linear route through the levels. Also, in combat against the same vehicles featured in the videos, a few shots are far from enough to finish them off. Why the designers didn't make a control system and environments that played off the abilities of the main character I honestly don't know, but the final insult came during a brief switch of character during one of the later levels. Whilst playing this other character, the kind of restrictions on movement that Vincent suffers from seem to be removed almost entirely, causing much confusion and frustration when resuming the lead characters role. More inconsistencies came - annoyingly - in some of the level locations, some of which seem to contradict elements of the original game. I accept that they have to be enhanced and enlarged from the original layouts seen in the first game, but some levels take place in areas that shouldn't really exist, and stages that revist areas from the first game share little resembelence with the originals. At the end of the day, the game is a below average shooter that looks like it's trying to play like the original Devil May Cry, falling short, but not so much that it's unplayable. As a fan of Finaly Fantasy 7 I was able to tolerate all this for the almost brilliant story and beautiful cutscenes which give a satisfying conclusion to one of the games most interesting characters in the game universe. Going on style and story alone the game satisfies in truckloads. You simply have to endure some repetitive and badly thought out gameplay to reach these sections.… Expand
  11. KevinM.
    Oct 25, 2006
    6
    Its good, but not really. if there were more character usage, i.e- Cloud. It would be better. Very nice split scenes though.
  12. RandyM.
    Aug 24, 2006
    5
    Man, what happened here? I was so hyped up for this game and looking forward to play it before the release of Final Fantasy XII. But after playing this game for a little while, it dawned on me that this game just isn't good. It's a sloppy shooter, but the graphics and story are good at least. I suggest renting it.
  13. ljH.
    Aug 24, 2009
    5
    This game is pretty average. The biggest appeal is for fans to find out the story, nothing else really stands out. The gameplay is enjoyable, but nothing revolutionary, the characters are fairly one dimensional and the levels are very repetitive. I probably would have given this game a higher score if it wasn't for one unbelievably annoying thing that occurs during every cut-scene: This game is pretty average. The biggest appeal is for fans to find out the story, nothing else really stands out. The gameplay is enjoyable, but nothing revolutionary, the characters are fairly one dimensional and the levels are very repetitive. I probably would have given this game a higher score if it wasn't for one unbelievably annoying thing that occurs during every cut-scene: none of the characters can finish a sentence without throwing in a completely unnecessary dramatic pause. It doesn't sound like it would be that annoying, but when all the dialogue is subtitled so you know what they're going to say then it gets unbelievably irritating when they take 5 minutes to say one line. It's as if they have some bizarre stammer! So that is enough to bring it down to a 5.… Expand
  14. VeryCutePanda
    Sep 28, 2010
    5
    What can I say about this game that hasn't been said... it's just weak, though Square Enix made an effort to try something new, this is one of those time that they missed the mark... way off. I don't need to express much, the gameplay is plausible but weak, the graphic is stunning (the only good thing), the plot... well, it's FF 7, when did the plot ever dissapoint. Cameo characters inWhat can I say about this game that hasn't been said... it's just weak, though Square Enix made an effort to try something new, this is one of those time that they missed the mark... way off. I don't need to express much, the gameplay is plausible but weak, the graphic is stunning (the only good thing), the plot... well, it's FF 7, when did the plot ever dissapoint. Cameo characters in fun, Caith Sith I love YOU!!!... well, it's just a mixed review, don't expect much.… Expand
  15. iKen
    Apr 13, 2020
    7
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GOOD.
    Story: GOOD.
    Graphic: GREAT.
    Music/Sound: GOOD.
    Dialogue: GOOD.
  16. Kai82
    Sep 27, 2020
    7
    It is a game for fans and players of FF7. For others it is a decent / slightly good for its time third person shooter with RPG elements and a confusing story because it requires previous knowledge of FF7. Three years have passed since the events of FF7. Our protagonist and former hidden character Vincent Valentine visits the town of Kalm when it is attacked by a group of well armed andIt is a game for fans and players of FF7. For others it is a decent / slightly good for its time third person shooter with RPG elements and a confusing story because it requires previous knowledge of FF7. Three years have passed since the events of FF7. Our protagonist and former hidden character Vincent Valentine visits the town of Kalm when it is attacked by a group of well armed and capable soldiers that seemingly randomly capture some citizens while outright killing others. He is drawn into a new conflict that has more impact than he had imagined and has connections to his past. To spell it out directly I like the story and characters for the most part but don't enjoyed the game play that much. Why is a follow up to a RPG a third person shooter (with RPG elements)? For the story: It has some very good ideas, twists and rounds up some open questions and stories from FF7 (It rounds up some loose ends). There are some moments I consider as pure awesomeness. The new characters are good, have relatable motives and development. However I must point out again that knowledge of the story of FF7 is needed to get most out of it because the game does not make a good job explaining some things. For the gameplay: The shooter mechanics need some time to get used to it but are O.K. Nothing great or awful here. You earn experience points throughout the levels and can after finishing it use them to level up or convert them to money. There are of cause different equitable items and materia for you to use. Vincent has also his Limit Break from FF7. The graphics were solid for its time and the soundtrack was mixed for me. Gackt made some songs for it but I am neither a fan or hater. Of cause some FF7 characters return and made cameos and (!small spoiler!) sadly you have to play as Caith Sith for one level. I hate this character and I am not alone (Most disliked character of FF7 and many have even forgotten he existed). Overall I enjoyed is as fan or former player of FF7 but must admit that without that I would have not finished the game or maybe have even bought it. Because of this it is a mixed bag and I can give you a solid advice here except test it before purchase.… Expand
  17. GamecubeLover
    Aug 3, 2016
    7
    This game I thought I would give an 8 but no it is a 7. The game is mixed but fine with me. The game is fun but repetitive and bland as well as unoriginal but everything else ranges from okay to great.
  18. XV_
    May 25, 2020
    5
    Dirge of Cerberus have certain fame about being a bad game because is a TPS, I don't mind that kind of comments a lot but just after a few minutes of playing it was easy to see why is not good.

