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 Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:49 am
 ----------REVIEWby {Poeden}Note: I tend to speak at great length, though I make sure everything I say has a point. I have set up this review in the most user friendly way I can and broken it into several segments to make it easier to jump around at your leisure if you would like to read it little by little. I apologize if there is a lot to read, but I believe a true review should always be in-depth.The Introduction
[MEDIUM LENGTH]
I have been playing video games since I was very young, I at a time carried the signature "Gamer Since the Cradle", as when I was only a year or two old my parents would play "Super Mario Bros." for the original Nintendo Entertainment System, video tape it, and hand me the controller to allow me to feel as though I was playing. My grandparents both played the NES, as did my mother, and all of my friends played constantly. So as you can imagine, I have experience with a plethora of games since the end of the eighties to the dawn of the nineties. As a point, the count of games I have played in my lifetime is vast and, in a sense of quantity rather than skill, I have gained a great deal of experience with them. This composes a profound level of difficulty in deciding upon precisely what would be determined as the best of games against the worst.
And so, with that being said, it is established that it is quite scarce that I will find a game I claim to be truly the greatest of its own genre, and to a much rarer degree the world's finest conception of gaming.
With that, I give you my review of "Chrono Cross" for the original Sony Playstation.
Relation to "Chrono Trigger"
[MEDIUM LENGTH]
I have seen several individuals who obsess over the original game of the Chrono series, the supposed king of role-playing games and leading title on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and I have also seen several individuals degrade "Cross" entirely because it is not the "Trigger 2" they had desired and expected for so long. It is this very reason why I have addressed the relation between the two games first.
"Chrono Cross" is not a direct sequel to "Trigger", nor has it ever claimed to be. It is simply the continuation of the series, and to disregard or degrade the continuation in any way simply for this reason is not wise. "Cross" takes play in the same universe, a good number of years after the events in "Trigger", with entirely new leading roles and an all together original plot. The game is actually a sequel to a Japan-only, lesser known spin-off of "Trigger" titled "Radical Dreamers". This, at best, associates "Cross" as a cousin.
In addition, while the game is incredibly different, there are many unique components that made "Trigger" special which are carried over to "Cross", and approximately half way through the game you will begin to see connections that do, in fact, expand upon the plot of "Trigger", though never truly become the main focus of the newer installment.
If you are expecting "Chrono Trigger 2", I can see why you would be disappointed, but I insure you that this game, given a proper chance, is truly an overlooked title. It even has "New Game+" carried over from "Trigger", just in case you were wondering.
To establish a final bases, "Chrono Cross" is not "Chrono Trigger 2".
The Plot
[MEDIUM LENGTH]
A common complaint that I have heard of "Cross" is that the plot is very confusing. This could not be further from the truth and I cannot even begin to understand why people so commonly think that. My only guess is that they try to over complicate it and do not truly indulge in what an involved, yet beautiful and well constructed tragedy it actually is.
Without giving spoilers, this title focuses on Dimensional transference as opposed to that of Time. There are two parallel worlds, identical in many ways to one another, yet radically different in others. One boy, by the name of Serge, has stumbled upon the wormhole between them, and upon the unexpected passing to this alternate world he quickly sees a torrent of events unravel before him that he could have never imagined. Travel back and forth between the two worlds to witness the chaotic events unfold over the course of the following fifty-some hours.
This plot is, while a bit complex in nature and featuring countless side-quests of all sorts of natures, is actually quite gorgeous and satisfying. It is a plot that will turn you away if you have a closed mind to it, and yet if you allow yourself to be engrossed it will envelope you into an entirely new world that may very well make you rethink things about your own life. (I am not kidding, this game made me see the world quite differently in a lot of ways and really impacted me. It is the only fictional story I have ever witnessed that genuinely changed my life.)
There are twists, turns, and all sorts of connections to both "Chrono Trigger" and "Radical Dreamers" to be found. I have never found a plot-line more intense, more enticing, and more beautiful than that which lies within these two discs.
