CHRONO CROSS | A Complete Retrospective and Story Analysis

[@b0xxkn1gh79]

I'll be honest I didn't watch the whole video because I want to avoid spoilers as I want to play the remastered version when it comes out. But I respect the hard work you put into this, retrospectives or analysis videos aren't easy to do lol. I tried doing it once but I never could get the time to. Anyway you definitely deserve more subs imho. Keep up the excellent work.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Will do Thanks man. I really hope you enjoy the remaster.

[@SeventhheavenDK]

Despite its flaws Chrono Cross is one of my most favorite and replayed games from PS1. The music is just amazing, and overall I prefer way more Chrono Cross than Chrono Trigger.

[@glenn1974]

My favourite game off all time by far. Dude it's the only game that makes me in certain moments so emotional.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Same

[@skyuran9312]

I appreciate the quality that went into this video and editing

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Thank you means alot Thanks for giving it a watch.

[@waynepayne864]

in retrospect, this game has one of the best turn based battle systems if u dont look at the summons. its almost pre-action RPG with the multiple hits and quasi combo creation

[@GamingWithSpoons]

The Summons needed a better setup it's damn near impossible to to summon I swear.

[@Archetype_Angel]

Yeah, who does't love the old trusty 1-1-2-2-spell Or the desperate 3-3-spell

[@RueKit-s9d]

I like the summons in Chrono Cross actually, The secret is you just need to ulitilize the elements of your party and the enemies at the same time.

[@feni007]

Great video gaming. One thing I loved about Chrono Cross is how well designed the character acquisition system was. It was like Radiata Stories in a way. I remember I failed to get the Suikoden V true ending because I missed picking up one character that you only have a single moment to recruit him from and there's just nothing there that suggests there is a character you could recruit. And this was with me using a fucking guide lmao. It was such a small moment that I accidentally skipped past the single sentence that described his recruitment. I needed no such guide in Cross or Radiata, and it was quite fun figuring out how to recruit people while also finding all of the different side plots/dialogue that came from such characters. Like when you take the general to his statue and not only does he comment on his statue, but he also thanks the old man who has been cleaning it for all his life. Finding little things like that in a PS1 game was honestly amazing for its time, and even now I still love it.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

It definitely made the world feel lived in. I need to visit Radiata stories and Suikoden sometime.

[@bananaslamma35]

One of the things everyone sleeps on in terms of Chrono Cross is actually how the battle gameplay is designed to favor the player and keep the game fun without being frustrating and annoying. Beyond eliminating grinding to the point that it's a game that can straight up be cleared without ever fighting a single non-boss battle, you can flee from any fight in the game, even boss battles, the game is a pioneer of modern RPGs by allowing you to automatically heal after battles instead of having to go into the menu to do it manually, there are ways to get ahead of the curve with only a little bit of effort if you know where to look for equipment and accessories, and it actually has a remarkably small amount of randomness when it comes to its fights, being limited only to the sometimes decidedly unfair accuracy system (everyone who's played this game has missed some 99% hits far more than they should) and the bosses' starting action point counter, otherwise, almost every enemy either follows a pattern or can be manipulated to execute certain actions, and there's only a small handful of items you can permanently miss, which isn't an issue because the game was also a pioneer of modern RPGs by having an in-game speedup function unlocked by beating the game once and playing a new game plus, so you can easily go around collecting the items the second time around. Furthermore, while getting access to the ultimate craftables is a sidequest that requires you to go out of your way, actually crafting those items is actually really, really easy, as the only thing it requires you to do is... defeat enemies using your summon elements. Which would seem kind of cumbersome at first only until you realize there's a spot in the game where you can easily refight groups of weak enemies, and even without the Field elements for White and Black, once you learn how to set up summons it becomes really easy to do. I really wish more people had learned from Chrono Cross to be a game that... actually wants the player to have fun, rather than wanting to waste the player's time.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

I agree Chrono Cross was a unique direction for turn based combat and could easily be built upon.

[@shawncarlson2508]

That music will likely always prove how powerful nostalgia is(Chrono cross)

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Chrono Cross has an amazing soundtrack.

[@moonlady3000]

That melody you have to play to get the best ending gives my eye a twitch. It's gorgeous and haunting and IMPOSSIBLE TO FORM IN BATTLE.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

I could be wrong too but I think it is a corridors of time using a motif.

