Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
May 2008 Issue
Features
- From the Editors
- Craft Check: Crafts Revisited
- Gaming in the Media: How Can Grand Theft Auto Transition from Base Entertainment to Art?
Articles
- Gender & Live-Action Role Play: Into Monster Camp
Author: Samara Hayley Steele
In this ongoing series, Samara shares her experiences as a female LARPer in a male-dominated LARP organization.
In an IRIS retrospective, Olivia recaps some of the more memorable milestones of the past year.
Robyn shares her thoughts on a recent preview of D&D 4th Edition, held by Wizards of the Coast in Los Angeles, California.
Gamer Stories
Reviews
- Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
- Ikariam
- Retro Review: Final Fantasy VI
Odds 'n Ends
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Square Enix, PSP, 2008
After sequels that, while met with a general positive response, did not thrill as the original 1997 Playstation title, Crisis Core brings hope for a game that will finally recapture Final Fantasy VII’s appeal. This PSP title again takes the series away from turn-based gameplay, introducing fans to the action-RPG.
For the devoted fans who just want to know now, this game easily meets the standards of its predecessor and is an excellent addition to the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII and the PSP.
I’m a hardcore FFVII fan and played it so many times I lost count; Crisis Core is the reason I own a PSP. Anticipation was sweet, but not comparable to the excitement of plunging into a worthy game. Fans will encounter many familiar places, people, and allusions: a gratifying balance of old and new. Seeing even a small portion of the original remastered is enough to make me want to pull out the PS1 game yet again. Ah, nostalgia!
Story
Crisis Core’s story revolves around SOLDIER, an elite group of combat experts working for the Shinra Electric Company. Shinra controls a good portion of the world through its base in the cyberpunk dystopia Midgar, and is branching out by building reactors in rural locations. The game follows SOLDIER member Zack Fair, who was a minor (though significant) character in FFVII, as he rises through the ranks and gains the trust of SOLDIER’s most renown member, the legendary Sephiroth, antagonist of FFVII.
Familiar plot points from FFVII are revisited from a new perspective, and are excellent additions to the story. Anybody familliar with the story of FFVII knows of Zack’s fate, but foreknowledge of the ending does not detract from the story, as the focus is on characters and events within SOLDIER that we were previously unaware of. Following the plot may require more attention from those new to FFVII’s world, but all details are explained in some manner.
The ending is a beautiful, emotional, and a unique combination of all the game’s mechanics. Superbly done. I wish I could describe it further without spoiling it; by far one of the best conclusions to any Final Fantasy, and easily tops other games as well.
Gameplay
Crisis Core deviates from standard turn-based RPG battles, a necessary change given that players now control one character throughout the entire game. Zack’s equipment is fully customizable to suit your style of play, whether it’s offense, defense or the use of magic.
Despite all these options, almost all battles play the same way. I found myself using the same equipment setup until I forced myself to try something new; basic attacks with occasional offense and healing magic will get you through most of the game. There are many useful skills available, but once you find your niche there’s not much reason to abandon it. However, gameplay did not annoy or bore me; the quickness battle and the joy of mowing through bad guys outweighs the repetition.
Digital Mind Wave, a new mechanic, creates more interesting gameplay. It consists of three numbers and character portraits, and spins during battle, periodically stopping and potentially granting bonuses. When the left and right portraits match, DMW enters “modulating phase,” during which a matching center portrait triggers a powerful attack, and matching digits increase Zack’s power. While this enhances a simplistic combat system, it tends to make many battles too easy.
Battles occur in predetermined spots, typically in the center of walkways or near treasure chests. At times, taking a step backward triggers a battle from a spot you just left, quite an annoyance until you learn to adapt. Zack moves freely in battles that occur in real time. Blocking greatly reduces damage (even magic damage), and dodging allows Zack to easily avoid large attacks.
Players can also access extra missions at save points. Rewards include accessories, items, and more powerful magic. Some missions also have a small story, and reveal interesting tidbits of information about the world and chararcters. As the missions increase in difficulty, players may need to draw upon more and more of their stockpiled magic.
The RPG elements easily break up the combat, and offer side quests far more interesting than the extra missions. Players can glean quite a bit of detail by taking a few minutes to explore. Zack periodically receives emails from his friends, giving additional layers to his character.
Crisis Core is extremely mobile. Literally everything in the game can be paused, and the lengthy DMW animations can be skipped entirely. The extra missions provide hours of additional gameplay, their short length making them perfect for traveling.
Graphics and Sound
Everything looks spectacular. The FMV cutscenes are of comparable quality to the Final Fantasy movie Advent Children, the environments and in-game graphics match or best current PSP games. Square Enix renews their renown for excellent visuals with this title.
Characters move and show emotions fluidly and believably, worlds away from the cumbersome, low-polygon models of FFVII. Environments feel too large at times, though the open space is required for some battles. I came to hate the “Shinra Basement” area after about three missions; the open halls, stairs, and rooms of nothing make it the epitome of tedium.
Takeharu Ishimoto’s score captures the essence of the story, environments, and mood. Some of Nobu Umatesu’s tracks return through excellent remixes of the original versions. Fans will also recognize a couple tracks from the anime Last Order. The soundtrack contains several heavy metal pieces, which compliment the combat as well as the character of Zack. Most of the cast retains their voice actors from Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, and they deliver their lines well despite some of the dialog being oddly-phrased.
Overall
Excellent presentation and story drive this title through fun but repetitive gameplay. Zack’s compelling story leads directly into the events of Final Fantasy VII. The new characters fit in seamlessly in and enrich the history Shinra and SOLDIER, adding even more depth to one of the best-loved RPG worlds. Both fans and new players will find Crisis Core a well made, highly satisfying RPG experience.
