Others say...

"Great game, but..."
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."
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"


***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



"Great game everyone should play it once at least!"
This game brings a nice change compared to most single player RPG games, the battle system and leveling system are very unique and keep things interesting. The storyline is great also!

I would recommend this game to anyone who enjoys Final Fantasy or Chrono Trigger.

"Chrono Cross was the perfect follow-up to Chrono Trigger"
If you were blown away by Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross will take you to the next level and blow you away again. Be prepared to dedicate many hours to this wonderful game.