Kotaku: crisis core: final fantasy vii

Dissidia Script Is "Double The Length" Of Crisis Core: FFVII's

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:00:00 MDT

Square Enix's upcoming PSP "action RPG" Dissidia: Final Fantasy features heroes and villians from Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy II, Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy IX and Final Fantasy X. Epic stuff! The game does look and sound big for a PSP title. But just how big? Says the game's senior director Takeshi Arakawa:

Mr. Nomura [the game's character designer, pictured] has been at all the voice recordings, and the script is double the length ofCrisis Core: Final Fantasy VII.

Sure sounds like Square Enix is making a AAA PSP title. Good for Square Enix. Good for PSP owners.

Dissidia: Final Fantasy Interview [Forever Fantasy via PSP Fanboy]

Europe Getting Crisis Core PSP Bundle This Month

Mike Fahey — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:40:00 MDT

Poor, put upon Europe. You either had to pay exorbitant prices to import a Japanese or North American version of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII or simply wait patiently for the game's release on your continent on the 20th of this month. Well SCEE feels your pain, and they hope to ease it somewhat by offering a limited edition PSP Crisis Core game bundle, complete with the game and the silver engraved PSP the Japanese got when the game first launched there.

Of course those of you in the UK who already have a PSP they don't wish to replace with shiny silver goodness still get to benefit from the exclusive special edition, so while it might take a bit longer for you to get the games, Square Enix and SCEE definitely love you guys the best of all.

FFVII PSP Bundle Bound For Europe [Next Generation]

Crisis Core Review: Zack Fair In Love And War

Mike Fahey — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:00:00 MDT

Square Enix's attempt to capitalize on the popularity of Final Fantasy VII with their Compilation of Final Fantasy VII series of games hasn't been going too well so far, especially in North America. The Vincent Valentine vehicle Dirge of Cerberus for the PlayStation 2 was mediocre at best, and the mobile game Before Crisis featuring the Turks still hasn't made it to North American shores. Basically we have a slipshod shooter and Advent Children, a well-crafted yet ultimately shallow CGI movie. Now, Square Enix has released Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII for the PSP, a true prequel to the PlayStation original, which follows the career of Cloud's inspiration, soldier Zack Fair. Has the rebirth of FFVII finally delivered compelling gameplay, or are we better off just replaying the original?

Loved or Loveless? Activating combat mode...

Loved
Combat System: Crisis Core's combat system is basically an evolution of the Kingdom Hearts system, with combat actions, spells, and items selected in real time with the shoulder buttons. It felt a bit awkward at first, but quickly became second nature.
Digital Mind Wave: The DMW is the spinning roulette wheel at the top left, which randomly determines when special attacks and summons occur, as well as not-so-randomly determining when you level up. As the game progresses and you discover new summons and special attacks you will fall in love with the DMW.
Mission System: A big part of what makes Crisis Core an excellent PSP game, the mission system, lets you engage in quick, bite-sized tasks, perfect for a quick Final Fantasy fix. It's optional, but some of the cooler summons in the game are hidden away in missions.
Final Fan-Service: The game is filled with subtle hooks for fans of the PlayStation original. Characters, locations, and events will have you fondly remembering your time with FFVII.
Filling In The Gaps: Crisis Core not only stands on its own in terms of presenting a compelling story, it also fills in gaps from the original game's plot. Final Fantasy VII makes a bit more sense to me now that I've played through Crisis Core.
That Square Enix Shine: Production values in the Crisis Core are through the roof. The music seldom misses, the voice work is excellent, and the CG is truly amazing. Even the menu system oozes quality.

Hated
Unskippable Cutscenes: Nothing pisses me off more than losing a 10 minute long boss fight only to find I cannot skip past the 14 minutes of cutscenes leading up to the rematch. Come on Squeenix, we've moved past this.
Mission Repetition: The missions take place over a dozen or so environments that repeat far too often. Taking on missions in large chunks, I found myself quickly getting tired of seeing the same metal rooms, cave surfaces, and rolling plains over and over again.

Forget Before Crisis and Dirge of Cerberus. With the release of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, FFVII can now be considered a trilogy. Crisis Core, Final Fantasy VII, and Advent Children together form the full Final Fantasy VII experience. Not only is Crisis Core jam-packed with hooks to the PlayStation original, its characters and storyline are strong enough to stand on their own.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is a PSP masterpiece, and an absolute must for fans of spiky-haired protagonists everywhere.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII was developed and published by Square Enix and released on March 25 for the PSP. Retails for $39.99. Campaign played to completion, mission mode 54% completed.

