/vr/ - Retro Games

>>6439460
>>6440232
>>6441146
>>6443916

This is a huge factor in Cross's reception and legacy, and not particularly uncommon in gaming. Zelda 2, Castlevania 2, Majora's Mask and Metroid Prime are all (or were) controversial games for the same reason Cross is: It's a sequel to a massive hit that is in no way the successor (in terms of gameplay) to that hit which came before it. Regardless of the actual quality of product it lends to (which obviously varies widely), the massive differentiation from the source material in itself is going to be a handicap to positive popular (though perhaps not critical) reception. Also take into account Trigger's special status: not only is it a classic, it's one of those high-charm JRPGs like Grandia or Skies of Arcadia that seems to emotionally touch and connect with people in such a way that it earns a special place in their hearts until they die (ie "Soul"). This naturally compounds the aforementioned effects of such differentiation in a sequel, a great deal.

If anyone tries to tell you they don't like Chrono Cross, well...they probably don't like Chrono Cross and that's totally understandable, it's certainly far from perfect. On the other hand, if they try to tell you it's an objectively bad game, they either don't know what a "bad game" is, or they're being blinded by their over-the-top sentimentality for Trigger.