    Is not that this game is terrible bad, it is playable (somehow) and it has a few pretty good moments from a fan-service or story point of view but, it feels unpolished on every way, from the    Dirge of Cerberus have certain fame about being a bad game because is a TPS, I don't mind that kind of comments a lot but just after a few minutes of playing it was easy to see why is not good.

    Is not that this game is terrible bad, it is playable (somehow) and it has a few pretty good moments from a fan-service or story point of view but, it feels unpolished on every way, from the combat to the story, every thing has some serviceable but interesting ideas that lack too much in its execution, its like this game is trying to hard to be a mix between, DMC, MGS and RE4 but more on that later.

    Starting with the combat system, your main attacks are ranged, you can choose between a fairly simple and customizable set of weapons, the main problem with it is that the targeting system doesn't work, your targets move too randomly and fast while your reticule isn't that precise and stiff, the game starts with an auto-aim stat, which I turned off for most of the game aside from a couple of boss battles were they moved ridiculously fast and it wasn't challenging but annoying, so I strongly recommend that you maintain the auto-aim turned on, the hassle is not worth it. You can also attack with melee attacks and transform with consumable items into a powered version of Vincent ala DMC, this as the targeting system feels underdeveloped, your hit-boxes are pretty reduced and you can only hit your enemies while they're in front on you and a lot of more nuisances. Lastly at the end of every stage, your killing points and several other stuff can transform into experience points to level up your stats or into money, I recommend that you don't bother with the EXP and go full money to upgrade your equipment, since your stats grows too slow.

    Being an action game one would expect that this will have a nice balance between story and gameplay, focusing more on the later to keep things moving forward, the problem is that there are a lot of chunks where the game decides to throw exposition and 10-15 minutes long uninteresting cutscenes, this hurts a lot the experience that is not good to begin with.