My Shin-Ra Electric Power Company ID Card

fdemarco — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:40:00 MDT

As you might have read earlier, I attended last night's launch of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII at Sony's Metreon Center in SF. While the lucky first hundred people got t-shirts, and some even won some great raffle prizes, anyone was allowed to go up and get their complimentary Shin-Ra Electric Power Company ID card. Being firmly in the "anyone" crowd, I stepped up to claim what will sure to be a valuable money maker on eBay some day. They snapped a quick photo and then we got to wait about twenty minutes while the thing processed and Voila... we were presented with our nifty prize in a little labeled envelope. As you can tell from my photo, I am an employee not to be trifled with.

Crisis Core Launch Party Report Shows Sephiroths In Short Supply

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:40:00 MDT

Scores of Final Fantasy fans queued up for the official Square Enix launch party for Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, but we're a bit disappointed in the lack of ill-fitting costumes and obscenely sized swords present at the event. Flynn's report on GayGamer of the launch festivities may be lacking in comically enormous weapons and crowd-pleasing spiky hair, but it is full of tales of dedication. The first two fans in line braved a eight hour drive and a nine hour wait in line to be the first to score some Crisis Core. Hopefully, these two were rewarded beyond a simple limited edition t-shirt.

More photos of regular Joes sporting gargantuan swords await you at GayGamer. Just don't go expecting to see droves of fandom friendly outfits. Bummer.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Launch Party [GayGamer]

Launch Parties From Coast to Coast

fdemarco — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:00:00 MDT

Tomorrow (Wed.) will see the Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword launch party at the Nintendo World Store in New York City from 2pm - 6pm. The game's producer and director Yosuke Hayashi will be on hand to sign autographs and met and greet the crowd. If you purchase the game there you will be granted one of those nifty Dragon Sword Ninja styli. There will also be demo stations set up around the store so you can try before you buy.

Also, as I reported last week, tonight is the launch party for Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII at the Sony Metreon Center in San Francisco. The event goes from 6pm - 9pm and space is limited to 200 people.

And if that's not enough for you, our own Crecente will be attending and telling you all about his adventures at the Tecmo event in New York. Launch events, ho!

Square Enix Members Site Goes Live. The North ...

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:40:39 MDT

Square Enix Members Site Goes Live. The North American Square Enix Members only site has officially launched. The site is currently featuring a Q&A with Crisis Core director Hajime Tabata, soundtrack giveaways and a couple of web apps, including the bizarre Zack Squat Test. You'll have to register (if you haven't already) to access the goods, but keep in mind that Members Only jackets are not required. Square Enix Members

Week In Games: Shoot The Core

Michael McWhertor — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:00:03 MDT

The wait for more Final Fantasy VII is almost over for North American gamers, as this week's biggest drop is arguably Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII for the PSP. It joins a pair of well known ninja in the week's new releases, which is also heavy on action and real-time strategy. A slew of Wii shovelware hits, excluded from our list of new releases, but there's something for everyone!

Let us know what you're picking up this week in the comments.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (PSP)
This fanfic fodder prequel to the PS One classic Final Fantasy VII makes its way stateside.

Dark Sector (PS3, Xbox 360)
Sci-fi. Third-person shooter. Black ops. Krull.

Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword (DS)
Team Ninja brings stylus stabbing action to the DS.

Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath (PC)
C&C 3's first expansion features more units, more wrath.

Viking: Battle for Asgard (PS3, Xbox 360)
Sega's other axe-battler is steeped in Nordic mythology.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 (PS2)
Kid Naruto, radical ninja, in his third fighting adventure.

Universe At War: Earth Assault (Xbox 360)
The RTS harvests a 360 port.

Octomania (Wii)
The waggle puzzler with a Puyo Puyo pedigree.

Harvest Moon DS Cute (DS)
More farming, role-playing fun, with extra cuteness for girls.

Crisis Core Pre-orders Can Net You Geeky ...

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:40:00 MST

Crisis Core Pre-orders Can Net You Geeky Goodies. If you're willing to drop the cash on a copy of the PSP entry in the "Compilation of Final Fantasy VII", you could walk away with some attractive plastic. This Shin-Ra Electric Power Company UMD case is yours for the stuffing, should you pre-order Crisis Core from Amazon, GameCrazy, GameStop or EBGames. Surely limited in the tens of thousands, so act early.

Crisis Core Vaguely Dated For Europe

Mike Fahey — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:40:49 MST

The game that sold hundreds of thousands of PSP systems in Japan and is poised to do the same when it hits U.S. soil in late March has been officially, if somewhat vaguely, dated for Europe! Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII has been officially granted a Spring 2008 release by Square Enix, which means anywhere between March 21st and June 21st, giving them a nice little three-month window to cram all of those extra languages into that tiny little UMD. Here's hoping it's closer to the beginning of that window, so all of the world can share in the magical adventures of Zack Fair and the little dead flower girl.

