Crisis Core Reunion: A Deep Dive into the Talented Voice Actors Behind the Characters

The highly anticipated Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion has finally released after years of eager waiting. This remastered edition takes players back to experience the origin story of Zack Fair, the famous Soldier operative in Final Fantasy VII.

With fully rebuilt graphics, enhanced gameplay, and re-recorded dialogues, Crisis Core Reunion promises to captivate both new and returning fans. In particular, the English voice cast has been completely refreshed, while the original Japanese cast reprises their roles.

Let‘s take a closer look at the gifted voice actors in Crisis Core Reunion and their impressive credentials.

Table of Contents

• Zack Fair
  • Caleb Pierce (English)
  • Kenichi Suzumura (Japanese)
• Sephiroth
  • Tyler Hoechlin (English)
  • Toshiyuki Morikawa (Japanese)
• Genesis Rhapsodos
  • Shaun Conde (English)
  • Gakuto Oshiro (Japanese)
• Angeal Hewley
  • Bill Millsap (English)
  • Kazuhiko Inoue (Japanese)
• Supporting Cast
  • Aerith Gainsborough
  • Cloud Strife
  • Tifa Lockhart
  • Cissnei
  • Rude
  • And More
• Side Characters
  • Nero the Sable
  • Weiss the Immaculate
  • Zack‘s Mother

Zack Fair: The Destined Hero

As the protagonist, Zack Fair is an earnest and kind-hearted 2nd Class Soldier operative. Despite the dystopian world he lives in, Zack maintains an upbeat attitude and vows to become a hero.

Caleb Pierce Captivates as Youthful Zack

Replacing Rick Gomez as the English voice of Zack is Caleb Pierce. With an endearing warmth and youthful energy, Pierce delivers a passionate performance. His comedic timing shines during Zack’s lighter moments, while emotional scenes carry credible weight.

Fans may recognize Pierce as Zack’s English voice from Final Fantasy VII Remake. The 24-year old actor brings verve and heart to Crisis Core‘s optimistic hero.

Notable Roles:

• Charlie Peterson in Grey‘s Anatomy
• Timmy Turner in Fairly OddParents
• Stuart in The Real O‘Neals

Kenichi Suzumura Reprises Iconic Role

Reprising his role as Zack’s original Japanese voice is the prolific Kenichi Suzumura. His boyish yet valiant vocals capture Zack’s earnest personality. Given Suzumura‘s over 25 years voicing Zack, his performance conveys irreplaceable spirit.

Married to fellow Crisis Core Reunion actress Maaya Sakamoto (Aerith), Suzumura brings endearing chemistry. His respectable credits also include Kingdom Hearts’ Axel, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and other popular anime.

Notable Roles:

• Hikaru Hitachiin in Ouran High School Host Club
• Axel in Kingdom Hearts
• Shukichi Haneda in Detective Conan

Sephiroth: The Peerless Soldier

As Shinra’s mightiest warrior, Sephiroth’s commanding presence awes allies and enemies alike. However, beneath his stoic facade lies a warped mind that unravels upon learning the shocking truth of his origins.

Tyler Hoechlin’s Haunting Baritone

Assuming the role of Sephiroth’s English voice is Tyler Hoechlin. Best known as Superman in the Arrowverse and Teen Wolf’s Derek Hale, Hoechlin’s extensive credits prove his versatility.

His somber baritone strikes an imposing, yet uneasy air befitting Sephiroth’s ominous arc. Even in his subtlest lines, Hoechlin’s timbre injects chilling undertones that hint at the darkness to come.

Notable Roles:

• Superman in Arrowverse‘s Superman & Lois
• Derek Hale in MTV’s Teen Wolf
• Martin Brewer in Richard Jewell

Toshiyuki Morikawa: Legendary Veteran

Reprising his legendary role as Sephiroth’s Japanese voice is industry veteran Toshiyuki Morikawa. With over 1000 credits since 1986, Morikawa’s extensive resume contains many iconic characters.

His smooth, deep vocals make Sephiroth sound perpetually in control. Meanwhile, his trademark low chuckle perfectly encapsulates Sephiroth’s smug nature. Having played Sephiroth for over 20 years, Morikawa has defined the sound of this fan favorite villain.

