Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation 3
- Developers: Square
- Publishers: Square
Chrono Cross: A Timeless Adventure
Released in 1999, Chrono Cross is the spiritual successor to the beloved Super Nintendo RPG, Chrono Trigger. Developed by Square Enix (then Squaresoft) and directed by Masato Kato, Chrono Cross is an ambitious and sprawling JRPG that features a large cast of characters, a complex story, and beautiful visuals.
The game follows the story of Serge, a young man who lives on the isolated El Nido archipelago. One day, Serge is attacked by a mysterious creature and awakens in a parallel dimension where he is known as Kid. As Serge tries to figure out what happened to him and how to return to his own world, he is joined by a group of allies, including Kid, a thief with a mysterious past; Guile, a swordsman with a dark secret; and Lynx, a enigmatic figure who seems to know more about Serge than he lets on.
As Serge and his companions travel through the parallel dimension, they learn that the two worlds are on the brink of war. The Acacia Dragoons, led by the tyrannical General Viper, are preparing to invade El Nido. Serge and his allies must find a way to stop the war and save both worlds.
Chrono Cross’s story is complex and engrossing, with multiple twists and turns. The game’s large cast of characters are all well-developed and have their own unique motivations and backstories. The game’s world is also rich and detailed, with a variety of locations to explore, from the lush forests of El Nido to the technologically advanced city of Termina.
The gameplay in Chrono Cross is similar to that of Chrono Trigger, but with some key differences. The game’s battle system is turn-based, but players can now control up to three characters at once. Each character has their own unique abilities and spells, and players must use strategy to defeat their enemies.
Chrono Cross also features a unique element system. Each character can equip up to three elements, which can be used to cast spells, enhance attacks, or heal allies. The element system adds an extra layer of depth to the game’s combat, and players must carefully consider which elements to equip to each character.
The graphics in Chrono Cross are some of the best on the PlayStation. The game’s character models are large and detailed, and the pre-rendered backgrounds are immaculately detailed. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a mix of orchestral and electronic music.
Chrono Cross was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide. The game has been praised for its story, characters, graphics, and gameplay. Chrono Cross is considered one of the best JRPGs of all time, and it is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Chrono Cross’s Legacy
Chrono Cross has had a lasting impact on the JRPG genre. The game’s complex story, large cast of characters, and innovative gameplay have inspired many other JRPGs. Chrono Cross is also notable for its beautiful graphics and soundtrack, which helped to set a new standard for the genre.
Chrono Cross has been re-released several times, including on the PlayStation Network, the Nintendo DS, and the PlayStation 3. The game has also been translated into several languages, including English, Japanese, French, German, and Spanish.
In 2022, Square Enix announced that it was developing a remaster of Chrono Cross. The remaster will be released on the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC in 2023. The remaster will feature updated graphics and sound, as well as some new features.
Chrono Cross is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world. The game’s story, characters, graphics, and gameplay are all top-notch, and it is a must-play for fans of JRPGs.
Review Score
9/10