Dirge of Cerberus is a good example of what taking a new direction with a franchise can lead to....the good and the bad.
From what I have read, this is the worst-rated aspect of this game. And I must say, I can understand (to a degree) why someone would give this area a lower score, but a 6? A 5? Why that low? After playing the game, I could not remember anything I was horribly frustrated with, as far as the gameplay. It was pretty solid. Yes, the camera could be a little iffy at times, but never was it a major problem. It reminded me of Resident Evil 4, though not as well done. (oh, and for girlbakura, you could change the assisted aiming in the configuration.) On the whole, it is fairly solid. R1 brings up your reticle. R1 fires. That's why it is a Third-person Action
S-H-O-O-T-E-R. You run around and shoot things. The guns looked very detailed, although they lacked a little in how far you could customize each one. Could DoC's gun system be improved? It most certainly could. But was it bad? No. Aside from the gun system, I had a slight problem with Vincent's melee attacks. If you're not lined up well with your target, you could hit air for most, if not all, of your attacks. I hope the next game will improve upon this.
GRAPHICS
What is so wrong with the graphics? Aside from the cut scenes, which truly are spectacular, the normal game graphics are pretty standard for even some of the more recent games out for the PS2. I would agree, however, that some more attention could have been given to the texture of different environments in the game. I feel that would have added more of a shine to the overall feel of the game, as well as giving it a more life-like appearance.
Oh, and did I mention the CG's were awesome?
SOUND
Although there is nothing that really stands out to me in this department, the music of the different areas fit well, and didn't distract or draw me away from anything in the game. Maybe if some of the music from FFVII was integrated into this game - I think that would have made a difference.
VALUE
This is what this game has an abundance of. Value. DoC packs an intriguing story into a well developed plot, with a couple of twists here and there for good measure. Also, as a Final Fantasy fan, it was quite an experience to get to not only see, but explore areas from FFVII in 3D - room for room. Shinra Mansion was a personal favorite, a swell as the Shinra building in Midgar. Familiar characters, areas, and a continuation of one of FFVII's most engmatic characters story lines was a real treat. If you are a FInal Fantasy fan, this is definitely something you should consider adding to your collection.