Board 8 > Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition Review Zone

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://opencritic.com/game/12976/chrono-cross-the-radical-dreamers-edition

A 75 through 18 reviews so far. They took Chrono Cross and gave it better character models and remixed music, but didn't seem to address the framerate issues the original PS1 release had which is now even more pronounced with the ability to slow down and speed up the gameplay. The backgrounds also got a coat of Vaseline to smooth them out, which didn't turn out so great for some areas of the game . You can choose the original graphics if you choose though as well as different aspect ratios.

It also includes an official english localization of Radical Dreamers the SNES Satellaview text adventure that served as an inspiration for an early section of actual Chrono Cross. At the end of the day the reception of the original game from reviewers was universal praise, the fan reception was split as it was vastly different from Chrono Trigger with only a few loose connections and the reviews here now reflect that. Also as usual these days it seems the Switch version might be a little worse off than the other versions.

Siliconera - 10/10
Chrono Cross has always been an essential JRPG, and this The Radical Dreamers Edition remaster makes it feel even more important. The story, the design direction, the way it handles its parallel worlds and characters, its battle system, and its precursor game that shows how it grew? Theyre all extraordinary. Like Chrono Trigger before it, it is historically important and an example of exemplary game design.

Digitally Downloaded - 10/10
Like the best in literature and the arts, by the time Chrono Cross credits roll youre going to be left in a reflective mood. Its not just that its a very good game though it is is also that its a probing work of art that asks meaningful questions of the players and respects them enough to allow them to come to their own conclusions about it. This is the first time that weve had the opportunity to play the game here in Australia, and its telling that this 23-year-old game comes across as one of the most forceful steps forward for games as an art form that were going to see this year.

NoisyPixel - 9/10
Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition has become one of my favorite JRPGs, and I regret not playing it sooner. This is a must-play game for any JRPG fan. From its remarkably well-written narrative that will stay with you for years, to the approachable yet still involved combat mechanics coupled with an endearing presentation, I fell in love with this title far more than I thought I would.

Playstation Universe - 7.5/10
Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition brings a beloved classic to the PlayStation 4, complete with its old pros and cons. Some of the limitations of the first game get washed away with the enhancements and features that come with this release, but they also create a couple of their own. Like a true classic, this edition is not without its issues, but classics have a way of outlasting their criticisms through the eyes of those who experience them.

NintendoLife - 6/10
It's a shame that, with the release of Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition, we likely won't see a comprehensive remaster or even a full remake of this underrated gem for a long while, leaving us with a somewhat underwhelming version on Switch that isn't much beyond a port. Regardless, the portability of the Nintendo's console and the inclusion of Radical Dreamers still makes this the best and most convenient way for fans and newcomers alike to play the 22-year-old classic and its pseudo-prequel. It's a good game and having easy access to it is a boon - just don't go in with more than modest expectations when it comes to the remaster effort.

Push Square - 4/10
Parts of Chrono Cross really haven't aged well, but it's still a charming, characterful JRPG that evokes feelings of the genre's golden age on PS1. It's a game that deserves better than The Radical Dreamers Edition, which, at least at launch, is a dreadfully poor remaster. Crippled by frame rate issues, it beggars belief that a title from 1999 could run this badly on modern hardware. Unless you're desperate for the nostalgia, we strongly recommend waiting to see whether Square Enix releases a patch to improve the package on PS4 and PS5 before buying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmvhrEV81CM

man how much did they pay Siliconera to write that

the battle system is so bad. I honestly don't understand how people are still trying to praise it 20+ years later.

6/10 game if I'm feeling good that day. 4/10 if I'm feeling salty. dictionary definition of a flawed masterpiece.

ninkendo posted...

Also as usual these days it seems the Switch version might be a little worse off than the other versions.

Oops

I've seen a couple reviews saying the PS4/PS5 version is broken as well.

I wish they put more effort into this remaster but I am still excited to play, I have always loved this game.

colliding posted...

the battle system is so bad

I thought it wasn't stellar either dunno where people get that it is amazing.

Huh, I missed the announcement for this.

Never played CC but maybe this is my chance.

Hm, maybe I should just pay $10 to get the PS1 version then if there's so few changes, unless Radical Dreamers is essential or something. A shame they didn't do more for the remaster!

I was gonna try it out on Xbox but if it has framerate issues, I am gonna pass. For now at least.

The soundtrack is free to listen to on Youtube...just saying.

You play this once to realize it's too "smart" for its own good, and then remember the music is making up half if not more of how good it actually is.

Strife2 posted...

and then remember the music is making up half if not more of how good it actually is.

Well I always remember the regular battle theme being, arguably, the worst regular battle theme of any RPG I've played. Maybe it was genuinely bad or maybe it was just that bad in comparison to the incredibly superior boss battle theme, I guess we'll see... but yeah, the soundtrack could be Mitsuda's 2nd finest (I still need to replay Xenogears, every year I say I need to replay it, 20 years later now...)

Anyways, I'll still get it even if it is a trash remaster, only thing I was debating was PS4 or Switch. I know it'll have a stack of trophies on PS4 and I'll feel compelled to platinum it whereas Switch will let me just be one and done... there are worse games to replay a few times too, hmmm... to be determined, I guess.

