Final Fantasy 7: Dirge of Cerberus

Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII, referred to as the series' developers as "the resolution of Final Fantasy VII" (referring to Vincent's own personal resolution, not the Compilation's end), is set one year after the ending of Advent Children. Many of the original title's developers returned once again, with a simple goal in mind, combining elements of a shooter and a roleplaying game, all to the beat of the popular Vincent Valentine's story.

Vincent plays the star role in this game, a heavily important but hardly explained character in the original game, Vincent's origins and story, as well as his relation to the overall story, make up the central theme. A mysterious group, known as the Deep Ground Soldiers, have appeared to begin to raid the city of Midgar. Vincent, somehow connected with them, decides he will not put up with such, and embarks to stop them. Alongside Vincent, many prominent but less developed characters return, such as Lucrecia and Hojo. Thus, the game is highly regarded as important in understanding the overall story of the Final Fantasy VII Universe.

This installment almost surprisingly blended elements of shooters and RPGs. Battles were not initiated, rather, Vincent could attack his enemies any time on the field similar to in shooters, however he did have a health bar and MP points. At the end of every level, Vincent earned points, which could be converted into experience or gil. He could also equip different types of guns and magical material, enhancing his shots. Vincent also had his original Limit Breaks, being able to transform into various powerful beasts!

The game constantly tried to find a middle ground between the two genre's it represented, but still managed to become a hit, similar to its brethren. It provided a nice diversion for fans of the series, and most importantly, enhanced and built upon the story laid out in its predecessors. The game also introduced the mysterious Genesis, represented with a simple "G", who remains one of the most mysterious characters up to this point.