Square Enix revealed Final Fantasy's newly announced Crisis Core Reunion is a remaster and doesn't appear to have new content, but it has improved visuals, new voice acting, new character models, a new control scheme, and quality-of-life improvements. What's most surprising about Crisis Core Reunion is that it's coming to multiple platforms, which makes it all the more frustrating that FF7 Remake is still exclusive to PC and PlayStation systems.
Crisis Core is one of two Final Fantasy 7 prequels, with the other being the Japan-exclusive Before Crisis. FF7 also received sequels, including a movie (Advent Children), a game (Dirge of Cerberus), and two novels (On the Way to a Smile and The Kids Are Alright). These projects are collectively referred to as the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII. When FF7 Remake entered development, it used the opportunity to include elements from the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII into the game, including Deepground from Dirge of Cerberus and some of the protagonist's friends from The Kids Are Alright.
There were a handful of Crisis Core references in FF7 Remake, but there are likely going to be more in the future. Square Enix has announced FF7 Rebirth, which is the second entry in the remake series, and it will feature Zack Fair, the protagonist of Crisis Core. The multiplatform release of Crisis Core Reunion means that everyone will get the chance to experience the events of the game under the new context of FF7 Remake, but it's not going to be of much use to fans on certain platforms, thanks to the FF7 Remake series' ongoing PlayStation console exclusivity.
Crisis Core Is Going From PSP Exclusive To Multiplatform Title
The original Crisis Core was released on the PSP in 2007. FF7 had always been closely associated with the PlayStation brand, so it made sense that its prequel would be a PSP exclusive, as was the case with Dirge of Cerberus on the PS2. FF7 was once a prized PlayStation exclusive, outside of one incredibly poor PC port from back in the day, but as time went on, Square Enix decided to update its old back catalog and bring it to as many platforms as possible, including classic Final Fantasy games. FF7 is now available on all modern platforms, including PC and mobile phones, so it's possible to play the game on pretty much any device, considering how antiquated the game is in of hardware needs.
Square Enix is bringing another game in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII to every platform, as Crisis Core Reunion is being released on PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. It wouldn't be surprising to see it receive a mobile port in the future as well. It used to be a pain to legally play Crisis Core, but Crisis Core Reunion will make it more convenient than ever to play the game. Crisis Core Reunion will also be better than emulating the game, thanks to the overhauled visuals and improved control scheme.
The Division Of The FF7 Remake Series
Crisis Core shows the life and death of Zack Fair, which sets up the events of FF7. The events of Crisis Core have suddenly become important, as Zack isn't dead anymore. The ending of FF7 Remake involved the cast of the game breaking free from their fates from the original timeline so that they can embark on a brand new journey. The ending of the FF7 INTERmission DLC confirms that Zack is somehow still alive in this new timeline and will likely have an important role to play in the story going forward.
As of the time of writing, FF7 is on all of the same platforms that Crisis Core Reunion will be releasing on, but not all of those systems have FF7 Remake. The only systems that have FF7 Remake or its upgraded Intergrade release are PC, PS4, and PS5. The lack of a Nintendo Switch version is likely due to hardware issues, though it's possible that FF7 Remake could receive a cloud version on Nintendo Switch, in a similar manner to the Kingdom Hearts games. The absence of an Xbox port is more confusing, especially as it has been over a year since the PS5 release of Intergrade. Both the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2022 and Final Fantasy Anniversary Celebration events lacked any announcements regarding an Xbox port of FF7 Remake, even though a Steam port was revealed. This doesn't bode well for an Xbox port, although there are a number of Final Fantasy games on Xbox Game . It's possible that the PS5 timed exclusivity deal for FF7 Rebirth includes an extended exclusivity deal for FF7 Remake, though that's just speculation.
Crisis Core Reunion Sets Up FF7 Rebirth On Consoles That Don't Have FF7 Remake
The first trailer for FF7 Rebirth prominently featured Zack, suggesting he is going to have a big role going forward. The very fact that Crisis Core is being remastered lends credence to this, as it will not only give newcomers to the series to get acquainted with Zack, but it will also allow the developers of FF7 Rebirth to include elements of Crisis Core into the game (like Genesis or Minerva), and not have to worry about leaving more casual fans behind.
Crisis Core Reunion is prepping fans for big things with Zack Fair, even though it's appearing on consoles that don't have FF7 Remake yet and may never get them. It's frustrating when developers release prequels and sequels on platforms that never received the original game, as is currently the case with Persona 5 Strikers on Nintendo Switch, and it's just as annoying here. The PlayStation console exclusivity mistake for FF7 Remake and FF7 Rebirth is already annoying for Switch and Xbox fans, and the value of having Crisis Core Reunion on those platforms is diminished by the fact that some players cannot continue the new story with Zack on their hardware.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion will be released for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in winter 2022.
