Faisal Ghaffar 
Have you ever thought about how a game can straddle the line between a remake and a remaster? This Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion acts as the perfect example because it utilizes the skeleton of the original 2007 PSP, but also rebuilds its muscle entirely. In fact, when you see the changes, you will find that they bring it close to the Final Fantasy 7 Remake of 2020, especially its faster combat and updated graphics.
This action focused prequel revolves around the likable and plucky Zack Fair, along with Cloud Strife, who serves as his moody companion. The events of the game take place 7 years before that of Final Fantasy 7, as Zack wants to move up the ranks of the SOLDIER program of Shinra Electric Company to become a Soldier 1stClass, same as Sephiroth.
The change
The most prominent and immediate change that you will see in Reunion is in the graphics update, as the in-game visuals are quite similar to Final Fantasy 7 Remake due to the use of the Unreal Engine 4. You will find the environment extensively detailed and the character models are also quite exceptional. In fact, even the user-interface and menus are very appealing. The improvements make Crisis Core a very high-budget and modern game and it could even be considered a brand new one instead of a remaster.
Summons
Perhaps the most visually appealing additions that you will come across in Reunion is that of the amazing summon sequences. The animations have seen some big improvements when compared with the original, but there is a bit of stiffness in some places. The models are quite refreshing, so any unexpected movement can be a bit jarring. Nonetheless, most of the character movement and dialogue delivery is impressive during combat as well as in-game cutscenes.
Gameplay tweaks
While the graphical updates are undoubtedly the change that will catch your eye immediately, it is the tweaks in gameplay that prove to be more substantial. Even though it had always been an action-packed RPG, Crisis Core had been a PSP game and this did not leave a lot of room in terms of design. But, with modern controllers, the gameplay has gotten exceptional.The DMW system remains unchanged for the most part.
You will find combat to be significantly faster than before, as Zack is able to sneak in sword attacks, dodge them quickly and roll behind enemies very quickly.There are also additional quests, other than the mission system, which extend the runtime.
These minigames can be found throughout the story in Crisis Core and they are designed to be played on the go.
The Verdict
Crisis Core- Final Fantasy 7 Reunion is definitely a good addition because it has fully renovated the graphics, combat and other gameplay areas of the PSP game, which is about 15 years old. Moreover, it has chosen to leave a number of design choices that existed in the original intact, which means that you will see some aging quirks. Nonetheless, it comes off as a compelling, fun and integral chapter in the Final Fantasy 7 Compilation.