Square Enix Announces Prequel To The Most Famous Final Fantasy Of All Time
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-

London (16th January 2008) - Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that CRISIS CORE® -FINAL FANTASY® VII- will be released across all PAL territories in Spring 2008, exclusively on the PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system.

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is the highly anticipated prequel to the biggest selling FINAL FANTASY of all time, taking players on an exhilarating adventure filled with grandeur, excitement, characters that captured the hearts of a generation and many new secrets to discover hidden within the world of FINAL FANTASY VII.

With awe-inspiring visuals, full 16:9 widescreen presentation, an engaging battle system, and additional gameplay challenges not included in the original Japanese version, fans and newcomers alike can experience the world of FINAL FANTASY VII from an all-new perspective.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is one of the most anticipated FINAL FANTASY releases of all times. The game pushes the boundaries of the PSP hardware and will offer a truly fantastic gameplay experience for new fans and fans of the original instalment."

Crisis Core Comes To North America This Spring

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:40:00 MST

The next Final Fantasy VII spin-off game milked from the teat of Square Enix, Crisis Core, finally has a North American date—March 25, 2008. Square Enix nailed down specific (and non-specific) ship dates for a handful of 2008 releases, including the next title in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII series to follow Dirge of Cerberus and Advent Children. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII was a massive success for the PSP in Japan and I suspect it'll do okay over here, too.

The RPG experts also pinned down dates for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates for the Nintendo DS (March 11, 2008) and Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors (February 26, 2008) for the Wii. Slightly hazier is the spring 2008 release window for The World Ends With You, previously known as It's a Wonderful World. Hundreds of hours of text-reading, level building fun awaits you.

Press release with more in the way of details is post jump.

Square Enix Jump-Starts the Year with an Action-Packed Lineup for 2008

Fans Advised to Warm Up this Holiday Season in Preparation for an Assortment of Exciting New Adventures

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, revealed today its first offerings for 2008, with entries that will launch fans into a fast-paced, action-packed new year. This latest announcement brings forth four new titles for the coming year, including releases for the Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, and the Wii.
DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors sets the action in motion as the newest entry in the franchise that has captivated more than 43 million fans worldwide. The premiere RPG franchise makes its debut on the Wii as an immersive action-adventure accessible by players of all ages.

Following suit are powerful, engaging adventures in the handheld arena. FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates for the Nintendo DS offers endless entertainment with its fun-for-all multiplay feature, while CRISIS CORE(TM) -FINAL FANTASY VII- for the PSP system reunites fans with the most recognized RPG characters created by world-renowned character designer Tetsuya Nomura. Nomura's latest designs lend a hip, urban edge to THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU, a stylish new RPG title for the Nintendo DS.

Warm ups are recommended for fans who intend to take on these exciting new challenges that are headed their way!

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.
Planning: Genius Sonority, Inc.
Scenario & Game Design / General Director: Yuji Horii
Character Design: Akira Toriyama
Music: Koichi Sugiyama
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: Action-Adventure
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: February 26, 2008

Developed from the ground up to take advantage of the Nintendo Wii and its motion-sensing technology, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is set to slice its way onto Nintendo's next-generation platform. Use the Wii Remote to slash, parry and blast your way through a land filled with trademark DRAGON QUEST foes! Developed with both long-time fans and casual players in mind, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is poised to take video gaming to an entirely new level of fun and interaction.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/dqswords.

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Ship Date: March 11, 2008

Few titles epitomize the essence of multiplayer camaraderie like the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series. Released in 2004 as an innovative title that took advantage of the Nintendo GameCube-to-Game Boy Advance connectivity, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES pioneered an entirely new gameplay experience that expanded the horizons of conventional RPG gaming. Primed for a release on the Nintendo DS, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates is poised to continue this tradition by providing fans with two distinctly unique games: a fully fleshed single-player RPG experience and an addictive multiplayer element for up to four players.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ffccnews/.

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PSP system
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: March 25, 2008

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-, the highly anticipated entry in the COMPILATION of FINAL FANTASY VII, takes fans on an exciting journey through the origin of the internationally acclaimed FINAL FANTASY VII saga in an all- new action-packed experience. Developed exclusively for the PSP system, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- marks the return of the celebrated characters and game world that mesmerized more than 9.8 million gamers around the globe. With inspiring visuals, full 16:9 widescreen presentation and an engaging battle system, fans and newcomers alike can experience the world of FINAL FANTASY VII from an all-new perspective.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/crisiscore.

THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd./ Jupiter
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB:TBD
Ship Date: Spring 2008

THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU, is an exciting new title developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld system. Previously known as Subarashiki Kono Sekai on its release in Japan, THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU is an innovative new title from Square Enix that fully utilizes the capabilities of the Nintendo DS, and takes major influence from Japan's modern day culture including its people, music, clothes, food and design.

