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What was the critics’ overall verdict?
Metacritic’s overall listing showed a 74 Metascore from 37 critic reviews, with the label “Mixed or Average.” Its displayed review distribution was 23 positive, 11 mixed, and 3 negative (62%, 30%, and 8%). These are Metacritic snapshot figures accessed October 8, 2026; the page may change as it is updated. Metacritic’s critic reviews page
The score is not a platform-neutral verdict. Metacritic displayed separate platform summaries: PlayStation 4 had 77 from 23 critic reviews, Nintendo Switch 74 from 39, Xbox One 83 from 4, and PC 77 from 5. These platform counts can overlap because reviews may appear on more than one platform page; they should not be added together as unique reviews. The smaller Xbox One and PC samples also make their scores less representative than the larger samples.
What did reviewers praise about Chrono Cross?
A distinctive, ambitious RPG
One recurring point of praise was the underlying game’s willingness to be unusual. In its April 5, 2022 review of the PS4 edition, 100 Shindig wrote: “That it still feels unique and even subversive, more than 20 years on from its first release, is proof its timelessness.” That is one critic’s view, not a statement of unanimous agreement. Metacritic’s review excerpt
#1 Best Overall
- Model Number : HAC-P-AYZEA(ASI)
- From : Nintendo
Meristation’s April 5, 2022 analysis also praised the narrative and music. It described a parallel-world story with branching paths, more than 12 endings, and more than 40 recruitable characters. The review’s account gives a sense of the game’s scale, but those figures are its description rather than a feature list independently confirmed by the publisher. Meristation’s review
What the package adds
The 2022 edition is a bundle of the remastered Chrono Cross and Radical Dreamers – Le Trésor Interdit –, an audio-novel game that Steam describes as originally released in 1996. The latter’s inclusion gives the package historical interest beyond the main RPG. Steam store listing
Rank #2
- Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Vinyl LP
- ABIS_MUSIC
What did critics dislike about the remaster?
Technical performance and presentation
Criticism focused in part on the quality of the new edition rather than the original game’s ideas. Push Square’s April 5, 2022 review described it as “a dreadfully poor remaster,” with the qualification “at least at launch.” The review criticized frame-rate performance. Its verdict is an individual launch review, not proof that every platform or later version has the same performance. Metacritic’s review excerpt
Meristation likewise reported frame-rate issues and said the visual update was limited, pointing to original-era video scenes that remained unchanged. Together, these examples explain how a reviewer could value the game’s story and music while still finding the remaster disappointing in execution.
Rank #3
![Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition - Xbox [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41sJ+1yH2GL._SL160_.jpg)
- CHRONO CROSS is an RPG that transcends time and space, unfolding across two interlinked parallel worlds.
- With over 40 party members to meet, people and dimensions will intertwine in this epic drama about the planet itself.
- Utilising an innovative turn-based style battle system, CHRONO CROSS is a unique RPG that follows the protagonist “Serge” as he crosses time on his quest to save himself dying in a parallel universe.
A design that may feel dated
The original’s ambition does not guarantee that its design will suit every player. Meristation noted that the turn-based system asks players to learn how physical attacks and elemental actions work. Its large cast and branching story can be attractions for players who enjoy experimentation and breadth, but they are not a promise of a tightly focused or immediately intuitive RPG. This is a matter of fit, not a feature introduced by the remaster.
What changed in The Radical Dreamers Edition?
Square Enix announced the edition as an HD remaster, with HD-converted 3D models and refined character illustrations. Metacritic and Steam also list higher-quality background music, a background filter, battle enhancements, auto-battle, enemy-encounter toggling, font options, and resolution options. Square Enix’s announcement · Metacritic’s edition details
Those additions offer convenience and presentation options, but they do not amount to a complete remake. The reviews cited here suggest that updated assets and quality-of-life features did not erase concerns about frame rate or the limited updating of some visual material.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the remaster worth playing?
The critic response points to a conditional recommendation rather than a universal one. The strongest case is for players interested in a distinctive, ambitious RPG and the chance to access Radical Dreamers in the same package. The main reservation is that the edition’s technical and presentation quality drew criticism, especially in launch reviews.
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For a platform-specific comparison, use the aggregate and sample size together rather than treating the overall 74 as the score for every version. Metacritic’s page lists different platform results, and its counts overlap. The game launched on April 7, 2022, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam/PC, according to Square Enix’s announcement. Square Enix: out now announcement
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