Believe it or not, one of the most polarizing entries in the Final Fantasy franchise just turned 20, and it’s sparking a debate that’s as fiery as ever. Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII—a PS2 action shooter released two decades ago today—stands as a sequel to one of the most cherished RPGs in gaming history. But here’s the kicker: it’s widely regarded as one of the worst Final Fantasy games ever made. So, why are we even talking about it? Because it’s a fascinating case study in Square Enix’s long-standing—and arguably obsessive—relationship with Final Fantasy VII.
Back in the PS2 era, Japanese publishers were no strangers to spinning off beloved franchises into questionable new directions. Dirge of Cerberus is a prime example of this trend gone awry. Set after the events of Final Fantasy VII, the game puts players in the boots of Vincent Valentine, the perpetually brooding antihero, as he faces off against Deepground—a group of edgy villains determined to undo the planet’s salvation that Cloud and his allies fought so hard to achieve. Sound familiar? This was Square Enix during the Kingdom Hearts-era, and it shows in the over-the-top melodrama of its characters and storytelling.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while Kingdom Hearts thrived on its charm and innovation, Dirge of Cerberus stumbled hard—and it wasn’t just the story. The game’s biggest sin was its gameplay: a clunky blend of unresponsive third-person shooting, poorly integrated RPG mechanics, and a camera system that felt like it was actively working against you. Was it a victim of its time, or simply a misstep that never found its footing?
If you’re feeling nostalgic, you might be thinking, ‘It wasn’t that bad, right?’ But the numbers don’t lie. Critics panned it in 2006, and today, it holds the third-lowest score on our user-rated list of Best Final Fantasy Games, sitting at a measly 5.6/10. Only the botched Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles PS4 remaster and the underwhelming Dissidia Final Fantasy NT fare worse. Ouch.
And yet, Square Enix is celebrating its anniversary—which, let’s be honest, is how we even remembered it existed. Interestingly, some fans are calling for a remaster or remake, riding the wave of the Final Fantasy VII Remake hype. But let’s be real: Dirge of Cerberus would need a complete overhaul to justify such an effort. Is it worth saving, or should it remain a relic of the past?
Here’s the part most people miss: despite its flaws, Dirge of Cerberus is a time capsule of Square Enix’s experimental phase—a reminder that even the biggest franchises can take risky turns. But does it deserve the hate it still gets today? Or is there a redeeming quality buried beneath the mess? Let us know in the comments—and don’t hold back. Is Dirge of Cerberus a forgotten gem or a cautionary tale?
