Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis Review

Beginning Crisis

Square Enix is trying to recreate FF VII magic with its newest mobile game, Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis. Square’s Final Fantasy is one of the longest-running series that spans generations of gaming. From the NES to all PlayStation consoles to mobile, Final Fantasy is on literally all gaming hardware. Out of all its entries, one entry that stands above the rest is Final Fantasy VII. Square’s masterpiece is praised for its story, being the third best-selling in the series (14.3 million copies sold) and having one of the most dedicated fanbases in gaming history. 

Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis is one massive mobile RPG compilation with light gacha elements. It follows the main story of Final Fantasy VII and its canon side stories like Advent Children, Before Crisis, Crisis Core and Dirge of Cerberus. To keep players from rushing through the story, they are told episodically with monthly releases. The game also brings in a new story that follows the main villain, Sephiroth, and explores his past younger self. This mobile game is an excellent way to experience Final Fantasy VII if you have no other means. Consoles are not cheap to purchase and do not respect our time, which is where this mobile game excels. 

However, one of its main drawbacks could be that diehard fans have already experienced everything Final Fantasy VII offers. Most players know the story already, have played the original or recent remake, and Crisis Core got a recent port remake not too long ago. The new canon story that involves Sephiroth’s past is a great start, and if Square decides to continue adding new lore, then Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis will become a must-play for series fans. Right now, however, as someone familiar with the series, the content is barebones. I have beaten the remake and the recent Crisis Core remake, so I skipped cutscenes and content I was already familiar with. The game also has a variety of game modes and events that get frequent updates. 

Whose Turn is it?

The gameplay is turn-based, with automatic attacks happening as the battle progresses. Players control spells and special attacks during battle. As auto attacks happen, a meter is filled, designating when a spell or attack can be used. Some spells and attacks require less of a meter and can be used more frequently. Stronger attacks and spells require almost a full meter. Players will also be able to swap characters to get the most out of their battle tactics. Lastly, limit breaks and summons return as ultimate attacks. They can be used when more prolonged battles occur and do devastating damage.

The gameplay is very reminiscent of old Final Fantasy titles and will prove simple and satisfying for both newcomers and veterans. Pair that with the game’s impressive visuals, and players old and new will fall in love with this game right away. Graphically, this game does everything right, incorporating similar visuals to the recent Final Fantasy VII Remake. Everything is detailed and pleasing to look at. It is impressive what mobile games can do nowadays, and this game is no exception. Cut scenes are also what you would expect of Square. CG and action-filled scenes will keep player on the edge of their seats. Similar to how the consoles run the show.  

The game also takes inspiration from the original Final Fantasy VII in the form of the sprites and exploring the world. The sprites and explorable world look like their original counterparts if they received an HD overhaul. This shows how much passion the developers have for this game and how much they want to cater to new and old-school fans of the series. Music-wise, all your favorite tracks are here. If you did not know, Final Fantasy VII has some of the best RPG music ever produced, and it is a welcomed addition to see most of it in this mobile title.

Instruments of Battle

As far as gacha mechanics go, this is one of the worst I have played in a while. Since the game goes out of its way to let the player play their favorite characters. The gacha relies heavily on rolling for weapons and unlocking alternate costumes for characters the more you roll. There is some fun, as you will want some good gear to battle with. However, the idea of rolling for weapons rather than characters just felt boring to me. It was unnecessary as well since I was able to complete most of the main story with the starting builds of the series’ standbys, Cloud, Tifa and Barret. Once I did start rolling for new gear, the gacha was very generous. I was even able to get some event gear for Cloud, which was exciting.

Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis is a great way to experience everything Final Fantasy VII offers. The game covers almost all of the canon events that take place within its universe, all while trying to add new lore into the mix. Graphically, the game gives consoles a run for their money as this game looks and feels like a Final Fantasy VII Remake in your hands. To keep the game fresh, new story chapters are released free monthly, new gacha weapons are available for purchasable content and new game modes and events are added into the mix. The gacha mechanics leave much to be desired. It does not diminish what this game does, bringing the Final Fantasy VII experience to mobile. That accomplishment alone makes this game worth a try.