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Experiencing one of the most crucial components of the lauded Final Fantasy 7<\/em> saga has been more difficult than it should be in the last few years. Until recently, playing the original Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7<\/em>, which came out 15 years ago, required the long-since discontinued PlayStation Portable. If you didn\u2019t already have it, you\u2019d likely have to pay around $250 to experience one game. Thankfully, we now have Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion<\/em>, the definitive \u2014 and accessible \u2014 way of experiencing the prequel to one of the most revered games of all time, and its thrilling modern remake. <\/p>\n

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion<\/em> isn\u2019t a full remake \u2014 at least, not in the way 2020\u2019s ambitious Final Fantasy 7 Remake<\/em> was. It also isn\u2019t a simple remaster. Instead, it\u2019s somewhere in between \u2014 a charming reimagining that confidently portrays Crisis Core<\/em> on modern terms, flaws and all, and asks you to come along for the ride. Is that ride perfect, or anything that measures up to Final Fantasy 7 Remake<\/em> or even the original Final Fantasy 7<\/em>? Not at all. Is it worth taking? Absolutely. Especially now, as these characters head in fascinating directions in the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The story of Crisis Core<\/em> follows not the iconic Cloud Strife but Zack Fair, an outgoing man who\u2019s as capable of doling out a uniquely warmhearted kindness as he is of decimating whatever targets the corporation Shinra assigns to him. He becomes a rising star among the ranks of the paramilitary organization known as SOLDIER, falls in love, and earns the confidence to brush off his pessimistic boss. In other words, he\u2019s in his prime. It\u2019s hard not to be immediately enamored by his boundless optimism and overeager nature. But those dreams become complicated as he finds himself entangled in a web of mysteries when his mentor, Angeal, suddenly disappears. Zack is tasked with finding him and Genesis, a first-class SOLDIER member who has deserted the organization and is, crucially, a known friend of the war hero Sephiroth.<\/p>\n