Notable Roles:

• Yoshikage Kira in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
• Harry Nohara in Crayon Shin-chan
• Boros in One Punch Man
• Esidisi in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Genesis Rhapsodos: The Tragic Anti-Hero

As Sephiroth’s trusted friend, the flamboyant Genesis serves as a mentor figure. However, his sense of camaraderie unravels after discovering the ugly truths about his origins.

Shaun Conde Exudes Prideful Bravado

Replacing veteran voice actor Oliver Quinn is Shaun Conde as Genesis‘s new English voice. Conde enunciates Genesis’ eloquent speech with articulate precision.

During Genesis’ tempered moments, Conde grows more subdued yet austere. His readings ride the line between self-importance and concealed pain, capturing Genesis‘ multifaceted nature.

Notable Roles:

• Taurus in Shadowverse
• Shiba Miyakaze in NEO: The World Ends With You
• Fomorous Hugues in Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Gackt Resumes Captivating Role

Reprising his role as Genesis’ Japanese voice is Gackt, the sensational visual kei pop/rock artist. While not his typical musical affair, Gackt’s vocals transfer his iconic otherworldly singing style into Genesis’ dialogues.

Gackt amplifies Genesis’ flair for dramatics with captivating vocal inflections. His impassioned delivery enhances Genesis’ internal tensions and regrets. Having voiced Genesis since Crisis Core‘s debut in 2007, Gackt has continually amazed fans worldwide.

Notable Roles:

• Lau Wong in Bujingai: The Forsaken City
• Uesugi Kenshin in The Trusted Confidant
• Joji Yuki in Kamen Rider Decade: All Riders vs. Dai-Shocker

Angeal Hewley: The Conflicted Mentor

As Zack‘s trusted mentor, Angeal is a dutiful yet conflicted First Class Soldier. Despite his leadership, Angeal grapples with self-doubt after uncovering dark Shinra secrets tied to his origins.

Bill Millsap Channels World-Weary Wisdom

Formerly voiced by Josh Gilman, Bill Millsap now lends his gravelly vocals to Angeal. Millsap sounds seasoned yet mellow, fitting for Angeal‘s experienced but easy-going mentorship.

During emotionally vulnerable moments, Millsap conveys paternal warmth and resignation. Having voiced characters in Halo Infinite and World of Warcraft, Millsap brings sage wisdom as Zack‘s battle-worn guide.

Notable Roles:

• Angie’s Rebel in Wasteland 3
• Tarmiel in Seven Deadly Sins
• Monkey King in Dota 2
• Prosciutto in JoJo‘s Bizarre Adventure

Kazuhiko Inoue Reprises Signature Role

Reprising his role as Angeal’s Japanese voice is Kazuhiko Inoue, a voice acting veteran across anime and games. His gentlemanly yet strong voice suits Angeal‘s protector role.

Inoue sounds notably weary when Angeal realizes Shinra’s transgressions, mixing gentleness and sorrow. Having voiced Angeal for 15 years, Inoue inhabits the character with profound empathy.

Fans may also recognize Inoue as Kakashi Hatake from Naruto or Kars from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. His extensive range strengthens his performances across genres.

Notable Roles:

• Kakashi Hatake in Naruto
• Samuel Drake in Uncharted 4
• Harry Nohara in Crayon Shin-chan
• Kars in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R

Supporting Voice Actors: Friends and Allies

While Zack remains the central hero, Crisis Core Reunion contains other compelling characters who shape his journey. Their voice actors deliver equally exceptional performances.

Aerith Gainsborough: The Spirited Flower Girl

As Zack’s sweetheart, Aerith brings joy to Midgar’s bleakness through her cheery soul and flower peddling. Both her English and Japanese voice actresses channel innocence and uplifting warmth.

Briana White’s first major role is Aerith in Final Fantasy VII Remake, where she charms as the wholesome optimist. Reprising Aerith’s Japanese voice is prolific singer Maaya Sakamoto, wife of Zack’s actor Kenichi Suzumura.

Beyond Crisis Core, Sakamoto has voiced beloved characters like Shinsekai Yori’s Saki Watanabe and Escaflowne’s Hitomi Kanzaki with over 100 credits across leading anime and games.

Cloud Strife: The Self-Conscious Soldier

As Zack‘s timid protege, Cloud Strife seeks purpose within Shinra‘s ranks. Both Cody Christian and Takahiro Sakurai express the layers beneath Cloud‘s aloofness.

