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. MarkJ.
    Oct 10, 2006
    10
    A must have one of the best Final Fantasy games ever made.
  2. itsmecloudstrife...
    Aug 23, 2006
    10
    me i like the game its not about the endless shooting and its not about the contorls if thats what u are angry about then u truly dont know FF7 its all about story and the story so far is great all i know is that they should up the grapics a lil bit that or relase this game for the ps3 when it comes out cause thats all we have to look for cause i read some where that the FF7 remake was ame i like the game its not about the endless shooting and its not about the contorls if thats what u are angry about then u truly dont know FF7 its all about story and the story so far is great all i know is that they should up the grapics a lil bit that or relase this game for the ps3 when it comes out cause thats all we have to look for cause i read some where that the FF7 remake was a lie and they showed us they COULD make it but they dont think they will but any ways great game id get it but wait for the prices to go down its a bit costly… Expand
  3. [Anonymous]
    Aug 28, 2006
    10
    the graphics and the story are amazing.i also liked very much the soundtracks, Redemtion and Longing, very much.
  4. Rayman225
    Mar 23, 2013
    10
    This game is an realy brilliant game.
    This game is about Vincent Valentine and that's why it's look's soo different as FF game.
    I hope Square-Enix will release the HD version of Dirge of Cerberus for ps3, Xbox360,WiiU and PC.
  5. DeeZNuTzDestiny
    May 29, 2015
    10
    It wasn't anything groundbreaking, and was lackluster when compared to miracles like FFVII which it descended from, but overall it has nice immersion, a story that's better than many other games, and it was very accommodating for new players. The EX mission were great challenges and good for advanced players. Of course it could've been better, but overall it was the only game I playedIt wasn't anything groundbreaking, and was lackluster when compared to miracles like FFVII which it descended from, but overall it has nice immersion, a story that's better than many other games, and it was very accommodating for new players. The EX mission were great challenges and good for advanced players. Of course it could've been better, but overall it was the only game I played for several months because I had lots of fun with it!… Expand
  6. Satrasa
    Nov 14, 2020
    10
    A must have one of the best Final Fantasy games ever made. SO TRUE!!! This game is reallygood!!!
  7. 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 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 significantlyWhile 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.… Expand
  8. LastResource
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this seventh game in the series.
  9. SeanC.
    Aug 20, 2006
    9
    It seems that the industry did not like this game much at all. The main reason i play final fantasy games is for a great cinematic experiance, and by no doubt dirge of cerebrus delivers on this aspect. The gun play feels out dated and is way too easy, but at the end of the day the story just makes this game worth while.
  10. AlexM.
    Aug 29, 2006
    9
    Besides this game being like a total shooting gallery the story is easy to get into. My main problem is that you get stuck with Yuffie and Cait Sith while cloud is probably out doing somthing awesome. This game leaves Vincent Valentine for you to play appealing to many fans.
  11. AkeemG.
    Sep 5, 2008
    9
    Dirge of Cerberus is the only good game that Sqare Enix has ever made and it is the only game from Square Enix that truly deserves to be called FINAL FANTASY.The sound effects and the music could have been a little bit more better but the story was nice and the gameplay is a lot of fun. I also love to see the trailer that plays at the title screen when you let the controller idle for a Dirge of Cerberus is the only good game that Sqare Enix has ever made and it is the only game from Square Enix that truly deserves to be called FINAL FANTASY.The sound effects and the music could have been a little bit more better but the story was nice and the gameplay is a lot of fun. I also love to see the trailer that plays at the title screen when you let the controller idle for a while.I usually don't care about the graphics but I'll throw a bone out there and say that the CG movie scenes were realistic.… Expand
  12. AJCk19
    Apr 30, 2023
    9
    tldr: Square Enix and Gackt, please allow us to get a remake of this masterpiece. If you are a turned based jrpg fan, you might want to avoid this.

    Control scheme can be a little clunky, sometimes it is lacking enough of enemies, and has no proper cover system. However, everything else is amazing. Story is great, and you can even get into it if you don't have enough knowledge about the    tldr: Square Enix and Gackt, please allow us to get a remake of this masterpiece. If you are a turned based jrpg fan, you might want to avoid this.

    Control scheme can be a little clunky, sometimes it is lacking enough of enemies, and has no proper cover system. However, everything else is amazing. Story is great, and you can even get into it if you don't have enough knowledge about the series as a whole. Graphics and aesthetics wise, it reminds me a lot of GunGrave.

