Which Version of Chrono Cross & Radical Dreamers Should You Play? - All Ports Reviewed! (Outdated)

[@AustinSV]

This is the most recent performance guide, which is Special K plus an extra step. You can follow this or simply setup SKIF like I mention in the video: steamcommunity.com/app/1133760/discussions/0/3269059787433476025/

[@sombrego2260]

Thanks so much both for the video and the info. I stopped playing the remaster very quickly into it waiting for mods to salvage this hot mess. I'm glad the fans are more competent than SE at optimizing the game. I'll come back to it eventually.

[@woolfyx]

Is it better than isa fps hack from nexus? Real 60fps all the time?

[@user-wh6rn6yy7h]

Can u do a video on Dead Rising games

[@ohav3893]

Are xbox achievements fixed?

[@vain_x]

you should update this pinned comment when the update drops, not sure if it did already lol.

[@lukep.]

Thanks for this! It’s a dirty old shame that SE continues to release lackluster “remasters” and players must rely on modders to fix the issues.

[@TonyTonyRedgrave]

emulating the original is better anyway. this remaster is just the game running on a crappy emulator with some detrimental changes on top, absolutely no value to it.

[@Funchal99]

@@TonyTonyRedgrave I really like the redesigns and updated models though. It's kinda impressive they did that while having to reverse-engineer the game.

[@arkane5260]

Great video, I think I might just give this remaster a try. Haven't played CC in decades.

[@ValkyrieTiara]

Finally, a look at Radical Dreamers Edition that doesn't go off the deep end with either "THIS PORT IS AMAZING (I've never played the PSX version)" or "SQUARE FUCKED IT UP AGAIN THIS IS TRASH COMPARED TO THE ORIGINAL"

[@cosmosofinfinity]

SQUARE FUCKED IT UP AGAIN THIS IS TRASH COMPARED TO THE ORIGINAL Appreciate the new art and finally getting Radical Dreamers though, playing through that got me teary-eyed for the SNES era

[@Sparrows1121]

Better than Chrono Trigger. Was fun to get it on XSX. Its not the best performance, but considering Square have reputation of making terrible ports they atleast did one right thing... they did not mess up the visuals. So i am a happy lad playing this

[@WhtSqurl]

Snooty AI Upscale upscales all FMV's, and is compatible with Switch with CFW. I recommend checking it out!

[@toxicfem69]

that you have a chie themed arcade stick is the least surprising thing ive learned all day

[@AvalancheReviews]

I didn't know about Special K. Looks like I made the right choice getting this on steam!!

[@alanlee67]

Looking forward to more of your rpg content. Maybe let us know what your favorite of all time is

[@Sheevlord]

SpecialK is amazing. Made by the same guy who also made performance fixes for Tales of Berseria and Nier Automata on PC (among many others). The Nier Automata fix is now part of SpecialK rather than its own project.

[@Terranigma23]

It's the same guy who save the distaster Nier Automata PC version. Edit: I didn't read the prior comment who already talk about Nier Automata ahah.

[@DCG909]

@@Sheevlord If I'm not mistaken, Nier automata was fixed last year, after the release on the microsoft store (which was fixed and valve forced the update on steam as well). At least during my 70 hours I didn't run into problems.

[@Sheevlord]

@@DCG909 Yeah, I heard about that. I should probably reinstall it and try it out. It deserves another playthrough, especially since by now the high res texture mod had been completed.

[@los5517]

Glad you finally did a comparison on the games! Really hoping square drops a patch soon, would feel so comfy on the Switch even if the PC version is fixable.

[@RnDBMX]

Do you know if they ever patched it?

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

@@RnDBMX Nope, still not patched.

[@RnDBMX]

@@ChiefMedicPururu ;(

[@LunaPhobos]

@@RnDBMX it's patched now, but noone's made a comparison video of it yet.

[@shhhvcnear]

These indepth discussions of version differences are honestly amazing for determining what version to go with. I can't thank you enough.

