Chrono Cross PlayStation
Metascore
94 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. IGN
    97
    A truly epic role-playing game experience that has cemented its place in the annals of RPG history.
  2. GameSpot
    100
    Graphically, "Chrono Cross" is nothing short of stunning.
  3. Happy Puppy
    100
    Graphics, gameplay, sound, story, and characters are all outstanding.
  4. PSX Nation
    100
    But I would pledge my undying allegiance to anyone responsible for a beautiful work of art such as this.
  5. Gaming Maxx
    95
    Move over "Final Fantasy IX," I think we have new #1 contender for RPG of the year, and it is "Chrono Cross."
  6. Hot Games
    100
    Simply, one of the best RPG's ever made, and one of the finest games for the PlayStation console.
  7. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    100
    Another masterpiece from Square, and one of the best RPGs of all time. [Nov 2001, p.40]
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  8. GamePro
    90
    A good story, engaging characters, a vast array of magic elements and weapons, and a beautiful world that can be explored in two dimensions.
  9. Core Magazine
    100
    "Chrono Cross'" music is breathtakingly beautiful, and its sheer power makes the story even more profound and moving.
  10. Gaming Age
    100
    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.
  11. Game Revolution
    91
    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.
  12. GMR Magazine
    100
    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]
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  13. CheckOut
    90
    A beautifully crafted and fresh take on stale RPG gameplay, delivering an experience that rivals "Final Fantasy."
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  14. CNET Gamecenter
    90
    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.
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  15. Game Fan
    92
    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.
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  16. Daily Radar
    75
    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.
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 121 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 75
  3. Negative: 9 out of 75
  1. Kelranox
    10
    Amazing music, great story and wonderful dialogue. I feel those that sleight the story didn't quite understand it. It relates to anyone and everyone in such a beautiful way. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, what we really want will always be out of reach. It's good to see a game promoting realism and the unfair nature of life, while still maintaining being an enjoyable experience. Far too many games (especially for its time) analyze endings without any repercussions whatsoever. An outstanding game and sequel.… Full Review »
  2. TargCollective
    4
    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!… Full Review »
  3. W.Gardner
    6
    Gotta agree with Shintrix. Hands-down has the best graphics of any game for the PS1, but the lackluster storyline lets it down. Really, they could at least TRY to provide some character motivation for going from one place to the next, instead of just randomly announcing "We have to go to the next city now!" (Kidd does this when we first meet her, for no identifiable reason) And when making choices in the game, you're rewarded for making the "bad" ones, and get all the annoying, useless characters when you try to do the "good" thing. This and the fact that a tiny minority of the characters actually have double or triple techs (one of the features that made Chrono Trigger's character system so engaging) make Chrono Cross an undeserving sequel. Gone is the sense of fun that made CT so great to play, replaced with the Final Fantasy-esque gloom and doom, dungeons you don't want to explore, and heroes whose lives you don't ultimately care about. Deserves a 6 for its graphics and admittedly interesting battle system, but no more.… Full Review »
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