Square Enix has started bringing more of its games to Switch 2, and beginning with the launch of Final Fantasy VII Remake Trilogy on Switch 2, the company appears to be fully focused on bringing more of its classic Final Fantasy games to Nintendo’s hybrid platform. Before the release of Final Fantasy VII Remake, fans had a chance to experience more of the world through games like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion and Dirge of Cerberus.
Crisis Core was originally released for the PSP and was later ported to current-generation hardware. This remaster features a significant visual upgrade, but the core gameplay has largely been left unchanged. The developers have mainly adapted the gameplay to follow the style and approach of the modern Final Fantasy remakes rather than completely reinventing the original experience.
The Switch 2 version is where things get a little tricky for me because I never played the original Switch release. So, I cannot really comment on every change or upgrade made between the two versions.
However, the main differences are fairly clear. The visuals have received a resolution upgrade, but the most important improvement is the performance. The original version ran at 30 frames per second, whereas the Switch 2 version now runs at 60 frames per second.
The developers have also included dedicated Graphics and Performance modes. When I started the game, it was already set to Performance Mode by default, meaning it was running at 60 frames per second right from the beginning. So, I decided to play it for a while and see what kind of results the upgraded performance would actually provide.
The 60 FPS target makes a noticeable difference to the overall feel of the game. Movement, dodging, blocking, and other actions feel much smoother and more responsive, while the animations also flow better. However, this comes with some visual compromises.
The game uses both pre-rendered and real-time cutscenes, and both look worse in Performance Mode. The pre-rendered scenes are relatively low-resolution, or possibly have a lower bitrate, making them appear noticeably softer than they do on PC. The real-time cutscenes also have reduced character models, lighting, shading, skin quality, shadows, and other visual details, presumably to maintain the 60 FPS target. This is particularly noticeable because these scenes put a greater focus on the characters and their environments.
Graphics Mode improves the real-time presentation considerably, with better lighting, character shading, skin rendering, shadows, and overall image quality. The pre-rendered cutscenes remain low quality, unfortunately, but there is not much that can be done about those at this point. The trade-off is that Graphics Mode is locked to 30 FPS, which is immediately noticeable after playing at 60 FPS, although I gradually got used to it.
Personally, I think Graphics Mode is the better choice for a first playthrough on a large screen, particularly a 4K TV, while Performance Mode makes more sense for replays or handheld play. The former prioritizes image quality, while the latter provides a smoother and more responsive experience.
As for the game itself, you can read our full review for a more detailed look at the overall experience. Essentially, this is Zack’s story, set within the world of the original Final Fantasy VII.
It is an important part of the wider story because Zack plays a major role in the events and characters that eventually lead into Cloud’s story. Square Enix also introduced several unique characters and made quite a few changes and additions, making this more than just a simple side story.
Even though Final Fantasy VII has gone through significant changes and reinterpretations over the years, Crisis Core remains important to understanding the broader Final Fantasy VII universe. That is probably one of the reasons why Square Enix continues to bring this game to modern platforms.
You follow Zack’s journey from a SOLDIER Second Class to First Class, along with his relationships with the characters around him. The supporting cast is one of the game’s strongest aspects. Characters such as Sephiroth, Angeal, and the others are given a lot of attention, and I think they are generally written very well.
The game is also somewhat controversial, especially because it was originally designed for the PSP. That age definitely shows in certain areas. The loading and mission design, in particular, have not aged particularly well. Some aspects of the game can feel quite dated and even a little backwards by modern standards.
But despite those limitations, it is still a tremendous game. Its ending is particularly famous and remains one of the most memorable endings in the Final Fantasy series.
For me personally, this was one of my favourite games on the PSP. Being able to play it again on the Switch 2, especially in portable mode, has been a really enjoyable experience.
I would definitely recommend checking it out, particularly if you are a Final Fantasy fan. It remains an important part of the Final Fantasy VII story, and experiencing it in a modern, portable format makes it even more appealing.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion Game Information
- Price: $49.99
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was provided by the publisher