The Characters
[MEDIUM LENGTH]
Some may be frightened away from the forty-five (technically even more) playable characters in this title, though it is not nearly as chaotic as it initially seems and ends up being nothing more than a delightful way to expand on your options. Despite the roster count, not all characters are required (around half are optional), and you will not be able to obtain them all at once until you have completed the game at least three times due to several one-gain branching paths that not only effect the storyline, but completely change your earlier tactics.
While several of these characters are entirely extra and therefore have very little reason to join Serge or even much of a reason to be in the story, in a journey of such magnitude would you expect every individual you come across to be deep or even entirely important? Those who are leading figures in the storyline are all heavily developed and give you reason to decide whether you like or hate them, and while it is difficult to claim a hero to be more stylish or appealing than the infamous Crono of "Trigger", Serge certainly does a fantastic job with a combination of a highly unique weapon, and complete originality from any other sort of lead character I have yet to see. He is not the type of protagonist you expect, and really allows you to feel more connected to him, despite his complete silence.
Many characters strongly resemble those in "Trigger", including the daughter of a certain blood-fisted cavewoman of the past, and even though not a single playable character from "Chrono Trigger" is playable in "Cross", you will be likely to find a suitable replacement, or someone you like far more, eventually.
But if you do truly love "Trigger", fret not, as two playable characters are direct likenesses of major figures of CT (Frog and Magus), and even though they are not the same individuals, you will be pleased to learn just how similar they are in nature and performance.
And expect some brief cameos from a certain trio a ways into the game, that was assuredly a nice touch.
The Graphics
[SHORT LENGTH]
While the gameplay graphics are only average for the time, the cutscenes are some of the most beautifully rendered CGI sequences I have ever seen in a Playstation game. They breath a life into these characters that will really immortalize them and make them gorgeous in your mind. I would rival these scenes with the majestic class of "Final Fantasy VIII", and place the gameplay graphics dead-even with those of FF8 as well.
For what some seem to believe is a budget title, "Chrono Cross" surely comes off as pure aesthetic bliss.
The Gameplay
[LONG LENGTH]
"Chrono Cross" is a game that wins in every category, but if it had to have something that made it stand out the most it is easy to claim that to be the gameplay. While dual and triple techs from "Trigger" are still present, the entire combat system has been revolutionized and altered to a radical degree.
First of all, you do not have to grind and level each of these forty-five characters individually. Thanks to a brilliant "no experience" system of achievement stars, you can not only say goodbye to grinding entirely, but level every character all at once. Each major conflict in the game's plot nets you an "Achievement Star", which increases your characters' skills and Tech Grids (mentioned soon) considerably.
But what if you are a fan of grinding and getting ahead early? Well, though it is not rapid, each battle you get into rewards every involved character a very small statistical boost (generally around +1), and so by grinding for hours you may get a reasonable distance ahead of the curb.
Rather than having a system of Mana, there is instead a "Level" and "Stamina" gauge. Each character starts off with 7.0 Stamina and retain a "Lv.0". Fret not, the level does not apply to your stats. Instead of a single "Attack" option, each character has a selection of three basic melee moves known as "Weak", "Strong", and "Fierce". Respectively, they drain the stamina gauge by 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 per use. While "Weak" is the least intense damage-wise, it is by far the most accurate. The exact opposite could be said for "Fierce", while "Strong" lands in the middle. Each successful hit (on the same enemy, a combo if you will) raises the accuracy of each of these three moves, and each successful hit raises your "Level" by a value equal to the Stamina it cost to use. Do not worry, Stamina restores as your other party members and the enemies take their turns. "Level" will be discussed shortly.
Each character also has an "Element/Tech Grid", which is a series of columns that have a number of slots (ranging between one and eight) for you to insert "Elements" into. Elements work exactly like spells would, only instead of costing "Mana" they cost "Levels". Each "Column" on the Element Grid represents a different number (of values 1-8 respectively.)
To give a simple demonstration? Say Serge attacks an enemy with "Weak", then "Strong", then "Fierce", all successfully. He will have spent 6.0 Stamina, but gained 6 Levels. Now he is free to use an Element with his last Stamina point ranging between Grid Columns one and six. So if he wanted to use a Level 5 "HolyLight", he would cast it, drop to "Lv.1", and be done with his turn. If you are confused simply re-read it carefully, it is not nearly as complicated as it sounds, I promise you.
