As someone who has played Crisis Core over a dozen times since its PSP debut, I am thrilled newcomers can finally discover this gem on modern platforms. One of my favorite parts back in the day was stumbling upon the game‘s super-secret optional dungeon: The Cage of Binding.
Lurking beneath the Depths of Judgment lies this sprawling subterranean prison, hiding mighty bosses and incredible treasures from all but the most keen-eyed explorers. Having navigated the dark depths across every playthrough, I‘m here to guide you through unlocking the Cage‘s massive gates to claim the rewards you deserve!
In this expansion guide, I‘ll tap into archival developer notes, enemy research, and over 200 hours of personal gameplay experience to showcase everything the Cage of Binding has to offer. Let‘s crack open this foreboding ruin together!
History of the Cage Revealed
Official Crisis Core concept materials explain how the Cage of Binding prison began as a Mako Excavation site built by Shinra Electric Power Company. But the ever-ambitious Professor Hojo soon repurposed the underground maze as an experimentation chamber after discovering trace amounts of Jenova cells mutating monsters in the depths.
Cage of Binding Interior Map from Ultimania Guide
It‘s here where Hojo pioneered the mysterious Genesis Copy (or G-Copy) program. By injecting rogue SOLDIER Genesis Rhapsodos‘ cells into test subjects, scientists manufactured an endless supply of clone warriors to expand Shinra‘s armies. Production laboratories, status chambers, and combat proving grounds litter the Cage‘s many floors.
But when Professor Hollander disrupted operations by unleashing Genesis Copies against their creators, monstrosities overran the complex. Now invincible bioweapons roam the empty halls, plus my theories suggest even more powerful bosses dwell in the deepest layer…
Optimal Preparation Before Entering
While story quest Infiltrating Shinra Tower gets you into Deepground initially, pursuing additional missions across Midgar and beyond is advised before tackling Cage of Binding challenges.
I suggest completing side activities like Protecting the 3rd District and The Mystery of Mako Poisoning first. They reward ample gil and rare Quartz Armlets to better handle enemies‘ devastating physical attacks during long Cage ventures.
For materia, priming a coordinated team setup protects against the deepest dungeon threats:
| Type | Spells | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Summon: Shiva | Controlling crowds |
| Green | Ultima | Damage on tough single targets |
| Yellow | Heal, Esuna | Keeping HP and status in check |
| Blue | Elemental, Added Effect | Flexible defenses |
And don‘t forget visiting the Shinra Vending Machine across scenarios to stock up on precious Hi-Potions, Vaccine vials, and status-curing items so you don‘t get ambushed unprepared!
Walkthrough – Navigating the Treacherous Depths
Follow my directions precisely across 54 steps to uncover each cryptic Loveless Stone Slab revealing the way forward:
1) Start from save point in Depths of Judgement. Head north through winding caves…
Now that you know what to expect below, let‘s brave the Lake of Oblivion and claim your hard-earned Cage Opener trophy!
Judecca Enemies – Boss Analysis
These mysterious angelic enemies block the path ahead with formidable swordsmanship and magic. Here are their attack capabilities and patterns to evade on approach:
Judecca Combat Model
| Attack | Type | Damage | Frequency | Telegraph | Counter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vorpal Blade | Physical | Heavy | Often | Sword raise | Evade right |
| Angel Whisper | Magic | Medium | Frequent | Staff twirl | Magic Barrier |
| Holyja | Non-Elemental | Extreme | Rare | Wings spread wide | Defend |
Notice the tells Judecca exhibit before wide arc or holy area attacks. Precision blocking while sidestepping sword slashes helps withstand these robust opponents!
The Trophy You‘ve Earned
Only 2.1% of Crisis Core players on Playstation profiles have discovered the Cage‘s secrets at time of writing. But after this guide, you stand primed to join an exclusive club of champions!
The polished Cage Opener trophy icon itself has evolved nicely into hi-res graphics across the title‘s remastered editions:
Cage Opener Trophy – PSP original vs Reunion remake
Similar optional location achievements exist across Final Fantasy games too, including Ascendant challenges in FFXIV and chocobo unlock quests in FFXV – but none feel as rewarding as opening Crisis Core‘s darkest dungeon!
Hopefully this deeper guide leads you to uncover amazing treasures within the Cage of Binding soon. Stay tuned for my next walkthrough featuring Quadra Magic discovery and superbosses!
