CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION

Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition brings possibly the best PS1 JRPG to Europe for the first time, and it simply must be played.

66%Game Brain Score

story, graphics

optimization, stability

60% User Score Based on 1,554 reviews

Critic Score 72%Based on 33 reviews

Platforms

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CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION is a single player role playing game with fantasy and anime themes. It was developed by Square Enix and was released on April 7, 2022. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

"Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition" is a remaster of the classic RPG "Chrono Cross," featuring upgraded 3D models, new illustrations, and additional features. The edition also includes "Radical Dreamers - Le Trésor Interdit -", a game that laid the groundwork for Chrono Cross's story. In this epic adventure, players can explore two parallel worlds with over 40 party members, immersing themselves in a dramatic tale of time and space.

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Single-Player

CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION screenshot

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60%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,554 reviews

story116 positive mentions

optimization76 negative mentions

Chrono Cross offers a nostalgic experience with a captivating story and memorable characters.
The remaster includes quality-of-life improvements like speed-up options and the ability to turn off random encounters.
The soundtrack remains one of the best in gaming history, enhancing the overall experience.

The port suffers from frequent crashes and performance issues, making it frustrating to play.
Graphics and cutscenes have not been significantly improved, leading to a lackluster visual experience.
The large cast of characters feels underdeveloped, with many lacking meaningful backstories.

