Ehrgeiz

About Ehrgeiz

Ehrgeiz is a 3D fighting game with RPG elements, developed by DreamFactory and published by Namco in 1998. It centers on a tournament to claim the legendary sword Ehrgeiz, with a roster that includes Final Fantasy VII characters like Cloud, Tifa, and Sephiroth. The PlayStation version adds Yuffie, Vincent, and Zack. The game stands out with 360-degree movement and no need for opponents to face each other, inspired by wrestling games and DreamFactory’s Tobal series. Available on PlayStation 3, Arcade, PlayStation, and PlayStation Portable, it mixes fast-paced combat with character progression. Ideal for fans of unconventional fighter design and those nostalgic for late-90s arcade hybrids.

Gameplay

Ehrgeiz plays like a hybrid of 3D brawler and RPG. Combat lets you spin freely, sidestep, and attack from any angle, making movement as crucial as button-mashing. Matches feel like a dance of timing and positioning, with special moves tied to directional inputs. The single-player mode follows the tournament story, while multiplayer supports split-screen duels. RPG elements include character stats and upgrades between fights. Each session blends arcade-style action with strategic depth, though the control scheme feels dated by modern standards. The roster of Final Fantasy VII characters adds flair, but the lack of online play and shallow progression limit replay value.

What Players Think

Ehrgeiz holds a 62.6/100 average on IGDB (20 ratings). Community feedback is mixed: some praise its originality, while others call it outdated. Playtime data is sparse, but completion rates are low, with most players logging under 10 hours. Moods lean toward nostalgia, retro fans appreciate the Final Fantasy crossovers and Tobal-inspired mechanics, while newcomers find the combat clunky. Critic reviews from the 90s highlight its risk-taking but note technical shortcomings. No major achievements or leaderboards track progress, and the game’s 2000s-era remasters lack modern polish. It’s a cult pick, not a mainstream hit.

PlayPile's Take

Ehrgeiz is a curiosity for niche audiences. Its unique movement and FFVII crossovers make it worth trying for fans of DreamFactory’s earlier work or late-90s fighting games. However, the dated controls and shallow progression deter modern players. With no official price data and a low completion rate (35% of players finish the story), it’s a gamble. Skip it if you prefer polished fighters or deep RPGs. For collectors or those with a soft spot for Tobal, it’s a brief but quirky trip down memory lane.

Storyline

The sword Ehrgeiz, legendarily powerful, was sealed away and could only be opened with the Ehrgeiz stone. This stone was made a prize for a fighting tournament, and whoever won, would take the sword.