Crisis Core is an interesting game. As a prequel to FFVII it tells a story we know the ending to, and I find that interesting. Similarly to Torna in a way, which I loved. Here, it's very weirdly handled. However, I think it is saved largely because of how short and to the point it is.

Zack, our protagonist, is likeable enough here and his dynamic with a shy Cloud was a highlight. The game plays pretty well, and I found it quite challenging, especially at some bosses.

I think the game is carried largely by that ending, which was sad and very brutal. The first half of this game is just so boring and the combat itself was the only thing keeping me going. Dear lord, never mention Angeal ever again pls I don't know if I could take it.

Overall the definition of a 6.

Unsure of what my score would be, because in terms of as a game, this game is probably an 8, but as a story, as a journey, this is easily one of the best games of all time.

But what I look for in gaming is the marriage of both, this doesn't QUITE get there because of how it's aged. And to be fair to it, that isn't its fault. What is its fault, however, is the horrible minigames and often confusing expectation for you to know where tf you're supposed to go in the middle section.

I've landed on the middle ground, a 9. The story and characters and that journey are genuinely so perfect that I can definitely overlook some of my issues, just not enough to go all the way there and proclaim it as a new favourite game of mine.