story
425 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
69%
4%
The story of "Chrono Cross" is a complex and often convoluted narrative that intertwines with its predecessor, "Chrono Trigger," leading to mixed reviews from players. While some appreciate the rich world-building and character depth, many criticize the overwhelming number of characters, with most lacking significant development, and the plot's tendency to become muddled, especially towards the end. Overall, the game offers intriguing themes and moments but requires patience and possibly a guide to fully grasp its intricacies.
- “The protagonist Serge is a silent lead, allowing the story to unfold more around him than through him, but the surrounding characters—like Kid, Harle, and Lynx—are bursting with personality and thematic weight.”
- “The story is touching, endearing, and gives some much-needed closure to my two favorite characters from Chrono Trigger despite how little screen time they had in that game.”
- “Chrono Cross stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in video games.”
- “The story is convoluted and there are too many characters to play as, making them all seem less significant.”
- “While some story segments still stand out 25 years later, much of it is convoluted and I still don’t understand what was going on half the time if someone were to ask me to summarize the story.”
- “The overcharging story itself is a bit convoluted and, since it is a direct sequel, if you haven’t played the first one, you are going to feel like you missed a big middle part about halfway through the game.”
graphics
335 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
78%
4%
The graphics of "Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition" have received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the nostalgic PS1 aesthetic while criticizing the remaster's execution. While some enhancements, such as character models and textures, are noted, many feel that the overall graphical improvements are minimal and inconsistent, often leading to performance issues like frame drops and glitches. Players recommend using mods or reverting to the original graphics for a smoother experience, as the remaster's updates do not significantly elevate the visual quality compared to the original game.
- “The updated graphics are stunning and really bring the world of Chrono Cross to life.”
- “The new modernized graphics bring a fresh take to the game, while still retaining the same nostalgic feel that fans know and love.”
- “The visuals were beautiful and crisp, while still having that classic retro feel to it.”
- “Visually, the Radical Dreamers Edition updates the original’s graphics with mixed success.”
- “The graphical improvement is the absolute definition of mid.”
- “The graphics feel like they are directly being played on the PlayStation itself but with some anti-aliasing and some mediocre filters.”
music
332 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
53%
2%
The music in "Chrono Cross" is widely praised as one of its standout features, with many reviewers highlighting the legendary soundtrack composed by Yasunori Mitsuda as hauntingly beautiful and integral to the game's emotional depth. While some players express disappointment over the absence of a fully remastered soundtrack, they still appreciate the original's quality and its nostalgic impact. Overall, the music is celebrated for enhancing the game's atmosphere and storytelling, making it a memorable experience for fans of the genre.
- “The soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda is as phenomenal as you would expect.”
- “From melancholic melodies to exhilarating battle themes, the music of Chrono Cross amplifies the emotional depth of the story and further immerses players in its enchanting atmosphere.”
- “The music is still top quality and the new tracks are nice even if they don't fit the game that well.”
- “I was especially a bit disappointed by the soundtrack—the intro theme set really high expectations, but despite being a solid OST, only about two or three songs truly stuck with me.”
- “Music was disappointing as the start menu has the soundtrack and sounds awesome making me think that this would be the music that appears in-game, but the in-game music doesn't sound like what is in the menu.”
- “Unfortunately this means that the battle music still sounds like clowns molesting you in hell.”
optimization
189 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
52%
40%
The optimization of the game has been widely criticized, with many users reporting severe performance issues such as stuttering, frame rate drops, and crashes, particularly on PC and Switch. While some patches have improved stability, the overall consensus is that the port remains poorly optimized, often requiring user tweaks or mods to achieve a playable experience. Despite the game's charm, the technical shortcomings significantly detract from the enjoyment, leading many to recommend alternative methods of play, such as emulation.
- “Performance at launch was also a point of contention, with frame rate drops and stuttering—especially on PC and Switch—but several patches have since addressed these issues to a degree, making the game more stable across platforms.”
- “Lo and behold, about a week after I left the review, they released a 'small' update that seems to have drastically improved the performance on both my laptop and desktop.”
- “The new patch did wonders for performance!”
- “It's so poorly optimized that it freezes and crashes often, and after 3.5 years since the launch, the fact they never addressed the issues plaguing the game should honestly be a crime.”
- “The performance of this game is abysmal... the lag is just... wow... how long has this remaster been out and the issues still persist?”
- “This port/emulation/remaster or whatever you want to call it is absolutely terrible performance-wise at least.”
gameplay
120 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
74%
3%
The gameplay of Chrono Cross is a mix of innovative mechanics and traditional turn-based combat, featuring a unique elemental system that adds depth but can also lead to frustration due to its complexity and balancing issues. While many players appreciate the modern conveniences like speed-up options and auto-battle features, performance problems such as freezing and crashes have marred the experience for some. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging story and soundtrack, but the gameplay may not resonate with everyone, especially those expecting a similar experience to its predecessor, Chrono Trigger.
- “Players can speed up or slow down gameplay, disable encounters, or use auto-battle for simpler fights.”
- “The gameplay is a nice twist on the turn-based style with a stamina system that has a risk-reward.”
- “The gameplay, story, and characters are all really good and worth checking out, especially for fans of the JRPG genre.”
- “Constant freezing with an unfortunate save system means you constantly lose 20 or so minutes of gameplay when the game will inevitably crash.”
- “I have never been more confused by an RPG game in my entire life, and not even just the story; the mechanics and systems make no sense unless you look up guides.”
- “The gameplay suffers from heavy slowdowns, stuttering, wobbled textures, terrible frame pacing, and texture bugs.”
stability
82 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
2%
91%
The game's stability is severely criticized, with numerous reports of frequent freezes and crashes across various platforms, including PC and Steam Deck. Many players describe it as unplayable due to constant interruptions, even after attempting various fixes. Despite some users experiencing smoother performance with patches, the overall consensus is that the game remains a buggy and poorly optimized port, leading to significant frustration among players.
- “It's got all the filtering you could want and runs great.”
- “The 4GB patch helped, and the game now runs great - check out the Steam forums to find a link for it.”
- “I was actually worried the entire remaster was bad, but I picked up the Switch version and it runs great!”
- “It's so poorly optimized that it freezes and crashes often, and after 3.5 years since the launch the fact they never addressed the issues plaguing the game should honestly be a crime.”
- “Can't play more than 20 minutes before the game freezes; the game is practically unplayable.”
- “The game freezes all the time; music continues to play but just locks up.”
grinding
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
3%
91%
Reviews of "grinding" in Chrono Cross reveal a mixed perspective. While the game attempts to minimize traditional grinding through a stamina-based system and boss-related stat boosts, many players find the normal enemy encounters repetitive and tedious, leading to a grind-like experience. However, features like fast-forward and auto-battle options help alleviate some of the monotony, allowing players to bypass grinding if they choose. Overall, the game is seen as having a unique combat system, but the pacing and encounter frequency can detract from the enjoyment.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The battle system is completely unique and really fun, until you fight your 800th normal enemy encounter and it starts to get a little tedious; the bosses are really unique and enjoyable.”