[@michalkupka6767]

I don´t know. I really have a mixed feeling towards Square-Enix. It used to be a great game developer and publisher until the end of the PS2 era. After that, it pretty much went south. Now it has this big corporation vibe that feeds on gamers' nostalgia and keeps releasing sloppy ports of its old games, rather unsuccessful attempts at making a viable game-as-service, games that got so weird nobody understands them anymore, and occasionally a very rare masterpiece. Oh yeah and Final Fantasy XIV, but that´s because Naoki Yoshida is a genius that somehow managed to keep corporate dogs leashed, so they couldn´t ruin the game twice. Chrono Cross had weird framerate issues on PSX and it was very difficult to emulate it properly. Emulators struggled with numerous graphical glitches, performance issues, freezes, and savegame corruption. This "remaster" is not, in fact, remastered at all. It's simply a pampered emulator designed to run this game with some additional tweaks and surface polish. The performance issues that people are complaining about in this port have their roots in the original PSX version, and fixing them would necessitate rebuilding the game from the ground up. Chrono Cross is a very rare game that is both a masterpiece and a relic of the PSX era. This game, in my opinion, really deserved better. Thank you for your analysis ^^b

[@PsychomachineryEBM]

They have slowly become the Japanese EA

[@maimaibiri9045]

they were really good back on when it was just squaresoft, ah Zhongli is just too damn right, time is really harsh.

[@flamespear86]

@@PsychomachineryEBM Oof, don't say that. It's a bridge too far.

[@HellPedre]

so sad and true...

[@skins4thewin]

Dayum bruh! Once the community rips the new character portraits & 3D models from the digital release & includes them in a patch for the game, the enhanced Emulated version will be FAR better than Square's own uh.... "Effort". It sounds dirty just calling it effort cus Square clearly put none into it.

[@V-Jes]

Because making new character models and translating tons of text apparently takes no effort at all...

[@YukeWeiss]

Frustrating that as someone in a PAL region, this is the first time we've had an easily accessible version of the game. I even bought the Switch physical from Play Asia. I just hope they have updates by the time I get my hands on it. Love these videos!

[@samvimes9510]

I'm in America and bought the physical from Play Asia as well. The fact that I can actually have a physical copy that includes Radical Dreamers kind of outweighs the negatives for me.

[@Evilriku13]

basically we all have to wait till SQEX fixes it. So like the CT steam port back then xD

[@LuisRamos-oe6te]

@@Evilriku13 did they fix it.

[@Hanokaze]

I'll wait until it gets a patch (or several). I could always bust out my PS1 copy, but having it on Switch would be nice.

[@alphadawg550]

7:06 AI upscale was so good that Van became Orlha! /s Jokes aside, thanks for this vid! I ended up getting it on the Switch and love the game so far albeit it does feel a tad clunky. I also prefer it on handheld mode over docked.

[@songediter9101]

lol

[@Leathal]

I played through CC about a year ago with the Project Kid upscale and it looked amazing - honestly better in some ways than this official remaster. Biggest downsides are the chonky sys reqs and you don’t get the new character models/portraits

[@crystalwater505]

Hey, did you ever stream that playthrough from a year ago or did you play it off camera on your own time?

[@bryanjacobs9680]

is the project kid version only available to play on PC?

[@TylerMireMusic]

In the OG PSX version of Chrono Cross you weren't allowed to name Serge "Crono". But that is no longer disabled (in at least the Switch version).

[@PsychomachineryEBM]

Which is silly because we all know he isn't Chrono

[@mikeg2491]

@@PsychomachineryEBM he isn’t any other name but serge either it’s weirder to gatekeep renaming to a specific name.

[@pholly]

So once again, thanks to modders, the Steam version is the best way to play.

[@brichan1851]

I have nothing but praise for the Switch version of this game. I am enjoying it so much. While the original game and the modded PC versions have their merit, just being able to have Chrono Cross on the go is sheer joy to me. Now, when will we get Chrono Trigger?

[@joshcee3362]

I would LOVE a CT port on Switch...I love having my classic childhood games on a portable system, and not just some painful iOS port.

[@brichan1851]

@@joshcee3362 here here!

