Retro Gaming Section: A Look back on Chrono Cross

by Kristian Calalang

To all the dreamers, the dream is not yet over.

Hello gamers, it’s time for a retro game review. We will be focusing on one of the classic RPG’s which is Chrono Cross. I personally have long since finished the game, and I still find it quite enjoyable after  replaying it for 3 times.

Introduction:

The story of Chrono Cross focuses on a young teenage boy named Serge. He soon finds out about a parallel world where he died as a child. He then meets a mysterious girl named Kid and goes out on an adventure to find out about the truth of the two worlds.

Do not let the generic introduction fool you, Chrono Cross has one of the greatest written plots written of the RPG genre. If you have played the prequel, Chrono Trigger, then you will see many plot points that is in direct connection with it, and even if you didn’t, it can still stand on its own. There are over 40 characters you can recruit, each having a contribution to the story and has their own individual characteristics ( e.g. speech patterns,  accents, etc.). There were plenty of moments for each character’s development, including sidequests, and also the fact that you need separate playthroughs to really see the many things this game has. The story revolves around themes such as fate’s effects in our lives, and humanity’s great effect in the planet, especially in the role of Earth’s destruction.

Gameplay:

The gameplay is fantastic especially with the random encounter system out, monsters are easily avoidable and are always runnable, even if you encounter them, so players have the choice of just taking on the main bosses of the game if they want to. The battle system is also good and a bit unique, with 3 choices of attacks that correspond to a character’s strength and accuracy, character attributes that determine their strengths and weaknesses, spells called elements that are very customizable, and the field effects that dictate the spells potency. Each character also has up to 3 unique elements that are what you might call their special attacks. All in all, this game won’t seem anything like a chore to finish.

Sound & Art

The art is great for a PS1 title, though there are only a few cut-scenes, these bring out the graphics of the PS1. The  maps look very good and are very refined, especially in later areas of the game. The soundtrack is also amazing, especially the “Scars of Time” and “This”. The battle themes are pleasant and memorable as well, the type of music you won’t get tired of listening to.

All in all, an RPG Gamer would find Chrono Cross to be a truly memorable experience. It was one of the few games that I can replay without getting bored, and that holds true up to now. I would recommend this for old school gamers who would like to relive one of the classics.