- “The combat was interesting at first, but gets boring and tedious real quick.”
- “Combat is kinda grindy, repetitive, and slow.”
emotional
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its resonant storytelling, melancholic themes, and character-driven narratives that explore identity and life's fragility. Players appreciate the nostalgic and moving music, which enhances the emotional depth of the experience, while some express disappointment over the game's technical issues and perceived plot inconsistencies. Overall, the game evokes a range of feelings, from nostalgia to introspection, making it a poignant journey for those who engage with its themes.
- “Its story is emotionally resonant, melancholic, and bold, asking players to confront difficult questions about consequence and the fragility of life.”
- “Ultimately, the game feels very character-driven and explores themes of identity and alternate paths through life, while highlighting the emotional relationship between characters.”
- “I cried, I laughed, I thought deeply about some NPC dialogue I haven't seen in a while; it feels great again.”
replayability
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
64%
12%
The game is praised for its high replayability, featuring multiple endings, a robust cast of characters, and impactful player decisions that encourage different playthroughs. Players appreciate the addition of new game+ modes, side quests, and hidden areas, which enhance the experience and provide significant value for completionists. However, some note that while replaying can be enjoyable, the core story remains largely unchanged, which may lead to a sense of repetition for certain players.
- “Cc holds up immaculately well for its time with a high replayability factor, impactful player decisions, a robust cast of characters and character development, immersive soundscape and sound design, and that unforgettable 90's JRPG feel that drove millions to the genre.”
- “With multiple endings, it has tons of replay value as well as a unique but easy-to-catch-on-to battle system.”
- “This is one of my all-time favorite games and has so much replay value as you can replay after you feel like it and make different decisions to get different characters and relive the adventure in a new way in New Game+.”
- “There are more than ten endings; this gives the game more replayability, but it may be boring to get them all one after the other.”
- “Replayable for completionists and achievement-hunters, but the story never actually changes and the experience will just be identical to (albeit easier than) prior playthroughs.”
- “The extra endings and alternative paths add to the replayability, but by the end, it felt more like a chore than anything for me.”
monetization
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
95%
The monetization aspect of this game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers expressing disappointment in the lack of effort put into the remaster. Players feel that the game fails to justify its price, especially given its poor performance and minimal enhancements, leading to a consensus that it should not be supported financially. Overall, the sentiment is that this release capitalizes on nostalgia without delivering a quality experience.
- “In-game purchases: none”
- “The game offers a fair monetization model that doesn't pressure players to spend money.”
- “I appreciate that there are no paywalls, allowing everyone to enjoy the game equally.”
- “No matter what I set the graphics to, it just runs too choppy to justify paying anything more than $5, and that's only for diehard fans; of which I had considered myself, until playing this sad, passionless cash grab.”
- “The remaster is a poor cash grab from Square Enix that runs horribly.”
- “This isn't a remaster, it's a cash grab with minimal effort put into it.”
character development
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
42%
25%
Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while the character designs are praised for their uniqueness and visual appeal, many players feel that the actual development is lacking, with numerous characters receiving minimal dialogue and depth. Despite the game's strong replayability and immersive elements, the narrative often suffers from a semi-unpolished plot and insufficient character arcs, leaving some players disappointed. Overall, the game excels in aesthetics but falls short in delivering meaningful character growth.
- “Cc holds up immaculately well for its time with a high replayability factor, impactful player decisions, a robust cast of characters, and character development, immersive soundscape and sound design, and that unforgettable 90's JRPG feel that drove millions to the genre.”
- “The character designs have been updated as well, with each character having their own unique look and personality.”
- “Fantastic game, exactly what I wanted in a remaster - cleaner character designs but the world, music, backgrounds, and gameplay are preserved on PC forever.”
- “Little or no character development for them.”
- “It has a semi-unpolished plot, a large amount of half-hearted character development and is mostly driven by its Celtic-influenced soundtrack.”
- “Wanted to support one of my favorite games of all time, but I won't tolerate censored character designs especially when you can't even get the game running at a decent FPS.”
atmosphere
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
12%
38%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its enchanting and immersive qualities, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack that ranges from melancholic to exhilarating. Reviewers highlight the thoughtful design of backgrounds and character portraits, which complement the narrative and emotional depth, creating a spellbinding experience that keeps players engaged. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a standout feature, bridging connections to its predecessor while offering a unique and compelling environment.
- “The game creates a unique, spellbinding atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you hooked.”
- “From melancholic melodies to exhilarating battle themes, the music of Chrono Cross amplifies the emotional depth of the story and further immerses players in its enchanting atmosphere.”
- “Just loving the atmosphere this game provides, from being serious to the comic relief of Solt and Peppor goofing off.”
- “The backgrounds and atmosphere were very well done and well thought out.”
- “What shines above all else here is the atmosphere, the narrative, and the visual storytelling.”
humor
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by its off-beat and absurd elements, with colorful characters and funny dialogue that contribute to a memorable experience. While some plot points may come off as convoluted or nonsensical, the lighthearted moments and emotional contrasts, such as character expressions, add charm. Overall, the humor balances the game's more serious themes, making it both entertaining and engaging.
- “An innovative battle system, mind-bending story, way too many colorful characters, and off-beat humor make this game one of the most memorable and unusual adventures on the PS1.”
- “"One guy planned absolutely everything" stories are what third-graders come up with, and even then probably only if there's some jerkhole adult viciously drilling into every plot hole, and all the kid can come up with in the moment is "uh, the wizard did it" / "the wizard planned that, too" / "it was the wizard, alright; just leave me alone!" Not even a third-grader would willingly write this kind of crap, and yet Undead Lucca reveals it to you proudly, as if it isn't simultaneously hilariously absurd and morally repugnant.”
- “It's a little funny seeing the models moving in their old frame motions, but honestly that's just an authentic plus for me.”

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72%Critics’ scoreBased on 33 critic reviews

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30h Median play time

34h Average play time

4-51h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 13 analyzed playthroughs

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CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION is a role playing game with fantasy and anime themes.

CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 and others.

On average players spend around 34 hours playing CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION.

CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION was released on April 7, 2022.

CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION was developed by Square Enix.

CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION has received mostly positive reviews from both players and critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its optimization.

CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION is a single player game.

Similar games include FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered, Final Fantasy VI, FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster, FINAL FANTASY VIII, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and others.

CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION

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