Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition |OT| The Forbidden Treasure No Longer

[Holmes]

I'm excited!

Thinking of going with Guile in my first playthrough. I always choose Nikki, but Lenna is already a more OP blue innate, and (good) black innates are pretty rare in the first part of the game. Still, I much prefer the Shadow Forest and Guile's grid sucks at first. Choices.

 

[Quinton]

i love this game .-. i need final fantasy tactics toooo

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That should still be on the way.

 

[elbageluno]

Did not know this was only $20... hmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[TheMoon]

Read this! The music marketing is a mess around this game.



A few thoughts while I'm around:

• If you're contemplating picking up either the PS4 version or the Switch version, I'd recommend the former. I'm not sure how this runs on PC, but you're going to notice in reviews (including mine, eventually) that frame rate issues are present. Neither console gets off easily, but anecdotally, I've compared what a fellow reviewer experienced on Switch with what I've dealt with on PS4. It really does feel a bit better on the Sony end of the equation.
• You can't pause during Compass Roulette anymore. Honestly, fuck the world tbh.
• There are some script cleanups that may go by mostly unnoticed. Many punctuation relics from the PS1 era, for example, have been ousted. I documented one instance here.
• It's still a superb game, the frame rate stuff honestly didn't bother me much (at least on PS4), and I hope it sells well enough that Square considers reviving the franchise in a more significant way.

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worth noting re: performance

the RPGsite review mentions Square told them there will be TWO patches in the launch week. So performance impressions should be taken with a wait-and-see-tier grain of salt atm.

 

[Quinton]

worth noting re: performance

the RPGsite review mentions Square told them there will be TWO patches in the launch week. So performance impressions should be taken with a wait-and-see-tier grain of salt atm.

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Yeah, I was discussing that with Cullen the other day, so here's hoping it pans out well.

 

[alexdotgames]

Very nice OP! When I discovered last week that this game/edition has a physical release I almost fell from my chair. Ordered it immediately, dispatch is end of April though. 🙁

 

[JohnnyToonami]

Excited to play this for the first time. Great OT, OP!

 

[Deleted member 67800]

That should still be on the way.

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yes yes ;=;

 

[Quinton]

yes yes ;=;

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I feel you. I bought an iPad Air and I've been so tempted to re-download it but I'm holding out for the remaster. ;_;

 

[Deleted member 67800]

I feel you. I bought an iPad Air and I've been so tempted to re-download it but I'm holding out for the remaster. ;_;

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me too .-.

 

[Kouriozan]

Probably gonna get it on Switch, but I'm so addicted to Rune Factory 5 even after 60 hours I'll wait a bit before getting Chrono Cross.

Edit : I need to read reviews because I heard some weird performance issues even on PlayStation / bugs, hopefully will get patched before I buy.

 

[Merton]

I was fortunate enough to get access to the game early and really enjoyed it (the last time I played it was in August of 2000, at NA launch).

My spoiler free thoughts on it here:

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It really does hit hard, I was 16 when this came out. WHO THE HELL IS CUTTING ONIONS IN HERE!

 

[Speedstersonic]

very excited to replay this for the first time since like 2006 or so lol.

I will be getting this on PC for the mods. I encourage others to get this version of the game too.

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I was thinking about getting it on PC to play on the deck, but idk how hard it will be to mod files on the deck and really haven't looked into it.

 

[Perkin_Warbeck]

I think I'm going to go with Xbox for this one. It's the most convenient place for me to play, sine the Xbox is parked at my PC (Switch and PS5 are in other rooms).

I'll regret it though if I go traveling and want to play though, but I don't think that's happening until late summer at the earliest.

Anyway, I only played a bit of this back in the day. I'm most looking forward to the soundtrack. Mitsuda is my favorite game composer.

 

[Bananastand]

Any news on the Switch port? I think I want to play it there but I'm a bit worried about performance.

 

[Nairume]

Any news on the Switch port? I think I want to play it there but I'm a bit worried about performance.

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Impressions here say it has some issues but there's apparently some patches that should be out shortly after release that might address those issues.

 

[Acetown]

I have conflicting opinions on Chrono Cross, on the one hand it's got some really great aspects to it, the gorgeous presentation for one, and the fact that it's got some narrative branching in there, y'know, actual RPG stuff. On the other hand a lot about this game really annoys me, the story kind of devolves into navel-gazing nonsense in my opinion, and definitely not in a good Evangelion or Metal Gear Solid 2 kind of way.

I find Radical Dreamers to be an overall better game than Chrono Cross though it's more of a bite-sized experience, it's kind of the ideal form of the visual novel. I'm feeling tempted to get this package just to see the localisation, the fan translation by Demiforce was already exceptional.

