Enthusiasts of Crisis Core’s protagonist, Zack Fair, are in for a treat as anticipation grows for the upcoming sequel, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
It’s been established for some time now that Zack not only survives but plays a significantly more substantial role in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth compared to the original Final Fantasy 7, where his presence was limited to post-mortem flashbacks. Recently, in an interview with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi, more insights into Zack’s role were revealed.
In a lighthearted exchange with Game Informer, Hamaguchi humorously pondered Zack’s survival, stating, “I wonder how [Zack] is alive.” He emphasized that Zack’s existence goes beyond Cloud’s narrative, influencing the entire world of Final Fantasy 7.
Hamaguchi had previously emphasized Zack’s pivotal role, describing him as an “immensely important, crucial, key character to this story.” He explained that Zack would serve to portray the collective vision of the original creators, including writer Kazushige Nojima, creative director Tetsuya Nomura, and producer Yoshinori Kitase. This vision encompasses the genesis of the Final Fantasy 7 world, its underlying principles, and governing rules.
For those unfamiliar with Crisis Core or its 2022 remake/remaster, there might be a temptation to delve into it before the release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on February 29. However, it’s important to note that Crisis Core is not technically considered canon within the Remake series, which is set to unfold across three standalone games. Hamaguchi clarified this distinction, stating that “the remake itself is a unique world distinct from the other games.”
Nevertheless, Crisis Core Reunion remains a compelling JRPG, providing a worthwhile way to pass the time between major Final Fantasy releases. Hamaguchi even endorsed its value in the Game Informer interview, stating that it is “of course” still worth playing, especially for those keen on getting to know Zack better.
