Square Enix is finally bringing a Japan-exclusive Final Fantasy 7 spin-off to Europe and North America, as Before Crisis: Final Fantasy 7 is being adapted as part of the new Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis mobile game. FF7 is one of Square Enix’s most popular games of all time, so it may be surprising to fans that some FF7 spin-offs never left Japan.
Before Crisis was a mobile game released in episodes between 2004 and 2006. It could only be played on mobile phones, and the service required to run the game has since ceased, which means it’s impossible to play Before Crisis today – even via emulators – making it a lost gem. There is an unofficial remake developed in RPG Maker available online, however, which offers a basic retelling of its story.
The storyline of Before Crisis is set several years before the events of FF7. The player controls a group of Turks tasked with taking on an early, much stronger version of Avalanche. This iteration of Avalanche is led by a warrior named Elfe, who manages to go toe-to-toe with FF7‘s infamous Sephiroth on the battlefield. The goal of this version of Avalanche is to summon a creature called Zirconiade, which has the power to wipe all human life from the face of the planet. It’s up to the Turks to stop them, with the help of some familiar characters from FF7.
Although Before Crisis never received an English localization, the events of the game are referenced in FF7 Remake. Elfe’s version of Avalanche is part of the game, and its attempts to assassinate President Shinra in Junon are mentioned. It’s clear Before Crisis is meant to be part of FF7 Remake‘s official story, which could explain why Square Enix is finally bringing it overseas.
Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis, one of two newly announced FF7 mobile games, tells the story of the entire FF7 saga in an episodic format, including Before Crisis. It’s unclear when fans will have a chance to experience the Before Crisis storyline, as Ever Crisis won’t be released until 2022 and will likely cover the story of FF7 and Crisis Core first. Still, it’s exciting to know Western FF7 fans will be able to play through the story of Before Crisis for the first time in the future, especially after waiting for over fifteen years.
Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis will be released for Android and iOS devices in 2022.
