Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Is Poised to Revive a Key Crisis Core Mechanic (2024)

The sequel to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which has yet to receive a subtitle, is expected to round out the contemporary trilogy of FF7 remakes. The previous two Final Fantasy 7 remakes flesh out the story of the original while making a few key changes, but the greatest changes come in the form of presentation and gameplay, which are totally transformed from the original PS1 release, looping in modern sensibilities informed by the Final Fantasy games released since 1997's FF7.

On the story front, perhaps the most meaningful additions delivered by Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth are the various connections to 2007's Final Fantasy 7 Crisis Core. Crisis Core serves as a prequel to the original FF7 story, following Zack Fair, a member of SOLDIER and mentor figure to Cloud. Released a decade before Crisis Core, FF7 naturally only has cursory associations with the plot of Crisis Core, with Zack making only the briefest of appearances. FF7 Rebirth changes this, making him a more important character and creating a stronger throughline in the FF7 cannon. That said, the Crisis Core influence is limited solely to the story, which is a shame, as the 2007 game has at least one gameplay mechanic that would be a perfect fit for the modern franchise.

Materia Fusion Should Make a Comeback in Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3

Materia Fusion Is One of Crisis Core's Best Mechanics

Progression in Crisis Core is tied more to materia and gear than to Zack's level or stat allocation. Accessories and materia can improve certain stats, but the latter has far more growth potential than the former thanks to one major feature: materia fusion.

Materia fusion is a bit complex, but the basics are as follows: each materia in Crisis Core comes with an associated buff, such as an increase in HP or a static boost to the ATK stat. Two materia can be combined through materia fusion, which creates a new materia defined by the full buff spec of the first materia added to half the spec of the second. An example would be:

• A Blizzaga materia with +20 MAG, added to
• A Blizzaga materia with +10 MAG
• Equals a Blizzaga materia with +25 MAG

The process gets more complicated when combining different materia types, which can yield completely different results, though always with the same numerical parameters, and the specs can eventually be modulated by special items as well. But the above example is a good overview of how the feature works.

As one might expect, materia fusion allows players to get extremely overpowered in Crisis Core, to the point where some may argue that the mechanic is a bit broken. Indeed, materia fusion is essential for those looking to grow more powerful and spec into certain builds, and some form of the system would be a welcome addition to the next chapter of the FF7 remake saga.

Materia Fusion Could Replace One of FF7 Rebirth's Most Lackluster Systems

FF7 Rebirth introduces a crafting mechanic, and while this can be helpful for the late game or NG+ builds, it feels a bit tacked-on and underwhelming, often offering minor improvements that don't justify its convoluted nature. Put plainly, it just isn't very fun to engage with crafting in FF7 Rebirth, as the squeeze isn't worth the juice.

But materia fusion is surprisingly fun. It's a great way to flesh out Crisis Core's gear and resource grind, and if the next Final Fantasy 7 remake game is going to be anywhere near the size or scope of Rebirth, then an outlet for so many collectible materials is necessary. To this end, FF7 Rebirth's sequel should bring back materia fusion, though perhaps with a few tweaks to make it not so game-breaking.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the second chapter of Square Enix's Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. Once again, the story follows Cloud Strife and other members of Avalanche as they take on Shinra and Sephiroth, a mission that takes them out of Midgar.

RPG

Systems

Franchise

Final Fantasy

Platform(s)

PlayStation 5

Released

February 29, 2024

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence

How Long To Beat

40 Hours

PS Plus Availability

N/A

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