Here are some similar JRPGs to tide you over until the Chrono Cross remaster arrives. While the Radical Dreamers Edition remaster of the original PlayStation classic Chrono Cross isn’t as well-received as its predecessor, it is a welcome upgrade. Bringing the game to a modern audience with its quality-of-life features could open up new fans to other JRPGs, as well.
10 Best Games Like Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition
The subgenre is alive and well, even if it doesn’t have the most popular games. Chrono Cross isn’t the only game like it out there; classics like Final Fantasy and more recent masterpieces are all well worth checking out.
1. Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger, Square Enix’s groundbreaking 16-bit video game, is a beloved classic for long-time JRPG fans in general. Super Nintendo, PlayStation, and other systems around the world received a massive amount of acclaim for the game’s release. Chrono Trigger is also one of the best anime games.
In comparison to other colossal RPGs of the era, like Final Fantasy VI, the game’s epic fantasy story, cast of characters, simplified gameplay, and improved sprite-based graphics set it apart. To this day, Chrono Trigger can only be played on PCs and smartphones thanks to the game’s iconic art direction by Dragon Ball creator and Dragon Quest art designer Akira Toriyama.
2. Final Fantasy VIII Remastered
A rare combination of critical acclaim and fan dissent can be found in Final Fantasy VIII. As a result of its complex-to-a-death gameplay mechanics that felt disorienting to series fans, it may have been a contributing factor to its poor reception.
Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition, on the other hand, sparked controversy because it felt like a radical departure from the original. Despite this, it’s still one of the best Final Fantasy games, thanks to its engaging story and satisfying character arcs. The remaster on PS4, Xbox, Switch, and PC is the most accessible version.
3. Final Fantasy IV (3D Remake)
When looking for a similar experience, it’s impossible to ignore Square Enix’s flagship JRPG series, and Final Fantasy IV features one of the best Final Fantasy stories. Final Fantasy IV was a game that revolutionized the genre at the time because it introduced elements that would go on to become commonplace in later games, such as the Active Time Battle system, which helped make Final Fantasy VII so popular.
In addition to the recently released Pixel Remaster, the game is also available in a 3D version on Steam. However, the 3D remake’s art style is more reminiscent of the Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition remaster than the original 2D version.
4. Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch Remastered
On its own terms, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch by Bandai Namco and Level-5 is an excellent video game. In the PS3 generation, it was one of the best JRPGs and was widely praised for its beautiful visuals, touching fantasy story, and innovative combination of real time action and turn-based combat.
Studio Ghibli even animates the game’s cut scenes, which are heavily influenced by the anime films of the same name. Remastering Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch for PS4 and PC is an excellent way to experience the game’s heartfelt story today. The Nintendo Switch also has a more conventional port.
5. Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Revenant Kingdom, a follow-up to the PS3’s acclaimed first game, was a huge success for Level-5. Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom, like its predecessor, tells a gripping tale of a young prince who, after being usurped from his rightful throne, sets out to establish his own kingdom.
This sequel’s combat mechanics lean more toward real-time action, and it also introduces a kingdom-building minigame. Those who enjoyed the original game should have no trouble getting into the new one without any problems. It’s possible to play Revenant Kingdom on PS4, Switch, or a PC.
6. Trials Of Mana
Trials of Mana, the sequel to the cult-classic JRPG Secret of Mana for the Super Nintendo, was an improvement over the original. Because the original version was only ever released in Japan, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those outside of Japan.
Six playable protagonists each with their own storylines converge to search for the Mana Sword and defeat a global threat in the original release of Trials of Mana. It uses an action-based combat system that should be welcome to newcomers, even if the game overall is a bit simplistic. Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC all have the Trials of Mana remake.
7. EarthBound
EarthBound, a cult classic JRPG, is also a fun choice for fans of the genre. Among the games featured, Chrono Cross stands out as the most unusual, but it’s a gem from the retro era of the genre. On a journey to defeat a cosmic entity that is hell-bent on conquering Earth, Ness and his friends encounter a variety of characters.
When played after Chrono Cross, EarthBound’s intentionally whimsical art style and clever humor subvert genre tropes for an interesting JRPG experience. The Nintendo Switch Online subscription service has re-released EarthBound on modern hardware.
8. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
The Dragon Quest series by Square Enix is the largest JRPG franchise in Japan, despite its lack of global recognition compared to the Final Fantasy series. The release of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age marked a watershed moment in the series’ history, as the game expanded the world and attracted new players from outside Japan.
For those who thought the visuals were too simple and uninspired, they still worked well on more powerful computers. Similarly, the game’s old-fashioned fantasy storytelling and turn-based combat were also lauded. You can play DQXI on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
9. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
With the Xenoblade Chronicles games, Nintendo and Monolith Soft have created their own JRPG contender. It’s an offshoot of the Xeno franchise that began on the PlayStation, but Monolith’s first Xenoblade Chronicles put it on the path to becoming a regular triple-A title for the Japanese publisher.
The original Nintendo Wii release was lauded for turning a standard premise into a sci-fi/fantasy hybrid story and for including a large open world brimming with interesting main and side quests. The Definitive Edition of the game was recently remastered by Monolith for the Nintendo Switch.
10. Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy IX joins the likes of Final Fantasy VI and VII as two of the most popular picks for all-time great status among veteran franchise fans. For some fans, IX was a return to form, despite the fact that previous games received similar praise. The sci-fi elements in the worlds of VI, VII, and VIII were more prominent, while IX returned to a more traditional high-fantasy setting.
It was also praised for its heartfelt story, sympathetic characters, and well-polished gameplay. One of the best games for newbies, it is available on Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the PC.
Well, these are the 10 best games to play if you like Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition. We hope this guide helped you. If you liked this, make sure to check out the best games if you like Animal Crossings. Further, make sure to check out the best games like Minecraft.
