Originally released in 2000 in the US, Chrono Cross was developed as a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Chrono Trigger. With exception to its combat system and some occasional allusions to its predecessor, Chrono Cross stands on its own as an experience that can be enjoyed without any prior knowledge of Chrono Trigger.More than twenty-two years on, Square Enix has released a remaster for the PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One. The remaster comes bundled with the Radical Dreamers text adventure game. The long-requested Radical Dreamers was never released outside of Japan until now. Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition also marks the first time that players in Europe can purchase the game without resorting to importing from a US retailer. As a result, this rerelease means that many players will be experiencing something new about this game. This list has been put together to provide players with some early beginner tips for Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition.
7 Play The Radical Dreamers First
Originally released on the Satellaview in Japan, Radical Dreamers is an old-school text adventure in 1996. The Satellaview was a Japan-only device that allowed gamers to download games and content via satellite. Radical Dreamers was one of these games and featured Chrono Cross protagonist Serge, the energetic thief known as Kid, and the brooding magic wielder called Magil.
The three set out on a journey to steal Frozen Flame from Chrono Cross' main antagonist Lynx in the trap-filled Viper Manor. As a text adventure, the choices made and conversations are entirely text-based. It's a departure from the big JRPG adventure that is the main game but it provides players with more context and a story that ties into Chrono Cross' many twists, turns, and complexities in the narrative. It also provides the player with some insight into Serge's personality as he's given the role of a silent protagonist in Chrono Cross.
6 Don't Be Afraid To Take A Wrong Turn
There are a lot of dialogue options and directions to go in the text adventure that is Radical Dreamers. Some decisions can make the party take a wrong turn or initiate a fight. Thankfully, one can relax in the knowledge that all paths can be traced back to the beginning and the fights aren't too difficult.
Keep in mind that returning to the beginning of the Manor is just a few simple steps away. Thankfully, it doesn't add too much time to the game's length and it's just a simple case of trying to remember to take a different door or make a left instead of a right. One can also save their game at any time by pressing the Triangle on PS, Y on Xbox, or X button on the Switch.
5 Save Often In Radical Dreamers
The Radical Dreamers text adventure isn't too difficult and taking a wrong turn is easily corrected. However, there are certain fights where making the wrong decisions will lead to Serge's death. Also, be aware that during certain events and battles the player needs to make quick decisions. If one takes too long then the game will decide for them.
Whether it's fighting the Gob Squad in the Treasure Room or encountering a Griffin, one needs to think carefully in a fight. Winning these fights is usually a matter of attacking after a successful dodge. It's still wise, however, to save the game after every important event.
4 Talk To Every Character
Getting into the main game of Chrono Cross one will quickly find that there's a lot of story and content to absorb and inwardly digest. This means that there is a lot of dialogue and conversations to be had with the main characters and NPCs in the game.
Talking to every character in JRPGs is a given for most fans of the genre as it taps into a fan's need to know everything there is to know about the world and universe they are going to spend tens of hours in. Talking to all the characters in the game will reveal important information, move the narrative forward, obtain rewards, and gain new characters. Just be sure to exhaust every piece of dialogue possible from the NPCs and main cast.
3 Take The Time To Explore
The world of Chrono Cross has always been way ahead of its time both in terms of visual beauty and depth. There is a great deal of world-building for fans of lore and lots of NPCs and main characters that Serge can recruit.
Many of the secrets and lore can only be discovered with a bit of exploration and as mentioned above, by initiating conversations with every character in the game. Certain NPCs will offer rewards and some things require specific actions to obtain new key items and weapons.
2 Play Defensively And Heal Often
As the Radical Dreamers game displayed, attacking enemies in Chrono Cross without thought will lead to a quick death for the party. As a result, knowing when to defend and heal in Chrono Cross is just as important as knowing when to attack. Moreover, knowing when to initiate an escape will also save the party from total annihilation.
Without keeping an eye on the party's health, the boss fights will make a meal out of the party. So it's always good to keep a designated healer on standby to ensure that the attackers can fight and steal at will. Additionally, if Radical Dreamers teaches the player anything it's to save as often as possible.
1 Focus On Levelling Favorite Characters Only
There are 45 playable characters to collect in Chrono Cross. Many will have different abilities, looks, and styles that will appeal to everyone. With this in mind, it's wise to only focus on the player's favorite characters to level up.
With 12 endings, Chrono Cross is a game that is designed to be replayed and part of that experience is playing it again with different characters. So just focus on the characters that one intends to stick with throughout most of the game's long adventure.
Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition is available now for the Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One