Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is set six years before the events of Final Fantasy VII, following the story of Zack Fair as he uncovers the truth about the organisation he works for, Shin-Ra. At this time, Cloud Strife is still a member of the Shinra Guard, and Aerith Gainsborough also appears. Other notable characters include Sephiroth, Tifa, Yuffie, Cait Sith, members of the Turks gang, and those from Dirge of Cerberus.
The game is an action RPG, with the main story taking place in the city of Nibelheim. The unique battle system, Digital Mind Wave (DMV), features reels with character portraits spinning in the top left corner. By lining up the same character in all reels, you can earn a power-up called Power Surge. Attacks are a mix of physical and spell-based, and materia returns, with different varieties available - both defensive and offensive - that can be fused together.