Chrono Cross - Playstation REVIEW

"What was the start of all this?
When did the cogs of fate begin to turn?

Perhaps it is impossible to grasp that answer now,
From deep within the flow of time...

But, for the certainty, back then,
We loved so many, yet hated so much,
We hurt others and were hurt ourselves...

Yet even then, we ran like the wind,
Whilst our laughter echoed,
Under the cerulean skies..."

Chrono Cross is centered around a young man, named Serge. Serge lives in a small fishing village on the south coast. Life is peaceful here. Everyone gets along with everyone. You even meet a dog that'll join your party.

Things get screwy when Serge meets his girlfriend Leena on the beach and is sent into another dimension. Though similar in appearance, these dimensions differ greatly. Because in this world, Serge has died 10 years previously. As you travel between the two dimensions you'll meet new people and see that the butterfly effect is evident and that somehow Serge's death has greatly affected the world...

Chrono Cross is a unique game. It utilizes all of its features to create an emotional experience. The game as a sequel, makes a few but significant references to Chrono Trigger, serving as a tie-in between the two games. One of the biggest criticisms by gamers, is that it differs too much from its predecessor. Chrono Cross is more of an indirect sequel, as such it should be viewed as a separate addition to the series.

Chrono Cross also introduces us to a new combat system. The system allows for the user to make physical attacks based upon the level of strength and the percentage to hit an opponent. Weaker attacks have a higher percentage while stronger attacks have a lower percentage. In order to use special skills and magical abilities, physical attacks are necessary in order to build your character up from Lv 0. They are labeled as 1, 2, and 3. These numbers account for the levels increased per hit. Elements serve as magical abilities, and are numerous and diverse. They can be attached and removed from any character at any time outside of battle. Though there are some restrictions, some elements require a higher level than what a character can currently ascend to. Others can only be attached to characters of that same color. The elements consist of 3 sets of 2 colors which are weak/strong to one another. Black and white, red and blue, and yellow and green. The "color field" accounts for the past several elements cast. The colors within the field can effect the course of battle. For example, having a field that is entirely white, would make any white elemental attacks much more powerful against black elemental enemies. Alas any black elemental attacks would be much weaker against white elemental opponents.

Each of its characters, though there are many, possess their own individual personality, set of skills, and sometimes personal dialogue. Many of the characters will interact differently with situations that occur throughout the game. Having different characters on your team allows for extended dialogue and different ways situations can play out. Unfortunately several of the characters are not developed as richly as others. Yet they still serve their purpose, as they don't need much of a back story to be likable.

The musical score featured in Chrono Cross is nothing short of amazing. It may quite possibly be one of the greatest video game soundtracks to date. It features many different cultural influences and sounds from around the world, and makes great use of stringed instruments. It does well to embody the emotion that is being shown within a scene. This is one soundtrack that has no problem taking you far away.

The graphics are great considering the time, but not as great as other games released in that era, such as Final Fantasy VIII. The controls are simple and that of what you would expect for an rpg.

The gameplay is solid and fun. The team of characters is almost always moving to a new destination with a new adventure following shortly thereafter. Not to mention there are many diverse locations and numerous side quests which are typically character based and do well to add extra depth to characters.

Graphics 9/10
Sound 10/10
Gameplay 9/10
Control 8/10

Overall 36/40 90%

PROs
-Amazing soundtrack.
-Nicely done graphics (done in 2000).
-Story is deep and compelling.
-Great character design, despite being so many.
-Fun battle system (felt more interactive than other rpg's).
-Great cutscenes.
-On-screen enemies allow the option to avoid battles.
-Ability to flee a fight with 100% certainty (even bosses).
-Elements are unique and interchangeable.
-Fighting enemies to increase stats seems tedious as first but is well worth it.
-Multiple endings.
-New Game+ option allows for creating a new game with the same stats and items.

CONs
-Plot sometimes feels over complicated and a tad convoluted.
-If you haven't played Chrono Trigger, you may not understand some situations.
-Bosses jump in difficulty.
-Where to go next is at times unclear.