Image Source: Square-enix.com
It’s been 10 years since the release of Final Fantasy VII, arguably the BEST FF in this ongoing franchise, and to celebrate this milestone, Square Enix has released a PSP RPG prequel titled Crisis Core. At first I was a little skeptical. The last Final Fantasy VII game I picked up to play, Dirge of Cerberus, was definitely disappointing to say the least and I wish I asked for a refund.
Crisis Core on the other hand provides fun game play, a lot more interaction and lots of fan service. It fills in all the blanks that the original FF VII left behind. Plus, it’s really fun to see what the original characters were during before the events of Final Fantasy VII.
It’s a visually stunning game with smooth game play and the cut scenes carry on the tradition of being mind blowing-ly awesome! The load time between missions can be slow, but that’s usually the case with PSP games. As I mentioned before, it’s a lot more interactive. It ditches the old select action then wait, for press buttons like mad. You control the sword swinging and it’s up to you to block or dodge.
Leveling up can get a little annoying. The game employs a type of “slot machine” system (DMW: Digital Mind Wave) There are 3 reels and each reel rotates independently. When you line up the three reels of the same character and value, a power-up or a “Power Surge!” will be rewarded to Zack. (Trust me, it’s hard getting 777 to level up) This includes, limit breaks, summons, leveling up Zack and leveling up materia.
If you are a Final Fantasy VII fan, the game doesn’t disappoint. CC brings back everything you love and makes you want to replay the old game. (My sister doesn’t approve of that idea because it means cutting into TV time.) If you aren’t a FF fan, I recommend that you pick up this game because, once again, it doesn’t disappoint. There is something for everyone whether you’re an action fanatic, a love story sucker or a giggly J-Pop Gackt fan. (The character Genesis is visually based off the signer J-Pop Gackt.)
I’m currently playing it through and I’m loving every minute! I’m taking my time with this one because let’s face it, I can’t hold on to the rumor of A PS3 remake, although I pray every night for one!
**As a side note, Square-Enix released several other items to celebrate the 10 year mark including a limited, special edition potion/book set and 77,777 limited edition Crisis Core PSPs only released in Japan. That’s right, drool over the pictures because these items are incredibly hard to find in the US!
Image Source: Playstation.com
Image Source: jlist.com
Noter: Cypress Villaflores
