We had to wait a long time, now it’s finally here: “Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII”! With this role-playing game we can more or less expect quality from the outset, but is it truly spectacular, or simply a dry clone trying to capitalise on the series’ prestigious name?
We put the game to the test and will tell you whether or not it was worth the wait.
Final Fantasy VII
The title ignites high hopes, because the seventh edition of series was really the best. Both in terms of story content and gameplay, this game was the absolute pinnacle of greatness. That was in 1997. Crisis Core must now live up to the high expectations 11 years later.
The story line takes place before the events of Final Fantasy. You play in the role of Zack as part of Shinra’s elite SOLDIER unit. Shinra is a large corporation seeking to rule the world, and the SOLDIER unit should increase the concern’s military strength.
Zack only has the rank of SOLDIER 2 at the beginning of the story , while the goal is to achieve a rank of SOLDIER 1 and become a hero. He executes the daily tasks that arise with his mentor Angeal. One day they both receive an assignment to find and eliminate a traitor in Wutai. The story gets moving at this point. We don’t want to spoil anything, because the story is full of exciting twists and turns.
Your path will lead you to the most varied types of regions, and you will encounter such well known characters as Aeris, Aerith or Cloud. This will help bring back the original Final Fantasy 7 atmosphere.
Let’s talk
People love to talk in role playing games. The same holds true in Crisis Core. Sometimes there is even too much talking. Although most dialogue is presented in quality cut-scenes, it can often be the case that you end up running from cut-scene to cut-scene. While this does help the to further develop the plot, it also disrupts the game flow and sometimes degrades the player to a spectator.
The content of the dialogues is usually interesting and well scripted, but sometimes the long-winded speeches appear to have no end. Final Fantasy is also not a role-playing game that precedes comfortably and pleasantly, instead it is an action RPG. As a result the combat system is in real-time, as is typical for the series.
You run through various regions and your enemies randomly appear in front of you. Some special opponents, that you already see from far away, are the exception. The game flows seamlessly into the fighting mode when you encounter an enemy. Here you can either attack your foes directly with Zack’s sword or use magic attacks from a safe distance.
One very unusual aspect is the character development. You don’t learn new attacks when reaching a certain level, but instead you have to find so-called Materia on your journey to outfit Zack’s repertoire. These can either contain stat bonuses or new magic. You can use the Materia however you feel like. That way you can construct Zack according to your personal tastes, and turn him into an indestructible beast.
But this is not the only unusual part of Crisis Core’s combat system: the so-called D.M.W. (Digital Mind Wave) offers more incentive. This slot machine runs the entire time during combat. If you see three of the same ssymbols at the same time, then Zack can use the corresponding special ability. The interesting abilities include calling in an airstrike or evoking a meteor shower. If you see three of the same numbers, then either certain Materia will increase or Zack will gain a level. But the whole thing is more or less random and dependant on chance. So some fights can get very frustrating if you wait the whole time for a special attack and then lose. Then the second time you win very easily with a little luck.
In itself the fights are actually quite fair. Tactics also play in important part. If you strike an opponent in the back, then you can do far more damage. Zack can attack, defend or evade attacks with the push of a button. These controls are quite uncomplicated, and you will quickly get used to them.
Final Fantasy is well known for its outrageous and over the top magical spells. These are, of course, also present in Crisis Core. You often forget the game is running on the PSP and not a next generation console when watching some spells in action. The combat system is altogether successful and removes any doubts over problems.
There is so much to do
The main story offers entertainment for many hours. But there are also many side plots in addition to Zack’s journey through Midgar. Just like in any other RPG, you can talk to people and help them. Sometimes the rewards are only petty items things like drinks, but other times one will also receive incantation formulas.
You could also simply accept missions from SOLDIER, if you feel so inclined. This can be done at every saving point. That way Zack can level up right before facing the final bosses. Although the missions are unfortunately not too varied. Most of the time you only have to find and eliminate some enemy. There are over 300 missions to work through along with many rare item rewards.
If you quickly and easily need some items, then you will need to visit a shop. Usually you will have to visit a city to outfit your character with all types of gear, but not in Crisis Core: here various shops are easily reachable through the main menu. Then you have the possibility to purchase items at any time.
Crisis Core definitely doesn’t have to hide from any other games in terms of graphics. The character design is again simply fantastic. Every opponent is worth taking a closer look at, and the main characters possess incredibly detailed features. All of them are likable. Each in their own way, but that is what makes Crisis Core so exiting and fun. The character’s animation has also been largely successful, although some move a little awkwardly.
The sound is one of Crisis Core’s absolute highlights. It adds drama and excitement to every minute of gaming action. The music style varies from orchestral hymns to rock. The voice actors also do an excellent job and add to the atmosphere well.
In closing we can say that Crisis Core is a remarkable RPG, which can proudly defend its role as the pre-story to the legendary FF7. The story line will definitely keep you hooked for hours, and the gameplay is very well done. So anyone who is looking for a good RPG, will definitely find one with Crisis Core.
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