[@GimmeTOKYO]

The best way I got it done was wait for Lavos to use the first element needed in the pattern, then use low level elements of my own to finish it.

[@BrownGuyDoesLife]

I had no intention of playing the remaster but watching your video has given me second thoughts... Excellent video!

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Thank you for the kind words. Hope you enjoy it I do know the remaster has some problems with FPS drops something to keep in mind.

[@EpicBongZilla]

I been playing games since 1995 and I don't care what anyone says. Chrono Cross is the BEST PS1 RPG Square Soft ever produced. It's has an amazing story, a shit ton of characters, and the most replay value because of the way the game is structured. You can't 100% the game without 3 Playthroughs if I remember correctly. I always remember getting the duplicate Excalibur sword that there is only one of for Glenn by getting it out of both timelines. Makes him just destroy but it's super end game. Best PS1 RPG ever made. Nothing comes close and I've played them all. I'd be 1000s of times more excited for a true Chrono Cross Remake over the FF7 remake any day 100% of the time.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Always glad to see an enthusiastic Chrono Cross fan.

[@GeorgeZimmermen]

Xenogears and legend of dragoon both better son!

[@ViewTifuLKat777]

Totally different feels. Ff7 was my first ff series and chrono cross was my first rog I actually finished first. They have totally different feels but are amazing games in their own right. My older bro beat ff7 but could never beat chrono cross. I think it depends on the player on the time they’re playing the game. It may not be for everyone but as someone who cherishes both to this day as someone in their 30’s these are the two most favorite and beloved games I will play over and over again until my life ends. Both hold nostalgia and overall hold such a place in my heart and soul. Gameplay, music, battles (were what they were at the time.) They are just perfect to me yet different game styles in their own way. Literally my top two games of my life❤❤❤

[@GamingWithSpoons]

I love Final Fantasy VII too.

[@seancondon5572]

4:55 I have Chrono Cross on PS1. You CAN give Serge the name Crono. This must be a version difference. Although, it WAS a bit weird having certain characters calling my character "Cronoy" ... I had the original US release. This may have changed in later versions of the US PS1 Release.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Maybe I'll have to check on my copy of Chrono Cross. I am emulator for it so maybe the copy I used on the emulator had wouldn't let you name him Chrono

[@Mr.Glidehook]

The ps4 remaster wasn't really a remaster. There was no existing copy left of complete code. It had to be reconstructed and there was no real enhanced things per se except the soundtrack. It was a labor of love, and I'm grateful. To me, it will always be the first and best JRPG that I have ever played. The soundtrack is the best game soundtrack I've ever heard except the main battle scene, but the one for boss battles and Miguel. Thanks for including the concert; I'm playing through again and just got "the Recruiter" trophy, so next game I don't have to skip it. I still find Miguel the toughest boss, and point out that Irenes is a party member who must accompany you in it. She hasn't much attack power but is likely to survive, so give her at least 1 Revive and lots of healing elements. Although the game need not be grindy, you still want to collect spoils after battles to sell or use in upgrading armor and weapons. I saw a demo disc with the FMV OF Time's Scar and instantly knew I had to have it. I was never disappointed. I'm still not.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Chrono Cross soundtrack is so amazing. No game has ever been able to topple it.

[@KadzaitWolfmane]

I can't wait for the remaster; can't wait to play this again :D One of the memorable games I've played from before.

[@ScorpioCesarcade]

I'm late to post a comment since I watched originally on my tv but just wanted to let you know that this retrospective is so damn good, Spoons! I had to skip the spoilers of course because I'm planning to pick up the Radical Dreams version. The game just looks so colorful and beautiful and you got me even more hyped up for it! I really need to finish Ys 8 already so I can get back into playing through JRPGs without guilt. People who complained about the battle music must've never heard "Eternity" from Blue Dragon. XD

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Lol I liked eternity., But I'm also weird like that. Thanks for the praise and watch I'll tell you I break down the events that happened in game to so I'd your confused after playing my understanding the plot will help you out.

[@ScorpioCesarcade]

@@GamingWithSpoons It’s certainly a guilty pleasure of a song. And I definitely will Spoons, I love watching analysis videos on game stories once I finish them just to confirm and clear up any confusion I might’ve had.

[@j.m.3600]

Anybody else see big simulators between this & ff8? For lots of reasons but the song is guldove is the same melody as balamb town

[@GamingWithSpoons]

There are some similar patterns to them for sure. Especially that Balamb town and guldove.

