Following a monumental story like Final Fantasy VII, one could have hoped that this new title would follow in it's predecessor's footsteps. Unfortunately, Dirge of Cerberus is a gigantic waste of potential. With a distant link to the main events of the original story, this game is focused on Vincent's past, his destiny and a whole new cast of characters that lack an enormous ammount of personality and style.

Gameplay

One good thing about Dirge of Cerberus is the controls. Easy to understand, a veteran player will have mastered the basics in a few minutes while a rookie might take half an hour at the most. The aiming controls are surprisingly easy to handle, switching from third person to first during gunfights, players are aided by an auto-aim function to make it easier to lock onto targets. For those who prefer playing a more traditional shooting game, you can also choose to stay in first person mode during regular gameplay.

Another nice attribute is the ability to customize Vincent's guns to your liking. Either by purchasing or obtaining different parts found throughout your adventure, you need to discover the balance between power, speed, weight and range. Players have the ability to equip accessories in order to raise certain attributes as well. You can also cast magic by attaching a materia to a gun. 

Also, at the end of every level, you are able to choose between spending your experience points to level up or exchange them for money(Gil). Gaining levels mainly raises health, and other attributes that don't seem to have much of an effect. Money can be used to upgrade your weapons or purchase different accessories or items when available.

Altogether, the game is too easy. Aside from a few annoying snipers and occasional Boss fights, the artificial-intelligence is extremely weak, and there's not much challenge. There's not alot of puzzles either, the basic concept is running around looking for cardkeys while shooting everything that moves.

Graphics

Graphics are the obvious highlight of this game. If you were impressed with Advent Children, you'll feel at home here. The cinematic sequences are breathtaking, and Vincent gets to show off his flamboyant fighting style in the action filled cutscenes.

The in-game graphics are well made. The characters are well-designed, the movements are fluid and the special effects are good enough. Everything you would expect from a Square Enix title. The environment is a little limited at times tough. It's easy to find your way around with the map but there really isn't much to explore except a few hidden items here and there every so often.

Sound

The sound effects are nothing worth complaining about. The gunfire sounds are quite realistic, along with the numerous vehicules and machinery sound effects. The main voice talent is the same as in the Advent Children movie, with the exception of the new villains.

The music is very weak, the same song will be playing throughout an entire level in the background without any relief, it can become extremely irritating at times. There's also a huge lack of musical support during the dramatic cinematic sequences wich makes it difficult to feel a connection with the story.

Conclusion

Finally, while some people might enjoy this game, if only for the chance to return in the world of Final Fantasy VII, Dirge of Cerberus has a major lack of originality and fails to live up to the expectation. I would suggest renting this game, considering you should have enough time to finish it, or buying it in used condition for those who absolutely need to have every Final Fantasy game in their collection.

Gameplay: 7

Graphics: 9.5

Sound: 8

Story: 7

Fun: 5