The game will leave an extraordinarily big impact
Just to let you know folks, I'll be *trying* to do this the old school way.
9.9 -
Gameplay- 10
Graphics - 9
Sound - 10
Value - 10
Tilt - 10
40-75 hours to complete
Learning Curve: 1 hour
Gameplay
Gameplay, I believe, plays a somewhat "key role" in any game- because the gameplay in any RPG molds the game, and in a way, props the created atmosphere in the game. In Chrono Cross' case, gameplay does an excellent job as a supporting role, using a unique, different style I've never seen before in any game.
The gameplay in Chrono Cross eliminates the whole experience points system we see in every game, and replaces it with a leveling up scheme based on winning boss fights. With every successfully victorious boss fight, you gain a "growth level", which levels up each character differently. On top of that, you may also gain a star- which is the toll for summon elements. I really enjoy this system of leveling up, because it avoids long, stiff hours of hardcore grinding.
The "magic" and "spell casting" is very unique- there are these objects called "elements" which, can be bought, found, or stolen, that are basically a certain spell. Each element can be used for an unlimited amount of time in the game, but only once in each battle. Each character has his own elemental grid, consisting of various levels for the placement of elements. The stronger the element, the higher the level, and as each character grows, so does his elemental grid- allowing him to place more high- level elements on his grid. Also, dealing with the characters, which there are around 50 to get, each one has his own innate elemental color. For example, blue elements deal with water/ice, red deal with fire etc. So, each one has an innate color meaning each character specializes in that type or series of elements.
The enemy encounter system I find really nice as well. Basically, instead of random encounters, the enemy is walking around in the screen, which either chooses to stay stationary, chase you, or avoid you. Either way once you touch the enemy you go into combat. Although now- a- days this system may be fairly common, as seen in games like Xenosaga or Eternal Sonata, it was revolutionary "back in the day" [regardless, it did start with Chrono Trigger, as far as I know (even though I just finished playing it for the first time xD)].
The actual combat system I find a really nice feat to the game, which is definitely not like anything I've ever seen. You may have control over one to three characters in the game when fighting- all which may play a strategic role in the game. Now, each controllable character has a maximum set of 7stamina points that allow him to execute as many moves possible. One may start off the turn by selecting "attack", and then he has three options for the normal attack- a Level one attack, with a high percentage chance of a successful hit, and level 2 attack which offers a moderately high percent chance of success, and then a 3rd level attack, which offers a moderate successful hit rate. The first level attack costs one stamina point, a 2nd level 2 points, and the third 3 points, but the higher the level of attack, the stronger it is, and with each successful hit the percent chances of success grow higher. By attacking, one may bring that characters current "level" up- in order to cast an element. Say he just hits the enemy once, with a level 1 attack, and then the character's current level is 1, being able to cast level one element. Eventually, one may achieve eight levels on his elemental grid- so in order to cast those level eight elements; he must first get his "level" up to eight, which can take multiple turns. Again, this system may sound complicated, but the knack is easy to get within several minutes- because the game starts simple, and works up to the biggies, and by then you will be ready.
Graphics
I can honestly say Chrono Cross' visuals are quite impressive- especially coming from the Playstation 1. The general in-game graphics are pretty much moderately-above the PS1's ideal standard. The CGs I say can be slightly better, but still are good at portraying the current moment in the game. At some parts I found myself slightly agitated while in I found myself saying (whisper) "woooow". The art in the game has a real- solid feel to it, having this sense of familiarity yet originality- this is because the artist is Akira Toriyama; the leading artist in such o-so familiar works such as Dragon Ball, Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and recently Blue Dragon. But don't get him wrong, thankfully none of the characters have outrageously enlarged frames and exaggeratedly spiked hair (which, I say is a good thing). Graphics are not the best, but definitely not the worst. I'm sure you will be satisfied- especially keeping in mind this game was made for the PS1.
Sound
Oh man, I truthfully can say the music in this game is amazingly entrancing. Each bit of music in the game earned every stinkin' minute of my gameplay. Definitely well composed and well arranged to where the appropriate song tracks play synonymously with the corresponding scene and location. almost every time i played i would sit down the controller and sit back just to enjoy the beauty of the music that was currently playing.
Value
The value of this game I say is definitely one the games 'stronger' strong points. I know there are around eight or so different endings to achieve, but do not worry- one can obtain two on his first play through, and from what I know all of the rest on the second play-through. But even if one obtains all of the endings in two play-troughs;, the game is so much worth more than that. One can play the game differently virtually every time- when it comes to the minor scales. Definitely this game has excellent value, and well worth your $money$.
Tilt
To make up for the lost point in the graphics department, I'm giving the tilt a 10. The atmosphere is a very likeable setting, with overwhelming circumstances. This is one memorable game, folks. The game will leave an impact; an extraordinarily big impact on you. And a good one, that is. The story is incredible, the gameplay is top quality, astounding replay value, touching, yet fitful music, astonishing cast of characters, and an excellent mood to the game. I am certain the game will be very pleasing.
I hope this review is a good one for you.