In Response to "Was Chrono Cross a worthy sequel to Chrono Trigger?"

by Dan Highwind 

You brought up some good issues about Chrono Cross versus Chrono Trigger. I was not satisfied with your reasoning. That's why I'm writing a rebuttal to your editorial. Please don't be offended by this.

Your first attack was on the element system. Now, you do bring up a few points on the tedium of it (i.e. Having to power up your spells to no end). But I have this to say: Sure the element system was tedious at the beginning of the game, but once you start to get better weapon upgrades, doesn't it seem as if you don't need the elements at all anyway? I also understand your view on equipping the elements, you say that it's time consuming. I say that what customizable part of an RPG isn't time consuming? The customizablity (is that a word?) is what makes Chrono Cross' battle system so great! You're not confined to having a select set of spells like in Chrono Trigger. It's all about customization!

You also complain about the number of characters in Chrono Cross. This is about the only thing I agree with you on. Chrono Cross did have too many characters, which did take away from the strategy of the game. Most of the characters were just for comic relief anyway.

You next attack was on the fact that double and triple Techs were nearly non-existent. Now, I'm not saying it's good that they're non-existent, but I am saying that it doesn't detract much from the battle system in Chrono Cross. Chrono Trigger was made almost exclusively with these attacks in mind. Chrono Cross was made with elements strictly in mind. I mean just look at how you have to beat Chrono Cross to get the best ending! You have to use the elements in a certain order in the last battle, then use the Chrono Cross element to restore the time distortion that Lavos left from Chrono Trigger! Besides, you know that every Square game is based on a different magic system than the last. Techs no longer mean much in Chrono Cross since you have the elements.

Your final argument was about character development in Chrono Cross. Although I didn't like the number of characters in Chrono Cross, I can stand up for it. Basically the main reason why you don't see much character development is because there's so many characters! Imagine how many discs Chrono Cross would have been if you had a scenario for the 45 haracters in Chrono Cross! Square knew what they were doing. That's why characters have accents and such, to give them a character if they did not get developed.

You put up a good argument. I had fun defending Chrono Cross from your tirade. If you have any more things to say about Chrono Cross not living up to Chrono Trigger, please e-mail mail me at LinkZ1@aol.com and tell me. Until next time!