Despite all reviews saying it's such a bad game, I was truly expecting another disaster vis a vis Devil May Cry 2. Despite the reviews telling me of it being aweful, I went out and bought it anyways, just to see. I could always sell it back for store credit, right? Well guess what? I don't want to.

That's right, if you actually believe the reviews in their talk of a disaster, I will tell you this. Give it a try, and keep in mind that the game is suppose to be aweful. Go out and rent it, keep in mind of the disaster it's said to be, and play it. You'll most likely soon be saying, "Were they high? This game is pretty good." A little later, it becomes addicting, and you'll ask, "Am I playing the same game? This is only getting better." Eventually you'll be looking back and forth between the box art, and the reviews that say 6 and under out of 10. To me, the game is about an 8.0, it's not great, don't get me wrong, it could be much better, but it really is good at heart.

While people are all now complaining about games being too linear, it makes me wonder if they actually remember what video games started as. Dirge of Cerberus is indeed linear, but in my opinion it doesn't hurt it too much. DoC is like a simple fun. Also, while some reviews complain of it's "run and gun" gameplay, they should seriously... shoot themselves in the foot. Look at every FPS... what do you do? You run... and you gun... I seriously, don't want to hear b*tching about that.

Reviews also complain of the gunplay. While it's not perfect, it's still fine. The camera angles can feel quite cumbersome at times, true. But honestly, how many Third-Person Shooters don't have camera problems? Like... two maybe? Like I said, simple fun. It really does take shooters back to the basics, but who didn 't have fun with games like Contra? If you say you didn't... bash your head into a wall... right now.

I mean seriously, the game could use more polish, but it is good fun. Materia was incorperated, and it does have an RPG-esque leveling style. Dirge of Cerberus also does add innovation as you can customize your guns to your liking. You want long range? Hydra Body+Long Barrel+Scope and for Materia, Thunder. You want a fast machine gun? Griffon Body+Short Barrel. The combinations may not be endless, but there's enough to have fun messing around with.

So yes, rent it first is a recommendation. Then again... renting a game first works in any situation... Either way, just rent it, buy it whatever, and just keep in mind this game is suppose to suck. Guarantee you, the game will surprise you. So... go out and play... now.

-Rabidus, FFVII God