Square Enix has shared new screenshots and information for the recently announcedCrisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion, detailing the game's cast of characters, gameplay elements, and improvements from the game's original PSP version.
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Additionally, several interviews have gone up with various outlets regarding Crisis Core as well as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Speaking with IGN, producer Mariko Sato states that Reunion is being called a remaster - not a remake despite some visual and mechanical tweaks - because the game's story content will be identical to the original. When discussing performance, he notes that the PC version will target 120fps while the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions will be 60fps. No hard numbers were given for the Switch version.
Several Japanese outlets have gone up with interviews as well, and Gematsu has written a round-up of various details discussed. Not only have all character models been adjusted and more voice-acting added, but camerawork and animations have also been adjusted throughout the remaster. Additionally, combat has been tweaked to incorporate some elements of Final Fantasy VII Remake, such as a mode change that allows Zack to unleash strong attacks. Attacks can also be more-easily comboed together, more shortcuts are available, and some abilities activated by Crisis Core's DMW system in the original version can now be activated freely.
The new details and screenshots from Square Enix can be found below. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is set to release this winter for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
It’s been a few weeks since we announced Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion, but we know many of you are eager for a closer look at the game.
So that’s what we’ll give you. Read on and we’ll showcase some beautiful screenshots and explain a little more about the story, characters, and mechanics… as well as what’s new in this massively enhanced edition.
But first, for those who weren’t watching the Final Fantasy VII 25th Anniversary Celebration, let’s recap: what is this game?
About Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion
In 2007, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII released on PlayStation Portable, winning critical acclaim thanks to its heartfelt story, fast-paced exciting combat, and close ties to Final Fantasy VII.
Now the game’s making a return on modern platforms, with a massively enhanced and improved version of the game. This is so much more than a simple HD Remaster - we’re talking completely refreshed visuals, improvements to game systems, a newly rearranged soundtrack, additional dialogue and more!
With everybody caught up on the basics, let’s talk about the story!
The Story
It is seven years before the events of Final Fantasy VII. The Shinra Company rules from the mako-powered metropolis of Midgar with a frightening level of influence and military power.
Part of Shinra’s military is SOLDIER, a group of elite warriors with incredible abilities.
A SOLDIER 2nd class named Zack Fair is sent on a mission to investigate the disappearance of fellow SOLDIER Genesis, alongside senior 1st Class operative Angeal Hewley and the world-renowned hero Sephiroth.
That’s all we’ll say for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say, this starts a tale that’s dramatic, emotional and has massive implications for the world and lore of Final Fantasy VII.
The characters of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion
Zack’s prequel adventure is as full of memorable characters as FINAL FANTASY VII itself. Here are just a few of the people you’ll meet:
Zack Fair
Voice talent: Caleb Pierce
“SOLDIER 2nd Class Zack, on the job!”
The protagonist of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is a cheerful, dynamic SOLDIER 2nd Class who dreams of becoming a hero.
He can sometimes act recklessly, but he has the inner strength to stand and face any difficulties in his path.
Angeal Hewley
Voice talent: Bill Millsap
“You're a little more important than my sword...but just a little.”
Angeal is Zack’s mentor and a 1st Class SOLDIER operative. He’s a reliable, grounded man with a sense of responsibility - and trusted by all who know him.
Angeal always carries his gigantic Buster Sword on his back, but very rarely uses it. He’s also close friends with Sephiroth and Genesis.
Genesis
Voice talent: Shaun Conde
“Now, what I want most...is the "gift of the goddess.”
Genesis is a SOLDIER 1st Class with his own unique sense of style and a great deal of admiration for the epic poem LOVELESS.
He’s a childhood friend of Angeal - both come from the village Banora. Although he gets on well with his colleague Sephiroth, he also secretly harbors a strong sense of rivalry towards him.
Sephiroth
Voice talent: Tyler Hoechlin
“Whether your words...are lies created to deceive me...
...or the truth, that I have sought all my life...”
A legendary hero and SOLDIER 1st Class, Sephiroth possesses greater strength than most operatives. He’s respected and admired around the world.
As a perfect being, he is somewhat difficult to approach - the only two people who are close to him are Angeal and Genesis.
Aerith Gainsborough
Voice talent: Briana White
“Normal is best. I think so, at least.”
A somewhat fey and mysterious girl who lives in the Sector 5 slums.
Her first fateful encounter with Zack comes as she is tending to her flowers in the slum church.
What’s new in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion?
Next, we’ll look at some of the enhancements that are coming in this new version of CRISIS CORE. Starting with…
HD Graphics
All 3D character models, as well as UI and background graphics have been completely remade for this new edition of the game.
Above: PSP Edition of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII-
Above: Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion
The beautiful world of Final Fantasy VII, now rendered in HD, makes the story even more immersive than before.
Game system improvements
Camera and character movements have been vastly improved from the original, yet still maintains the fun feel that was at the core to that game.
The user interface (UI) has also been optimized for the latest hardware generations and various skip features have been added for an even more enjoyable and convenient gameplay experience.
Sound improvements
Many background music tracks have been given new arrangements by the original composer Takeharu Ishimoto!
What’s more, full voice-over has been added to scenes that were previously text-only, so you can now enjoy the entire story fully voiced!
The Battle System
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion uses a combat system that combines command-based systems with action gameplay. Massive improvements to the controls and camera have evolved the action to create an even more thrilling experience than the original game.
During battle, you take control of Zack and can attack enemies directly with his sword skills, and by using pre-set magic and abilities from equipped materia.
By learning the characteristics of each ability and utilizing them in the right situation, you can gain a great advantage in battle.
The DMW
If you’ve seen the trailer or glanced at the screenshots, you may have noticed the slot wheels in the upper left corner. This is the Digital Mind Wave - or “DMW”.
This is a unique mechanic that adds random elements to battles in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion.
During battle, the slot reels turn automatically, and a wide variety of different effects can be triggered by lining up the different images and numbers. For example, Zack can get various status boosts, or unleash devastatingly powerful Limit Breaks… including Octaslash!
With this awesome attack, Zack lands eight rapid sword strikes in the blink of an eye! It’s triggered when images of Sephiroth are lined up on the DMW.