Simple 2000: The Japanese Hardware Chart

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 19:20:17 MDT

The PSP extends its winning streak to week three as sales of the PSP Slim and the continued love-in for Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII make for strong sales. And look at those Xbox 360 numbers! Over 5,000! In a week, that is, not the total number of Xbox 360s sold to the Japanese. Blue Dragon may have outsold Halo 3 during its first week overseas, but Master Chief is moving consoles.

The Wii was slightly down again, the PLAYSTATION 3 overtook its predecessor and some Game Boy micros were sold. Your sales chart awaits below.

PSP - 102,809
Nintendo DS Lite - 72,895
Wii - 24,143
PLAYSTATION 3 - 13,105
PlayStation 2 - 12,980
Xbox 360 - 5,215
Game Boy micro - 229

Simple 2000: The Japanese Software Chart

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:20:00 MDT

While in Japan this week, we saw four times as many commuters sporting PSPs as we did ones rocking the Nintendo DS. Must be that half million strong group of gamers hooked on Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Or maybe it was due to a strong debut from Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus, which snuck in just behind Square-Enix's PSP hit. Plenty of new debuts this week, including Mario Strikers Charged which had a solid, if unspectacular first week. Top ten before the jump, twenty more after.

Here are the weekly sales for September 17th through the 23rd, courtesy of Media Create.

01. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (PSP) - 109,000 / 595,000
02. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus (PSP) - 93,000 / NEW
03. Pokémon Fushigi no Dungeon: Toki no Tankentai (DS) - 85,000 / 385,000
04. Pokémon Fushigi no Dungeon: Yami no Tankentai (DS) - 75,000 / 344,000
05. Katekyoo Hitman Reborn!! DS Flame Rumble Kaien Ring Soudatsuen! - (DS) - 31,000 / NEW
06. Mario Strikers Charged (Wii) - 28,000 / NEW
07. Kiniro no Corda 2 Anchor (PS2) - 24,000 / NEW
08. Mario Party 8 (Wii) - 22,000 / 779,000
09. Samurai Warriors Katana (Wii) - 17,000 / NEW
10. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates (DS) - 16,000 / 331,000

11. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus Deluxe Pack (PSP)
12. My Housekeeping Diary (DS)
13. Taiko no Tetsujin DS (DS)
14. Wii Sports (Wii)
15. Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day (DS)
16. Mario Kart DS (DS)
17. Another Century's Episode 3: THE FINAL (PS2)
18. Brain Age 2: More Brain Training In Minutes A Day (DS)
19. Wii Play (Wii)
20. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
21. Nanatsu Iro * Drops Pure!! (PS2)
22. Animal Crossing Wild World (DS)
23. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney 3 - Best Price! (DS)
24. Sengoku Musou 2 Mushouden (PS2)
25. Brain Age: Train Your Brain In Minutes A Day (DS)
26. Fate/Tiger Colosseum (PSP)
27. Hot Shots Golf 5 (PS3)
28. More English Training (DS)
29. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (PS2)
30. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (PSP)

Sad to see both The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War leave the top thirty, but maybe they'll be back someday.

Media Create Weekly Sales

Yet Another Special Edition PSP For Japan

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:20:31 MDT

Six new PSP colors just isn't enough to meet demand in Japan. That's why Square-Enix and Sony have partnered to bring Japanese gamers yet another version of the PlayStation Portable. This one will only be sold in a limited edition package, one that includes Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a teeny Keyblade strap and the PSP itself, all in sweet, sweet bonus packaging.

The total package will set you back 25,890 yen (about $212 USD) and will include what appears to be the recently revealed "Ice Silver" PSP with special branding. Only 77,777 of these babies will be produced for September, so call in your favors with Japanese pals.

Shots of the whole thing are available at Game Watch.

PSP Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII - FFVII 10th Anniversary Limited [Game Watch]

Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Trailer, Now With More English

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 18:20:26 MDT

As we come to terms with Square-Enix's Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII actually existing, this fan-subbed version of the trailer shown at Jump Festa makes the game much easier to understand. Obviously, spoilers abound, so those hoping to go into the PSP action RPG fresh might want to avert their eyes. Those looking for further evidence the game isn't vaporware should check out the recently launched official Japanese site. Michael McWhertor

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII: Trailer

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:40:48 MDT

This Jump Festa-era trailer for the upcoming action RPG and fourth entry in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII series shows off tons of gameplay along with the usual Final Fantasy theatrics. Exposition abounds, in Japanese of course, and Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII will surely lead to massive sales and new contenders for upcoming GameFAQs polls. We're also sure it will spawn loads of new homoerotic fanfics starring Sephiroth and SOLDIER members Zack and Cloud. We have so much to look forward to! Michael McWhertor