PlayStation's GOTY Update Is The Perfect Reminder To Play This Underrated Classic JRPG

An update for Astro Bot, PlayStation’s 2024 Game of the Year, was released earlier this week, and it added several new bots and levels to the game. A lot of the focus on the new update is the introduction of Final Fantasy 7 characters to the game. Cloud and Sephiroth have joined the rest of the bots, as well as 2B from NieR: Automata and a few more. While the introduction of FF7 into the game is cool, there was another classic JRPG that got added: Chrono Cross.

Serge, the game’s lead protagonist, was added to Astro Bot, and his introduction and acknowledgment in 2025 could be huge for the future of the Chrono series. Serge’s presence is the perfect reminder to check out Chrono Cross, despite the general controversy that has always surrounded the game.

Chrono Cross Is An Underrated Gem

A Spiritual Successor That Divided Fans

Chrono Cross is set in the same world as Chrono Trigger, one of the most beloved RPGs of all time, and that came with steep expectations for the follow-up. Chrono Cross, however, was not what a lot of Chrono Trigger fans were expecting. The game features 45 different recruitable party members and has a less focused narrative than Trigger. It makes up for this, though, with outstanding combat, character designs, dungeons, and the Element system.

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Chrono Trigger fans are passionate, and rightfully so, as it’s a legendary genre title. With Cross featuring so many characters, fewer time travel segments, and a reduction in party member team-ups, a lot of fans felt the game was too much of a departure to be a part of the Chrono series. Nonetheless, Chrono Cross is a great game, and it’s easily available on all modern platforms thanks to the Radical Dreamers remaster, which provides a solid experience despite the lack of any meaningful changes to the original experience.

Chrono Cross Getting Acknowledged In 2025 Could Be Huge

Will We Ever See A New Chrono Game?

There have been several rumors about a remake of Chrono Trigger swirling around, and it was even believed that co-creator Yuji Horii might have accidentally confirmed a remake before more information revealed that the statement was a mistranslation. Chrono Trigger‘s most recent release was simply based on an older mobile port of the game, which has led many fans to believe that a bigger remake project or sequel could be on the horizon.

Developer Square Enix is currently going through a massive internal business restructuring, which is reportedly focused on producing fewer games. With several confirmed projects currently in development, it doesn’t seem likely that a new Chrono game or a Chrono Trigger remake will be coming in the near future, but it’s not impossible. Eventually, maybe after the final part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy releases, along with the purported Final Fantasy 9 remake (if it exists), Square Enix might look at other classic franchises.

For now, Chrono fans have to settle for enjoying Trigger and Cross. For those who haven’t yet played Chrono Cross, Astro Bot‘s neat reminder that the game exists could be a huge boon for the almost-forgotten franchise. One day, maybe we’ll see a new entry in the Chrono series.

Source: Stealth/X