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Chrono Cross:
Platform: Playstation Publisher: Square EA Developer: Squaresoft Projected Release Date: August 2000
In the waning years of the SNES Square released a truly excellent RPG by the name of Chrono Trigger. Great characters, a fantastic story, and the nifty New Game + mode. It was a blast to play and has become an all time favorite for many. After this release there the license disappeared from the face of the earth. Thankfully Square finally decided to make a sequel, bringing cheers far and wide from fans of the series. Looking at all of the features and improvements made, the game is looking mighty tasty indeed.
Although many members of the original "Dream Team" responsible for the original had no part in Chrono Cross, the game is still very impressive. The main character, Serge, is unfortunate enough to fall into a parallel world where he had died 10 years ago and now he must find a way home. After meeting up with an adventurer named Kid, they're off to find the Frozen Flame, which has the ability to get Serge home. It won't be a cakewalk though (it would be a pretty lame game if it were), as Yamaneko (a man cat) has his own plans for the flame.
Battles are very looking very neat. While running in a turn based manner, the real time bar often found in these situations has been replaced by a stamina bar worth 7 points. The player can strike using either weak, medium, or strong attacks, each worth 1, 2, and 3 points respectively, until the bar is totally depleted. However, casting a spell costs seven stamina points, requiring the character to rest. With the stamina bar it is looking like there will be a bit more strategy involved in battles. Adding to the fighting goodness is that enemies are visible on the map screens, so players have a good chance of avoiding or engaging the enemy as they see fit. On top of this the party can flee at any time with a 100% success rate, even against bosses, allowing players to regroup and think things through. Last, but certainly not least, is the ability to heal the party after a battle automatically. What the computer does is searches through the party's available spells and items and uses them accordingly to heal character, making it unnecessary to go to the menu screen after every battle.
Of course there's some splendid graphics to be enjoyed as well, as everything has a nice gritty look to it. Both the in-game graphics and the CG cut scenes are looking quite spiffy. Even the music is sounding quite good with a nice mix of lively ditties for players' toe tapping pleasure.
Of all the games that Square is releasing between the Spring and Fall of 2000, Chrono Cross is arguably the most eagerly anticipated of them. With all the goodies it looks to have in store it could be another time muncher knot in Square's belt.
Previewed by Kaspian May 14, 2000
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