[@ryoshii2070]

I’m in love with the switch version too, but after watching this vid and now knowing there’s an audio delay… I had noticed it before but I though it was just me. But after having it confirmed by this vid… I can’t help but notice it!!! lol

[@brichan1851]

@@ryoshii2070 I can’t help but think there is a patch in the works to fix a few of these issues. Once fixed, I think everything will be fine.

[@kaitoudark1]

I haven't noticed any issues in undocked mode on my switch. Maybe it only happens docked?

[@Murasame]

I'm glad someone compared this to emulation!

[@Funami2006]

I bought the remaster on PS4 mostly out of my desire to stream this game for the longest time. The only method I have access to for streaming my own gameplay at this time is off the PS4 share feature. So this remaster was a given for me. Also, maybe if this sells well enough we’ll get Chrono Trigger and/or a sequel.

[@KHAce]

Thank you for making this review. I did buy the Switch version physically for preservation's sake, but I'm not sure which version I'll go with. I still need to play Chrono Trigger first, but I'm going to keep these in mind before I decide on a version. I still look forward to playing it, however.

[@aroniax2791]

you stil haven't played chrono trigger???? you're missing out

[@LeonHaart13]

If you use the Special K, will you still be able to get achievements on Steam?

[@Detective_L]

I’ve read a lot of good things about this game from people, saying it was one of the best games from there childhood. Unfortunately it never came out in PAL territories and apparently was a Japan and North American exclusive. Oh well, I was too busy on FF7

[@sqljaco]

IT FUCKING IS,

[@TomAnderson7]

It’s incredible. I imported it back in the day. I still have the discs. My favorite game on PS1.

[@thebubbles5455]

Yes it is! If you love jrpg with nice story and beautiful ost this one, one of the best

[@USERCODY]

Fantastic video. Thank you for also including information on emulation for the game as well. As someone who plays on original hardware and uses emulation, this is really helpful info. Keep up the great work!

[@rawritstayl0r866]

nothing in the original game is a 'deal breaker' if you ask me

[@dood3530]

It'll be interesting to see what kind of mods people can make for the PC version

[@CaptainKenway]

Another minimal effort "remaster" from Squenix that runs worse than a 23 year old PS1 game, with input from the "ethics" department to boot. Stop giving this company money.

[@puwexil]

Can confirm that the roulette minigame can be manipulated on PS4 via using the home button to pause.

[@parisamonazahian5987]

How? I would really want to know.

[@mikelegault9344]

If the music from the launcher is some sweet acoustic guitar, it might be from the album “our cerulean skies” that Sam Griffin worked on. So good either way.

[@KaedeLanyo]

Even if the remaster ended up being an even bigger trainwreck, I always knew the fans would rescue it, at least on PC. I _will_ be waiting for fan improved upscaling. For simple visual comfort reasons. (I strain my eyes far too easily.) Really happy to see that framerate was improved this quickly, that'll always be very exciting, my main gripe against older 3D games is invariably the very lower and/or inconsistent framerate. Holding out hope for FF Tactics and Xenogears. Some day.

[@skins4thewin]

Lol no thanks to Square Enix. They STILL haven't released a patch to fix the Framerate on any of the console versions. Pretty pathetic & inexcusable if you ask me.

[@ech0ashes]

Another FF tactics could be fun. However, the team who made xenogears went on to start their own company so I don't know about that game.

[@futuregenesis97]

I'm recently playing this game on my switch and I'm having so much fun, while the JRPGs now days just don't do it for me except Ys 8 and Dragon Quest 11s, I wonder why? Games back then are so much special.

[@PriestessofGenbu]

The "remastered" version really grinds my gears. Texture changes AND dialogue changes? SE's ethics department must have been working overtime. :/

[@ketcherinthery5079]

Are the achievements still bugged??