There are six colors for elements, and each "Element" is listed as one of these colors. Each character is also innately one of these six. They are...
Physical Based Colors:
Black (Darkness and Gravity)(Weak to White)
Red (Flame and Lava)(Weak to Blue)
Yellow (Lightning and Earth)(Weak to Green)
Magic Based Colors:
Green (Wind and Nature)(Weak to Yellow)
Blue (Water and Ice)(Weak to Red)
White (Light and Cosmic)(Weak to Black)
Every battle also has a "Field Effect" graph at the top left of the screen made of three ovals. Each area in the game has a different default arrangement at the start of each battle, and every time an element is used the smallest oval will change to that element's color and the first two will be pushed back, erasing the third.
Example: The Field Effect is currently Green/Yellow/Blue. "Fireball" is used. The Field Effect is now Yellow/Blue/Red.
The more of one color the Field is, the more effective elements of that color will be, while elements of the opposing color will be weaker. If the Field Effect is Red/Red/Red, all Red Elements will do maximum damage while Blue Elements will do minimal.
And finally, the most important feature is the fact that the combat layout in "Chrono Cross" is simply the most user friendly and clean-looking design I have ever seen. There is no way to express why, but as soon as you get involved in the combat you will understand.
The Music
[MEDIUM LENGTH]
I have saved this for last as, while the gameplay is the game's shining feature, the soundtrack is assuredly the reason you will remember "Chrono Cross". Square has never been a company to disappoint with its music, and "Cross" is not only far from an exception to this, it goes above and beyond to achieve one of the greatest OST's ever conceived. Every track in this game is pure gold, an absolute beautiful melody of every relevant emotion and intensity. Out of sixty-seven tracks total, there is a theme for every occasion, and another beautiful track to commit to your memory for years to come and keep you coming back for more, if only to hear it one more time in action.
The main theme is absolutely gorgeous and mesmerizing, and after hearing it only once I never forget its hypnotic melody. It not only sets the course for the events that are to soon unfold, but it revolutionizes music all together.
The only other specific track I will mention is one of the final themes you will ever hear, entitled "Time Devourer". Without spoiling a thing of when and why you hear it, this track is such an intense, unique, and enthralling sound that it is on par with the infamous "One-Winged Angel" theme placed upon the beloved Sephiroth of "Final Fantasy VII" fame. It will truly amplify the events taking place during its time on your screen, and really make the entire end of the game stand out.
The Conclusion
[SHORT LENGTH]
In every sense of the word this game is absolutely fabulous. Each moment is breath taking. The entire duration of the game is filled with moments and features you can never hope to forget, nor will you desire to. Though I understand many will not agree to the full extent of my liking for the game, I believe given a chance there are few who will truly dislike this title. I claim "Chrono Cross" to not only be the greatest RPG of all time, but the greatest video game in all of current creation. Though not perfect, it is as close as they come.
If you have read to this point, I thank you for your efforts and hope I have helped inform you of anything you might need to know to play a game you never have before, replay a game you had forgotten, or give a game you overlooked or found disappointment in another chance. Even I hated "Chrono Cross" to begin with (I actually did hate it), but once I truly sat down to give it a chance I, essentially, never put it down again.
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Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 8:11 pm
I must say, I'm impressed. I can only guess at how highly you regard this game, even though I just read your entire detailed review. I can tell that you are passionate about the game, and that fills me with joy. This was an excellent read. But I doubt that I can really appreciate it until I play Chrono Cross myself.
I never owned a home console before a Gamecube in 2001, and I was underwhelmed by Chrono Trigger when I finally got to play it. So you can see how Chrono Cross would fall under my radar. I've heard very little about it, but what I have heard is usually positive. I've never seen someone approach Cross in the same mindset that you have, so I'm interested now.
I have a few questions.
In relation to the plot, will people like me like it? I love stories in games, but I tend towards more simple stories instead of complex ones. That doesn't mean that I hate complex stories, heavens no. It's just that usually, when a game tries to be complex, it does it artificially, especially in JRPGs. I prefer stories where a lot is said with a little, instead of the other way around.
