FF7-Crisis Core (Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core (PSP))

Member Name: kersplatty

Product:	Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core (PSP)
Date:	13/12/08 (94 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Stays true to FF7 elements, Good gameplay, Excellent CGI and voice acting, Great story

Disadvantages: Annoying limit break system, textures are a bit sameish

FF7 is possibly one of the most well known PS1 games, launching the success of the PS1. Now with the PSP, Square-enix have brought us a prequel to that excellent game with cameos from all our favourite characters.

Firstly the packaging. I Bought the limited edition version and the art-work it comes with is very nice along with an art booklet with concept drawings from the artists. Overall good value for a special edition package costing £25

Secondly the graphics. From the very start sony demonstrates the unseen power of the psp with a nice CGI sequence to introduce us as with previous final fantasys. Throughout the game you are rewarded with more and more cgi cut scenes and they look brilliant, the 16:9 screen shows off the vibrant colours and adds a cinematic feel to the whole game. In game however graphics obviously aren't as good as the CGI but nevertheless they are still impressive and on par with some ps2 games. However as with some ps2 games the same brick textures and building textures can be seen on lots of buildings and backgrounds leaving you wishing for a change of scenery sometimes.


Thirdly the sound effects are very similar to final fantasy 7 with the familiar battle songs and music when walking round buildings. Overall sound effects are satisfactory but then again i only use sound for the CGI cut sequences which provide excellent sound effects and voice acting.
Overall the sound lends itself to FF7 and true fans will be pleased to hear new rendtions of old songs aswell as some new funky music.

Finally the gameplay. using a new battle system called DMW the player can carry out attacks more flexibly then FF7 with limit breaks making a welcome comeback. On the downside to this however is how annoying the new limit break system is. Instead of being able to tactically use limit breaks and choose which one you want to use, you now have to use a slot type system resulting in a random limit break depending on your slots (like casino slot machines) . Although some people may like this new feature I find it a bit irritating seeing the slots come up and having to wait for them to stop.

Overall it isn't the best game i've ever played but at the end of the day as a FF7 fan it feeds my hunger for FF7 i've had since advent children and is almost definitely a welcome addition to the FF series.

Summary: A great addition to the FF series lending itself well to the FF7 history with a unique story