[@whiteobama3032]

I tried all the upscaled options and I have to say personally I prefer to just play the classic one on emulator. Low res really complements this game, upscaled backgrounds always look weird, and the game just seems to work as it was intended. Also its the first game I actually want to play on my phone. Edit: this game should definetly get the ff7 style remake

[@HellPedre]

given the FPS case, and waiting now over 20!!! years to play it again, I will also just emulate and put a nice CRT filter on it and thats it.... I find it unnaceptable to buy my most favourite game of my life in this cheap poorly "remaster" state, you are absolutely right, the low res gives it a lot more charm, and SE should absolutely do a proper modern Chrono game, maybe a proper sequel to Trigger

[@taipan9604]

I had to due some tweaking of my tv for this game because of how bad the frame rate was, the screen was extremely jittery when running in Arni and other towns.

[@VOAN]

Well Square Enix had finally patch the game yesterday for all platforms so if you had not download it yet do so. The patch fix some of the framerate issues and bugs so the in-game battles are now smooth 60fps on all versions.

[@randalvc]

With the developer experience and technology we currently have, I wonder how hard it is to write these retro games again from scratch instead of upscaling or reverse engineering them.

[@flamespear86]

I don't know about the 3D games but the original 2D games were mostly written in assembly which is a huge pain. Most remade 2D games aren't rewritten in assembly because of the amount of time it takes and the fact the new programmers barely use it anymore. Instead they'll use an engine or they may port the original game with graphical overlays.

[@RegalPixelKing]

This remaster was disappointing. With more patches and fan modding I get the PC version could arguably become the best version eventually, but the fact that it is not the best version of Chrono Cross regardless of platform on day 1 is unacceptable if you ask me.

[@SeveredLegs]

If you change languages, all of your characters get renamed to default.

[@spencer1531]

Thanks so much for this. I had never played Cross and wanted to play the new remaster as soon as it came out but I couldn't decide if I was going to do Steam or Switch or just wait because of the reviews. Steam with Special K looks great.

[@marbles8641]

Thank you @AustinSV, Now I am glad I didn't buy the physical version. Grabbed the digital for now, and already feel ripped off.

[@joseredc]

I have been playing for a while, and I have noticed major vertical sync issues and screen tearing, not sure if nvidia settings need to be adjusted, but so far, this sucks. Also, this remaster should have been better since they charged for it, it comes with no HD, and the game itself does not look like a remaster, the emulated/ modded version has better performance, and better shaders, than Radical Dreamers version.

[@resonarc]

it's ridiculous how half-baked SE's "remasters" and re-releases are - every single one lacks behind unofficial mods done by the community.

[@David-ym2vk]

Another half ass-ed pc port from square? That's so out of character for them....

[@morgantosh]

By pure accident, I stumbled on this video after watching the FFVI video and checked to see if there was a patch for this yet - and there is! It was just released today and fixes include framerate improvements, changes to Pip's growth system, and "other minor bugfixes"

[@Eacowind]

Ok What frame rate issues ?! I bought this on my Xbox and I have the original the frame rates have not been an issue nor has there been any issues what do ever

[@troywallace7011]

One correction "Spamming attacks". Only 2 attacks can be buffered before it will be interrupted by the enemy but this isn't a glitch it's intended.

[@Staff7]

this is what ia wanted for ff7 remake just nice upgraded graphics and bug fix

[@skins4thewin]

LOL I swear, if they fixed the effing achievements but not the shite ass framerate, I'd say that says an awful lot about the insanely skewed sense of priorities by Square. The Achievements isn't even remotely as important as the game actually running at an acceptable framerate...

[@bernbern309]

Lol they didn’t fix any of it

[@skins4thewin]

@@bernbern309 Of course they didn't. Fucking figures...

[@megamike15]

unlike the ct pc port they never bothered to fix this one. so your better off emulating.

[@jamesgriffyn]

My brain prefers the blocky character models because it can replace the blur with imagination, something players these days seem to lack. Polishing up these models just adds unnecessary work.

[@maimaibiri9045]

Im so happy that this game still has many fanbase and devs, it was one of my favorite rpg in psone era alongside suikoden 1 and 2, thanks yall for the memory.

[@veghesther3204]

For Chrono Cross I still say the ORIGINAL PS1 version of the game is way better despite that the 3x boost cheat requires to beat the game on that version first.

[@BrianOrange]

Liked and subbed to bring awareness to the overclocking quirks.