You mentioned lots of sidequests. I hate sidequests, unless they give characters or events development outside of the main plot. Even then, if the quests are long and take too much focus off the main story, I'll skip 'em. Are any of those sidequests you mentioned necessary to beat the game, or fully understand it? If so, are they irritating?
You mentioned that the combat system was user friendly, but it seems a bit confusing to me, likely because I haven't played the game myself. Is it easy to get used to, or does it take some patience to learn? That's not a big factor for me anyway, as long as it doesn't hinder the game's pace.
Finally, in regards to the review itself, you begin the review with a disclaimer about Cross' relation to Trigger, but then you compare it to Trigger many times later on. That's not bad, it just bugged me.
And if you saw that post from earlier, I apologize.
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Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 8:51 pm
Well to start off, the disclaimer in the beginning mentions that Cross does have relations to Trigger. I was merely pointing out a few specific details that -were- similar throughout the review, rather then comparing them. You know, ways that "Cross" does, in fact, carry on "Trigger's legacy while still remaining quite independent.
The combat system is extremely easy to adapt to and very user friendly. The manual with the game lays it all out very neatly and nicely, and if you do not have the manual or do not fully understand it for some reason? You get a very early (optional) hands-on tutorial of the combat system in the game that is extremely easy to following.
The game is incredibly easy to learn, but very difficult to master. That was a major feature I loved about it.
The side-quests are all essentially optional, though you will want to go on one specifically if you would like to obtain three specific characters and if you wish to be able to make the best equipment in the game (rainbow). The side-quests, every single one of them, are quests that I found to be extremely enjoyable and relatively short. The only long ones tend to net you very, very worthy rewards and almost all of them give you either a character's seventh level special technique or a new character all together. No side-quest in the game will end up making you feel like you wasted your time.
Every single side-quest seems as though it is DESIGNED to add to the story. The game seems to be made up less in the sense of a linear storyline simply fed to you blindly and more of an exploration based plot, as in the more people you talk to and the more side-quests you go on, the more depth and development you are going to find. However, if you avoid every side-quest all together you will still understand the storyline so long as you do not try to overcomplicate it, as it comes off far more complex than it actually is. So in other words, if you like side-quests that give you very worthy rewards? You will love them. And if you like side-quests that give you more insight and detailed understanding of both the story and the characters? You will adore them.
Chrono Cross is a game that left me, by the end, feeling as though the team making it loved the game and loved making it. Every little detail feels like a message from the developers saying "We enjoyed making this game, now let us share some of that with you." They wanted the player to enjoy the game as much as they did.
There are collectibles and secrets galore, everywhere you go there is something new to be found and you will never get it all on a single playthrough. This allows for the most replay value I have ever seen in a game, and after having played it over seven times through myself, I still love it as much each new time I pick up that controller.
They even have collectible text-box frames of various different designs and styles. How many games do that? Is it a winning factor? No, but it definitely shows they really wanted you to feel like effort went into every single corner.
Lastly, I did not see whichever post you are referring to, but I can imagine based on the apology that it was something insulting for... some reason or another which I do not understand the origin of. But, I suppose I can forgive what did not cause me harm. No worries.
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Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:28 pm
The post wasn't insulting at all. I just found it to be out of place and more than a bit melodramatic. I'm an insecure little thing, you see.
It's been a very long time since I've played an exploration-based RPG. That brings up another question. To what degree is it non-linear? Is it possible to play the game out of order, and not be able to get a clear picture of the story as a result?
And I must ask again. For someone with tastes like mine, is it enjoyable? I like complexity, but only when done well. I don't like the new-age Final Fantasy brand complexity, which seems to think that the key to a complex plot is through unneeded information and plot points that are very obviously made only for dramatic convenience. I can't think of a good sort of complexity at the time, most likely due to the fact that I've been put off by most modern JRPGs. Good complexity is something that is complex by nature, instead of artificially so. Taking something out of the main story would change the effects the story as a whole has on you.
With this in mind, will I like the plot to Chrono Cross? I will like it if everything has a reason beyond dramatic convenience. Simple, powerful things hit me the hardest. That's not to say that a huge plot point can't be built up over time and revealed to me at the perfect time. That's excellent. It can be complex, it just needs to be accessible. If that's the case, bring it on!
