The Final Word game review

Chrono Cross -- SquareSoft/EA

Evan Morris
From the first few minutes of gameplay, Chrono Cross held me nearly spellbound to the end. This game is worth reviewing well over a year after its release because it's undoubtedly a top contender for the coveted "Best PlayStation RPG" crown. It handily wipes the floor with all the other RPGs I've played on the system (FF7, FF9, Xenogears, etc.), and only comes up short in comparison to the shockingly magnificent Final Fantasy VIII. Also of note is the fact that it has recently been added to the Greatest Hits list, which means that no serious PlayStation RPG'er should be without a copy. So, if you don't already own it, go ahead and pick it up for $20... and lay down another 20 for the most undeservedly ridiculed game ever: FF8 (which also, as it happens, is far and away the best console RPG I've ever played).

What can you say about Square that hasn't already been said? The attention they paid to the visuals and sound in developing Chrono Cross is staggering... but, what did you expect from the greatest console RPG developer the world has yet seen? Even though the battle system in most RPGs is something that I usually hate, this game pulls it off well with an interesting mix of standard elements and, while not quite what I would call innovations, entertaining variants. To hold the whole package together, Square has woven and intricate and entertaining universe that even utilizes interesting philosophical elements.

The bottom line is that you owe it to yourself to add this game to your library. If you haven't gotten into the whole RPG genre, this game is a good place to start.

(12/2001)