Usually when a high-profile game is about to be released, the internet is awash with screenshots depicting every little detail fans have to look forward to in the final release. So far, Square Enix has shown considerable restraint by not flooding our eyes with spoiler-ridden pictures of their upcoming PSP spin-off, Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. Well, fanboys and girls, prepare to be spoilerized. Thanks to PSU, we were able to get our hands on a bunch of new (to us) screenshots from the Japanese release of the game. The shots depict what is most likely one of the opening cinematics, as well as a few battles in and around the Midgar train station. After almost a decade of absence, seeing these familiar scenes again was definitely enough to warm our hardened, gamer hearts.

We also get a look at some of the new gameplay mechanics in the in-game shots, including the target locking system and the “Digital Mind Wave” system. Needless to say, everything about this game is pretty, right down to the protagonist’s hairstyle. We can’t wait to find out if there is substance to match the game’s good looks when it arrives on March 25. In the meantime, check out what other gaming publications are telling us to expect from the final release.

Screenshots added January 27, 2008: