In line withFinal Fantasy 7 Remake, Square Enix has given fans a long-awaited remaster ofCrisis Core. This is a prequel surrounding Zack Fair and his adventures as a SOLDIER operative. Until now, it’s been stuck on the PSP due to rights issues, so it’s been out of the gaming circuit for a while.
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As such, many players may discoverCrisis Corefor first time with thisReunionrelease. If that’s the case, they should keep a few things in mind. In trueFinal Fantasyfashion,Square Enixchanged the established mechanics, forcing fans to adapt to new gameplay.
7Ignoring Side Quests
At first glance, these additional missions may seem tacked on. Players don’t encounter them while exploring the world or talking to its residents. Instead,Crisis Coresecrets these tasks away in Shinra’s back room. This implies that Zack can just tackle these quests whenever he feels like it.
Though they are optional, fans should still give them a chance. An obvious benefit is building valuable experience. After all, no one wants to be out on a story mission and find themselves underpowered. On top of that, the side missions yield rewards,such as new materiaand accessories. It’s a win-win scenario in terms of character improvement.
6Playing It Like FF7 Remake
Fans would be forgiven for seeing this as an expansion for theFinal Fantasy 7 Remaketrilogy. Its release lie between entries and uses many of the same assets. However,Crisis Coreis fundamentally different.
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The game is much closer to a linear hack-and-slash title. The combat unfolds in real time. Pausing for the command menu–an ode tothe series' turn-based roots–takes a backseat to shortcuts. Players also can’t freely explore bustling hub areas like Wall Market. Levels instead consist of corridor networks where most of the inhabitants are enemies. The experience may not be a sprawling, but it is more focused.
5Not Checking Your Email
Zack sometimes receives emails from friends and coworkers. Players might easily pass these off as superfluous fluff or light reading to deepen the world. That’s the case with the Ansem and Xehanort reports inKingdom Hearts.They offer more insight into the characters' mindsets, but not much else.
However, the emails' benefits are more tangible. Some of these messages pave the way for additional missions. They may also contain gifts, furthering strengthening Zack’s arsenal. In short, if he engages with Midgar’s residents, then they return the favor.
4Trying To Control The DMW
The slot machine in the corner of the screen is the Digital Mind Wave. If three of the same faces show up, then Zack performs a Limit Break. Players might think they have to carefully time their button presses to get that trinity. That’s what the slot machine format implies, but it’s only a facade.
There’s no telling when the DMW will land in fans' favor. At least with Limits and Summons in other games, a meter indicates when players can use these attacks. Here, though, the availability seems arbitrary. On the upside, players can now choose whether to use these moves when prompted. That in itself is an upgrade over the originalCrisis Core.
3Full Frontal Assault
Zack’s go-getter attitude is infectious. He runs straight toward his enemy with his sword and a smirk. That might encourage fans to emulate him by attacking enemies head-on. While this approach works for the small fry, it’s by no means a viable option for all foes. Instead, players may want to try a little misdirection.
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Many monsters are weak in the back. Striking here often results in critical damage. Zack already covers a lot of distance with his dodge roll. Fans just need to aim that dodge to open enemies up to a catastrophic counter. Flanking is a surefire way to win most battles, and these skirmishes are no exception.
2Forgetting Phoenix Downs
Fans typically use Phoenix Downs to revive fallen party members. ConsideringCrisis Coreis a solo venture with no party, that’s obviously not the case. The items function here as One-Ups: bringing Zack back to life upon his defeat. This can potentially make the game too easy, but it’s a godsend for the tougher bosses. As such,players should have one or two in their inventory at all times.
A woman in Shinra fulfills this need and then some. She happily shares a special potion with a Phoenix Down effect for free. Zack need only check in with her after each mission. More often than not, she’ll have one of the lucky mixtures on offer.
1Not Changing The Controls
Certain controls inCrisis Core Reunionare counterintuitive. OnPlayStationconsoles, for example, the default input to switch targets is holding L1 while moving the left stick. This is especially cumbersome since both of these buttons come into play during combat. Thankfully, players don’t have to settle.
The game includes an option to remap the controls. This is usually a feature reserved for PC titles, so console players may not even look for it. However,the developers here know the value of accessibilityand personalized play in the modern market. Thus, fans can change the inputs how they see fit.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunionis available now on PS4, PS5, Steam, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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