    As far as the story goes and maybe the reason a lot of people is playing this game, it's for the most part boring, it has certain throwbacks and nods to the original, it has some things that I really liked specially towards the end which I don't spoil, the cast is OK, the villains has some charm and they seem too inspired in MGS for their own good they're quirky and its motivations feel like Dead Cell or Cobra Unit but barebones and generic, Vincent wasn't one of my favorites in FF VII and he still isn't, there are some cameos but the game focuses more in a couple of characters of the original, which adds some lore, although the worst part is the voice acting, like almost every JRPG it is too cartoony and goofy and breaks a lot the original intention.

    Overall I don't think this game is unplayable but it is certainly a fans-only, since it depends a lot of previous knowledge of the lore and builds on it, don't recommend it even for fans, since is boring and soul-less, but if you want to expand your FF VII lore if only a little, maybe you can try it.    … Expand
  19. Omnislasher420
    Apr 28, 2020
    7
    Basically, it’s anime bat man with a pistol going around and shooting people. The gameplay is pretty good but had a really confusing story and it didn’t flow. The graphics were amazing for the time and still hold up alright today. If you like shooters and FFVII, this is for you.
  20. Dom007
    Mar 22, 2021
    7
    Seriously if this game wasn't based in the FF7 universe I would have rated it much lower. It has its merits such as the music (albeit massively inferior to the other FF7 games), cutscenes and atmosphere but it's storyline is just not executed well. It could have been great but it just needed more work. I didn't like how insignificant the main characters from FF7 where.

    The gameplay is    Seriously if this game wasn't based in the FF7 universe I would have rated it much lower. It has its merits such as the music (albeit massively inferior to the other FF7 games), cutscenes and atmosphere but it's storyline is just not executed well. It could have been great but it just needed more work. I didn't like how insignificant the main characters from FF7 where.

    The gameplay is the biggest issue and it's just bad. It really should not have gone in the direction it did, it should have been different.
    And after you finish it you literally want more. The game ends with too many loose ends.    … Expand
  21. 39BAKA
    Jun 22, 2022
    7
    Dirge of Cerberus: Final Final Fantasy VII is a sequel of the original Final Fantasy VII, the story follows Vincent Valentine and the fight between him and Underground. While it is a sequel you'll get more enjoyment from Vincent and his past rather than the main story of the game itself. While the main story is passable it is definitely one of the weakest part of the Final Fantasy VIIDirge of Cerberus: Final Final Fantasy VII is a sequel of the original Final Fantasy VII, the story follows Vincent Valentine and the fight between him and Underground. While it is a sequel you'll get more enjoyment from Vincent and his past rather than the main story of the game itself. While the main story is passable it is definitely one of the weakest part of the Final Fantasy VII compilation. The gameplay is okay nothing amazing, it deviates heavily from turn-based JRPGs into a shooter game. The combat features Vincent shooting away at enemies as he moves around avoiding attacks and position himself in a position where he can shoot away in safety. The game still features elements of of JRPGs as you can customize your guns into whatever fits you style. The OST while great is not as strong as other games in the compilation and may come unmemorable to others. Overall Dirge of Cerberus is a game for fans of Final Fantasy VII but keep expectation at a moderate level since the game is not nearly as well made as them.… Expand
  22. ltlit
    Dec 6, 2022
    6
    This is an average spin off that is worth to play by the fans some might like it more

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Deeko
    65
    For those not as blinded by fandom, this game proves to be just a ploy for money and a demonstration of slow degradation of the Final Fantasy series.
    Read full review
  2. GameBrink
    76
    Mediocre at best gameplay coupled with graphical bliss and a lengthy story guarantee huge sales, but you’d be much better off waiting a month and getting FF XII as this is no RPG and it’s no picnic. [JPN Import]
    Read full review
  3. Siliconera
    80
    It's a unique take on the FPS, RPG and action genres, but at the same time Dirge of Cerberus doesn’t execute either of these genres extremely well. If you’re willing to be patient with the game’s controls Dirge of Cerberus offers a new experience and more background on the Final Fantasy VII universe. [JPN Import]
    Read full review
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