[@RueKit-s9d]

Ff8 is inspired by Chrono Cross

[@leolightfellow]

This is great. Very thorough. I also love Chrono Cross. :)

[@individualywrappedcheeseslices]

God I love that battle theme, cross is just art

[@markeyestone9980]

Not nearly enough people talk about the similarities between the song Nikki plays during his concert and the Top Gun theme

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Holy shit your not kidding lol. I just looked it up and now I can't unhear it. Thank you for sharing.

[@mpm1125]

It is my favorite video game of all time too.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Always love to hear that. Makes me happy I'm not the only one.

[@shawncarlson2508]

Cross even for today's standards is a great story

[@shawncarlson2508]

My fist time expiremcing this was in a combo set of Fonalfantasy-Anthology if I remember correctly

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Your thinking of Chrono Trigger Cross is the sequel. :)

[@mirandariggs7945]

Cross is my favorite video game of all time.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Mine too. I absolutely love it.

[@dudemcfurgusson7179]

While it's not my favorite, it's definitely top 5 amongst Golden Sun, Xenosaga, Final Fantasy 9, and Legend of Legaia.

[@BinaryDood]

Chrono Cross is so determistic, pretty much the opposite of Chrono Trigger

[@GamingWithSpoons]

It is and it's what gives Chrono Cross so unique.

[@metalgearflacid]

The biggest problem with the game is scope. Like half the characters should have been cut so that they could have focused on like 20-25 of them. Guile is the worst victim of this lack of focus. I totally get why the story / setting was like it was. If it was time travel again then they would of just been stepping on the toes of Trigger’s timeline(s). Oh yeah, great vid!

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Thank you it's a Shame really they didn't make Guile magus like we was initially planned.

[@RueKit-s9d]

The team were supposed to even do 120 characters for Chrono Cross and each of their stories. The team was just rushed by the executives

[@metalgearflacid]

@@RueKit-s9d yup. and important characters like Magil had his story and role get booted so that we could play as nothing characters like NeoFio or Mel… so yeah they made the wrong call there.

[@ecosmith7852]

Really liked the review! *But you're still hungry*

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Lol I love it.

[@TheZaaz]

20 hours in, I didn't get why this game was considered a "masterpiece" by many who had played it. After witnessing the true ending, yeah, I get it. What a beautiful game. Convoluted, to be sure, but beautiful.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

This comment right here is the best I've gotten. Chrono Cross is a game that is only truly appreciated once you see how every puzzle piece fits together.

[@harryhemmingway4049]

Anyone have a link to the song playing from 01:20, that particular version?

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Here you go :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OWl4l6edyUftE

[@robinjapan1463]

Nice review, watched the whole thing. Maybe didnt the Niki and Miki concert in full. I preferred listening to your ideas.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Appreciate the feedback.

[@foxdavani4091]

fuck, while youre talking about the battle system, the fade out and then restart of the battle music got so damn annoying. like having one track on repeat forever. pleease think of your audience.

[@RueKit-s9d]

I don't mind actually

[@Marty-V]

Tbh I find it one of the more lacking games out of the "golden era" not that it's actually bad or anything... but I tought that a lot of the encounters with scripted enemies like the dragoons and such were too "naked" ? I guess... like they pop up, tell you they were going to stop you or whatever, you crush them. And they dissapear. No further interaction going on. Not even a small "what was that about" from the party or anything. I dunno it just feels like those things were getting me out of the immersion or something. And I remember it happening quite often. I know it's somewhat nitpicking but yeah, it's my 2 cents on it. But don't get me wrong there is also a lot to love about the game, music, cutscenes, innovative battle system for example were top notch ... (and still I complain? Yeah... I might have my priority's messed up)

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Yasunori mitsuda is such a great compser.

[@PlayThroughTheGame]

I invoked 3 summons during my battle against Dragon God :)

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Nice. Lol I couldn't get the field one color.

[@PlayThroughTheGame]

@@GamingWithSpoons well I recorded it on my channel. I'm a professional of the game. Good Luck to do it at 100% with steal and trap elements. lol.

[@PlayThroughTheGame]

@@GamingWithSpoons kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5StpaZun8yegpI&ab_channel=Playthroughscenter

[@WillyLee23]

People wanted a continuation of Chrono Trigger- a return to those characters and that specific world/area. Chrono Cross was a good game, it was just disappointing.

