Today, SQUARE ENIX® unveiled a one-of-a-kind tree carving of their legendary Buster Sword to mark the launch of the modern version of the cult classic CRISIS CORE™ –FINAL FANTASY® VII– REUNION, out now on PlayStation®5 (PS5™) console, PlayStation®4 (PS4™) console, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, Nintendo Switch™ system, and PC.

Working in collaboration with Simon O’Rourke, a renowned UK based tree sculptor and self-confessed video game enthusiast, the striking design took 30 hours to create. This unique take on the franchise’s infamous Buster Sword, an acclaimed weapon from CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION, was created to celebrate the launch of the game and to mark the festive season.

For this stunning creation, Simon stripped off the outer layers of the tree with his collection of chainsaws of different shapes and sizes, simultaneously visualising the sculpture as he worked his way around it. Once the foundations of the Buster Sword design were finished, he then worked his way in to the finer details of the sword and handle using smaller tools, such as the grinder, drill, and rotary tool to finesse the final details. Within the intricate woodwork of the sculpture, he used metal inserts to strengthen fragile areas and then delivered the finishing artwork using a chisel and smaller power tools, before staining and colouring to complete the Buster Sword Tree.

For the Buster Sword Tree, Simon lit the branches with LED lights, and he plans to have it on display, pride of place on his front lawn for the duration of December. The Blue Atlantic Cedar tree used for the sculpture was felled in a suburban area earlier in the year owing to a common place fungal disease.

Simon O’Rourke said, “I’ve been waiting in anticipation for months to showcase to the world my homage to the Buster Sword, and I hope the fans of the franchise will feel that I’ve done the video game justice! With the release of CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION on December 13th, I thought I would surprise my family with a Christmas tree with a difference. I spoke to SQUARE ENIX and we collaborated to bring my vision of the tree to life.”