An update forAstro Bot,PlayStation’s 2024 Game of the Year, was released earlier this week, and itadded several new bots and levels to the game. A lot of the focus on the new update is the introduction ofFinal Fantasy 7characters to the game. Cloud and Sephiroth have joined the rest of the bots, as well as 2B fromNieR: Automataand a few more. While the introduction ofFF7into the game is cool, there was another classic JRPG that got added:Chrono Cross.
Serge, the game’s lead protagonist, was added toAstro Bot, and his introduction and acknowledgment in 2025 could be huge for the future of theChronoseries.Serge’s presence is the perfect reminder to check outChrono Cross, despite the general controversy that has always surrounded the game.
Chrono Cross Is An Underrated Gem
A Spiritual Successor That Divided Fans
Chrono Crossis set in the same world asChrono Trigger, one of the most beloved RPGs of all time, andthat came with steep expectations for the follow-up.Chrono Cross, however, was not what a lot ofChrono Triggerfans were expecting. The game features45 different recruitable party membersand has a less focused narrative thanTrigger.It makes up for this, though, with outstanding combat, character designs, dungeons, and the Element system.
Chrono Triggerfans are passionate, and rightfully so, as it’s a legendary genre title. WithCrossfeaturing 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 theChronoseries. Nonetheless,Chrono Crossis a great game, andit’s easily available on all modern platformsthanks to theRadical Dreamers remaster, which provides a solid experiencedespite 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 beenseveral rumors about a remake ofChrono Triggerswirling around, and it was even believed that co-creator Yuji Horii might haveaccidentally confirmed a remakebefore 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 likelythat a newChronogame or aChrono Triggerremake will be coming in the near future, but it’s not impossible. Eventually, maybe after the final part of theFinal Fantasy 7 Remaketrilogy releases, along with thepurportedFinal Fantasy 9remake(if it exists), Square Enix might look at other classic franchises.
For now,Chronofans have to settle for enjoyingTriggerandCross. For those who haven’t yet playedChrono 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 theChronoseries.
