Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

About Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is an action RPG set in the Final Fantasy VII universe, seven years before the events of the main game. Developed by Square Enix’s internal team, it launched in 2007 exclusively for PlayStation Portable. You play as Zack Fair, a young SOLDIER trainee navigating a war in Wutai and uncovering secrets about his mentor Angeal and the enigmatic Sephiroth. The game blends real-time combat with narrative-driven quests, offering a deep dive into the lore that ties directly to the original FFVII. It’s a prequel that expands the series’ world, focusing on character dynamics and the political tensions of Midgar.

Gameplay

Combat in Crisis Core is real-time, with the DMW system letting you switch between a fast normal form and a slower, power-heavy mode. You control Zack directly, using melee attacks, magic, and summons like Phoenix or Bahamut in set-piece battles. Missions often involve navigating environments, solving light puzzles, and engaging in scripted fights against enemies like mako-imbued monsters. The PSP’s hardware supports 16:9 cutscenes with voice acting, which keeps pacing brisk. Between missions, you can train Zack’s stats, manage inventory, and explore a simplified menu system. The game’s pacing balances action with downtime, though the story-driven structure means most sessions revolve around advancing the plot.

What Players Think

Crisis Core holds an IGDB score of 85.7 from 170 ratings, with many praising its role as a meaningful FFVII prequel. Community reviews highlight Zack’s relatable arc and the game’s lore depth, though some note its dated PSP visuals compared to later ports. Average completion rates on PlayPile data sit at 68%, with most players finishing in 25, 30 hours. Positive moods cluster around the “nostalgic” and “emotional” tags, while critics occasionally call the combat “predictable.” Despite its age, the game remains a touchstone for FFVII fans, with one user calling it “the best way to understand Zack’s legacy.”

PlayPile's Take

Crisis Core is worth playing for Final Fantasy VII enthusiasts or fans of prequel stories that enrich a series. Its real-time combat and character-driven narrative offer a satisfying experience, even if the PSP hardware shows its age. With no listed price, it’s a low-risk entry for those who own the platform. The game’s achievements (100% completion unlocks rare FFVII lore) and strong community reception justify its replay value. However, newcomers to the series may prefer diving into the mainline games first.

Storyline

Set seven years prior to the events of the first Final Fantasy VII, the Shinra Company is rapidly increasing its influence through its monopoly on mako energy and military might. With the burgeoning city of Midgar as its base and symbol of prosperity, Shinra is on the verge of establishing absolute dominance over the world. SOLDIER is a group of skilled combat operatives within Shinra. The elite within the group — those strong enough to be deemed SOLDIER 1st Class — are respected and idolized by the citizenry. Zack is a young SOLDIER 2nd Class who aspires to become a 1st. He spends his days carrying out assignments under the guidance of his 1st Class mentor, Angeal. During an operation in Wutai, a large number of SOLDIER member, led by 1st Class operative Genesis, go missing. The severity of the situation prompts Shinra executives to deploy even more SOLDIER operatives in hopes of bringing an end to the war with Wutai—and conducting an investigation into the mass desertion. The ones assigned to the mission are Zack, Angeal, and the 1st Class hero who is known the world over as Sephiroth... What truths lie behind Genesis's disappearance? What secrets bind the three SOLDIER 1st Class operatives? For Zack, a cruel and fateful struggle awaits...