    Lastly, I know melee shouldn't be a priority, I just wish it had more of a role in this, but still taking a back seat.    … Expand
  13. Piquerix
    May 29, 2022
    9
    A very nice story near the FF universe. If you are a FF fan maybe you cannot like this game because it's not like the other titles of the brand: it's more action and hack and slash
  14. thedarkorb
    Sep 22, 2010
    8
    Dirge Of Cerberus is a great game if you approach it with an open mind. It looks great and, once you get used to it, it's a lot of fun to play. If your a fan of FF VII and are in need of some fan service or are a fan of console shooters you should check this out. If your not that fond of the FF VII universe or really can't stand console shooters you might want to pass it up for a real RPGDirge Of Cerberus is a great game if you approach it with an open mind. It looks great and, once you get used to it, it's a lot of fun to play. If your a fan of FF VII and are in need of some fan service or are a fan of console shooters you should check this out. If your not that fond of the FF VII universe or really can't stand console shooters you might want to pass it up for a real RPG or a real shooter. While the main story is very short it is also rather good and if your wanting more to do after the bonus missions are enough to keep you going for a while after. Just don't expect to be playing it for weeks or months like most games that have Final Fantasy in the title.… Expand
  15. LopsterPopster
    Sep 26, 2012
    8
    I feel like I'm biased since Vincent has always been my favorite Final Fantasy character, but this game was very fun. I've never been too into the Final Fantasy universe, and I think I love this game so much because it doesn't play like normal Final Fantasy does. There's no turn-based fighting, it's all just run in there and kill everything. The storyline was complicated and hard to followI feel like I'm biased since Vincent has always been my favorite Final Fantasy character, but this game was very fun. I've never been too into the Final Fantasy universe, and I think I love this game so much because it doesn't play like normal Final Fantasy does. There's no turn-based fighting, it's all just run in there and kill everything. The storyline was complicated and hard to follow (I've always felt Square Enix games have overly-convoluted plots) but the graphics are gorgeous and the soundtrack is great. My biggest complaint with the game is the difficulty level. Even on expert mode, it's still a very easy game and always feels a little too short for me. But, other than that, it's a very good and fun game.… Expand
  16. ERB
    Jul 30, 2013
    8
    This game is one of the best Final Fantasy Games I have ever played.
  17. cjmoore
    May 11, 2014
    8
    I know what you're all thinking: "What was Square Enix on when they decided to turn Final Fantasy 7 into a shooter?" Well I can't say for certain; but with that idea turning out to be as awesome as this, I want some.
    Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII is a very unique game among Squenix's other titles, in that despite having Final Fantasy in the title, the thing plays next to nothing    I know what you're all thinking: "What was Square Enix on when they decided to turn Final Fantasy 7 into a shooter?" Well I can't say for certain; but with that idea turning out to be as awesome as this, I want some.
    Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII is a very unique game among Squenix's other titles, in that despite having Final Fantasy in the title, the thing plays next to nothing like a FF game. Why is that? Because it's a third-person-shooter. Yes, you read that right.
    So right off the bat, you'll be able to tell that this is going to be a terrible FF game; but does it work as a simple shooter game? The answer, surprisingly, is yes. The gameplay is very smooth, it controls pretty dang well, you get a variety of guns that you can upgrade to increase damage, and it really does feel satisfying to play.
    That is to say that doesn't mean that FF7 fans can't enjoy it too, as the game still has a few FF mechanics fans will be familiar with. For instance, one can also fire different types of magic at enemies instead of bullets, picking up potions and ether regains your lost health and mako points, and a special 'limit breaker' item that turns you into a large beast, refills your health bar, and fires limitless magical homing-projectiles. Presentation-wise, it still has that Square Enix feel to it. That being said, there are still a few issues that I feel should be addressed with the positives. First of all: The traditional Square Enix cinematics; they're all there, and they are gorgeous. They look absolutely incredible, as can be expected from this company. Even the cutscenes with the in-game character models are pretty well done, never once do the characters look unalive or completely devoid of emotion (well, one is, but that's the point of her character). However, you're probably gonna want to get used to those cutscenes as there are a LOT of them. They really do come in abundance, and there will be times when you just want to move on to the next stage. Not to mention the really annoying part of the cutscenes where every single time the scene cuts to a different location, you have to go through a load-time. They only last 3-5 seconds, but there are a LOT of them.
    Luckily for this game, the story is pretty good; it's not as great as the original FF7, but it still has plenty of emotion and strong narrative in it. The story focuses on the game's protagonist, Vincent Valentine; who many FF7 fans will remember as the cool-looking dark, broody guy with the long red cape, golden claw-gauntlet and triple-barreled gun. The plot revolves around Vincent learning the truth about his past, of the chaotic power stored within him, and how he must tame and use it to save the world when an evil organization arises to awaken an all-powerful being to purge the planet of all life. Several other popular characters make a return in this game, namely the over-confident and perky Yuffie Kisaragi, the wacky cat-puppet Cait Sith, and the loud-mouthed cigar-chompin' Cid Highwind, who aide Vincent on his adventure. Cloud, Tifa and Barret are there too, but they really don't show up that much; but honestly, I was okay with that because Cloud's story has already been told. This is Vincent's story, it's his time to shine and his turn to be the hero. And lord almighty does he make a badass hero!
    Back on subject, another staple of FF games are the beautiful locales, which are sadly absent in this game. Lovely sunny fields, bright neon theme parks and pretty crystal caves, all gone in favor of dark canyons, warehouses and sewers. Typical generic FPS locations. So yeah, that's kind of a downer. Another thing worth noting is that the stages are all pretty linear. Personally I don't mind this as linearity in games never really bothered me, but this is Final Fantasy, a series well-known for its open-world environments; so I can perfectly understand why that would turn a lot of people off. The length of the game isn't very spectacular; it's undeniably short for a FF game. Now that I think about it, it was pretty short for a shooter as well. The music ranges from really awesome to just okay; and the difficulty is hardly impressive. For the most part, DoC: FF7 is very easy. I only remember dying once on average difficulty, during the second-to-last boss. You're probably going to find more satisfying challenge on the harder setting.
    But other than that, Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII is still worth a try. The gameplay is fun, the story is told well, and the final stage is just so damn epic. If you compare it to the original FF7, you're not going to have much fun. But if you treat it like its own thing, want a continuation of the FF7 storyline, or are just in the mood for a fun little shooter, I highly recommend picking this up if you can find it, you may be pleasantly surprised.    … Expand
  18. RadicalRachel
    Jul 29, 2021
    8
    Is it as good as Final Fantasy 7 or Crisis Core? NO! Is it a fun and engaging shooter with a lot of great rpg elements? YES! Totally worth the play if you're on the edge about it and you just want to vibe with a 2006 goth time capsule
  19. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    8
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees! ffvii
  20. iKen
    Apr 13, 2020
    7
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GOOD.
    Story: GOOD.
    Graphic: GREAT.
    Music/Sound: GOOD.
    Dialogue: GOOD.
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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.
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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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