[@NieroshaiTheSable]

I really don't feel like we got an answer aside from "emulate and mod" which really isn't viable for most.

[@seiotonashi4049]

thanks for this indept analysis for chrono cross sir.... though i still prefer the ps1 version...and the one that i have played was the PSN version on my PSP ....at least there is a setting for FAST LOADING though some areas are still having a slow down..and i can output the video on a LED TV via component cable and the image are much more crispier as it in progressive mode...i just noticed that chrono cross on modern consoles needs some tweaks and tricks in order to achieve the goal of gameplay that you wanted...plus the unlockables the Fast Forward and Slow Down settings for me its kinda of a bummer..in my opinion for me it lacks the motivation to finish the game for the first time... because its like a goal to achieve that you have beaten the game and finally on the 2nd play through you can have the characters plus the bonuses from the 1st playthrough,,,, Thanks for this video sir!!!!!

[@cosmosofinfinity]

Really pissed I can't buy the digital PS1 version anymore... Playing it on PS Vita would have been the only portable way to play the most authentic version

[@TheBlueLink3]

You should still be able to buy it. The PSN store didn’t get taken down.

[@haziqsaffari9893]

The remastered ver is more defined.

[@kaptenteo]

A mediocre emulation effort with some really lazy AI upscaling of backgrounds. Even at $20 this is overpriced.

[@Ryukachoo]

Man, I goofed hard getting the switch version, PC master race got all the fixes and patches. Can save files be snatched off the switch and put on PC since it's all the same emulation?

[@magiceyeball]

The just announced a patch to be coming soon

[@billpogi23]

I like the OG graphics, PS the best

[@xblowsmokex]

I own this on PSP digitally and am getting the physical Switch release, so I can always play with original dialogue and everything on PSP and play the remaster on Switch. This game, though controversial, is a classic

[@amethystwolf24572]

Lol I remember this game looking gorgeous back in the day. Viewing the PS1 version now...

[@FarmerSlideJoeBob]

Austin you are my man for the versions differences :D

[@andson02]

Just got the Remaster on PS4, after playing the original on PS1 last year. I'm just at the start and I allready get the impression they made the enemies more fierce (quicker use of their elements) and Serge weaker (plus the accuracy is more off) Maybe it's just the random stats. €20,- wasn't that expensive at least

[@maimaibiri9045]

In anyways I could not really tell, so the steamversion is good then? cause I wanna get it and play this again.

[@solo-ion3633]

Finally, someone who doesn't just hate on the game the whole time and talks about how the original game was lost.

[@saiklex1961]

Your opinion that the classic mode would have been better if the models were also rendered at 240p is exactly what I've been thinking for a lot of PS1 games recently! Games like FF9 benefit from the models being upscaled as they're very high detail for the era, and FF9 in particular meshes well with the Moguri Mod, but I thought FF7 actually looks better completely in 240p- those models were made to be rendered that low res and it really shows- they end up almost sprite-ish, and don't stand out against the backgrounds

[@colonelradec5956]

Do these. Companies hate money lol. Let's patch out fun glitches and exploits but nerf other things and launch it with crap frame rate 😂 do they not realize people look up review on youtube? This, ff7 ff8. Some of my favorite games of all time. Never bought the remasters cause they sound like downgrades.

[@DeadByDeath]

Due to the modding community, PC is generally the way to go.

[@powerfrenzy]

I just don't know anymore. I have ps1 & ps2 with retrotink 2x pro, I have ps3, I have Vita, and I have it on Switch. I can't make a decision on the way to play...

[@corsaircaruso471]

Definitely rigged the roulette on the SA Zelbess, and got 99 Dragoon’s Glories to get ridiculous amounts of money and get Denadorite and a Rainbow Shell easily.

[@Psych0boost]

I think it’s also worth mentioning the censorship & localization changes for anyone interested

[@Funchal99]

That just goes to show how the "censorship" is so minor that no sensible person really cares.

[@Psych0boost]

@@Funchal99 If it's so minor, then why change it in the first place?

