Chrono Cross

 PlayStation
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
Buy On
  1. 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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  2. Happy Puppy
    100
    Graphics, gameplay, sound, story, and characters are all outstanding.
  3. GameSpot
    100
    Graphically, "Chrono Cross" is nothing short of stunning.
  5. PSX Nation
    100
    But I would pledge my undying allegiance to anyone responsible for a beautiful work of art such as this.
  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. Core Magazine
    100
    "Chrono Cross'" music is breathtakingly beautiful, and its sheer power makes the story even more profound and moving.
  9. 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.
  10. IGN
    97
    A truly epic role-playing game experience that has cemented its place in the annals of RPG history.
  11. 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."
  12. 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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  13. 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.
  14. CheckOut
    90
    A beautifully crafted and fresh take on stale RPG gameplay, delivering an experience that rivals "Final Fantasy."
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  15. 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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  16. 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.
  17. 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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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PS1 Game of 2000
3
#3 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 2000
2
#2 Most Shared PS1 Game of 2000

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 422 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 361 out of 422
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 422
  3. Negative: 34 out of 422
  1. Kelranox
    Sep 2, 2011
    10
    Amazing music, great story and wonderful dialogue. I feel those that sleight the story didn't quite understand it. It relates to anyone andAmazing 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. IMPoSsibleBoSs
    Dec 17, 2011
    9
    First of all, Chrono Cross is, without a doubt, an incredible game. I know it's a little late for this, but the purpose of this review is toFirst of all, Chrono Cross is, without a doubt, an incredible game. I know it's a little late for this, but the purpose of this review is to dispel both the fanboy notions and the hater venom rampant in these user reviews. Chrono Cross stands on its' own, apart from Chrono Trigger, and it is clear that this was a primary goal of the development team. Comparisons are invited, but not necessarily deserved. I need to point out (as objectively as possible) that the gameplay does not "suck" as so many people have said (giving no reason for their opinion), but is merely different. If you take one thing away from this review, know that this game is simply different from other RPGs. Even to this day, it's magic and leveling systems differ wildly from most games in the genre, and while it may not appeal to gamers who like to powerlevel and bulldoze their way through an experience, Chrono Cross finds a home with those who enjoy the occasional challenge. You may have to give it a while, but the story is actually better than the usual RPG fare (especially for this generation) once you decipher what exactly is going on, and some (but admittedly not all) of the characters are deep enough to genuinely like. The Music is top-notch, and we can get pretty much everyone to agree on that.
    Almost done and sorry for the long review on an outdated game. My PS3 recently went down, and so I've been playing Chrono Trigger on an emulator and Chrono Cross on my PS2, pretty much at the same time. being OBJECTIVE I can honestly say that Cross stands up to it's predecessor in every way, and though I love Trigger, I will say that while it is a masterpiece and does withstand the test of time to a large extent, it is more fondly remembered that happily played. Trigger features a relatively typical battle system (dual and triple techs aside), and the story often just as incomprehensible and silly as some other RPGs *CoughFFVIICough*. Chrono Cross may not be as well-remebered as Chrono Trigger, but even when held away from the light of that classic it shines on its' own.    … Full Review »
  3. ThePatron
    Dec 17, 2012
    10
    I love this game. This game is the perfect sequel to Chrono Trigger, good graphics for a Ps1 title and a compelling story a square soft yesI love this game. This game is the perfect sequel to Chrono Trigger, good graphics for a Ps1 title and a compelling story a square soft yes SQUARE SOFT classic. The game play is boring yes and at times fights although avoidable, stemming from the visible monster mechanic from Chrono Trigger can get on your nerves. With multiple scenarios cast along a single story thread, and many different endings, each replay can result in an entirely new adventure so it is worth replaying not to mentions a great game mechanic new game plus. Game Play = 7
    Story = 10 If you are an old school Jrpg fan this game is for you.    … Full Review »
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