Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

by Square Enix

Product Features

• Complete the FINAL FANTASY VII experience and reunite with the most recognized RPG characters created by world-renowned character designer Tetsuya Nomura
• Witness stunning graphics, inspiring visuals, and gorgeous CG cut scenes coupled with top-notch voice acting in a 16:9 widescreen presentation, made possible by the PSP system hardware
• Innovative D.M.W (Digital Mind Wave) system enhances the action-packed, engaging, real-time battle system, allowing players to unleash special attacks or call upon iconic Final Fantasy summons
• Take on challenges with the all-new “Hard Mode” developed exclusively for the North American audiences
• Acquire unique accessories made available through 300 side missions to further enrich the gameplay experience

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0010YOQIW
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: March 25, 2008
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,372 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #56 in Video Games > Sony PSP > Role-Playing
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Edition: Limited

Seven years prior to the events of 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 members, 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...

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular, March 25, 2008

By 

N. Durham "Big Evil" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII with Limited Edition UMD Case (Video Game)

I was never too fond of RPG's when I was younger, no matter how much I loved video games. Final Fantasy VII changed that, along with how I looked at the genre, as I, like many others, became addicted to the game's emotional storyline and well-rounded characters. Since then, we have seen a number of tie-ins, spin-offs, and even feature films based on the Final Fantasy VII universe, and now, Crisis Core has finally arrived. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is a prequel to the game, where you play as Cloud's old friend and partner Zack, and uncover secrets and revelations that are full of surprises, and lead up to the events of Final Fantasy VII. First off, the game is is simply gorgeous to look at. Not just the cut-scenes, which themselves are beautiful and stunning, but even the in-game graphics look great, making this undoubtedly the best looking RPG to hit the PSP, and the game's voice acting is even better. The game's combat system is also worth mentioning because it isn't quite turn based, and isn't quite real time. Instead, it is a fast moving system that is quite fun in itself, even if it may come off as a bit too easy for some. Leveling up and performing Limit Breaks is now determined by the slot machine-esque DMW system, which is a fun little twist as well. There are familiar characters abound as well: Cloud, Aerith, Tifa, and of course, Sephiroth. The game's story wonderfully weaves into FFVII mythology, and offers some new perspectives on Zack and Sephiroth, and those respects alone, Crisis Core is worth picking up. All in all, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is a stunning achievement that is an absolute essential addition to your PSP library, and needless to say, if you love everything Final Fantasy VII and you own a PSP, you have to pick up Crisis Core.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful game., March 26, 2008

By 

John Barrett (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII with Limited Edition UMD Case (Video Game)

Disclaimer: If you aren't a fan of Final Fantasy VII, this game probably won't hold a lot of value to you. Sure it is fun but the story is a huge part of it and you'll simply lose something from it. If you haven't played Final Fantasy VII but would like to, I recommend playing the original first, as it will allow you to get the most out of this.

With that out of the way, this game is exceptional. You guide SOLDIER: 2nd Class Zack Fair through the trials of his aspirations to become a 1st Class. All the while learning the history of the Shinra Inc., how Sephiroth became the evil man he is today, and what set the now-legendary Cloud Strife on his fated path.
Gameplay: This is an action RPG in which you control Zack Fair for the entirety of the game. Using the L and R buttons, you switch between Attack and Item commands, as well as equipped materia. (Materia being the glass-like spheres from FF7 which allow you to cast magic.) The battles take place in real time. You are restricted to an 'arena' size, but the combat works a lot like Kingdom Hearts, complete with Block and Dodge Roll.
Of course the component that gets the most attention is the Digital Mind Wave (DMW) which is a slot-machine-like display in the upper right corner. It continually spins as you fight and the results give you stat bonuses. The pictures are comprised of people important to Zack and three of the same person will net you a Limit Break, usually relating to that character. There are also numbers. Three 7s will level Zack up, two of any number will level up the materia in the corresponding slot, and so on.
Sometimes it can get repetitive, but it can be pretty deep if you make it with accessories and fusing materia and the like. It is rewarding, all in all.

Graphics: Breathtaking. Throughout the entire game you will find yourself astounded that a handheld device could produce such graphics. In-game graphics are easily on par with early to mid-life PS2 games and Square's famous FMVs are nearly on par with Advent Children and those in Dirge of Cerberus.

Sounds: The effects are all satisfying. There is a great soundtrack, the original tracks are great. But the most dramatic are the nostalgic remixes of classic Final Fantasy VII tracks. Nibelheim's theme, the battle and boss themes, Aerith's theme, and the ubiquitous One-Winged Angel are all here in champion form. On the whole, the english voice actors do a fine job portraying the characters. Some lines are delivered awkwardly (particularly Angeal). But standouts such as Genesis, Sephiroth and Zack give outstanding performances. As do the rest of the Advent Children cast that reprise their roles.

Story: And this is what it's all about. The fact that the gameplay is fun is a mere bonus to this incredible story. Not only do you still care about the characters from FF7, but you come to know new ones. And, in the case of Sephiroth, get a glimpse at him back when he was a hero and not a villain. Anyone who played Final Fantasy VII knows how the game will end, and that sense of looming makes you wish for the game to wear on for the sole reason that you don't want to see Zack meet with his fate. I can count on one hand the video games that have brought me close to - or made me cry - and this one is definitely on the list. A beautifully bittersweet ending brings this game to a close that you will not soon forget.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The fantasy Begins..., March 26, 2008

By 

Aziz Al-Masri - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII with Limited Edition UMD Case (Video Game)

What is there to say about Crisis Core:FF7? Well the major point is ANY, and I mean ANY fan of the original Square masterpiece NEEDS to buy this game. There now for the many other gamers

The story is fleshed out enough for any non player of FF7 will understand, the combat and magic system are easy to use and master. Some may call the combat too easy, but lets remember this is a game for a portable system. Who wants to play a couple of missions while waiting only to die multiple times.

The DMW is probably the most...well weird part of the game, it does not allow the player to control summons, limit breaks (the character super moves), or allow the player to level up. This may seem like a big minus but after about an hour of play it doesnt bother you anymore.

So to sum it up:

+
Great story with fun characters that FF7 players will love
Easy Combat System
Side Quests are perfect for players on the Go
Great Soundtrack (You will need headphones to completely enjoy this)
DMW after a couple of hours
MUST OWN FOR FF7 FANS!!

-
Loading times
Some voice acting is uninspired...im looking at you Genesis
Non FF7 players may not get the complete experience
Combat System may be too easy for hardcore RPG fans
DMW...for the first couple of hours

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