we have already analyzed Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core Reunion, a remake of the original Japanese RPG released on the PSP in 2007, which achieved great success by becoming one of the few games based on the Final Fantasy VII universe that convinced the community. We tested it on PlayStation 5, although it’s also available on Playstation4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC as of December 13th. The game was surprisingly announced by Square Enix a few months ago, and it raised high expectations with its new graphics and combat system. Let’s take a closer look at what we can expect from him.

Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core Reunion takes us several years before what happened in Final Fantasy VII and puts us in the shoes of Zack Fair, a class 2 warrior who belongs to the Soldier, the elite military organization of Shinra. While seeking glory in his missions after being drafted by his superior to become a 1st Class Warrior, he discovers clues about certain members of the Soldiers who are behaving somewhat strangely. Throughout the adventure, we will meet other characters from the universe such as Aeris, Sefirot or Cloud himself.

In this way, based on going through scenarios that will be full of enemies, we will reveal the mysteries of these characters. Meanwhile, as is the case in saga games, we meet the usual mini-games and puzzles which usually provide variety and very entertaining moments. As we improve our character through equipment and materials, you expect that they contain a specific power that we will need to take great advantage of.

Compared with original name, we can’t find any news. And since the original game is over a decade old, it has a fairly simple plot and it won’t take us long to finish it if we don’t engage in side missions. In just over 10 hours, we were able to finish the story and discover the intense ending that the game has in store for us.

Completely redesigned combat system

However, there are other elements of the game that have changed. First of all, it should be highlighted gameplay, because thanks to the innovations it contains, our gaming experience is much smoother and in line with the current times. In this way, we have a new combat system that preserves the essence of the original, but is much closer to the system of Final Fantasy VII Remake, contains much more elements of action games and emphasizes all combat options. Between that and the fact that the interface is now simpler and more accessible, the fights are becoming very bearable. For example, we now have configurable shortcuts for using item or object powers.

However, one of the most distinctive elements of the original game during combat was the OMD system, which is nothing more than several rollers that start spinning during combat to give us some kind of advantage that can vary between levels, such as allowing a summon or a limit, out other. Although yes, it has improved now. If it was paused before the fight to show the OMD result, it’s now shown in the corner, and if it’s a result we can use, it’ll stay saved until we want it. Between these changes and the fact that we can now skip summon animations, fights are executed much more smoothly.

Audiovisual editing at high altitude

Another of the elements that attracted the most interest in the game is the audiovisual section. And the point is that they haven’t been scaled down like in other titles to improve resolution and little else. On the contrary, they have updated all models, animations, lighting, etc.. So the game looks much more current and closer to Final Fantasy VII Remake. Although let’s be realistic, we still have to keep in mind that this is an adaptation of the game from 2007, so you can’t expect miracles.

Certain elements of the soundtrack and dubbing have also been reworked, with voices in all dialogue being in both English and Japanese, and of course subtitles in Spanish. All in all, we have a game that looks very good, not even close to the level of games of this generation, but it doesn’t shine either.

Not everything has been checked

Although unfortunately not everything was checked. This is the case with the secondary missions, one of the most focused aspects to play on a portable console like the PSP. It is an infinite number of missions that we will find during the adventure and that will allow us to significantly improve our character. However, they are all the same, with very simple designs that really contribute very little beyond some battles that really test us and the rewards they can give us. Fortunately, they are optional, but it is recommended that you do some of them so that Zack is prepared.

Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core Reunion is available through various channels, including retailers such as Amazon, who are selling it at a discount from the official retail price.