Cody Christian conveys Cloud’s desire for connection despite difficulties voicing emotions. Having starred as Theo Raeken in MTV’s Teen Wolf, Christian adeptly performs Cloud‘s complex vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, Takahiro Sakurai returns as Cloud‘s original Japanese voice. With over 150 anime credits, Sakurai skillfully depicts Cloud’s prickly inner turmoil. His standout roles include Suzaku in Code Geass and Giyu in Demon Slayer.

Tifa Lockhart: The Caring Fighter

As Cloud’s childhood friend, Tifa harbors feelings for him as she hones her combat skills. Britt Baron and Ayumi Ito bring tender affection to her caring nature.

Britt Baron reprises her role as Tifa from Final Fantasy VII Remake, winning over fans with her balance of tenacity and compassion. Baron’s credits also include roles in Fallout 76, Netflix’s GLOW and more.

Ayumi Ito returns as Tifa’s Japanese voice from Advent Children onwards. With a girlish yet strong tone matching Tifa’s protector role, Ito convinces as the steadfast heroine fans admire.

Cissnei: The Principled Turk

As a member of the investigative group Turks, Cissnei develops a rapport with Zack despite their opposing allegiances.

Kayli Mills’ passionate performance commands attention as the dutiful Cissnei. Having voiced prominent characters in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Genshin Impact recently, Mills’ star continues to rise.

For the Japanese dub, Asumi Nakata reprises her role. While lesser known abroad, Nakata’s delicate yet determined vocals suit the intelligent Cissnei.

Rude: The Stoic Turk

Alongside Cissnei lies fellow Turk Rude, who prizes duty over conscience. His terse words conceal observant insights.

William Christopher Stephens, who voices Maine in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, assumes the role of Rude’s English voice. His deep smooth voice sounds self-assured and standoffish, ideal for the no-nonsense Rude.

Actor and narrator Taiten Kusunoki returns as Rude‘s Japanese voice. Having voiced characters in One Punch Man, Naruto, and Street Fighter, Kusunoki specializes in tough guy roles like Rude.

And More Fascinating Performers

Beyond these highlighted characters, Crisis Core contains other compelling allies, villains and Shinra associates voiced by fantastic English and Japanese actors:

English Voices

• Vic Chao as Tseng
• Jason Marnocha as Professor Hollander
• James Sie as Professor Hojo
• Ellen Dubin as Gillian Hewley
• More

Japanese Voices

• Junichi Suwabe as Tseng
• Shinya Owada as Professor Hollander
• Shigeru Chiba as Professor Hojo
• Masako Ikeda as Gillian Hewley
• And more

Side Characters and Key Groups

Amidst Shinra power struggles, Crisis Core also introduces antagonistic groups like the Tsviets and Deepground.

Nero and Weiss: The Tsviet Brothers

As lead members of Deepground, the elite special forces group Tsviets, Nero and Weiss carry out shadowy missions. Despite their stoicism, they share a mutual caring bond.

Nero’s English voice comes courtesy of Sean Chiplock, who infuses gravitas as the conflicted fire mage. For Weiss’ English voice, Daman Mills brings theatrical flair to the mad puppeteer.

In the Japanese dub, Ryōtarō Okiayu’s grounded tone suits the morose Nero. As Weiss, veteran voice actor Jōji Nakata sounds at once sage and sinister befitting the charismatic villain.

Zack’s Mother: The Voice of Love

While seen only briefly, Zack’s mother represents unconditional familial love even as her son ventures down a dangerous path.

Karen Strassman lends a maternal warmth to Mrs. Fair‘s English voice. An anime voice acting veteran, Strassman has voiced iconic characters like Nanoha Takamachi in Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha.

For the Japanese dub, singer Chieko Kawabe brings sentimental love to Zack’s mother. She convinces as the devoted, affectionate parent who inspires Zack to fight for justice.

Final Thoughts

Crisis Core Reunion contains a star-studded English and Japanese voice cast who empathize greatly with their characters. The passionate performances greatly enhance this emotional journey.

We look forward to hearing these gifted voice actors breathe life into more Final Fantasy VII stories in the years ahead. As Zack reminds us, we must embrace each day and live fully without regrets. Our own life’s story continues, ever guided by the friends we make along the way.