Chrono Cross (psx: 2000): Reviews

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Chrono Cross


8.7

based on 16 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 58 votes
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Official Game Site

Featuring a story line developed by the creator of "Chrono Trigger" and "Xenogears," Chrono Cross has been christened the "Best RPG Creation" by its development team. [Squaresoft]

PUBLISHER:	Square Electronic Arts
DEVELOPER:	Square Soft
GENRE(S):	Role-Playing Game
PLAYERS:	1
ESRB RATING:	T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE:	August 15, 2000

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

PSX Nation

But I would pledge my undying allegiance to anyone responsible for a beautiful work of art such as this.

100

Gaming Age

It's like nothing you've ever played before, and should be considered an instant classic by anyone with an appreciation for good RPG's.

100

GMR Magazine

It wasn't quite the "Chrono Trigger" sequel most people expected, but it's a magnificent game by its own right. [Feb 2003, p.97]

100

Happy Puppy

Graphics, gameplay, sound, story, and characters are all outstanding.

100

GameSpot

Graphically, "Chrono Cross" is nothing short of stunning.

100

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

Another masterpiece from Square, and one of the best RPGs of all time. [Nov 2001, p.40]

100

Hot Games

Simply, one of the best RPG's ever made, and one of the finest games for the PlayStation console.

100

Core Magazine

"Chrono Cross'" music is breathtakingly beautiful, and its sheer power makes the story even more profound and moving.

IGN

A truly epic role-playing game experience that has cemented its place in the annals of RPG history.

Gaming Maxx

Move over "Final Fantasy IX," I think we have new #1 contender for RPG of the year, and it is "Chrono Cross."

Game Fan

With its refreshing design, cool music and engaging storyline, this game has to be one of the greatest RPGs that has ever exited the Squaresoft building.

Game Revolution

With a beautiful story, characters that are actually interesting and a fighting system that's more than your typical "attack, attack, defend, blah" devoid of true strategy, this game is the one I had been waiting for.

CheckOut

A beautifully crafted and fresh take on stale RPG gameplay, delivering an experience that rivals "Final Fantasy."

CNET Gamecenter

From the incredible story line to the combat system to the great visuals to the overall feel of the game, players will get the sense of how much of an impact a game like this can have.

GamePro

A good story, engaging characters, a vast array of magic elements and weapons, and a beautiful world that can be explored in two dimensions.

Daily Radar

While paling in comparison to its celebrated predecessor, "Chrono Cross's" great character design and intriguing combat system ensure that the game is anything but the misfire it could so easily have been.

The average user rating for this game is 8.7 (out of 10) based on 58 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Dokola A. gave it a5:
Well I played Chrono trigger and thought it was way up there with the Final fantasy games of Snes. This being the case when I heard about Chrono cross I just had to give it a try. The random Chrono trigger references does not make this a sequel and although this would have increased sales by effectivly ripping off the chrono trigger name. It ultimately disappoints (it is just too different). I would rather a few well crafted characters instead of 40 mass produced characters shallow as the stereo types that they are, "kid" made me cringe with every "Australian" catch frase (She must have been drived from Crockidile Dundee). The Graphics are best of ps1 but that does not at all make up for the dreadful storyline structure (all lost and unmotovated like a headless chook). The story is the most important part of any RPG whever it has fantastic graphics or not.

Targ Collective gave it a4:
Where to start? The opening FMV is so engrossing that you will for certain sure watch it at least 10 times; possibly before you even play the game. Ditch your preconceptions. This game uses a level system like nothing you have ever seen. Your strength in combat is determined by the amount of 'stars' you have; you earn stars by playing through plot battles. You cannot powerlevel in this game, nor do you need to, as the experience you gain as you play is all you will need. You still need to fight! Fights reward you with various items, which you can give to a smith who will forge new weapons, armours and accessories for a fee. After you beat a boss battle you can obtain some stat boosts from fighting too. The magic system is also unique, as it relies on Elements. There are several different colours of Element, and these Elements can be of various power levels. There is no 'native' power level for an Element - so long as you have the ability to assign an Element to a power level, you can use any Element at that power level. As in Chrono Trigger, characters can learn 'techs', which can also be double and triple techs. The art and music is sublime. While that all seems disorganised and disparate, think a moment on what the greatest threat to RPGs is. In Final Fantasy 8, it is possible to beat seven shades out of T-Rexaur before you leave Balamb. It is possible to upgrade to second-tier magic before doing so! In Chrono Cross, the restrictive level system makes it more fun and challenging. Your opponents will always be a challenge. The only way of defeating them is through the use of strategy, intelligence and superior armanent. Therefore this game is a must; the sweet, superior perfection of game balance, the clear realism of the graphics and the enthralling plot combine to produce a strong contender for 'perfect game'. Designers take note: a progression-based level system makes sense!

Ac A. gave it a10:
It rocks! It keeps you guessing and there's a story every corner...I'm kinda lost right now, though, can't find the green dragon.

Dan S. gave it a10:
This is my favorite RPG, and quite possibly my favorite game of any genre.

Kenny C. gave it a10:
Only one thing can really describe this very enjoyable game, the beauty of it. From the picture to the amazingly composed music, the storyline was just fascinating. I never had a bad experience with this RPG. Don't miss out on one of the BEST RPGS EVER MADE.

Jonathan gave it a10:
By far the finest RPG game I've played my entire life. Graphics, gameplay, plot, music and battle system is nothing short of splendour. Meticulous character design and comprehensive story makes this game a worthwhile buy; the gameplay is remarkable in an overall scale.

Bryan gave it a5:
As a stand-alone game, it is all right. As a "sequel" to Chrono Trigger, it's terrible. They pull connections between the two games out of nowhere, setting up events that could never realistically happen in the CT universe (Porre overthrowing Guardia? Please!). The vast majority of characters are boring, some even unlikable. However, the graphics are beautiful. And while I didn't like the soundtrack as much as CT's, it is still very good. Difficulty is pretty high, but the battle system is uninspired. In places, this whole game felt like a Final Fantasy VII wannabe. And I got the "bad ending" after beating CC, which was extremely unfulfilling. Overall, it is presented entirely differently than the original (you can tell there was a different creative team), but the game is enjoyable at times and moderately tough. But nowhere close to its predecessor.