Today Square Enix released the prequel to Final Fantasy VII. For the PSP, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII takes place seven years prior to the battle between Cloud and Sephiroth to the beginning of it all, starring Zack Fair and his dream of becoming SOLDIER 1st Class. When a 1st Class operation led by Genesis in Wutai leads to a large number of SOLDIER members going missing, it is up to Zack, his mentor, Angeal, and 1st Class hero known all over the world, Sephiroth, to discover the truth behind the disappearance.

In addition to playing Final Fantasy's most renowned characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura, Crisis Core features the best PSP has to offer in graphics and CG cutscenes rendered in 16:9 widescreen presentation. In terms of gameplay, using the Digital Mind Wave system, players can call upon their summons or use special attacks that improve the real-time action battle system. There is also a whopping 300 side missions to play through, and an all-new Hard Mode made exclusively for North American audiences.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is rated T (Teen). RPGamers can pick it up at their local video game store for $39.99 (USD).