The Genesis of Deepground: Story and Setting
Setting the Stage
The world of Final Fantasy VII is a tapestry woven with unforgettable characters, a compelling story, and a rich history that continues to captivate audiences. Beyond the core narrative of Cloud Strife and his allies, the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII has expanded the universe, providing deeper looks into familiar faces and introducing new elements. Among these explorations lies “Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII,” a spin-off title that offered a unique perspective on the world but also sparked much debate. This article delves into the depths of “Dirge of Cerberus,” exploring its story, characters, gameplay, and overall impact on the Final Fantasy VII legacy.
The New Threat
“Dirge of Cerberus” throws players back into the ravaged landscape of Midgar, one year after the events of “Advent Children.” The city, once a symbol of Shinra’s power, now grapples with the aftershocks of Meteor’s descent and the re-emergence of the planet’s energy. In this desolate setting, a new threat arises – Deepground, a clandestine organization hidden beneath Midgar.
Inside Deepground
Deepground is a covert, highly-trained military unit created by Shinra. They are comprised of elite soldiers, augmented with advanced technology, and shrouded in secrecy. At the heart of Deepground’s agenda lies a sinister plan to awaken Omega Weapon, an ancient being of destruction, and use it to consume the planet’s energy. This sets the stage for a thrilling narrative that builds upon the lore of the original Final Fantasy VII while introducing new elements that add more context to the overall experience.
Vincent’s Role
The game opens with Vincent Valentine, the enigmatic survivor of the original Final Fantasy VII, living a secluded life. Vincent’s past, particularly his connection to Lucrecia Crescent, the scientist who experimented on him and gave him his unique abilities, is deeply interwoven with the story. The game gradually reveals more about his transformations and the tragic events that led to his current state. The weight of his past, the curse of being a human experiment, and the burden of protecting those he cares about drive his actions throughout the adventure.
The Tsviets
As the story progresses, players uncover the secrets of Deepground and its leaders, the Tsviets. These enhanced soldiers, including the brothers Weiss and Nero, are the main antagonists of the game. Weiss, the leader, is driven by an insatiable lust for power and a desire to revive Omega. Nero, his younger brother, is a more mysterious character who wields the power of darkness and has an equally compelling backstory that connects him to Vincent’s own history and the fate of the planet.
The Goal
The narrative follows Vincent as he confronts the Tsviets, uncovers the truth about Deepground’s operations, and works to prevent the awakening of Omega Weapon. The game’s climax features intense battles and significant plot twists, culminating in a final confrontation that determines the fate of the world.
Meeting the Faces: Key Characters in the Fight
Vincent Valentine
The cast of “Dirge of Cerberus” includes both familiar and new faces that enrich the story of Final Fantasy VII.
As the protagonist, Vincent’s role is to protect the planet from threats. The game delves deeper into his history, revealing his connection to Lucrecia, his tragic past, and the circumstances that led to his transformation. Vincent’s actions are motivated by a desire for redemption and a sense of responsibility for the lives of those around him.
Shelke Rui
She is a formidable operative of Deepground, initially an adversary to Vincent. Shelke’s story arc is one of redemption and connection. As the plot advances, her allegiance shifts, and she becomes a critical ally.
Weiss and Nero
The Tsviet brothers offer dynamic and menacing opposing forces. Weiss, the leader of Deepground, is ambitious and driven by power. Nero’s abilities and complex history add layers to the story.
Other Characters
The inclusion of various characters adds to the depth of the narrative, drawing from the broader Final Fantasy VII world. The return of established characters like Cid Highwind or Yuffie Kisaragi provides players with connections to the broader universe and fans of the original game.
Diving into Gameplay: Mechanics of a Third-Person Shooter
A New Direction
One of the most significant departures of “Dirge of Cerberus” from the traditional Final Fantasy VII experience is its gameplay. Instead of the turn-based combat that fans had come to know and love, “Dirge of Cerberus” is a third-person shooter, a relatively new direction for the series at the time. This provides a unique perspective on the Final Fantasy VII universe.
Combat Systems
Players control Vincent Valentine from a third-person viewpoint and engage in combat using a variety of firearms. The game incorporated a cover system that lets players take shelter behind objects to evade enemy fire. This mechanics became important, allowing you to create tactical combat engagements.
Customization and Limit Breaks
The weapon customization system allowed players to modify their weapons with attachments and enhancements. This allowed players to fine-tune their weapons to fit their playstyle. Moreover, Vincent’s Limit Breaks also returned. The transformations he is able to pull off make him a powerful force.
Expanding the World: Lore and the Compilation
Expanding the Story
The “Dirge of Cerberus” expands on the Final Fantasy VII story by providing details about the past and the future. Its narrative expands on the character of Vincent Valentine by connecting the narrative threads to the events of the original game, the ending of Final Fantasy VII, and the film “Advent Children.”
Digging Deeper
The game delves into the secrets of Deepground, a military research facility located beneath Midgar. This exploration uncovers the creation of the Tsviets. By expanding on the backstory of Vincent and Deepground, “Dirge of Cerberus” offers new insight into the overarching narrative of the Final Fantasy VII world.
Mixed Reception and Gameplay Challenges
Critical Opinions
Upon release, “Dirge of Cerberus” was met with a mix of critical opinions. While some reviewers praised its ambitious attempts to expand the world of Final Fantasy VII and develop the character of Vincent, others found the gameplay less satisfying.
Major Criticisms
One of the main criticisms was regarding the control mechanics. The aiming system, in particular, was considered by many to be clumsy, making it difficult to engage enemies effectively. The response to the game’s core shooting mechanics wasn’t fully realized, which caused problems for some.
Other Issues
Other complaints included the repetitive mission structure, the AI of the enemies, and the technical issues. There were also challenges in the pacing of the story. Despite its shortcomings, the game received some praise for its story and presentation.
The Lasting Impact and Legacy
Continual Discussion
The game’s reception continues to shape the conversation around the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII. It offers a unique view into the narrative but doesn’t entirely meet all the expectations.
Interesting Ideas
The game does provide interesting ideas about the development of the universe and the characters. The concept of Deepground and its inhabitants gave fans a chance to learn more about the world of Final Fantasy VII.
A Unique Perspective
“Dirge of Cerberus” provides an insight into the future of the characters that helps to round out the broader story of the Compilation. While not entirely embraced for its gameplay, the title has left its mark on the Final Fantasy VII legacy. Its influence can be seen in later installments.
Concluding Thoughts
A Bold Experiment
“Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII” represents a bold, yet divisive, experiment within the revered Final Fantasy VII universe. It attempts to offer a fresh perspective on the world through its third-person shooter mechanics and expands the narrative in some areas. Whether it succeeds in these objectives is a matter of debate.
Final Judgment
Though marred by certain gameplay and technical shortcomings, the game offers interesting insights into Final Fantasy VII’s lore, characters, and the expansion of its story. The game’s overall worth comes down to what a player seeks in the Final Fantasy experience.
The Lasting Legacy
The game will always be a piece of the world that fans can continue to explore. “Dirge of Cerberus” might not be the greatest game in the Final Fantasy franchise, but it is, without a doubt, a memorable addition to its lore and deserves a spot within the overall compilation.
