Chrono Cross is the sequel to the acclaimed SNES JRPG, Chrono Trigger. Chrono Cross expands on the story, introduces a new wide cast of playable characters, and revamps the gameplay. Largely the endeavor is a success, and should appeal to fans of the original.
As is typical of JRPGs, Chrono Cross features a large and detailed story containing numerous cut scenes. To understand Chrono Cross’ story, you must have played Chrono Trigger. However, even with a firm background in Chrono history, the story will be difficult to understand. Chrono Trigger’s original time travel based story was understandably complex. However, Chrono Cross adds several layers and dimensions (literally) to this already dense tale. Chrono Cross covers a story, at first separate from the events of Trigger, based around a boy named Serge and a split in time. You travel back and forth between two dimensions created by this split as you unravel the plot. There's a lot of interesting material in the story, but keeping track of everything is nearly impossible. Whether the plot is too much, or just right, will depend on what kind of player you are. If you love convoluted sci-fi plots that require careful attention (and perhaps additional research) to make sense of, this story is for you. Personally, I felt the plot could have done with some trimming, and it's predecessor managed to better integrate time travel in the story while keeping it grounded. While the main story commands most of the game's attention, there are also numerous side quests that give the player an opportunity to explore the world and provide back story for dozens of playable characters.
Chrono Cross' gameplay departs from Chrono Trigger's. It introduces a new battle system where characters can strong, medium, and weak attacks which each take up points from a stamina pool. Using these attacks builds up magic points which can be used to cast spells placed in various levels before the battle. Once a spell is used, it's no longer available for the rest of the battle, but will be available in the next battle. Characters are then healed after each battle from the stock of available spells that haven't been used. This system allows you to use lots of interesting spells even in run of the mill battles, without leaving you in a weakened state for further battles. It's a nice change of pace from RPGs where the best course of action is often to constantly use physical attacks on enemies. While the overall system works quite well and is entertaining, the game is generally quite easy. In contrast to Chrono Trigger, which featured a small cast of characters, there are a myriad of characters to choose from in Chrono Cross. Differences between characters aren't generally vary large, but it's nice to have the options. On the other hand, Chrono Cross does not completely abandon it's predecessor’s system. Like Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross also eschews random encounters. Instead, you see enemies on the screen and can choose to avoid them or fight them. This is an improvement over the random encounter system, and one of the strengths of the Chrono series.
As for Chrono Cross' graphics and music, both are quite strong. The music in particular is top notch. It always appropriately matches the tone of the location, and there are numerous tunes that are a pleasure to hear whenever they crop up. If you liked Chrono Trigger's music, Chrono Cross' should also be a pleasure.
While not without its faults, Chrono Cross is an engaging experience with a complex story and original battle system. If you liked Chrono Trigger and are in the mode for a JRPG, Chrono Cross is a fine choice. Chrono Cross is the sequel to the acclaimed SNES JRPG, Chrono Trigger. Chrono Cross expands on the story, introduces a new wide cast of playable characters, and revamps the gameplay. Largely the endeavor is a success, and should appeal to fans of the original.
As is typical of JRPGs, Chrono Cross features a large and detailed story containing numerous cut scenes. To understand Chrono Cross’ story, you must have played Chrono Trigger. However, even with a firm background in Chrono history, the story will be difficult to understand. Chrono Trigger’s original time travel based story was understandably complex. However, Chrono Cross adds several layers and dimensions (literally) to this already dense tale. Chrono Cross covers a story, at first separate from the events of Trigger, based around a boy named Serge and a split in time. You travel back and forth between two dimensions created by this split as you unravel the plot. There's a lot of interesting material in the story, but keeping track of everything is nearly impossible. Whether the plot is too much, or just right, will depend on what kind of player you are. If you love convoluted sci-fi plots that require careful attention (and perhaps additional research) to make sense of, this story is for you. Personally, I felt the plot could have done with some trimming, and it's predecessor managed to better integrate time travel in the story while keeping it grounded. While the main story commands most of the game's attention, there are also numerous side quests that give the player an opportunity to explore the world and provide back story for dozens of playable characters.
Chrono Cross' gameplay departs from Chrono Trigger's. It introduces a new battle system where characters can strong, medium, and weak attacks which each take up points from a stamina pool. Using these attacks builds up magic points which can be used to cast spells placed in various levels before the battle. Once a spell is used, it's no longer available for the rest of the battle, but will be available in the next battle. Characters are then healed after each battle from the stock of available spells that haven't been used. This system allows you to use lots of interesting spells even in run of the mill battles, without leaving you in a weakened state for further battles. It's a nice change of pace from RPGs where the best course of action is often to constantly use physical attacks on enemies. While the overall system works quite well and is entertaining, the game is generally quite easy. In contrast to Chrono Trigger, which featured a small cast of characters, there are a myriad of characters to choose from in Chrono Cross. Differences between characters aren't generally vary large, but it's nice to have the options. On the other hand, Chrono Cross does not completely abandon it's predecessor’s system. Like Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross also eschews random encounters. Instead, you see enemies on the screen and can choose to avoid them or fight them. This is an improvement over the random encounter system, and one of the strengths of the Chrono series.
As for Chrono Cross' graphics and music, both are quite strong. The music in particular is top notch. It always appropriately matches the tone of the location, and there are numerous tunes that are a pleasure to hear whenever they crop up. If you liked Chrono Trigger's music, Chrono Cross' should also be a pleasure.
While not without its faults, Chrono Cross is an engaging experience with a complex story and original battle system. If you liked Chrono Trigger and are in the mode for a JRPG, Chrono Cross is a fine choice. |
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