When I am teaching in my history courses I always say “Innovation requires risk-taking, and risk-taking generates both failure and genius.” Chrono Cross is a true masterpiece born of actual risk-taking. It is a sequel to Chrono Trigger, a game many consider to be the best JRPG created.
So when Square develops Chrono Cross what do they do? Create a completely different game that does not follow the same format as a part two of Chrono Trigger!
As opposed to having only one main protagonist, you get to select up to 45 party members. Instead of saving the world from impending doom, you are navigating the complex web of international politics, and asking yourself the philosophical questions of destiny and the ability to choose your path. In place of a simple, linear storyline, Chrono Cross features a convoluted story with parallel dimensions, and the exploration of philosophical questions about existence and the human condition.
This was a massive bet on a new generation of consoles. That it even works is a testament to Square’s courage in attempting such a large scale project.
Chrono Cross: What It Really Does
You play as Serge; he is a young fisherman from a small coastal village that becomes embroiled in time-traveling adventures and international conspiracies. The story takes place in two worlds – the Home World and the Other World. There are alternate versions of each of the characters in the two worlds. A great deal of the tension comes from the struggle between the warring nations in the world. However, the central conflict is about the nature of choice vs. the nature of fate, and whether humanity truly has the power of free will.
The element system is very distinct. As opposed to the MP system found in most RPGS, the elements serve as the basis for granting magic and abilities to your characters. The double and triple switches determine which character is active at any given time, and how they combine their magical and/or physical powers. You may also switch out characters in the middle of battle, providing for an immense amount of strategic flexibility. Although the element system is complex, it does not overwhelm.
You can recruit 45 different party members. Each member has their own individualized personality and character development. Only certain characters are available for recruitment in the various dimensions. Certain characters may only be recruited under specific circumstances. Each member has their own history and motivations. This provides for an extreme amount of diversity in terms of how you can approach the game, depending upon the party composition you assemble. Therefore, different party combinations result in varying forms of gameplay.
Why This Sequel Was Willing to Take a Different Path
I really appreciate Chrono Cross, from a historical perspective, for showing that sequels did not need to repeat what made the first successful – they needed to be bold and go down a new road instead of simply copying and recapturing what made the original so popular.
Chrono Trigger was a game focused on saving the world from destruction. Chrono Cross focuses on whether you can alter the course of the past and if altering it is beneficial. Those are two different philosophical questions.
Through both its narrative and its mechanical elements, Chrono Cross is committed to exploring those philosophical questions.
The element system is both mechanically and philosophically intriguing. By using elements in different ways you will generate different strategies for approaching battles. The mechanism supports the philosophical premise of the game that there is a multitude of paths and choices.
The Ambition That Mostly Works
The story is complex. It incorporates multiple dimensions, reincarnation, and philosophically complex questions regarding fate and choice. The story also includes a number of unpredictable plot twists. While not every revelation toward the end of the game feels earned, the ambition of the creators is unmistakable. This is a JRPG that wants to express itself in a complex way philosophically, rather than tell a hero’s journey.
The music composed by Yasunori Mitsuda is incredible. The soundtrack contains a wide range of styles and sounds including orchestral themes, electronic tracks, and instrumentation from around the globe. Each piece perfectly complements the mood of the game. The opening theme is iconic and sets the tone for the entire game instantly.
The interaction with other characters helps to develop each of the party members individually. None of the 45 party members feel like generic character archetypes. The writing clearly differentiates each member. Voice acting (in some versions) adds to each character’s individuality.
Is Chrono Cross Still Relevant Today?
The story is engaging and fun to play. The character options are still extensive. The element system remains interesting. The music is fantastic. The graphics have aged but the style and visual aesthetic remain intact.
The pacing is perfect. The major story beats come at the correct time. The development of the characters occurs organically throughout the game. The difficulty level increases accordingly as the game progresses. When you play this today, you begin to see why fans continue to praise this game for its many creative aspects despite its vast departure from the original Chrono Trigger.
Whether you love or hate the final outcome, it is evident that the developers were attempting to convey a meaningful message rather than merely resolving the game.
Why Risk Taking Is Important
From a historical perspective, Chrono Cross is important because it demonstrated that taking risks when developing a sequel can pay off. Not all bold bets will succeed, but by refusing to take any risks at all, you ensure a mediocre product. Chrono Cross took the bold step of being entirely different and was largely successful in doing so.
Chrono Cross inspired developers’ attitudes toward sequels. Creativity doesn’t involve replicating what made the previous game successful – it involves creating something new and bold. Many modern sequels understand this lesson thanks to the willingness of Chrono Cross to take a truly different approach.
Verdict
Chrono Cross is an JRPG that demonstrates that a bold approach to designing a sequel can pay off. The 45 recruitable party members create a wide array of possibilities. The element system is both mechanically and philosophically intriguing. The story is complex and engages philosophical ideas. The music is outstanding. The characters are developed and multi-dimensional.
Chrono Cross is not Chrono Trigger 2. It is Chrono Cross – a completely different game that honors the original by being bold and innovative rather than by emulating it. This boldness results in a unique gaming experience that is both enjoyable and engaging.
If you’ve never played it, consider it as its own game, not as a sequel to Chrono Trigger. If you played it previously and felt overwhelmed by the complexity, consider playing it again, and attempt to comprehend what the developers were trying to convey. If you’re creating a sequel, use Chrono Cross as an example of how to honor an original game while forging a brand-new direction.
Rating: 9/10 – The sequel that boldly went down a completely different road.
See our breakdown of the top 10 PS1 games
Joe’s a history teacher who treats the console wars like actual history. A lifelong Sega devotee from Phoenix, he writes with passion, humor, and lingering heartbreak over the Dreamcast. Expect strong opinions, bad puns, and plenty of “blast processing.”
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