PC? And by that I mean including the illegal methods, I mean, considering Galbadia Hotel and what it consists of, I figured it's okay to ask about this... right? If not then sorry, though I did PM Agent and ask.

Not that I have a problem paying for the game itself, it's just if I buy a PSP I wouldn't have any other game I'm interested in. And before everyone decides to be a smartass and say "google", been there so far, most results claim that apparently no such thing exists, but few claim they've done it. But I figured some of you here might have tried it by now...

If there was some way I could pay for the game alone to play on a system I have, I'd do it. Or a system I didn't have but had other games on it I was interested in.

I'm not sure a PSP emulator for the PC is even possible at the moment (it would be pretty slow I'd imagine). But then, when it comes to getting emulators to run I'm a wimp.

And besides, I use my PSP for other things besides games too (such as video, mp3s etc) so don't feel bad about buying a console 'for just one game', when there is so much more you can do with it. :)

I hear it's a button-mashy affair.

Would this satiate the need?

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1271902CD5365B07&search_query=Crisis+Core

Well I've never really used one so I'm not quite familiar with all it's features, though the name "PlayStation Portable" does imply games.

Neg: No. I'd rather not have it spoiled for me without playing the game. Even though I know the end, but then again everyone does. But anyway I prefer exploring myself than watching cutscenes. That's why I hated Xenosaga.

I mean watching that in lieu of playing it.

I know what you mean, but read my edit above.

Ah. Xenosaga is so linear and FMV filled....it's a determinist's wet dream :D

Does Crisis Core have good gameplay and exploration potential, and (without spoiling) a "secrets" factor, like a lot of SquareEnix games? I'd imagine it's mostly linear since it's a spinoff and it's not so long, but if there's more to it than just jumping from FMV to FMV, then I'd prefer playing it. Hell, Dirge of Cerebrus had that stuff and it still was a pretty weak game but I enjoyed completing it. But if something crap DoC has it then I wouldn't doubt Crisis Core does.

I'll probably end up getting one since I'll wanna play Birth By Sleep. Unless an emulator is out by then.

Yes and no. The main storyline is quite linear sadly, which proceeds in set 'Chapters' that feature a specific area. You can explore your surroundings during story chapters, like a usual FF game, but other than that, you're not able to explore other places freely, due to the complete omission of a world map.

There are a few times in the game however when you have a little more freedom and can visit other areas (mainly when Zack is at Midgar between story chapters, he's given 'free time' and you can explore Sector 8 and by taking a train from the Sector 1 Station, you can visit the Sector 5 Slums, plus the Sector 6 Playground and Aeris's Church, plus parts of the Shinra Building. But there is little reason for doing so other than when you have to visit those areas as part of the story.

Naturally, there are quite a number of secret mini-games and quests you can do too, but apart from the one in Gongaga near the end of the game that ultimately nets you the Costly Punch materia (the most powerful materia in the game), they don't have much purpose other than as a diversion from the main story.

The exception to this is of course, the optional 'Missions' you can do. This ability is gained early in Chapter 2, and by accessing 'Missions' from the menu while using a Save Point, you can select various special missions (usually involving heading through a short area and beating up a boss or bosses).

The good thing about these Missions is that the mission areas contain valuable items, DMW Characters, Item Shop web addresses and materia that you can't get anywhere else. Also, while doing Missions if you die it is NOT game over - you're just returned to the save point you accessed the mission from, and can simply repeat them to your heart's content.

Additionally, the final Mission (mission 999 I think it is), sends you up against none other than the Goddess Minerva, the Goddess of the Planet - FFVII:CC's version of Omega Weapon. Although I haven't yet fought her, as I haven't unlocked that mission, I have heard she is is NASTY.

So yeah, FFVII:Crisis Core is quite linear, but the awesome storyline, and Zack's lovable personality (I admit, I really did get attached to the dumb lug) easily make up for it. :)