Just finished, but want to play again!
The true test of a great game is the desire of the player to want to revisit the game after it has been completed. Chrono Cross had that exact effect on myself, and I'm sure it had the same effect on many of the players who have beat it over the years.
The story of the game was a little confusing and weak at the start of the game but you could tell that it was going to develop into a doozy. And that is exactly what it did. The last 1/4 of the game's story was remarkable and a true delight to witness. I couldn't turn the game off after reaching the final couple of hours.
The gameplay was good. I enjoyed the different levels of melee hits, each having it's own accuracy level. It created a little depth to the otherwise usual schtick of straight physical attacks in video games. The ability to use magic (elements) without worrying about MP was also a breath of fresh air. Each element you have in your grid can be used once per fight. It created a new strategy all of it's own that has the player making sure his elements are lined up the way he desires and in the right slots. And I definitely can't forget to mention that ability to automatically have the game use your available elements at the end of the fight to heal yourself. It's a real time saver that would be sorely missed if it wasn't in the game.
If you follow video game music, you are well aware that Chrono Cross has one of THE BEST soundtracks of any video game ever made. The songs and sounds of the game are excellent. The final boss battle has a great track as well as the title menu track. I'm going to get my hands on these tracks one way or another to listen to fully over the next couple of weeks.
Chrono Cross is a gem of an RPG that holds its own in the crowded arena of PSX RPGs. It' not the best RPG of the bunch but it is easily in the top 10. You'll get your money's worth out of it as the replayability is great. If you are a fan of RPGs, you owe it to yourself to check this one out.