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

No.

[@scottrauch1261]

It has problems because it couldn't choose what it wanted to be. It leans too heavily on Chrono Trigger to be seen as an independent game, yet stayed far enough away that it doesn't make sense as continuation of the story (and I don't mean the continuation of Chronos' adventure, but this story doesn't feel like it could come after Chronos' adventure).

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

@@scottrauch1261 this is one of the best descriptions I've read about how it's very much and not so much a sequel at the same time. You just have to play it

[@RueKit-s9d]

It is a continuation of the story. Chrono Cross is not a story of Crono character You guys just cannot comprehend the game this time

[@antoniodanielsantos4511]

what is the song that plays at 28:18?

[@GamingWithSpoons]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HFdZV3jtadibM It's called the Frozen Flame

[@antoniodanielsantos4511]

@@GamingWithSpoons thank you. I didn't remember this track in the game so I thought it was from another one.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

No problem glad I could help out.

[@meoff7602]

The biggest problem with Crono Cross was the same as Zelda 2. People thought they were buying a dog that could tricks. Instead they got an elephant that does different tricks. It just wasn't what you were hoping for. In Crono Cross it was the combat for me. I wanted the innovated combat of Choro Trigger. I got Final fantasy combat. You can dress that combat is bright colors. It's still the same BS.

[@thesis-and-nieces6722]

“…thats why i believe that cross is cross, and NOT TRIGGER 2” This is by far the most self defeating statement i ever read. The whole point of a sequel is to be [insert game] 2. These developers really went in a wrong direction no wonder the game is divisive

[@RueKit-s9d]

Can you also do the Radiant Historia? It's also a great game and is influenced by Chrono Cross

[@GamingWithSpoons]

I'll add it to my list. I've heard amazing things about Radiant Historia.

[@MTGControl]

Appreciate the video!!!

[@GamingWithSpoons]

No problem thanks for watching

[@b0xxkn1gh79]

Off topic.... What's your quick thoughts on Persona 4 Arena Ultimax? It piqued my interest because I like persona 4. Is it a casual fighter I can get into?

[@GamingWithSpoons]

I'm not the best person to ask because I'm don't play fighting games so I can't talk about the game mechanics persay. A friend and I played through the entire game though when released story was good.

[@joncliffmckinley5868]

@B0xxKn1gh7 I highly suggest a fighting game youtuber for insight on P4AU - I suggest LordKnight. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2TZeJSQapyYmqc Also, that game is nutty as hell with a lot of systems; not the most casual accessible imo.

[@KyeEnzoden]

Correction, Serge and Leena aren't a Couple.

[@GeorgeZimmermen]

I call it a spiritual successor

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

It's not though. It's not a sequel but it's definitely a successor. The main plot points are VERY important to the game and are heavily discussed towards the end. CC wouldn't exist without the events of CT

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Spiritual successor would mean in it was a successor and spirit of the original with story and combat. While successor I can definitely see, it's definitely a continuation of the story as it does tie up loose ends from Trigger.

[@GeorgeZimmermen]

@@Pikachu-qr4yb that’s how I view the term spiritual successor. It’s not a direct sequel, but it has ties to trigger and little things here and there that relate to its predecessor. It keeps the same spirit while also living it’s own way

[@GamingWithSpoons]

@ewolf5150 sorry I missed your comment man, but I'd for sure say story wise it very much is a spiritual successor. I did enjoy how the combat tried to be different though.

[@michaeldehart3253]

The cast always felt like a poor man’s Suikoden. I don’t have the game by any means, but I think it was a mistake to try and distance it from Trigger. The plot taught me a lesson that the movie Inception later reinforced. Just because something is complicated doesn’t mean it’s good.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

I need to play Suikoden, it's one of those series that just eluded me and I never played. I didn't help by the time I got into RPGs those games were already crazy expensive. I do plan on playing through the series at some point on the channel.

[@TheY2AProblem]

Yay

[@shawncarlson2508]

Why some say this is a sequel to Chrono-trigger baffles me cross when looked at as a stand-alone title Chrono-cross is an azing title

[@GamingWithSpoons]

I agree

[@joncliffmckinley5868]

"Here's my deeply held opinion! Let's settle this debate!" I'm listening, but rofl

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Probably could have worded that better lol

[@luxspew]

Chrono Cross > FF7, just saying.

