One of the best Final Fantasy spinoff games by Square Enix, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 makes its way back to the mainstream. Square Enix announced the remastered version of Crisis Core during the 25th Anniversary of Final Fantasy 7.
Many fans might not be familiar with this game, as Square Enix only made this game exclusive to the Playstation Portable in 2007. That said, here’s everything we know about Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion, including the release date, narrative, trailer, gameplay, and platforms.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion Release Date
Square Enix’s roadmap for the following years seems packed with iconic games. From Final Fantasy XVI to Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, we have a massive catalog of Final Fantasy games upcoming. According to Square Enix’s announcement, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion will be available this winter. Winter is a bit broad, but we can have an estimated release date of around December 2022 to March 2023.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion Narrative
Crisis Core takes place before the events of the original Final Fantasy VII. In Crisis Core, we take on the shoes of Zack Fair. An aspiring 2nd Class Soldier who idolizes the likes of Angeal, Genesis, and Sephiroth, whom many people see as heroes. Zack has always been a hard-working individual, and he will do anything to become a hero.
Throughout the game, we’ll see familiar characters such as Sephiroth, Tseng, Aerith, and Cloud. Honestly, Zack is one of the most likable protagonists in the Final Fantasy franchise. However, I’m curious if Square Enix will follow the original story of Crisis Core or if they will divert from the source to complement the storyline of the Final Fantasy 7: Remake.
The lead creative producer, Tetsuya Nomura said that the title “Reunion” is more of a middle ground between a remake and a remaster. This title change may indicate a possible alternate ending in the game or fully replace the ending to tie it in with Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion Trailer
The trailer starts with an army of Shinra Soldiers preparing to fight our protagonist, Zack Fair. Zack tells us one of his iconic quotes, “The price of freedom is steep,” before drawing his sword. The trailer cuts to Zack in the Midgar Station talking to his mentor Angeal, before preparing for battle. It then shows us a small glimpse of gameplay which feels all too familiar from the original Crisis Core, albeit with updated graphics and a cleaner interface.
Then a scene wherein Zack and Angeal are in a mission briefing plays. The primary goal of the mission is finding the missing Soldier 1st Class, Genesis. Following this scene, we see a few more glimpses of the gameplay and a cutscene wherein Sephiroth explains the origins of Genesis.
The trailer also showed us a few more aspects of the game, such as battling iconic summons and signature moves using the D.M.W. mechanic. Lastly, the trailer ends with Zack charging into the army of Shinra Soldiers.
Tetsuya Nomura said that the game is more faithful to the original in terms of the story. He also mentioned that they remade the models from scratch and updated the combat system.
“Updating the combat system” may mean that they are adding a few more stuff, but the gameplay trailer still shows us the same combat. Most likely, it’s not a major overhaul, only a few balancing updates and a few more additional content for the combat system.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion Gameplay
If this game is a faithful remaster, we can expect the same gameplay from the original version. The original Crisis Core uses a real-time combat system with embedded RPG elements. You can attack and use special abilities, spells, and items in real-time.
Blocking and dodging enemies are essential mechanics to the game. Also, Crisis Core uses a somewhat slot machine-like mechanic that can induce game-changing effects throughout the battle.
The D.M.W. or the Digital Mind Wave allows Zack to gain buffs for a limited time. Another feature of the D.M.W. is when two of the same silhouettes or characters match; it goes into the “Slot Machine” mode. If three of them line up, Zack will perform a corresponding unique ability based on the character in the D.M.W. Lastly; the leveling system is RNG-based, as you only level up if the numbers “777” line up perfectly on the D.M.W.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion Platforms
One of the best news that Square Enix announced for the game is that it will be available on all major platforms. These platforms include the PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, XBOX Series X/S, XBOX One, and PC. Considering that the game is a remaster, it comes as no surprise that even the Nintendo Switch will be able to handle the graphics.
You can now preorder Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion on Amazon for these platforms:
While waiting for the game to come out, check out the best Final Fantasy games available right now!
Many fans deducted that there will never be a remastered version of Crisis Core due to licensing issues with its main antagonist, Genesis. Alas, Capcom proved us wrong and surprised us during the 25th Anniversary Event of Final Fantasy VII and revealed that a remaster is indeed coming.
Are you excited to play this game? Leave your comments in the section below!
