Since I was doing reviews based on the compilation of Final Fantasy VII, I decided to finish it with two more games. Those are Crisis core and Before crisis. Quite different, they still played a big part in the Crisis storyline.
Studio: Square-Enix
Platforms: Mobile phones, PSP
Year: 2004, 2008
~Final Fantasy VII: Before crisis~
While I haven't played this one, I still have seen how the game works. It is basically a RPG set in real time. It has a connection over network, so the players can play in team (like when one gets defeated and trowed into a jail, the other player can save them). Players can also use magic and materia as from previous game. The main characters are Turks, who actually played the villain role in the previous game, in this one it is a little different. The game graphics are up to highest standards when it came out, and the music is also fantastic. And at the end, the game only came out on mobile phones. AND Japanese mobile phones. So, who is the lucky one? xD
Overall: 9/10 - impression mark. A very good game, to those who have the chance to play it.
Main cast of Final Fantasy VII: Before Crisis
~Final Fantasy VII: Crisis core~
"Infinite and the mysteries... is the the gift of the goddess. We seek it in dust and take it to the sky. Ripals fall on the water surface... Quietly, but surely." Loveless- act I
This game is based on the story that is set before the main events of the Final Fantasy VII (the main game in the compilation). The story follows Zack, a young and eager SOLDIER, whose dream is to become one day First Class and the best one there. His mentor is Angel, who is one of the three at that time 1st class SOLDIERS and also the best friend of Genesis (the main villain of this game) and Sephiroth (the main villain of the whole compilation). As the story progress, it becomes more and more deep and they soon find out some things that were always hidden and that can change the heart of man.
And as all other Final Fantasies, the story is also very touching. It ends in one of the most dramatic ways for me. How one long friend leaves his fellow mate, his girlfriend and the whole world...
The gameplay is set in real time with RPG elements. It is very good and playable, although it becomes a little monotone after some while. There are many side quests and things that you can do, though you need to have will to finish it. You can also unlock and buy new stuff, as well as long with some summons and stuff. Now the interesting thing about the gameplay is the leveling system and how you do special attacks. They are something like gambling in which after you hit certain number of points, you try your luck. It is completely random during a battle and the more points you have (which you gain trough the battles) the more chances you get there. It is very fun.
The graphics and soundtrack are, well let's just say this. Fantastic and brilliant!! The graphics first. For the time they came out, they were one of the best that were seen (and still) on the PSP. All the details and effects and especially CG, all are done in such high quality. Now especially CG, because they are pure win. Though they are not many (lack of UMD memory), they are really beautiful. The soundtrack as well. Even today I listen to some tracks from it. Some calming, some fast paced, some touching, it has it all.
The game has some flaws, being very linear and straight forward, but the story, graphics, soundtrack and even the unique gameplay, is what it takes from it. A game definitely worth played for any PSP owners.
Graphics: 9.5/10 - the in-game graphics fantastic. CG, even more!
OST and effects: 9/10 - One of better Final Fantasy soundtracks, which is one of the better soundtracks in general of all games...
Gameplay: 8/10 - unique and fun, but at first. Later it becomes more and more boring.
Story: 10/10 - One of the best VG stories that I have seen.
Overall: 9/10 - A worthy PSP title, who puts in the content of "more than just a game".
One of the best scenes in the whole game. Just look at how many tracks change during the fight and how all the scenes and effects are very well done.
