Chrono Triggeris often viewed as one of the greatest JRPGs of all time, delivering a unique premise with near-flawless execution. The title is so beloved, in fact, that its spiritual successorChrono Crossis often overlooked in favor ofChrono Trigger. With the announcement of an HD remaster calledChrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Editionat the February 2022 Nintendo Direct, it’s high time fans ofChrono Triggertook a look atChrono Cross.
While fans had been expecting an announcement aboutChrono Crossdue to a leak by composer Yasunori Matsuda, the delivery ofChrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Editionwas still a surprise. Not only is the release a complete HD remaster ofChrono Cross, it also includes an enhanced soundtrack and the ability to playRadical Dreamers:a text-based game that was only released for Satellaview and acted as the background foundation forChrono Cross.
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Chrono Cross is a Familiar, Yet Different Experience from Chrono Trigger
Chrono Crossis not considered a sequel toChrono Trigger, but they are set in the same world and share much of the series' quirky flair. With regard to thematic elements within the games as well as stylistic features, the two titles share a ton of similarities, but their overall experiences differ dramatically. WhileChrono Triggeris often praised for itsinnovative JRPG combat system,Chrono Crossadds further layers with its Elements and stamina-based mechanics, and presents an extremely dynamic combat system that is just as engaging. However,Chrono Crosshas been criticized over the years - perhaps rightfully so - for its convoluted nature, both in regard to its story and cast that offers a roster of over 40 playable characters.
Despite the similarities,Chrono Crossholds up best when it’s not compared toChrono Trigger. The two are radically different in essential ways, withChrono Crossbeing the more polarizing of the two titles.Chrono Crosswill inevitably come out looking worse in any direct comparisons betweenChrono TriggerandChrono Cross. Thus, fans ofChrono Triggershould enter a playthrough ofChrono Crosswith tempered expectations and attempt to let the game function as a standalone experience.
Chrono Cross Has One of the Best Soundtracks in Gaming
It’s fitting that the earliest leaks ofChrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Editioncame from composers and other musicians associated with the project. The original game’s soundtrack is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. While theOSTs for bothChrono TriggerandChrono Crosshave been widely available for a while now, theChrono Crosssoundtrack is best experienced while playing the actual game. With the music getting an enhanced overhaul forChrono Cross' HD remake, there has never been a better chance for fans to experience the legendary soundtrack.
WhereChrono Trigger’s soundtrack was best remembered for its combat themes, especially the now-iconic battle with Magus,Chrono Cross' own soundtrack is a master class in how to set a relaxing ambiance. When taken as a pair, the soundtracks ofChrono TriggerandChrono Crosssit in the esteemed company of thebestFinal FantasysoundtrackslikeFinal Fantasy 7andFinal Fantasy 10. The difference betweenChrono TriggerandChrono Crossis probably best compared to the difference between those aforementionedFinal Fantasytitles: one excelling at raw, aggressive music tracks, and the others being defined by relaxing, classical-leaning compositions.
Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Editionwill release for Nintendo Switch on July 04, 2025.
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