[@TheDJMeyer85]

I respectfully disagree but both are great and I’d say the soundtrack is one of the best of all time

[@GeorgeZimmermen]

FF7 battle system was way better. So was it’s story. Cross is a convoluted mess

[@SeventhheavenDK]

Overall, I think FF7 is a way better game, but I like Chrono Cross a lot, I actually prefer Cross to Trigger.

[@Loner098]

I mean, Chrono Cross does get rid of random encounters, so there's that.

[@erikmclennan3934]

​@@GeorgeZimmermenI found FF7's plot equally convoluted tbh. Both get very existential and out there, along with having many threads and moving parts involved.

[@jonsnow3805]

Best rpg...but... The only thing i don't like..is that everyone join to ur party....

[@everbornnjackson]

It bothers me that whats shown here of the game looks better than whats shown in the remaster trailers.. mind you, THIS being fullscreen

[@GamingWithSpoons]

I'm kinda worried how the remaster is going to work. This was ran through RetroArch using an upscaler built in.. hoping they fix the issues at hand.

[@Ninja-Hayate]

SuperDerek is that you?!

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Lol why. Hes got better hair than I do lol

[@Ninja-Hayate]

@@GamingWithSpoons You sound just like him.

[@RueKit-s9d]

Chrono Cross is The Greatest RPG of all time, until today CHRONO CROSS >>> trigger

[@shawncarlson2508]

[@Evilriku13]

ironic u claiming that CCs translation was solid when it, in fact, wasnt. There's been ALOT that has been lost in translation in this game (I'd like to compare it to FF7 in that regard minus the typos) and while some stuff was creatively tried to fill up some holes (according to the english localizer) with help of Masato Kato it didnt get around to close the circle like intended.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Interesting thanks for the info.

[@RueKit-s9d]

After so many remakes and remaster of ff7 still has mistranslations

[@joeschmo6637]

It's pronounced "Har-lee" not "Har-ul", this should be obvious as we commonly pronounce the the type of job she performs as a a Harlequin, also pronounced "Har-lee-kw-in",

[@trollingisasport]

It just has poor scenario writing. Some people are gonna fall in love with the game regardless. It had a lot of promise, but just like with Xenogears, Square RPGs were going through a sort of ID crisis and they were starting to make slower, more lore and text heavy games as well as their development time increase year after year.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

It suffers from information dumps for sure when it comes to the end of the game.

[@DevicCypher]

It’s not poor scenario writing at all. It’s actually very well done. It’s just a very complex game and most people are too lazy to figure it out. I was around 11 or 12 when this game first came out and I never had an issue understanding any of the games complex story and very intricate writing.

[@eddy5097]

Battle music is so bad fighting is meh everything else is great if you put the time in

[@GamingWithSpoons]

It's not a good normal battle theme for sure the boss battle should have been the battle them imo

[@Wendy_O._Koopa]

"We wanted another game in the Chrono series, but not a sequel to Chrono Trigger." What in the flying fuck is that supposed to even mean? I can only imagine it has something to do with the type of person who thinks there are two Yoshi serieses running concurrently, the "Island" series and the games that just don't have Island in the title. It's the same game. They change art styles and gimmicks all the time, but if having a baby on your back makes it a different series, then Mario Sunshine is a separate series because of F.L.U.D.D. Then there are the ones who put SM64, SMS, and Odyssey in one group; and the Galaxy games, plus 3D Land & World in another... and what metrics are you even using? It's not based on hub worlds, or linear gameplay, playable Luigi, or anything I can tell. Back to the 'series' thing. Okay, so like FFX-2 is a sequel and FFXII is not, I get that... so... either make it a new world like Final Fantasy does each numbered installment; or make it a generational thing like Dragon Quest. Don't go half ass it in both directions at once, that's just weird. Actually, the Zelda series half asses it both ways; this seems more like it's intent on destroying the original, like Ralph Breaks the Internet, or Rise of Skywalker, or that Chip 'N Dale movie.

[@Rosalies_]

Comments like this really confirm how well the devs had achieved this feeling of “in the series, but no a sequel”. Like it or hate it, CC elicited such a wild response for this reason

[@Wendy_O._Koopa]

@@Rosalies_ So... you're saying that going out of your way to destroy the original (like Ralph Breaks the Internet, Rise of Skywalker, or that Chip 'N Dale movie)... is a _good_ thing?