[@AustinSV]

Well, Una and Mojo's dialogue were shown in the video, and if the censorship refers to Marcy, her original model (that is still playable in the remaster) is 100% unchanged

[@Psych0boost]

@@AustinSV Thanks, I was listening to the video while I was doing something else so I didn't see the visual comparison

[@Gamescook]

Oh god not this "censorship" thing again. The creators decided to not show a little girl's panties this time around. I think we'll live without it.

[@chanhjohnnguyen1867]

Remember guys, this remaster dips down to 9 fps

[@TheLM281]

Square Enix and bad PC ports...............................still a better love story than Twilight

[@colonelradec5956]

What bothers me is how does the modding community always out do the "professionals" immediately 🤣 are they possibly hiring with the wrong criteria in mind lol.

[@robertorossi4361]

Very nice comparison video! DF quality if not above.

[@RED-xq2yp]

Make it Android version. Can play everyone the classic game. Crono cross remastered.. apk Android version

[@hatoru17]

I rather avoid the remaster. I'll either rebuy the original or emulate it with mods. Just trying to "be nice" about it.

[@vanillax1446]

Hey @AustinSV can you make a video on Ys 1 and 2

[@KazeShikamaru]

The translation bit is so big here. People get mad at stuff like this it is but why wouldn't you want to fix plotholes and flush out things? That is important.

[@philthestampede]

They were more worried about politics

[@noname72390]

mehhhh chrono cross is a good game but it is also soooooooooo boring and i always have to be in the mood to get into the game. wish they added chrono trigger to the bundle that way it would also finally be on the switch.

[@Wiseman108]

The AI up-scaling kind of gives the game a watercolor look, which is interesting but not ideal. I think I prefer classic mode more, but I do like the new character portraits in new mode.

[@XiaoPichu]

Missed out on this game growing up and always wanted to play it but never found the time... absolutely not missing it this time especially thanks to the Switch giving me the time to play it through the handheld option, can't wait to pick up my physical copy soon

[@CatzzMoney]

I love the remastered version. The text and character avatars are clearer. The frame rate issues in the over world doesn’t bothered me. It’s still a great masterpiece.

[@GrahamBessellieu]

I was going to try RD edition (with the Special K mod for performance) but upon watching some footage the environment details look really noticeably smudged, which breaks the immersion and artistry a bit. The new models and portraits do seem quite nice though! Project Kid looks interesting though a bit oversharpened. I may honestly play the original given it seems the most artistically preserved, less experimental option (and while new models/portraits are nice they're not worth being packaged with messy background art).

[@dannybski9620]

looks like the console versions have been patched to 60fps now

[@slavo316]

You cannot slow down time or pause or home button pause in the casino.

[@GacMan47]

Lol, that Zack Snyder burn. @4:21

[@Daimon12820]

may i request? I want to request the last remnant remastered version

[@flamespear86]

It's crazy that with the hardware of the PS5/Xbox stable framerates can't be achieved. That's down to bad programming. I guess I'll get the steam version if it's not fixed :/

[@GuitarGamerRPG]

I wanted to buy this on the switch but i'm glad i didn't, i'll wait and see if square release a patch to get at least stable 30fps or i'll pick the game on steam

[@efrenarevalo2025]

Modders are way more competent than SE programmers.

[@KnightlyBrosGaming]

I play on PS5 with the Remastered Graphics and have had no problems from day 1 to now.

[@IAmMugel]

"Most people probably won't hear the difference" Meanwhile me: Are you kidding me? It sounds more synthesized! This is not okay!

[@Sinn0100]

So I made a post and it just disappears...interesting.

[@sohousama]

Playing as Orlha, ah yes, a man of culture!

[@Pewafamath]

Thanks for the video. Got to say for them wanting my money again for the same game, project kid matched my expectations for a 2022 remaster. I doubt I'll ever play Chrono Cross again despite my fondness for it over all RPGs as I don't like playing JRPGs anymore it is reassuring I am not missing out.

[@GamingKryz]

Wish they port this on mobile too.

[@IAmMugel]

On another note, do you lose controller support with special K? I tried to use it and suddenly my controller wouldn't work in the game. Is this normal? And if so, is there a fix? Please help :(