Chrono Cross for PS1 Review

[ReddMcKnight]

If ever, and I mean EVER, there was a perfect RPG, Chrono Cross would be it. With a moving story, stunning musical score, and over 40 different party members to recruit, this game shines above all other RPGs, even surpassing Final Fantasy 7 on some review sites. Here's my personal opinion on the game.

Story: We start with Serge, our silent protagonist, who wakes up one morning from a strange dream. When his friend Leena calls him to collect some special Lizard Scales and asks him to meet her at the beach, he proceeds to do so. Upon his arrival at the beach, he falls unconscious after speaking with Leena. When he wakes up, he heads home, only to find out that he's dead! Following clues from Leena and the other villagers, he tries to find out why everyone thinks that he's dead. This leads him into a grand adventure...What? Am I being too vague? Go play the game if you want more info! I'm not spoiling this magnificent story for you!

Gameplay: This is an RPG, but it is quite different among them. You don't actually level up. Instead, your stats grow stronger simply by fighting, without levels being involved. It's kind of like weight training. The more you do it, the bigger your arms will get. Understand? If not, you should just try playing the game. As for magic, your items ARE your magic. In other words, you have an "Omega Green" Item, you assign it to your character to use it. The same thing applies with healing items. There are some spells, however, that your characters will learn as you go. Those spells are permanently bound to the character.

Music: The music in this game is absolutely amazing! Each song fits the situation that your characters are currently in! For example, if your sneaking around, the song will be quiet and mysterious, or if your facing a tough boss, it will be fast paced and sinister.

Final Word: This game is a gem among the PS1 Library. I would even recommend this game to people who don't like playing RPGs. If I haven't made it clear already...PLAY! THIS! GAME!

Score: 10/10
Time Spent Playing: Over 100 Hours
Time Taken To Beat First Time Around: Probably Over 20 Hours
Pros: Almost everything about it is a plus
Cons: Story may be too vague for some people

[Xonticus]

I was given a copy of this game not long ago, but put it on the back burner in favor of Lunar for the Sega CD... cannot wait to get into this one! Thanks for the review!

[skyknight]

CC is a MUST for RPG fans that have a PS1/2, and one that I hope can receive an HD update to show off its vibrant colors.

But I do know some Chrono Trigger fans aren't too happy about Cross, and I do try to reason to them to think this title is one of many possibilities that could've come from CT.

Too bad that the third title, Chrono Breaker(?), never came out, as the project was stalled when many original staff from the Chrono series left (and formed Monolilth?)