Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis Review: A Gacha game worth playing?
If you’re a fan of Final Fantasy lore and curious about mobile gacha titles, Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis deserves a close look. But is it good enough to earn a place in your rotation? Let’s break it down.
What is Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis?
Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis is a mobile gacha RPG developed by Applibot and Square Enix, first released on September 7, 2023 for iOS/Android, and later ported to Windows/Steam. It’s an episodic, chapter‑based retelling of the FFVII saga and its related Compilation titles (Crisis Core, Dirge of Cerberus, Before Crisis, Advent Children, etc.), including new story content and character perspectives.
Its core gameplay mixes classic Active Time Battle (ATB) mechanics with modern gacha systems, auto‑battle options, and long‑term progression. Chapter selection is flexible, letting players jump across timelines.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows/Steam |
| Monetization | Free‑to‑play with in‑app purchases & gacha draws |
| Battle System | ATB style, auto mode available |
| Story Model | Episodic chapters across multiple FFVII universe entries |
What Works Well
1. Nostalgia with polish
One of the strongest draws is seeing classic FFVII moments reinterpreted with updated visuals. RPGFan praised the non‑combat scenes for blending beloved style with modern character models. Many players enjoy revisiting key moments with fresh dialogue or slight reinterpretation.
2. Presentation & audio
Destructoid noted it “looks and sounds great,” and often evokes the feeling of playing the original on PSX. The music, effects, and UI polish generally hold up well for a mobile title.
3. Flexible chapter jumping
You’re not forced into a strict linear order. You can skip between installments of FFVII, Crisis Core, etc., which helps break monotony.
4. Cross‑platform features (PC version)
On PC/Steam, Ever Crisis supports 30/60/120 FPS, 4K resolution, keyboard remapping, and cross‑save with mobile. This broadens appeal beyond handheld players.
Major Drawbacks & Warnings
1. Gacha reliance & aggressive monetization
Though technically “free to play,” many core upgrades, especially weapons, skins, and top-tier resources, are gated behind shiny gacha draws. Reddit users remark on excessive popups early on, though some say it tapers.
2. Grinding, repetitiveness & shallow systems
A consistent critique: progression feels slow and tedious. Destructoid called it “too shallow to be interesting and too convoluted to be engaging.” Some players must level characters they don’t actually care about just to clear story modes.
3. UI/micro‑management friction
Menuing and gear management, especially for beginners, can feel clunky. Destructoid highlighted that those systems detract from enjoyment.
4. Longevity concerns
Console Creatures pointed out that Square Enix has a history of shutting down mobile titles, giving fans pause before investing too heavily. Also, user reviews on Steam show “mixed” reception (~58% positive overall) as of now.
Verdict: A Gacha Game Worth Playing?
If you’re a diehard FFVII fan seeking a mobile fix, Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis is worth trying. It delivers strong visuals, nostalgia, and enough content to hold your interest, especially early on.
However, if you dislike gacha mechanics, grinding, or heavy monetization, this may not be your ideal pick. The systems are not groundbreaking, and in many ways it feels like a fan‑service package wrapped in a typical mobile loops structure.
Bottom line: yes, it’s a gacha game worth playing for fans, but it probably won’t convert skeptics of mobile gacha into believers.