The regular battle theme isn't terrible, but it isn't good either.

I feel like there are some games where you can slap a coat of paint on them and it will be fine. My guess is advance wars reboot for instance will do that and it wont be that bad.

Old JRPGs for the most part I cant imagine that being the case. They are just a really dated format. Modern JRPGs just have so many quality of life enhancements

Chrono Cross invented a quality of life enhancement with a fast forward button and it somehow took 15 years before people realized what a great idea it was

I never understood why many JRPGs save their best battle tracks for one unique encounter but don't bother with the one you'll hear thousands of times throughout the game.

I thought the actual HD pass on this game looked like ass to begin with from the announcement trailer. Was hoping they would smooth it over but sounds like this game was probably pretty much done with when they told people about it.

yeah, the regular battle music only adds to the badness of the element system and the overall clunkiness

the soundtrack is overall stellar but yeesh

CC's upgrades sound pretty good in general. I think the remaster lets you turn off battles and use fast forward anytime? Not sure though.

The game itself is fun in general. I like the element system and all the endings are awesome.

Regular battle theme always has, and always will, make my ears bleed. I hate it.

So unfortunate for a game with a 9.9/10 soundtrack to have it's biggest stinker be the most often played song.

CC is and has always been an average game at best but here I am with the PC version preordered.

https://twitter.com/chronogame/status/1511667785918664709

In truth, we wanted to finish the development in time for the 20th Anniversary of Chrono Cross, but there were all kinds of issues, so it ended up being for the 23rd Anniversary. We're terribly sorry to have kept you waiting.

Classic SquEnix.

You're telling me this pass on it was what they came up with after 3 extra years?

Nobody at Square Enix should be given any money outside of Yoshida's team.

They really shouldn't give any money to anyone not making a decent FF product (whenever that ever happens anymore), a Bravely/Octopath low budget affair that is low risk, or Dragon Quest. Anything Square does that isn't what they or a competent outside source (Yoko Taro) knows how to do, they just seem to be throwing darts at a wall.

How are they a AAA company still? I heard it somewhere else, but they literally DID become the ShinRa Corporation.

decent FF stuff is actually happening a lot these days!

but yes, they seem to be churning out a lot of **** recently

they already put out a GotY candidate this year in Stranger of Paradise

ninkendo posted...

they already put out a GotY candidate this year in Stranger of Paradise

Yes, and I am a 16-year old girl with double DDs....

Strife2 posted...

Yes, and I am a 16-year old girl with double DDs....

SHINE is serious. SoP is sneaky good

I sure hope so. They've chased so many trends for 20 years, I bet they forgot what good game design was.

Ff7R is lucky is is dripping in nostalgia. I doubt I would play it otherwise.

I'm also just annoyed they do NFTs and microtransaction hell. I'm probably just venting.

Keep in mind though they didn't actually make most of Stranger of Paradise. All Team Ninja, baby

team ninja turning into a final fantasy spin-off company with Dissidia Arcade/NT and DFFOO

GuessMyUserName posted...

team ninja turning into a final fantasy spin-off company with Dissidia Arcade/NT and DFFOO

Will they do more though? Stranger of Paradise sold much worse than anything Dissidia.

too late there's no turning back from the inevitable John Kuja video game

GuessMyUserName posted...

too late there's no turning back from the inevitable John Kuja video game

Phillip Necron is the story I need

oh are we doing this again

Rodrigo Golbez

We all know the next game will feature Jennifer Ultimecia.

The funny thing is, Jack Garland is a non-ironically good character

unironically

Game is up on PSN

I assume eshop too

so I guess I have to buy this if I want to "show Square Enix I want a new Chrono game"

probably won't play it though, so I guess I'm treating this like a kickstarter that I know will fail and I won't get a refund

I still blows my mind how Square took one of the best playing RPGs of all time, and turned it into the absolute dumpster fire that was Chrono Cross

colliding posted...

so I guess I have to buy this if I want to "show Square Enix I want a new Chrono game"

probably won't play it though, so I guess I'm treating this like a kickstarter that I know will fail and I won't get a refund

Yes, because this is working out for Mana so far. They've gotten as far as remaking or remastering. I'm not going to hold my breath until it happens. Chrono is their new "in case of Emergency break glass" option with FF7R actually a thing.

Strife2 posted...

Yes, because this is working out for Mana so far. They've gotten as far as remaking or remastering. I'm not going to hold my breath until it happens. Chrono is their new "in case of Emergency break glass" option with FF7R actually a thing.

Isn't there a mobile game too?

I don't count mobile games. Breath of Fire 6 is "technically" a thing, as a mobile game. *Goes to cry in a corner from the sad*

I figure it was too much to fix the story and game play but it's still disappointing

Strife2 posted...

Yes, because this is working out for Mana so far. They've gotten as far as remaking or remastering. I'm not going to hold my breath until it happens. Chrono is their new "in case of Emergency break glass" option with FF7R actually a thing.

Mana did get a new console game announced though

Mac Arrowny posted...

Mana did get a new console game announced though

wait what