Below are user reviews of Chrono Cross and on the right are links to professionally written reviews.
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User Reviews (291 - 301 of 302)
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Best one out there
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 12, 2004
Author: Amazon User
If you are looking for an RPG game thats STILL has no equal this is it. I have played Final fantasy X and X-2 at my best friends house. I laughed at his games and showed him my game. Chrono Cross has little movie things (for a lack of a better word) that blow PS2 out of the water. The colors are good but it can get blurry if you have a huge TV. The game itself is pretty long with many endings. It is challenging so dont think youll beat it really fast without a guide.There are many characters you can choose from and you dont have to fight everything that exists. the fights do not take turns so they are more realistic. All in all this is better than any Final fantasy that i have had the mispleaser to see.
Greatest RPG ever. Period.
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: November 06, 2003
Author: Amazon User
For all you nostalgicists ou there, you will probably agree with me that Chrono Trigger may be the greatest RPG ever, with the possible exception of Final Fantasy VI in terms of story and Final Fantasy VII in terms of gameplay. However, what separated this game from others is that it dealt with issues that directly affected the pathos of the player. The theme of every action produces different reactions was very salient and changed the way I acted personally. When I picked up Chrono Cross, I was initially skeptical not only about the new multi-dimensional facet of the game, but also the idea of managing over 40 characters. Anyway, lets start with the story.
The story of Chrono Cross takes place twenty years after the events that transpired in Chrono Trigger. You are Serge, a resident of the curiously peaceful southern El Nido Archipelago. Everything is fine until you are at the beach and you are pulled into an alternate dimension of your own world. The story takes you on paths through each of these two dimensions, and leads you to the conclusion of why the dimensional split occured and how each world is in danger and must be saved. The story is truly incredible and is rich with mature themes that separate the Chrono series from others. It deals with the idea of separate identities and multiple consequenses to actions. The story is multibranching based on the characters you decide to recruit. I was initikally worried about the lack of saliency each character would have, but luckily almost all the characters are important to the story, with four or five major characters fleshed out. I do not want to give anything else away, so I will move to gameplay.
The battle system is truly revolutionary. First of all, you can see your enemies before fighting them, and then once battle commences, you can run at all times. The battle is dictated by stamina. Each character has seven stamina points. Each also has level 1-3 attacks, weak to fierce respectively. A weak attack has a high percentage of connection, and will deplete one stamina point. Transversly a fierce attack depletes three points and has a low chance of connection. However, each attack will also raise the elemental grid. each character has an elemental affinity that dictates what spells they are good at casting and what they are strong or weak against. For example, Serge is white, so he is strong with white and weak against black elements and attack. There are a plethora of elements to use for each of the six colors and management of elements and stamina is crucial, as usage of an element will decrease stamina by seven points. So you must make sure that one character has positive stamina points at all time, or your enemies willl attack more frequently. It seems confusing, but it isnt really. Also, characters grow through every battle. There is no experience or level gaining, and after boss battles, the elemental grid for each character grows. Each character also has an individual grid. Also, there is a field effect. When a field effect is one whole color, the elements and characters of that color will become stronger while becoming wekaer to other elements. It is a system of balance. Also, each character has a weapon that can be built up through item acquisition and forgery. The game is lengthy as well. And it has a variety of endings to keep you playing. On to graphics.
The graphics are truly beautiful, the best on PSX. The colors are natural and organic exceot for a few industrial areas, which are stolid and stoic, which seems boring, but correlates well with the story (you will see). The spell efffects aren't as elaborate as ones in Final Fantasy, but are quite beautiful. The characters also are quite detailed from head to toe and convey their personalities well. They also have accents!!The characters facial expressions, though thew same throughout the game, convey there pervasive emotions well. For example, the reticent and grefstricken dragoon Glenn always has a stoic expression that seems to hide internal turmoil and grief. On to sound.
The score is beautiful to say the least. Sometimes I forgot that it was electronically arranged. I have already ourchased the soundtrack. Each track correlates well with the environment that it is set in. With sweeping arias and multicultural influences in many tracks, the score is awesome and will have you humming along.
In closing, Chrono Cross is a beautiful looking and sounding game that contains a fast and intuitive battle system that contains a multitude of strategic combinations to explore (double and triple character techs, anyone?) And the story is one that will have you questioning the relevance of your existence, the existence of god and even if we are controlled a la The Matrix. It will question your faith in other people and even yourself. It will make you question every decision you make and consider consequences in the most meticulous way. It is an extremely engrossing tale containing themes of love, hate, jealousy, bigotry, and of uncertain futures and existence. What if you knew that you were going to die? What would you do about it? This game puts you in that position. PLAY IT NOW. In fact, play this before Trigger. It doesnt matter. Play both.
One of the Best Games Ever.
