Review of Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII Expansion

Final Fantasy VII is debatably the greatest game Squaresoft, now Square Enix, ever produced. The game spawned dozens of side adventures, and a full length movie. The characters in the Final Fantasy VII were unforgettable, but one in particular has always been a true stand out. Vincent Valentine returns in this epic adventure worthy of a Final Fantasy title, and this time he's free of the active time battle system, ready and willing to fight!

Dirge of Cerberus takes place three years after the original game. The world has survived the hit bout with Meteor and Midgar was annihilated, however something sinister survives within. In the town of Junon over the course of a single night a large group of people up and vanished without a trace. Around the same time, in the city of Edge, rumors circulate about screams coming from the ruined city Midgar. Deep within the forsaken city they can be heard, night after night, terrifying screams and no explanation! Records surface from Midgar, they tell of people left in the city, trapped after the attack by Meteor, rescue crews were sent to recover the lost, but they and no one else ever returned....

You play Vincent Valentin, his body was twisted and manipulated by a Shinra scientist then put to sleep for 30 years. He awoke from his sleep when Cloud Strife found him in the basement of a mansion outside the town of Niblem. Vincent joins Cloud in the struggle to save the world, but after the fight becomes elusive. Vincent turns up at a celebration in the town of Kalm, but soon there is nothing to celebrate, a group of unknown soldiers attack the city streets and Vincent is called into action.

The graphics in this game are absolutely astounding! Everything moves so smoothly, and transitions from place to place are enjoyed. The cinematic sequences are worth being scene at a movie theater, and the sound quality is just as good. With a decent sound system you can easily tell where fire is coming from, where an injured ally is, or if there is someone walking up behind you. The entire gaming experience would not be half of what it is if not for the amazing sound quality.

Game play is simple, and smooth. If you have ever played the Devil May Cry series, you'll take to this system like a duck to water. Even if you're new to this style of play you'll pick it up in no time. The Active Time Battle or ATB has been eliminated leaving you able to control Vincent freely and explore wide environments at will. Vincent has always been one to opt for a good firearm rather then a sword or medieval weaponry so of course you get to blast at enemies with an awesome array of guns.

Your different guns all have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Also as the game progresses and Vincent becomes stronger you'll be able to level up his arsenal. So just when you thought it could not get any better, we remember Vincent's dark past and monestrous secret, his special ability to transform into the Galian Beast! By consuming the Limit Break item Vincent undergoes the horrible transformation filling his HP gauge to full and drastically increasing his physical and defensive strength. Wile using a Limit Break Vincent can't use his guns, but rather unleashes powerful combos and utterly crush any foe.

This game has it all. Guns, girls, Final Fantasy VII cameos, and amazing graphics. Any fan of the series must own a copy of this game, it will be considered a sin if you pass this one up. With all the innovations, mystery, and great story you will enjoy this game throughly.