Crisis Core Reunion modernizes a classic with stunning new graphics and enhanced gameplay, but also shakes up the voice cast. As both a long-time fan and gaming enthusiast, I‘m fascinated by how new and returning vocal talent enhances this iconic Final Fantasy story. Let‘s analyze the standout performances breathing life into fan favorite characters.
Zack Fair – Heroic Heart, Youthful Soul
Zack Fair provides the emotional core of Crisis Core Reunion. Originally voiced by Rick Gomez, Caleb Pierce now injects Zack with an enthusiastic optimism befitting his rookie status. Lines like "We still have a long way to go, but I know we‘ll get there!" overflow with an energetic positivity that grounds the story‘s tragic elements.
Yet Pierce also nails Zack‘s moments of self-doubt when he asks "What do you see in me?" His voice wavers with quiet vulnerability, making Zack beautifully human. Flipping between fierce courage and sincere humility requires great acting range – Pierce delivers in spades.
Meanwhile, Japanese fans continue enjoying Zack‘s vocal consistency courtesy of Kenichi Suzumura reprising his passionate performance. Suzumura‘s effusive delivery shines in scenes like Zack playfully teasing Kunsel about his helmet. Their natural camaraderie adds endearing flavor to Crisis Core‘s expanded mid-game.
Sephiroth – An Intensified Dark Descent
Originally voiced by George Newbern, the iconic villain Sephiroth now chillingly channels through Teen Wolf actor Tyler Hoechlin. Hoechlin unleashes a startiling intensity from moment one, his deeper register amplifying Sephiroth‘s imposing presence.
Small moments crystallize Hoechlin‘s contribution. When Sephiroth off-handedly compares ancient beings to machinery, his casual disregard for life shocks. Later, hearing his distorted voice fracture into deranged laughter vividly crystallizes Sephiroth‘s descent into madness.
Meanwhile, Japanese fans continue relishing Toshiyuki Morikawa‘s sinister performance. Though Sephiroth has less screen time here, Morikawa‘s decades-long history voicing the character pays dividends through ultimate authenticity.
Emerging Threats – The Tsviets‘ Vicious Energy
Crisis Core Reunion introduces new foes like the Tsviets, an elite fighting force with violent, varied personalities. Weiss, their ambitious leader, truly benefits from Daman Mills‘ snarling vocal work. Mills captures Weiss‘ smug sense of superiority well, heard in verbose monologues like "Ignorant traitors, I am Weiss the Immaculate!".
Yet Mills‘ gravely voice also unleashes savage glee during Weiss‘ battles, demonstrated by feral laughter while attacking. This brutal joy paired with aloof intellectualism creates engrossing new dynamics fans will relish.
Overall, Square Enix assembled an impressive voice cast that makes Crisis Core Reunion feel renewed. While lead roles like Zack and Sephiroth benefit most from fresh takes, cameo work by FFVII Remake actors also rewarding long-time fans. Let‘s examine other standouts.
Familiar Faces, New Energy
Beyond leads, Crisis Core Reunion also features work by FFVII Remake voice talent in cameo roles. Hearing Britt Baron‘s spirited Tifa and Brennan Mejia‘s earnest Cloud Strife creates continuity between titles.
Briana White‘s sweetness as Aerith contrasts beautifully with Claudia Black‘s steely assurance voicing Cissnei. Their shared staff weapon handling scenes become especially engaging character showcases through contrasting tones.
By sampling Remake‘s voice cast, Crisis Core echoes tones fans appreciate while allowing eager performances. It blends old and new energy befitting a reimagined prequel.
Expressive Expansions – Mission Briefings Get Personal
Expanded content also allows new voice actors to leave lasting impressions. Lazard Deusericus, director of SOLDIER, was originally voiced by Stefan Marks. Now brought to life by Francis Ausley, Lazard develops new dimensions through warm attempts at personal connection.
When addressing Zack privately, Ausley softens Lazard‘s businesslike authority with almost paternal concern and advice. Their briefing scene before Zack‘s core upgrade mission remains a highlight. Hearing Lazard open up builds deeper bonds fleshing out Crisis Core‘s central relationships. It makes their plot-centric exchanges later land harder.
A Compelling Cast Capitalizes on Story Strengths
Crisis Core Reunion demonstrates how a blend of new and familiar voices, energized expanded content creates enticing new dynamics while retaining core integrity. Zack‘s idealistic heroism still inspires thanks to Caleb Pierce‘s cheery vigor and Suzumura‘s reliable passion. Meanwhile Daman Mills‘ animalistic Weiss presents engrossing new threat levels.
Fans craving revelatory new layers will appreciate darker Sephiroth interpretations by Tyler Hoechlin and Toshiyuki Morikawa alike. Both tap into untapped menace and instability within gaming‘s greatest villain. Their standout work reminds us why Crisis Core‘s emotional, operatic story still captivates.
Square Enix clearly cared about assembling passionate performers who could showcase beloved characters in new lights. Their collective talent makes Reunion feel absolutely essential for fans. The vivid voice acting alone presents fantastic new flavors to savor.
Those are my thoughts – let me know your takes on Crisis Core Reunion‘s new voices versus returning favorites! I‘m curious which interpretations you prefer for specific characters. Please share your perspectives in the comments below!
