Lost Classics: Chrono Cross (PS1)

In 1995, late into the Super Nintendo’s life cycle, Square-Enix, then known as only Squaresoft, released Chrono Trigger. Chrono Trigger was a role playing game which took place over the course of several time periods. It had an innovative battle system, beautiful graphics, an awesome soundtrack, and multiple endings. It was, and still is to this day one of the greatest RPGs ever made. Half a decade later, Square would release a follow up. While it wasn’t as critically acclaimed as the original, it would be an excellent game in its own right.

Chrono Cross doesn’t follow up on the events in Chrono Trigger so much as it uses them as a spring board for its own story. There are few references to the previous game’s events, and the story takes place in an all new setting with an all new cast. The time traveling has been nixed in favor of alternate realities and inter-dimensional travel. You play as Serge, a youth from the village of Arni. While on an outing with your friend, you stumble onto a gateway to another world. However, in this world, it seems that you died several years prior. If you want to survive, you’ll have to find out the truth behind this world and the strange forces that seek to manipulate you. Thankfully you won’t be alone, as you’ll meet over 40 characters, each with their own background, personality, and abilities. You’ll be traveling between the two worlds often, and this will be the key to solving many of the game’s mysteries. Midway through the game, you’ll encounter a serious plot twist which turns everything upside down.

Combat is turn based, but as in Chrono Trigger, you’ll see your enemies on the map before they attack you, giving you the chance to avoid them. Spells and techniques are governed by ‘elements’, which are skills that you can equip by placing them on a grid not unlike Final Fantasy 7’s materia system. Each element has its own color specifying the type of damage it can do, such as fire, water, or wind. Weapons and armor are upgradeable, and certain characters can access special hidden attacks. You don’t gain experience by winning regular fights, just during boss battles. While this makes it more difficult to raise your character’s levels, it eliminates the need for unnecessary regular battles. The soundtrack is done by Chrono Trigger composer Yasunori Mitsuda, and its melodies reach the same high standards set in the previous game.

Hardcore fans may scoff at the lack of continuity between Chrono Cross and Chrono Trigger, and the complex plot won’t do much to win them over either. However, those willing to overlook these issues will find an excellent RPG that’s a classic on its own merit. It may not exactly be Chrono Trigger 2, but Chrono Cross is a worthy successor to the classic 16-bit game.