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: February 22, 2008
Author: Amazon User
Chrono Cross is a great game, with beautiful visuals and an awesome story. It also have a Very good replay value, because when you beat the game you can start it over with all your items and current status. plus, there are many more secrets unlocked when you beat the game. such as a bonus dungeon and extra bosses.
She loves It
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: February 08, 2008
Author: Amazon User
My lil Cuz love this game thanks!!! another classic catch the heart of the new generation like it did me.
Thanks Again!!!
Chrono Cross Review
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 19, 2008
Author: Amazon User
This is one of the best rpgs for PS1. Its in many respects similar to the FF series. You control a group of up to 3 characters at a time (out of a total pool of about 50 - if you can make them join you) to save the world from total destruction. Without giving away any piece of the story line this can be considered to be the sequil to Chrono Trigger from SNES. Chrono Cross utilizes the Active Time Battle system like most rpgs. There are also summons, however, unlike in most FF games they are not limited to certain characters. The graffics are half way decent for PS1 standards which means they are bad with todays standards. The FMVs are still watchable though
bottom line, if you still have a PS1 or feel like playing some 'retro rpg' games pick this one up and you wont be disappointed
Old School Goodness
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: December 18, 2007
Author: Amazon User
Definitely an awesome game. RPG fans will love it. Chrono Trigger fans will love it. And people who love super awesome story lines? Oh they are in for a treat!! It may be seven years old, but Chrono Cross still sets the bar for role playing games everywhere.
Music, graphics, characters = A+ RPG
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: April 17, 2008
Author: Amazon User
Awesome game, if you like RPGs. It has very little to do with it's predecessor, Chrono Trigger, but it's a great game on it's own.
The graphics are excellent, and even hold up to todays standards. The cutscenes are incredible. And the music is so good you'll want to download a number of the songs. The story is interesting enough to keep you going through the fantasy world. Character developement is minimal because it's spread out among dozens and dozens of characters, and therefore focuses on just a few of them. Exploring the world is a lot of fun, there are various colorful & detailed locations with new foes to vanquish, items to find and new characters to recruit to your side.
The shortcoming is that the game is focused on combat, which gets very monotonous. The combat system does introduce a new style that is creative with flashy effects (and takes some getting used to), you just go through it so often over the course of the game, it becomes a nuisance. Thankfully you can avoid the encounters most of the time if you're not in the mood for it. Also, some might find it annoying that the main character does not speak at all - he has no lines of dialog. Another potential hang up for people could be that to advance the plot, you have to figure out puzzles sometimes. These range from barely challenging to "pull your hair out and scream". At least there are walkthroughs available online in case you get stumped as to where to go and what to do.
Overall, I had a lot of fun with this game, there are some very memorable scenes and distinctive characters, especially the antagonist (fancy word for 'bad guy'). The cutscenes are a joy to behold and the music is beautiful and bold. It's just that whacking enemies with your weapon and casting the same old spells umpteen thousand times gets tiring. Small complaint about an excellent game though, Squaresoft (now SquareEnix) lives up to it's reputation.
Great game, but...
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: August 20, 2008
Author: Amazon User
After playing Chrono Trigger, I wanted a sequel, so I bought this game. Overall, I am satisfied with the gameplay. Those who expect this to be another Chrono Trigger will not get what they expect. The story intersects that of Chrono Trigger, but everything else makes it a unique game.
The gameplay is interesting and a refreshing change from Chrono Trigger. Unlike most RPGs, you can choose which spells to equip and use in battle. As your characters get stronger, you can buy and equip stronger spells and techniques. Instead of using up HP or MP to use techniques and cast spells, you use "power levels" which you gain from using basic attacks. So you don't run out of MP as you do in other games since you can always gain it back and it resets after every battle. Because of this, you can heal your characters using "power levels" during and after every battle, which makes the game seem too easy. You can also run away from boss fights (!), but you have to fight them to advance the storyline.
The back of the game cover boasts of "a multitude of playable characters." Being a seemingly good idea, this innovative element is the biggest negative as well as the biggest positive aspect of the game's story. Because of the huge number of characters, there isn't much character development outside of the three main characters (Serge, Kid, and Lynx), though one could argue that there isn't much character development of the main character at all since he never speaks. The large number of characters serves the game's goal of lengthening the game's potential playtime since there are numerous side quests. Each character has his/her own story and personality, but the characters' personalities are not as developed as the main characters'.
Overall, I enjoyed this game very much and would recommend this game to anyone who enjoyed Chrono Trigger and other similar games. The soundtrack is just as good as Chrono Trigger's if not better and the gameplay is an improvement despite its flaws. However, if you are expecting an excellent story that rivals that of Chrono Trigger, you will be disappointed. Also, one last thing to note: BUYER BEWARE: Some people who purchased the game from Amazon, including myself, received defective copies of the game (the game freezes near the end of the first disc). Other reviewers also mention this.
