EricTheAnteater

Star Wars: The Clone Wars was not something I had high expectations for. After seeing Star Wars II, we all realized how badly Lucas had damaged the series. But after the pleasantly good Revenge of the Sith, the saga was completed on a high note. Or was it?

Set between episodes II and III, The Clone Wars focuses on the adventures Anakin Skywalker (thankfully not portrayed by Hayden Christianson) and his new apprentice, Ahsoka Tano. Unfortunately, most of the dialog between them is something like: We must (next plot point) in order to (next challenge they face) before (villain) can (evil plan). Throw in the occasional half-baked insult, and you have most of the dialog in this film. As with the last three Star Wars films, the writing is sub-par.

The animation isn't quite as bad as some say. While it is a little on the stiff side, it could be a lot worse. Also, the textures are usually quite nice, with a distinct 'painted' look to them. One notable problem with the visual element of the movie is the odd framing; sometimes it actually looks like the film has been tilt-and-scanned.

The movie flows quite well, with some notably good action sequences. Unfortunately, there is some lousy editing in the first half of the film that detracts from it considerably.

This is the first Star Wars film not to have a John Williams score, but I must say it's still pretty good. It doesn't always have that distinct Star Wars feel to it, but overall it fits the film quite well.

One of the biggest problems with this film is the fact that it seem to be targeted for children, which basically means that characters will explain what they're doing every two minutes. One line of dialog might be something like, "Ha! I have fooled you by setting a trap and then letting you fall for it! Now all I have to do is..." Of course, this particular line is not found anywhere in the film, but it is in the same style as many that you will here.

I won't go into the details of the films plot, although I must say that it is well-done. Obviously, since we know the fates of most of the characters, it's hard for the film to keep you on the edge of your seat, yet it succeeds to do so on more than one occasion. One major flaw in the film is that it fails to show Ani's more sinister side. He's still the same stereotypical immature teenager we see in Episode II.

Overall Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Good action

Good acting (sometimes intentionally campy)

Often funny, even for adults

Good soundtrack

Good story

Cons:

Questionable dialog

Sub-par editing

Stiff animation

Little character development

Should you see it? Yes, but don't expect a masterpiece.

When Square released Final Fantasy VII, it was a huge hit, and with good reason. It had an epic story, great gameplay, great graphics (for its time, at least), and a wonderful soundtrack. Now, nine years later, we finally get a sequel, in the form a thrill ride of a movie, with action scenes that put The Matrix to shame. The quality of the story isn't as good as its predecessor, but it's still pretty good. The graphics are amazing as well; it can only be compared to the CGI in live action movies.

As you may have guessed, AC is packed with nostalgia. From the Loveless poster seen in Edge to seeing Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Reno, and the rest of the Final Fantasy VII cast in CG, you'll feel like you've just beaten the game again. Furthermore, Uematsu has composed AC's music, and it shows. Every second of the movie's soundtrack sounds perfect, and, of course, you'll be hearing classic tunes such as J-E-N-O-V-A and One Winged Angel, which only enhances this rare gem of a movie's nostalgic feel.

The Japanese acting is great, and, fortunately, the English version isn't bad, although it could have been better. Still, it's good enough to get the story across.

One last thing: you will want to play the game first, otherwise the story won't make much sense. This is a sequel, after all.

Final Fantasy VII was one of the best selling RPGs of all time. So it's no big surprise that Square has made a couple of prequels and sequels to it. SE's latest, Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII, is a hybrid third person shooter/RPG. As such, on top of running and gunning, you'll be buying upgrades for your gun and leveling up the game's main character, Vincent.

The game is fun to play, but the levels feel too linear and simple. Furthermore, you won't be pulling off any of the awesome stunts that Vincent did in Advent Children. Your athletics is limited to a double jump and some punching and kicking. The gunning is usually fun, and DoC's weapon customization system makes it even better. Unfortunately, you'll often feel like your in a shooting gallery, because your enemies are so darn stupid. They will sometimes run up to you and just sit there, waiting to be shot. Also, the game is somewhat short; I completed the game in only three days.

Graphics are pretty good; the character models are great, but the environments tend to look a little bland. It's OK, though, because each level looks very different from the last.

DoC's sound is very good, because of great voice acting, crisp sound, and brilliantly composed music.

The storyline is top notch. While I don't want to spoil anything for you, I will say this: This game may make you cry, especially if you cried during "that" one scene in Final Fantasy VII. You'll also see many classic locations, including Shinra Manor and Kalm.

Overall, DoC is a fun game, but if you're looking for the next great Final Fantasy game, this isn't it.