In addition to the single-player game, the Japanese version of Dirge of Cerberus has an online mode playable through Square's PlayOnline service. For 800 yen a month (about $7), gamers can participate in a CounterStrike -style competition to build and shepherd a soldier through the ranks of the WRO. Unfortunately, PlayOnline compatibility means a hard drive is required to participate, excluding the vast majority of network-capable PS2 owners. Whether this online mode will even make it overseas remains to be seen.
Nearly ten years after the original game's release, Final Fantasy VII fans are undoubtedly desperate for new adventures with the world and characters that they love. Dirge of Cerberus eschews the easy path of simple fanservice. Instead, it strives to create a new genre of gameplay with a new cast of characters. This is a commendable goal. But as they say, the road to Hell is paved with discounted PS2 games.
