We have been able to play the first 3 chapters of Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion on PS5 and we will tell you about the impressions it has left us.

Final Fantasy is one of the best-known series in the world of video games and, among all its proposals, episode VII is the one that has caused the most expectation over the years. And it is not for less, since the epic adventure of Cloud and company has managed to establish itself as one of the best video games ever. As a result, with the passage of time, new stories have been explored, such as that of Zackthe enigmatic friend of the protagonist, of whom we will not reveal anything in case you have started on this adventure with the remake.

Now, to complete this compilation that is bringing back Final Fantasy VII, we have the opportunity to accompany Zack in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion, the remastering of the title that was released on PSP and that helped to better understand the events prior to the original game. Us We have already been able to draw Soldier’s sword to play the first 3 chapters of the game on PS5 and then we will tell you all the impressions that this return to one of the great works of the first Sony portable console has left us. As a first contact, we admit that It’s been great getting Zack under control again. and discover its history with a renewed aspect, but with that old air from when we enjoyed it for the first time.

A recognizable bet, but with various changes

All environments have been revamped to look great.

The first thing you should know about Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion is that it is about a remastering that goes much further in various playable points. It is somewhat more complete than the PSP title, especially as far as mobility is concerned, both in the secondary missions and in the main ones, where it is offered greater freedom of movement that back then This is something that is especially noticeable in the use of the camera in combat, which allows a greater fluidity and adaptability to situations that require battles.

However, we are before a game that breathes the essence of the original, so don’t expect any major gameplay changes. In fact, the roulette system is still maintained, through which various combos and combinations can be executed, according to the links that Zack has with the rest of the characters in the adventure. This manages to correct, in some way, the lack of companions in combat, since the power execute your powerful skillsit is possible to do greater damage that can tip the balance in favor in the most demanding combats.

Yes, there are certain changes that are worth commenting on, such as more fluidity when switching from physical to magical attacks or go combining the different arts, with what the gameplay becomes much lighter and abandons that rough feeling that the original game left behind. In addition, now also provides the ability to stop the ultimate attacks of enemies, as can be the case with the summons of Ifrit and Bahamut, through a charge meter. If you manage to destroy it completely, the attack will be cancelled, but if it manages to execute it without you removing it, you take a lower percentage of damage, making it easier to withstand devastating attacks. This inclusion also invites the combats are more frantic and riskywhich adds a fantastic touch to the fighting.

The combats are much more fluid and agile than in the original.

The secondary missions have also undergone certain changes. Beyond a greater degree of detail in its achievement, they can be accessed from any save point, even in the middle of a main mission. This is something that can help to farm level if you consider that said mission is becoming more difficult for you than you expected, so it is a good method to complete the secondary missions in a way would complement to the main ones, although doing so is your decision, of course, since you can access them at any time you want.

But ultimately the game and its experience are very familiar with what could be seen on PSP. There are no major changes to the enemies or the maps, something that is quite shocking, because the encounters with the groups of monsters or humans that cut you off have not even been remodeled. It is noticeable that everything is transferred from a portable console, with all the limitations that this entailed at the time and there are certain dynamics and techniques that do not quite fit. In this sense, there are camera transitions, the number of enemies on the map and certain animations that fall somewhat short in terms of a game of these times, but it should be remembered that we are not facing a remake, but a remastering, for what these types of situations fall within the normal.

Crisis Core adapts to the aesthetics of the Remake

The entire interface has been adapted to look the same as that of Final Fantasy VII Remake.

But, as we said before, Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion goes beyond a simple remastering. And this is noticeable in a remarkable way, beyond the details discussed a few lines above. Character design has been completely revamped to adapt it to that of Final Fantasy VII Remake and it must be admitted that it feels luxurious. So things, the interface has also been completely remodeled, allowing to adapt to that of the mentioned game. Now it is much simpler and more intuitive, moving away from the classic game, as it was with the PSP game.

Of course, this also affects other areas, since the game is now fully dubbed with the original voices from the remake and there are certain environments that have also been adapted to what could be seen in the work. Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion is part of this return of Final Fantasy VII, so everything must fit with the main proposal. Without a doubt, the best news regarding this relaunch, since its graphic aspect is superb and allows us to relive Zack’s story as we saw in 2020 with that of Cloud and company.

The matter synthesis system is back.

Finally, the matter synthesis system is also back, allowing you to experiment to level up subjects or generate new ones. This allows Zack to gain new magical abilities or enhance existing onesalthough they can also level up through the development of the fights and, especially, with the roulette bonuses, which can cause immunity, infinite MP or, as we mentioned before, abilities of allies. The entire system has been made from scratch to make it totally familiar with the Remake. and the result is fantastic, providing a more fluid, modern and comfortable gameplay for the user.

Fantastic in its fluidity, although somewhat weak in the cinematics

The cinematics of Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion are carried over directly from the original.

Another of the big changes experienced by Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion has to do with its improved technical aspect. We have been able to play it on PS5 and the fluidity it brings to 60fps is formidable. It is true that it is not a particularly demanding game, since the groups of enemies are usually limited and do not overtax the machine, but it performs really well at all times, especially when there are many explosions, movements and capers that take place. mix on the battlefield.

What does remain somewhat stranger are the cinematics, which are taken directly from the original. Since the launch of Crisis Core on PSP, a few years have passed and, although at that time we were left with our mouths open at the quality of these video scenes, today its blurry and grainy appearance causes a huge contrast with the good quality that the game leaves in general in the rest of the scenes or in the gameplay. It would not have hurt if they had been adapted in the same way as has been done with the other aspects of the title, although we presume that it is somewhat more arduous work and, given the quality of the period, it manages to hide it better than any other scene within of the gameplay environment. Even so, the result is not at all satisfactory.

The return that Zack deserves

Zack and Sefirot have many leading roles in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion.

It’s still too early to make a verdict on Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion, but these impressions are very positive. It may not be the revolution that Final Fantasy VII Remake was compared to the original work, but it is It is a most worthy remastering and with more than enough news which brings Zack back to learn about his story and seamlessly link between the first and second episodes of the reimagining, which will arrive at the end of 2023. All Final Fantasy lovers a priori will be delighted with what Crisis Core proposes – Final Fantasy VII- Reunion, since aims to be the return that Zack Fair deserves, one of the most beloved characters in the franchise. However, we recommend that you wait for the next few days, when we can finally publish the complete analysis of the game, where we can offer you the final impressions sobre Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion.