t13monkeys's Full Review: Chrono Cross for PlayStation 1
Now that I've had this game for a couple of weeks since its US release, I can write a more complete review on it. In my pre-release opinion, I basically discussed graphics and music. In this review I will focus on gameplay but first lets get the basics over with.
It's not really a surprise from Squaresoft, Chrono Cross has exceptional music and graphics. The backgrounds I believe are a combination of drawing/rendering to give it a very chrono triggerish feel, so yes its true to the past. Also the music will bring a lot of memories for Chrono Trigger fans as well, it's by the same composer, Yasunori Mitsuda, who utilizes original tunes in remastered forms. Since Square has acquired a lot more budget, the old synthesizer scores are now done with a full orchestra and sound simply amazing. The music itself is a reason to own the game. Mitsuda was also the composer of Xenogears, if you're wondering.
Okay moving on, is the bigger question. How is the gameplay and the story. I'm about 75% through the game, and this is my current analysis. It's definitely a twist on typical Squaresoft games. This is mainly good but has its problems.
First of all the plot is a continuation of Chrono Trigger (PSX version). Now many of us don't know that the PSX version had, yes...an alternate ending to Chrono Trigger from which Chrono Cross takes off. This detracts a bit from gamers who haven't played the PSX version. However if you wish to know, go to gamefaqs and find the Chrono Cross FAQ by ToastyFrog. He has information on that.
So that's just a little annoying. Now we can talk about the battle system. In my review on the pre-release, I bashed this system a bit for being too simplistic and making the game very easy. For the most part I still hold to that. It isn't quite that hard once you understand it, and the challenge of the game shouldn't really be a problem to players of FF8. However, I've changed my mind greatly on the fun factor of the battle system. It is really enjoyable, especially when you get more elements and most especially the summons. Because summons are so hard to find, so hard to get, and so hard to cast, it makes it a special treat to play utilize spells and get new ones. The system is a combination of junction/materia found in FF8/FF7. You get spells, like items, and then you equip them (ala junction) to use them in battle. It's a lot of fun getting the rare spells and then customizing super tough characters. With over 30 acquirable characters in the game, that's a lot of customizing. Bottom line here, is that the battle system is really fun, but takes time to appreciate.
This is perhaps my only serious gripe now that I will mention with Chrono Cross and that is lack of armor/weapons. Unlike Chrono Trigger where you had haste helms, nova armor and dozens more, in Chrono Cross you only have 5! (not including the difficult to get rainbow shell armor/weapons). That's not a lot, upgrading your armor is a bit dull since the armor isn't quite that special and its very easy to get. For the most part you'll find yourself worried with getting the nearly impossible to get rainbow armor/weapons for all your characters.
Finally, does this game remain true to Chrono Trigger? Yes it does, all the way. The plot is humorous, lighthearted (unlike the serious mushy-mushy FF8), has some subquests (should have had a bit more but not too lacking), memorable dialogue, a plethora of characters, and is simply fun. There are numerous references to the old game, as well as even a revisit from Chrono and other characters of the past! Also the game is very non-linear so expect to play it a couple times over for a complete finish. It has over 10 endings as I've heard, and takes about 35-45 hours to complete. Afterward you have new game + feature, allowing you to start a new game with your old stats. Since there is no level up feature just a "stat up" feature from killing enemies, you can boost up your stats to max without too much effort unlike Chrono Trigger 1 which would take like 50 games to get your guys to level **.
I would say this is a hundred percent worth it, especially if you're a chrono trigger fan. It will take a bit of time to get into, expect some hours spent in understanding how the heck there can be no levels, neither real-time or turn-based battles, and how the heck there can be so many characters. But when you're done with it all, you'll really appreciate what Square has done with Chrono Cross.
Just a bonus fact, Chrono Cross is partially a remake of a Japanese game called Radical Dreamers.
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