Chrono Trigger is often viewed as one of the greatest JRPGs of all time, delivering a unique premise with near-flawless execution. The title is so beloved, in fact, that its spiritual successor Chrono Cross is often overlooked in favor of Chrono Trigger. With the announcement of an HD remaster called Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition at the February 2022 Nintendo Direct, it's high time fans of Chrono Trigger took a look at Chrono Cross.
While fans had been expecting an announcement about Chrono Cross due to a leak by composer Yasunori Matsuda, the delivery of Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition was still a surprise. Not only is the release a complete HD remaster of Chrono Cross, it also includes an enhanced soundtrack and the ability to play Radical Dreamers: a text-based game that was only released for Satellaview and acted as the background foundation for Chrono Cross.
Chrono Cross is a Familiar, Yet Different Experience from Chrono Trigger
Chrono Cross is not considered a sequel to Chrono Trigger, but they are set in the same world and share much of the series' quirky flair. With regard to thematic elements within the games as well as stylistic features, the two titles share a ton of similarities, but their overall experiences differ dramatically. While Chrono Trigger is often praised for its innovative JRPG combat system, Chrono Cross adds further layers with its Elements and stamina-based mechanics, and presents an extremely dynamic combat system that is just as engaging. However, Chrono Cross has been criticized over the years - perhaps rightfully so - for its convoluted nature, both in regard to its story and cast that offers a roster of over 40 playable characters.
Despite the similarities, Chrono Cross holds up best when it's not compared to Chrono Trigger. The two are radically different in essential ways, with Chrono Cross being the more polarizing of the two titles. Chrono Cross will inevitably come out looking worse in any direct comparisons between Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross. Thus, fans of Chrono Trigger should enter a playthrough of Chrono Cross with tempered expectations and try to let the game function as a standalone experience.
Chrono Cross Has One of the Best Soundtracks in Gaming
It's fitting that the earliest leaks of Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition came from composers and other musicians associated with the project. The original game's soundtrack is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. While the OSTs for both Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross have been widely available for a while now, the Chrono Cross soundtrack is best experienced while playing the actual game. With the music getting an enhanced overhaul for Chrono Cross' HD remake, there has never been a better chance for fans to experience the legendary soundtrack.
Where Chrono Trigger's soundtrack was best remembered for its combat themes, especially the now-iconic battle with Magus, Chrono Cross' own soundtrack is a master class in how to set a relaxing ambiance. When taken as a pair, the soundtracks of Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross sit in the esteemed company of the best Final Fantasy soundtracks like Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 10. The difference between Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross is probably best compared to the difference between those aforementioned Final Fantasy titles: one excelling at raw, aggressive music tracks, and the others being defined by relaxing, classical-leaning compositions.
Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition will release for Nintendo Switch on April 7, 2022.