• Review: Final Fantasy Crisis Core

    by
    Kris "Kayris" Cullen
    Published on 07-17-2011 05:34 PM
    0 Comments Comments


    Final Fantasy: Crisis Core

    Developers: Square Enix
    Publisher: Square Enix
    Platforms: PSP
    Genre: Action RPG
    Rating: Teen
    Release Date: March 25, 2008

    Final Fantasy 7 has had its share of spin offs, but now that it has hit the PSP, it has taken its gameplay in an entirely new direction. This game, being a prequel, now lets you dive deeper in the the already in-depth story line of Final Fantasy 7.

    Presentation
    Now taking on the role of Zack Fair, a member of the elite military group of SOLDIER, the story starts off with the character trying to move up the ranks. Unlike the prior games this game hones in on Zack's interaction of the plot and not on the entire grand scheme of things, which later builds on the story of its predecessor.

    Upon start up of the game it opens up to the most beautifully rendered looking intro, some what similar to what you would find in the FF7 Advent Children movie. The game opens up with with bare minimum of options like any other Final Fantasy game which leads you in to directly playing it.

    Sound/Music
    Most of the music was composed by Takeharu Ishimoto along with a few various orchestrated tracks by Kazuhiko Toyama. Along side these new tracks was remixed music brought back from previous games done by Nobuo Uematsu. The new music is a lot harder and rougher than than its predecessors due to its newer rockish tonality. But like with any game coming along with this franchise Square Enix takes pride in its music and sound.

    This games pays very much attention to every detail from its different sounds in the steps the character takes to the clanging of swords and shots from guns. The neat part of this game is now with each individual monster comes new sounds and "roars" that wasn't available in previous games of this franchise.

    Graphics
    This game being one of the most beautiful rendered game to hit the PSP goes to show that Square Enix is still one of the leaders/giants in computer generated cinematics. During cut scenes the game flawlessly sets the mood with great contrasts in color from dark earthy for grunge and mystery, brights for lightheartedness, and sepia tones for flashbacks. And the fact that the cut scenes and gameplay mesh so smoothly is what allows the gamer to never lose focus and continue playing for hours. Gameplay graphics can be seen as ultimately being smooth and flawless although during play the camera movement can get stuck on walls and other objects from time to time.

    Gameplay
    As far as gameplay is concerned the game plays similar to that of kingdom hearts or any action RPG for that matter. The list of commands is on the bottom right hand corner and is as simple as Attack, Magic, Items, and the New DMW. DMW is similar to a slot machine and only by a strike of luck will you be allowed to access summons and similar abilities such as what would be this games limit breaks which contain anything from Zack's own abilities to that of characters you meet along the way who are willing to lend the needed helping hand. So once you hit the DMW through luck you are then taken to another slot type screen which is ran pre-determinedly. When fighting there is the ability to go off and level grind but need to is nigh when the game is almost simply beaten by attacking the whole way through about 90% of the time.

    The game is seems to be a lot more linear than most Final Fantasy's but the ability to go off and do your own thing is still there with shinra training modules and "hunts" that can be located at your local shinra headquarters. These tranings and hunts release a lot of possibilities from level grinding, rare items, and acquiring new summons for the "slot machine". But what sets this game apart from other final fantasy's is the fact that there is no over world that lends itself to a more linear base of play.

    Lasting Appeal
    This game is a lengthy play for a PSP game (a 30 plus hour adventure), but main play aside. There are tons of things that can be taken into account for replay value. The shira training modules for one release a lot of the hidden in game bonuses along with the "hunts", even some more difficult training for the veteran gamer such as defeating 1000 shira soldiers which can take up to an hour or two on its own.

    After beating the game the gamer is now entitled to keeping his items and earned experience for a second go at the game which can be quite tempting for one who likes a challenge and a change in difficulty.

    Conclusion
    Crisis Core is a solid experience even though its fighting is very simple to the point that the game can be beaten by pressing x majority of the way through. From beautiful cinematics, amazing sound, great story, and decent "side quests" this game pulls you in until your done leaving you satisfied till the very end. All in all the game does great justice to the franchise unlike other prequels and sequels in this day and age.

    Score
    8.5/10

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.

SEO by vBSEO