Final Fantasy

In Japan's Jump magazine, a number of new characters have been revealed, all of which seem like they will play quite a main part in the DoC story.

In an issue of Jump, a girl of a young age named Shelk, who is a Deep Ground Soldier, was shown. Not that much on this character has been said yet, apart from that she is the one that is helping Azul (another Deep Ground Soldier) track Vincent down.

Quite recently, another two characters have also been revealed. Both of them first appeared in an issue of the Japanese magazine, Jump. One of the characters is a member of the Deep Ground (DG) Elite Soldier group, named Rosso. Who has been described as a killing machine and shows no mercy to her opponents.

The second character revealed is named Sharua Rui, who also appears in Chapter 21 of Before Crisis, is a genius scientist from the World Restoration Organization (WRO). Her weapon, which can be seen attached to her left arm, has been engineered by herself.  

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At the same time as new characters Rosso and Sharua Rui, the first of Vincent's limit break transformations to appear in Dirge of Cerberus was unveiled. This transformation is The Galian/Galiant Beast, which was Vincent's first limit break in Final Fantasy VII.

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The online mode that will be included with DoC, received a huge information update on the PlayOnline DC: FF VII Website. Which basically explained everything from the Character Making options to the different modes on the Battlefield.

"System 01
Multiplayer Mode By order of President Shin-Ra, through accomplishments in missions as well as team battles, you have received the rank of SOLDIER, and with aims of becoming the strongest, you are sent to the huge underground facility "Deep Ground" to train.

 With other players, you can form groups, and are given the chance to enjoy large team vs. team battles. Strategy is an important key when playing the Multiplayer Mode. The best arms and armour will only be awarded to the SOLDIER who proves themselves to be the greatest of them all."

 Next, Square gave a brief overview of the different options a player has when they are creating their character:

 System 02: Character Making
"This is where you design and create your player avatar. You can select your name, gender, face type, initially equipped armour, voice, and color in order to make a character that suits your tastes.

• Gender: Male or Female
• Armour: Soldier Armour, Sniper Armour, Speed Armour, Magic Armour
• Voice: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4
• Color: Basic, Camouflage, Variety"

 Information on two different areas, with what is possible to do in them, was then explained. Both of these areas are where players can go into before they enter the battlefield:

"System 03: Lobby
When the game is started in multiplayer mode, the first place the player will visit is the Lobby. It's possible to move freely in the Lobby, which acts as a place for meeting and communicating with other players. You can also access functions like Battle Entry and the Shop, or check your Ranking.

 System 04: Briefing Room
Before entering battle, it's imperative that you visit the Briefing Room.

• Item Distribution: When you enter the Briefing Room, you will obtain various consumable items based on your current class. You can use the items distributed here on the Battlefield.
• Custom Confirmation: Rules can be set, such as weapon restriction, which makes it impossible to customize or substitute weapons on the Battlefield when turned on. In such cases, you are required to make a final confirmation in the Briefing Room.
• Team Division: In the case of Team Battle, you will move to the Transfer Area after preparations are completed. In the Transfer Area, teams are divided by color, defining who will be your opponent on the Battlefield."

 Then revealed was three different modes that battles will be carried out in when players set foot into the Battlefield:

"System 05: Battlefield
The Battlefield will be varied (e.g. jungle) where the wilderness will provide obstacles
as well as restrict sight. By studying the map, you can gain advantages in battle. Here,
battle will be carried out in various modes.

• Battle Mode: Mode in which you fight as an individual. The first player to meet the set victory conditions is the winner.
• Team Battle Mode: Mode in which you are divided into two groups and enter a team competition. The first team to meet the set victory conditions is the winner.
• Mission Mode: Mode in which you carry out assigned missions.
  

 You or your team will be victorious when the requirements for your mission are met, such as beating your opponents to a point or obtaining a key item. You will carry out many battles, and aim to be the strongest SOLDIER."

The beta testing for the Online Mode is currently underway in Japan.

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The trailer which was shown at the Tokyo Game Show 2005, has been showing in Japanese game stores. The translation for the trailer is as follows:

Vincent: "The baby in your stomach... Using it for experimentation... Do you... Do you really want that?"

Vincent: (I only watched... I couldn't stop her...)

Shelke: "Where is it? The Ancient Materia..."

Azul: "Sieger, Weiss..."

Cait Sith: "Let's drive 'em outta town!"

Rosso: "It's the beginning of the end."

Rosso: "Three years ago, what do you think we did when we gained our freedom...? We killed each other!! By bathing in the blood of several thousand SOLDIERs, I survived. Because of that, I thought... that I could kill all the people in the world... You too can understand this, can't you?"

Vincent: "... I cannot."

Woman: "Everything is connected to Dr. Lucrecia. Do you think this is all a coincidence?"

Man: "Now, all over the world, the hunt has begun."

Man: "The Weapon born of tainted life. Recover it without fail."

Woman: "Only that Chaos, Omega, and..."

Credit goes to Suzaku of adventchildren.net for the translation.

A download is available of the trailer at the following link:
Link: TGS 05 DoC Trailer

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 In early November, a press conference for Dirge of Cerberus, was held at the Tokyo International Forum. This is where Square announced a new release date for Japan, the 26th of January 2006, and a price tag of around 8,190 yen for the game.

 Also announced at the conference was the title of the theme song, Redemption, due to be released January 25th, 2006, and also an insert song named Longing, both by Japanese artist Gackt.

 As well as providing these two songs, it was also revealed that Gackt will be playing a role in the game too. A new technique is being used for his part, where he is first filmed in live action, and then combined with CGI, for the game.

 The outfit for his part was designed by character designer, Tetsuya Nomura.

 No details about his character have been revealed at this time, other than the character that is he playing, will have a major role in the game.

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Square Enix at the moment have two official web sites running for DoC. The first being for the game itself, and the second for the Online Mode.

Link: Official DoC Japanese Website
Link: Official PlayOnline DoC Website

The release date for Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII, is set for the 26th of January 2006 in Japan, on the PlayStation 2. Those who pre-order the game will receive a special movie DVD called "Final Fantasy VII: Reflections". This DVD will contain the TGS 05 DoC trailer, and also four other trailers of FF VII Complication titles.

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Square Enix Party 2005 trailer Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Square Enix Party 2005 trailer Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII, Tokyo Game Show 2005 trailer Final Fantasy VII Technical Demo for PlayStation 3, Electronic Entertainment Expo 2005 tech demo

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As you can see, the game is well in production and from what we have seen so far it is going to be a good addition to the compilation. Some times the build up and anticipation to a game can be as good as when it is released and you can keep up with all the developments exclusively @ Final Fantasy Extreme.

Thank you for reading!

Article credited to:
Kathy, Final Fantasy Extreme News Manager