I know that FF7 is not everyone's cup of tea, for some it's the epiphany of rpg games, for others it's a meh, and for some it's a good game. I'm more on the great game side of it, for sentimental and playing reasons, FF7 is a game with a good story, great replay value, and above all some of the most memorable RPG moments. ( I'm looking at you Aeris ).

And since FF7 came out it had it's ups and downs, some very regrettable spin-offs, Dirge of Cerberus, and some okay plot continuation such as Advent Children , (yet of course we could mention Before Crisis, but like most people have done with this, we can forget it.) And FF7 fans were left to wish for a decent sequel/prequel.

When the rumors started around Crisis Core I was, honestly, happy as fuck, because maybe this would be a decent sequel, then more rumors that Zack would be the main character, with these news some people wet their pants, I proudly did to. And yet they revealed it will also feature Cloud and Sephiroth, and that it would be about the story of Zack and Soldier, for the moment this was great, some people were pessimistic and thought it was yet another FF7 cash-in, I didn't want to jump to conclusions so I waited, more screenshots, information, and finally a release date. I had some money saved for the game, and the moment it went for sale on America, I got it.



The game starts as an ode to FF7 same enemies, same location, but what is this, a different battle system, at first it seemed weird, innovating of course, still weird, you get a spin-wheel like system called Digital Mind Wave, and it resembled something alongside Kingdom Hearts meets Devil May Cry, but this is where it shoots off. At first impression it seemed boring, but once you get ahold of the DMW and the game mechanics it's a worthy title, indeed.

The game mechanics centers around missions, which if you do the main storyline you'll find it is very well done, don't except FFT, but still something good. Materia is back, thankfully, doing the same purpose as before, using magic attacks, using physical commands, and yes sir, summons are back, not the same way, but back.

Talking about graphics this game serves justice. The places, characters and CGI are very well done and serve justice to the PSP, not only will you get some good CGI, I found the entire game to be well rendered.

The battles at first seem to be a normal hack and slash, but once you advance into more complex mission, the battles become entertaining, and complex. You'll need to use not only the buttons in a maniac style, but also knowledge of materia, making Zack a great warrior, or a wimp. There are also some characters to bring back the nostalgia, some places that'll bring memories, and in perspective, a great FF7 vibe in it.

Not a usual RPG, but SE did a good job with this. For anyone looking for a different kind of game Crisis Core brings a great new theme to RPG. Yet there are just some things SE can't fix.