Review: Chrono Cross

	GALLERY

From...

by E. Coli

(IDG) -- Before bringing out the big gun, Final Fantasy IX, this fall, Square has one remaining summer sizzler to fling at us. Witness Chono Cross, a cross-dimensional romp with a cast of thousands and the sequel of sorts to the 1995 SNES hit, Chrono Trigger.

Dimensional Hop

In Chrono Cross, you slip into the shoes of Serge, a young adventurer who is mysteriously transported to a different dimension after having a vision. In this different dimension, called Another World, Serge realizes nearly everything is the same except for one small thing: in this parallel universe, Serge died as a child. Serge has to make things right in Another World before he can return to his Home World. Once he does, however, he realizes that there is more to the vision: the two worlds are connected, and his actions can have dire consequences in both places. Serge has no choice but to embark on this epic adventure to right the wrongs in both his Home World and Another World and ultimately, fight Fate itself.

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While most games will pair their hero with a few quirky party members willing to risk life and limb for the same cause, Chrono Cross goes a step further and puts up to forty playable characters at Serge's disposal. Your choice of whom to take along determines the path ahead of you. In some instances, by choosing a particular character you'll permanently eliminate your chance of recruiting others. Ultimately, this offers you, the player, a wide array of choices. You can play the game with a series of brawny, battle savvy characters (a general, a dragon, an officer), cartoonish characters (a fairy, a voodoo doll, a fluffy dog with a lisp), or all female characters (Serge's honey, a scientist, a witch).

The battle system does bring something new to the genre, enabling you to combine both physical and elemental (magical) attacks during the same combat turn. The elements, which are color based (red against blue, green against yellow, etc.) come in all shapes and sizes and their displays can be quite awesome, especially later in the game when you are able to trap or steal the most powerful ones from foes.

First Class Time Travel

The graphics in Chrono Cross are vibrant and big on primary colors, reminiscent of Jade Cocoon, and the characters' designs reflect their personalities. However, the bosses seem a little uninspired and could have used some more menace in their design.

This is one game with a score for every season. While the soundtrack is charming enough, it would have been better to have the orchestra in the background, where it belongs. Plus, if one game has ever begged for voice-overs, this is it. With such a wide range of characters, it would have been fun to be able to hear Pierre uttering his faux French accent, which he seems to weave in and out of, or the voodoo doll Mojo dish out some of his patois.

The controls are standard, but they tend to misinterpret your commands during battle when you are trying to switch from physical to elemental attack. Fortunately, nothing is set in stone until you press the action button and you can easily correct mistakes before executing orders.

Can't Fight Fate

Chrono Cross is destined to become a classic whether it deserves it or not. The sheer scope of the story and the replay value alone (you must play it at least three times before you can say you truly finished it) will be enough to secure it a place in the RPG pantheon.

Tips

  • Don't overlook the fact that you can switch from physical to elemental attack during the same turn.

  • No battle is unnecessary. Before you have enough money to buy all the elements you need, the best way to acquire them is by defeating foes.

  • After acquiring level 7 tech skills, some of your characters can unleash powerful combo attacks.

  • Do not overlook Kid's Pilfer tech, it can be very useful for acquiring elements early in the game.

Summary

  • Publisher: Square EA
  • Developer: SquareSoft
  • Street Price: $ 39.99
  • Available: Now
  • Genre: RPG
  • No. Players: 1
  • ESRB Rating: TEEN
  • Graphics: 4.5
The Chrono Cross world is vibrantly colorful, and each of its locations has a look of its own. From towns, to swamps, to volcanoes, the player will have a good old time exploring its secrets.
  • Sound: 4.5
The varied soundtrack offers something for everyone, even if it does tend to want to take front stage during battles.
  • Control: 4.5
You won't be fumbling with controls to execute any of the commands, but you may have to slow down during battles to give it time to catch up with you.
  • Fun Factor: 4.5
Chrono Cross offers a good story, engaging characters, a vast array of magic elements and weapons, and a beautiful world that can be explored in two dimensions. Add to that the fact that it must be played at least three times before solving all of its mysteries, and you have an epic adventure that is sure to find its way into every RPG fan's collection.

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