Chrono Trigger this is not folks.
2
Rating: 2,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: August 04, 2008
Author: Amazon User
I have played almost every rpg ever made for almost all systems, thats how long I've been a gamer and Chrono Trigger will always be in my top five, not for the story but just for sure fun-factor and inventiveness. In hindsight, I don't actually believe Chrono Trigger is nearly good as I once did when I was a kid, but it still blows this game out of the water.
I didn't hate this game either, don't get me wrong, but its just not there. The graphics for the time were amazing I suppose and the battle system is different(often to the point of annoyance), but different isn't always good. They tried to create a plotline as lofty and intricate as something like Xenogears. You go to so many places and meet WAAAAAAY too many party members to the point where they all seem to lose their respective "face." You only really need the first two main party members and then pick one more from the other gazillion to form your party. Honestly, I thought the choice to add so many potential members was quite stupid. Also, I feel the storyline is too confusing. Havign beat this game a few years ago I remember almost nothing of what actually happened except for the fact I had already forgotten about most of it before I was even doen with the game, which usually doesn't mark a very enthralling affair in my eyes.
Many people love this game, and I suppose if you try to play it as a game set apart from the Chrono "franchise," as it were, it is a fair stand-alone outing. The Chrono tag is merely a means to an end, however, it is there to sell the game. This game has nothing to do with the original except in name and the use of timetravel. I would not recommend this game as a good rpg to start off on if you've never played one before. If you want the best of the best rpg's then go pick up Persona 3, FF7/FFX/FFXII, Xenogears, Star Ocean, or Suikoden 2/3/5, to name a few. This one can easily be bypassed.
Worthy of to be called Chrono
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: July 07, 2008
Author: Amazon User
***Graphics***
Beautifully designed backdrops, interesting character designs, dazzling spell effects, gorgeous FMV sequences--it's all here. From the time you watch the introduction FMV, you will be mesmerize and would want to become immersed in the world rich with atmosphere, color, and life.
The characters and worlds are in 3D. They animate with such fluidity. Every character has his/her/its own intricate design, features, and styles that they can call his/her/its own. The worlds' design has its own charm and beauty. The details are rich and each and every area has its own kind of atmosphere. The lighting and special effects for the spells and tech skills as well as locale effects are eye-catching as well. The atmosphere for one world has its own modification for the other world that make it unique as well; though, it is in fact the same locale.
***Sound***
Beautiful tracks that start at the introduction cutscene. They only get better as the game progresses. Each song creates a certain atmosphere and perfectly suits its respective locale. From grim to dire; from depressing to mystery. There is a track that represents a series of moods that can trigger the player to feel them as well.
The sound effects are implemented very well. The consistency of the ground affects the sound of footsteps. In marshlands or through water, a splashing or sloshing noise is present. The weapons sound effects correspond to the weapon itself and the density and and material it consists of (a blade sounds like a blade, a club sounds like a club, a punch sounds like a punch...and so forth). To hear the elements is an aural experience as well.
***Gameplay***
The gameplay is fairly simple and the learning curve is probably 30 mins-1 hour. Its standard RPG fare in terms of exploration. There are no random encounters on the field map or in the game. While exploring a location, you can opt to avoid fights with the enemies on the screen if you can avoid them. One unique feature about this particular RPG is that once you encounter a boss, you have the option to run. That does not mean you win by default or anything, just gives you the opportunity to fix up or upgrade your party under the circumstance you having trouble; thus, allowing you to return to fight him/her/it when you are ready.
The battle system is a little different from most RPGs as well. Your character can equip elements with added or decreased stats. As your player physically attacks his/her/its' opponent (and the hits connect), your player is granted the ability to use elements. Each character has his/her/its unique tech skill that corresponds to their innate color. Unlike a lot of other RPGs, your character is set to be a particular element (ex: Serge's innate color is white). With a total of 6 elements, every element is weak against its "opposite" color (ex: Black is weak against white AND vice versa). As your character grows, you are able to equip more elements. Some characters learn a new tech skill corresponding to their innate color.
There are combination tech skills (as there were in Chrono Trigger). Some are obtained by having certain characters in battle together while others have to be obtained via side quests.
***Reasons for a Second Go-Around***
-There is a new game+ feature (just as there was in Chrono Trigger). The new game+ feature holds many extras for your second playthrough.
-There is more than one ending.
-There are 30+ characters which allows you to tinker with the various characters in the game.
Pros:
+Great Graphics and Music
+Great Story
+Great Replay Value
+30 plus characters
+As many characters as there are, you actually learn a little about ALL of them
Cons:
-As you may have figured, the time travel feature was eliminated here
-The Main protagonists from Chrono Trigger do not play a part in the sequel
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