Many years after the original PlayStation's “Final Fantasy VII” debuted to critical acclaim, Sony's handheld PlayStation Portable received an exclusive prequel entitled "Crisis Core." This 2008 PSP game takes place seven years before the events of “Final Fantasy VII.” “Crisis Core” delves deeper into the stories of some of Final Fantasy's most beloved characters, including Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith. This RPG was developed for the PSP by the Japanese video game company Square Enix.The storyline of “Crisis Core” focuses on Zack Fair, who made a brief appearance in FFVII. Zack is a SOLDIER working for the military branch of the opportunistic Shinra Electric Power Company. Near the beginning of the game, Zack's friend Angeal goes missing. Zack is tasked with finding him as well as another missing SOLDIER named Genesis. Accompanying him on his quest is the troubled Sephiroth. A young Cloud Strife, who is the protagonist of “Final Fantasy VII,” is also introduced. Throughout Zack's journey to find Genesis, players interact with characters both new and familiar. They gradually learn more about the events leading up to the planet's rapid decline.Like “Final Fantasy VII,” this PSP title takes place on the imaginary planet of Gaia. The player views the action from a third-person perspective while guiding Zack across an assortment of three-dimensional environments. Most of this action-based RPG's gameplay, however, revolves around fighting. The fighting occurs in a series of quick turns in which you can choose a spell, evade the enemy's attack, and select your own attack. Throughout gameplay, you buy or pick up materia, which dictates which type of magic you use. By fusing materia, Zack creates more powerful attacks. There are also healing potions you can buy from the in-game menu. The battle system in “Crisis Core” involves a three-reel slot machine, referred to as a Digital Mind Wave. The D.M.W. is one of the most unique features the game introduces. After activating combat mode, it spins in the top corner of the screen. Each reel displays a character or a number with each spin resulting in a potential status upgrade depending on the combination. As you battle enemies, Zack earns SOLDIER points, which keep the reels in motion. PSP players choose to complete story missions or decide to access side content before going on to the next level. Choosing to interact with the non-playable characters is beneficial, as they often give Zack information or valuable items needed to complete side missions. Some side missions feature cameos from characters who are familiar to fans of “Final Fantasy VII.” There is a also New Game Plus mode that can be unlocked after completing the game for the first time. “Crisis Core” stands as one of the best-selling games that was released on the PSP system. Although the title further develops details of the world introduced in “Final Fantasy VII,” it's still accessible to new fans of the Final Fantasy franchise. It received praise from critics due to its fun gameplay, moving story, and impressively rendered cut scenes.