CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

Developer: Square Enix
Release: Dec 13th 2022
Platforms:
Action
RPG
Emotional
Nostalgic
Polished
Repetitive
Audio Issues
CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION Poster

" Emotional action RPG with stunning graphics and combat, but repetitive mission design "

CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION Review

CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION is a remastered version of the beloved 2007 PSP game, offering a nostalgic yet modernized journey into the backstory of the Final Fantasy VII universe. Players follow Zack Fair's emotional and heroic arc, enriched by fully voiced cutscenes, updated graphics using Unreal Engine 4, and a re-recorded orchestrated soundtrack. The game retains its classic action RPG mechanics, with improvements in combat fluidity and quality-of-life features. The storyline is praised for its depth and emotional impact, especially for fans familiar with FF7 lore.

However, the game still reflects its handheld roots with mission-based progression that some find repetitive and dated. Some voice acting choices and audio quirks, like the high-pitched ticking sound, have drawn criticism. Despite minor flaws, the remaster is regarded as a faithful, polished tribute that enhances the original experience and is highly recommended for FF7 enthusiasts and JRPG fans alike.

Highlights

Players particularly praise the rich, emotional story that deepens the FF7 universe, especially Zack's character development and the impactful finale.

The graphics overhaul using Unreal Engine 4 brings characters and environments to life with modern polish, making it visually impressive for a remaster.

Gameplay improvements include fast, satisfying combat with deeper customization and quality-of-life features, while the soundtrack's orchestration adds significant emotional weight.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's dated mission structure, which some find repetitive and tedious, detracting from the overall experience.

The DMW system remains divisive, with some players finding it intrusive or random.

Voice acting changes, particularly for Zack, are polarizing, and certain audio issues like the persistent high-pitched ticking sound have frustrated players.

Additionally, the world feels somewhat empty with limited exploration, and the combat can become repetitive against normal enemies.

Pros

  • Emotional and compelling story enriches FF7 lore and character depth.
  • Modernized graphics with Unreal Engine 4 provide a stunning visual upgrade.
  • Fully voiced cutscenes enhance narrative immersion and character connection.
  • Fast-paced and satisfying combat with improved responsiveness and customization.
  • Re-recorded orchestrated soundtrack adds grandeur and emotional resonance.
  • Quality-of-life improvements streamline gameplay and mission tracking.
  • Smooth performance and near-instant load times across platforms.

Cons

  • Mission-based progression feels repetitive and can become tedious.
  • DMW roulette system remains divisive and sometimes disrupts combat flow.
  • Voice acting changes, especially Zack’s, are polarizing among fans.
  • Audio issues like a high-pitched ticking sound distract some players.
  • Limited exploration with claustrophobic maps reduces immersion.
  • Combat can feel repetitive against normal enemies with little challenge.
  • Some cutscenes and dialogues feel awkward or melodramatic.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION is a remaster of CRISIS CORE featuring updated graphics, combat systems and soundtrack. Follow the tale of SOLDIER operative Zack Fair, as he discovers the secrets of Shinra's dark experiments.

Release Date Dec 13th 2022
Publisher Square Enix
Developer Square Enix, TOSE CO., LTD.
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (3,091)
91% Positive 9% Negative