So today I finished "Dirge of Cerberus". Brief rundown on what I thought of it: superb story, killer cut scenes, so so in play graphics, excellent voice acting, less than stellar boss difficulty, complicated leveling system (gil vs experience).
The game is a ton of fun. Sure, it's not the best thing Square has ever done, but I don't regret buying this one at all. In fact, I plan on playing it again to see if I can find all the secret stuff (I got a lot of it, but missed some near the end). And I'm not even a fan of shooter games...
The story was excellent, as expected of Square. By far the highest point for this game. The cut scenes were on par with Advent Children (same voice actors too), with apperances from all of the gang. Music (by Gackt) was ok. I'm a fan of Gackt, but I really do hate his song, "Redemption". However, it was an alright fit near the ending I suppose (trying to be objective).
In play graphics were pretty standard. Vincent moves smoothly, the camera isn't too hard to operate, and the auto lock feature is a life saver for shooter n00bs like me. However, I really hated the level system. At the end of each mission, after your points were tallied and ranking given, you had the option to either take the experience points and level up, or exchange them for gil. It was really difficult to find a balance. I rarely had enough money to upgrade or buy health items. Near the end, I kept running out of bullets (until I finally got the Death Penalty).
The trade off is, I suppose, that this game isn't hard and can be beat at a low level (I managed to get to level 27 by miraculously scoring a S ranking in a mission--talk about a shock). The only boss (on Normal play) that will seriously kick your ass is Rosso, the rest fall easily. Which is kind of a downer too. I like hard bosses. Like the bosses in DMC--even on Easy the will own you if you aren't careful. Then again, DMC is about carnage and blowing shit up, DofC is about the story.
Over all, it's a good game (regardless of all the sniviling fanboys are doing right now) and worth the bucks. This is a first attempt for Square, and though they didn't nail it, I think they've created something entertaining and enjoyable. Worth the money, worth the time (about 20 hours to complete for me).
Next on my list: FF12, Tales of the Abyss, and Baten Kaitos 2
Posted by Zoso at August 20, 2006 07:38 PMJust what I needed to hear. Man, I'm glad you posted. Heh heh, I know what I'm buying today~
Posted by: J00kst3r at August 21, 2006 01:29 AMIt's a lot of fun. Short, but worth the money. Get the guide book too or you'll never find all those damn memory crystals that unlock cut scenes and extra missions at the end of the game. I missed a bunch near the beginning and end. :(
Posted by: Zoso at August 21, 2006 06:51 AMAs one who has played more than a few 3rd person shooters/fighters, it seemed pretty good to me. Much better than the other Square title that comes to mind, The Bouncer (an early PS2 title, if I recall).
- Jeff
Posted by: Jeff at August 21, 2006 10:29 AMYou know, I forgot about the Bouncer. I've never played it, but I seem to remember people crying its praises. I thought it looked pretty stupid, personally. *laughs*
I think Dirge is getting harsh reviews because it's made by Square and because it's an FF game (ff7 to be exact). Not fair, but inevitible with so many fanboys and girls. I don't know what people were expecting when they announced this game, but from some of reviews I've read, it appears many wanted a Resident Evil or Solid Snake type Vincent game...which is just moronic to begin with.
I don't have much to compare it to, except other action games I've played (not necessarily shooters), and I have to say I don't find Dirge any better or worse than say...Castlevania or Samurai 7 or even DMC is some aspects.
Posted by: Zoso at August 27, 2006 10:23 AM