 

[FinFunnels]

I'm buying it on Steam to support Square Enix remasters, but I probably won't get around to playing it for a long time. I'm still trying to finish some games I started months ago 😅

 

[HeRinger]

Probably gonna get it on Switch, but I'm so addicted to Rune Factory 5 even after 60 hours I'll wait a bit before getting Chrono Cross.

Edit : I need to read reviews because I heard some weird performance issues / bugs, hopefully will get patched before I buy.

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You are concerned about performance even though you are addicted to Rune Factory 5? :P

 

[Nappuccino]

I loved this game as a kid. Goes on the long list of JRPGs that I never finished, so maybe this is the time to fix that.

 

[LexusRacer]

Good work OP on the OT. The game looks great, but I'll wait after I clear some of backlog before picking this up as I have already played the original and this will essentially be a replay with a fresh coat of paint.

 

[TheMoon]

here's my list of shops that aren't PA (PA is bad) from the news thread again:

If you're also not interested in supporting play-asia but feel you have no other choice, these releases are actually quite often available on several other platforms as well. Just gotta have some patience and be on the lookout (since PA is usually simply the first to put them up and openly advertises them).

Below I'm listing shops that sell these Asian imports, not just random shops. To double checked I specifically looked for other Square Enix releases like this one (Legend of Mana, Romancing Saga 2/3, etc).

WW:
videogamesplus.ca (use paypal, don't use CC)

365games.co.uk / shop4world.com / shop4de.com (all the same thing, targeting different regions [UK/ww/Germany specifically])
ozgameshop.com is also the same shop as above (based out of the UK), this storefront is specifically for Australia, Canada and the US

US:

Videogamesnewyork

VGNY

videogamesnewyork.com

EU based out of UK:
bazaar-bazaar.co.uk

EU based out of EU (DK):
coolshop (co.uk/.de/local variant of the available storefront across EU)

DE/AT only:
netgames.de

DE only:
proshop.de

Switzerland:
wog.ch

Netherlands:
nedgame.nl

Portugal (ships elsewhere too):

Chrono Cross - The Radical Dreamers Edition Switch

Chrono Cross - The Radical Dreamers Edition Switch

www.gamingreplay.com

South Africa:
raru.co.za

Philippines:
gameone.ph
lazada.com.ph

Thailand:
powerbuy.co.th

is what I found. if someone knows of more shops that actually stock and sell these, please let me know. we can collect them here.

amazon and eBay also have these available, usually shortly after release. since they're not officially distributed worldwide, it might take a bit until you can find new releases such as Chrono Cross on these storefronts (maybe only post actual release). So patience is key here (or asking your smaller local shop directly if they'll get stock).

 

[TheSix]

I can't bring myself to use it during trips to settlements and such, so I definitely notice those weird hiccups in specific parts of Termina. :P



Oh yeah, the frame rate was always wild, haha. The game definitely pushed the PS1 hard.

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The only downside is trying to maneuver through the level. The Water Dragon's Island and the lilypads in particular. I'm working on my NG+ at the moment and it's so nice having the portability.

 

[Quinton]

The only downside is trying to maneuver through the level. The Water Dragon's Island and the lilypads in particular. I'm working on my NG+ at the moment and it's so nice having the portability.

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Hahah, those damn lily pads. I put fast-forward on for that at first while I was headed back out onto the map and felt like I was high on something trying to get where I needed to be.

 

[Psxphile]

Still tempted to grab the PC version for the potential mods.

I always say no to Kid at first because Leena is bae.

Speaking of missables...

PROTIP: Return to Cape Howl (AW) w/ Kid before entering Viper Manor the first time to see an exclusive dialogue event.

PROTIP: Return to Cape Howl (HW) w/ Leena to see an exclusive and easy-to-miss (well, not really) dialogue event.
These conditions must be met:
- Korcha/Macha lends you the boat, giving you access to every island in AW
- Can go to HW w/ Astral Amulet
Go to HW's Cape Howl w/ Leena (do NOT bring Kid, or the scene won't happen) and inspect the monument.
Can't be done after the events of Fort Dragonia for reasons, but it may still be accessible after you've restored yourself.
EDIT: I've seen reports that this scene can only activated via NG+, never on a fresh playthrough. Will need to test this.

PROTIP: the campfire scene on Water Dragon Isle (HW) is dependent on several factors (EDIT: updated):
- don't recruit Razzly
- have Kid in your party when you complete the event on Water Dragon Isle, any path/route

 

[Yu Narukami]

here's my list of shops that aren't PA (PA is bad) from the news thread again:

If you're also not interested in supporting play-asia but feel you have no other choice, these releases are actually quite often available on several other platforms as well. Just gotta have some patience and be on the lookout (since PA is usually simply the first to put them up and openly advertises them).

