Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core was a spin-off game released in 2007 as part of a cash grab targeted at Final Fantasy 7 fans seeking for something to play on the PlayStation Portable. It was a prequel-flavored slice of Midgar and the universe of Final Fantasy 7, complete with real-time fights, perplexing reels, and just enough goodwill and narrative background to make it all about effort.
The plot revolves around Zack, a very small (yet popular!) character from the original game. Without disclosing the whys and whens (since 2020’s FF7R is already upsetting the Final Fantasy 7 canon), Zack has strong ties to Cloud, the big evil Sephiroth, and other characters. Unfortunately, he dies before the main game begins and is only seen in flashbacks.