I'm sorry that I'm asking so many questions. It's just that I'm genuinely interested.
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Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:41 pm
Well I cannot guarantee the storyline will be for you, but I assure you that the plot is nothing like any game you have ever come across before, or any storyline for that matter in any form of media. If I understand correctly with what you mean, you will likely enjoy the story a good deal. It has no soap-opera like moments, if that has any benefit to your questioning. There are no moments of extreme drama for no reason other than drama itself, though many scenes are very dramatic. However, with every frown the game inflicts there will also be a smile through comic relief or just plain happiness and charm. The game can be tragic, but it is not a tragedy if that makes any sense. So my assumption would be yes, you will likely enjoy the plot of Chrono Cross if you give it a genuine chance and really allow yourself to be engrossed into the storyline. I can at least assure it is a better storyline than several modern RPG's have. It is a plot that really makes you think, though.
As for how linear it all is. Well, the game is widely exploration based but even my first time through I never had difficulty understanding the plot or where to go and what to do. You can do a few segments of longer quests out of order, but only because they do not require a specific order in the storyline. For example, I will not spoil who they are, why they are, or what they are, but a ways into the game is a massive quest of six major bosses that you must defeat. With the exception of the sixth, you can confront them in any order and do their mini-dungeons and trials at your leisure.
So, essentially, the plot is very involved and complex with several secondary features to increase its impact and expand it, but nothing is going to simply entirely throw off the storyline due to a simple action slightly out of order.
And I do not mind answering questions in the slightest, it is part of why I made this review. I get a great deal of joy out of speaking about video games, Chrono Cross in particular, and I love to encourage people to be interested in something they may have overlooked that could very well end up being something they love.
But I do warn you. If you do pick up Cross, give it a decent chance and really allow yourself to get into it at your own leisure, do not force yourself to play through too quickly or force yourself to try to like it. When I first purchased the game I played it that day and, five minutes after I began, I put it down due to absolute hatred for it and did not pick it up for a very long time. Eventually, I found reason to play it again and I never stopped playing. It takes time to adapt to certain games, but if you go into it with an open mind and in a good mood you are certainly more likely to enjoy it than if you are feeling skeptical or moody in any way.
Approach it in the right light, and I cannot imagine how you could go wrong. No guarantees, though, as everyone has a difference of opinion.
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Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:42 pm
Have you ever played Final Fantasy X? If so, you will probably know what I mean about drama for drama's sake.
In response to what you said about the game being tragic without being a tragedy, I think that's excellent. Tragedy and happiness are always more powerful when they juxtapose each other well. A truly epic story should have both elements, as long as the transitions aren't jarring. The story that I currently hold in the highest regard is one of the most heart-warming and funny games ever, but it knows how to bring on the sadness when the time is right. I don't think anything else has ever made me cry as hard as that game did.
I understand that you can't guarantee that I'll like the game. But from what you have said, it seems that you understand what I want in a plot. In that case, I'll have to check Chrono Cross out, if I can ever get my hands on a Ps1 memory card.
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Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:20 pm
ThePersonInFrontOfYou Have you ever played Final Fantasy X? If so, you will probably know what I mean about drama for drama's sake. In response to what you said about the game being tragic without being a tragedy, I think that's excellent. Tragedy and happiness are always more powerful when they juxtapose each other well. A truly epic story should have both elements, as long as the transitions aren't jarring. The story that I currently hold in the highest regard is one of the most heart-warming and funny games ever, but it knows how to bring on the sadness when the time is right. I don't think anything else has ever made me cry as hard as that game did. I understand that you can't guarantee that I'll like the game. But from what you have said, it seems that you understand what I want in a plot. In that case, I'll have to check Chrono Cross out, if I can ever get my hands on a Ps1 memory card. I have played Final Fantasy X. I actually greatly enjoyed that, as well, but a great deal more for the gameplay elements rather than the storyline. The storyline had good points, but there were far too many moments where the creators tried to make you sad and emotional with "Oh look, they're laughing to try to feel better", when all you are saying in your mind is "Please take acting lessons". Chrono Cross has the occasional moment of "That was a little over the top", but they are not by excess and often come off as charmingly quirky rather than Soap Opera-esque.
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