Below I'm listing shops that sell these Asian imports, not just random shops. To double checked I specifically looked for other Square Enix releases like this one (Legend of Mana, Romancing Saga 2/3, etc).

WW:
videogamesplus.ca

365games.co.uk / shop4world.com / shop4de.com (all the same thing, targeting different regions [UK/ww/Germany specifically])
ozgameshop.com is also the same shop as above (based out of the UK), this storefront is specifically for Australia, Canada and the US

EU based out of UK:
bazaar-bazaar.co.uk

EU based out of EU (DK):
coolshop (co.uk/.de/local variant of the available storefront across EU)

DE/AT only:
netgames.de

DE only:
proshop.de

CH:
wog.ch

NL:
nedgame.nl

South Africa:
raru.co.za

Philippines:
gameone.ph
lazada.com.ph

Thailand:
powerbuy.co.th

is what I found. if someone knows of more shops that actually stock and sell these, please let me know. we can collect them here.

amazon and eBay also have these available, usually shortly after release. since they're not officially distributed worldwide, it might take a bit until you can find new releases such as Chrono Cross on these storefronts (maybe only post actual release). So patience is key here (or asking your smaller local shop directly if they'll get stock).

Click to shrink...

Just FYI I got my credit card hacked a few years ago because of videogamesplus.ca.

So, for a first and easier playthrough, should I go for Glenn, Guile and Leena?

 

[TheMoon]

Just FYI I got my credit card hacked a few years ago because of videogamesplus.ca.

So, for a first and easier playthrough, should I go for Glenn, Guile and Leena?

Click to shrink...

yea the old hat of DON'T USE CC ON VGP (use Paypal) :D

 

[Qwark]

here's my list of shops that aren't PA (PA is bad) from the news thread again:

If you're also not interested in supporting play-asia but feel you have no other choice, these releases are actually quite often available on several other platforms as well. Just gotta have some patience and be on the lookout (since PA is usually simply the first to put them up and openly advertises them).

Below I'm listing shops that sell these Asian imports, not just random shops. To double checked I specifically looked for other Square Enix releases like this one (Legend of Mana, Romancing Saga 2/3, etc).

WW:
videogamesplus.ca

365games.co.uk / shop4world.com / shop4de.com (all the same thing, targeting different regions [UK/ww/Germany specifically])
ozgameshop.com is also the same shop as above (based out of the UK), this storefront is specifically for Australia, Canada and the US

EU based out of UK:
bazaar-bazaar.co.uk

EU based out of EU (DK):
coolshop (co.uk/.de/local variant of the available storefront across EU)

DE/AT only:
netgames.de

DE only:
proshop.de

CH:
wog.ch

NL:
nedgame.nl

South Africa:
raru.co.za

Philippines:
gameone.ph
lazada.com.ph

Thailand:
powerbuy.co.th

is what I found. if someone knows of more shops that actually stock and sell these, please let me know. we can collect them here.

amazon and eBay also have these available, usually shortly after release. since they're not officially distributed worldwide, it might take a bit until you can find new releases such as Chrono Cross on these storefronts (maybe only post actual release). So patience is key here (or asking your smaller local shop directly if they'll get stock).

Click to shrink...

Physical is only on Switch, right? No news of a PS4 version yet?

 

[TheMoon]

Physical is only on Switch, right? No news of a PS4 version yet?

Click to shrink...

seems pretty definitive

 

[Qwark]

seems pretty definitive

Click to shrink...

Bummer, thanks for the info.

 

[erekiddo]

Absolutely cannot wait for this. Chrono Cross was my first PS1 game, and although it has its flaws, still left an impression on me that's lasted over two decades.

 

[Thrill_house]

Have the backgrounds been touched up at all or is it a situation like FF9 with better models and everything else being the same roughly?

 

[Firebricks]

So much of my plan on my first playthru is going to be dictated by the achievement list, I can't believe it hasn't leaked yet.

 

[Dark Knight]

Beautiful OT for an awesome game. Really excited to play this again.

 

[Holmes]

So much of my plan on my first playthru is going to be dictated by the achievement list, I can't believe it hasn't leaked yet.

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True, but you'll probably have to recruit all characters and see all endings anyway, so expect multiple playthroughs either way.

 

[知らぬ]

I didn't really understand the story as a kid, but I loved it.
Now it's time to unravel it.

 

[Nairume]

I didn't really understand the story as a kid, but I loved it.
Now it's time to unravel it.

Click to shrink...

That's something I'm really excited about to see people experience. Now that we have 20 years of hindsight, aging, and media that does similar things, I expect this game to hit people differently than it did in 2000.

As it stands, one of the game's most controversial elements is something that clicked with me immediately as a 13 year old because it was very similar to a very specific version of The Time Machine I had as a child that included a new chapter that explored a period of time that wasn't in the original book.

 

[Ghostfacedon]

I haven't revisited this game since I first completed it back at release on PS1. Gonna definitely be a nostalgia trip.

 

[prateeko]

To clarify, there are no places to get this game physically in the US, correct? I would have to use Play-Asia to get it physically (for Switch)?

 

[Imran]

Impressions here say it has some issues but there's apparently some patches that should be out shortly after release that might address those issues.

Click to shrink...

Patch only addresses some text-related issues, I have been told.

(I did not play it on Switch so I have no idea how the performance is.)

 

[simmias]

LOL, that Push Square review is something else. He clearly wanted/expected a remake with a completely overhauled battle system and not a remaster.

 

[TheKupoxBooper]

LOL, that Push Square review is something else. He clearly wanted/expected a remake with a completely overhauled battle system and not a remaster.

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This is why people need to figure out what their meaning of what is a remaster and what a remake is. When people say remaster? I look at the Crash/Spyro Trilogy/Crash Team Racing but when I think Remake? I think of the RE2/RE3 Remake or even FF7 Remake. I don't know, I just go with the flow babeh!

 

[thetrin]

Chrono Cross occupies a very special place in my heart, and i am so damn excited for this remaster. I cannot wait to replay the game, and make different choices this time.

 

[ForoBud]

That's a hell of an OP, full credit!

Looking forward to playing this. Being in Europe, I always wanted to play it but was never able to find a copy. Even when I tried playing it through emulation back in the day, I could never get it to work, unlike basically every other PS1 game.

Very excited for it, although due to Elden Ring and some other games I'm itching to get to, I'm not sure exactly when I'll get around to it.

 

[Nairume]

Patch only addresses some text-related issues, I have been told.

(I did not play it on Switch so I have no idea how the performance is.)

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Thanks for clarifying!

 

[Yu Narukami]

LOL, that Push Square review is something else. He clearly wanted/expected a remake with a completely overhauled battle system and not a remaster.

Click to shrink...

I watched a few videos and it looks fine to me. Can't wait.

 

[Jimnymebob]

How is the battle system exactly, in terms of depth?
I know it has a sort of stamina based system, but I'm not really sure about it. Not in a bad way though lol- I'm just more of a battle person when it comes to JRPGs, so I need a battle system that offers lots of freedom and encourage you to use lots of different systems. Job based ones are my favourite.

It's just one of those games that I only ever really heard the story and characters mentioned, and I don't know if that's because the battles take a backseat or aren't that good or what.

 

[Nano-Nandy]

Can't wait!
So glad seeing this on the Switch top 20 eShop charts since last week. :)

 

[Nairume]

How is the battle system exactly, in terms of depth?
I know it has a sort of stamina based system, but I'm not really sure about it. Not in a bad way though lol- I'm just more of a battle person when it comes to JRPGs, so I need a battle system that offers lots of freedom and encourage you to use lots of different systems. Job based ones are my favourite.

It's just one of those games that I only ever really heard the story and characters mentioned, and I don't know if that's because the battles take a backseat or aren't that good or what.

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If you are a systems person, on top of the stamina system (which plays into accuracy, lower cost moves have higher accuracy rates, so comboing from low cost moves into big ones make the bigger ones more likely to connect, or you could risk a higher chance of missing for the possibility of doing more damage by going for bigger attacks up front), there's also a three point elemental grid system where each usage of an element puts one tick of that element on the grid and pushes the furthest element off the grid. The more of an element that is on the grid, the more that element will do and the less its opposing element does. There are spells to manipulate the system (so you can spend a turn getting the whole grid to a single color at the cost of doing/healing no damage or buffs) and some abilities (namely summons) require the grid to be a single color. You can also strategically use the grid to effectively debuff certain enemies that rely on specific elements.

Also every single character has a unique ability grid layout, which basically gives you another element of strategical planning for how you go into combat. Some characters early on are fairly powerful but also have extremely limited spaces on their grids to equip abilities, while other characters have more spaces (and thus utility) but aren't quite as strong.

It's a game you can cheese if you want, but because of the way level is capped between bosses, you are expected to generally engage with the mechanics if you don't find absolutely broken teams.

 

[Bengraven]

My heart wants to go again but I busted my ass to do an ideal first and hard NG+ 22 years ago and I can't do it again.