As a seque to Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross is pretty bad. BUT, as a stand alone game that's really just a cleverly disguised card battle game, Chrono Cross is pretty decent. And it did have some good tunes here and there.
Tribute to an OST: Chrono Cross
|
 On 09/19/2013 at 11:53 AM by The Last Ninja See More From This User » |
Chrono Cross is the sequel to the legendary RPG Chrono Trigger, and it is a divisive game; you either love it or hate it. Sadly, I haven't played it, but I intend to soon (will I love it or hate it?). However, there is no division when it comes to the soundtrack, a masterpiece of work composed by Yasunori Mitsuda. Due to the new capabilities of the Playstation hardware, Mitsuda was able to go all-out on the soundtrack; most of the music is recorded with real instruments (piano, guitars, strings, and some more exotic instruments).
An interesting fact here is that CC's soundtrack is an enhanced version of Radical Dreamers, a game for the SNES which was released only in Japan. Mitsuda uses many of the exact same themes from RD, but makes them much better using real instruments. It's a beautiful soundtrack, and I hope you enjoy the songs I've posted.
Exciting Themes
The opening theme for Cross, which is called Time's Scar, begins very calmly, but reaches a point when it bursts and becomes very fast and exciting. Navel of the World gives off a jungle feel thanks to bongo drums and flutes; Voyage--Home World is a great theme which incorporates an electric guitar with the melody, which is adventurous and heroic in feel.
Peaceful Village Themes
CC has some of the most beautiful themes of any game, enhanced by real instruments (you can't get better than that). Home Aruni Village is soothing and calm; a perfect fit for the hero's home village. Another Galdove is another theme which is very soothing; it begins with a guitar alone, then is accompanied by an oboe. Simple, yet beautiful.
Throwback to Chrono Trigger
Fans of Chrono Trigger will recognize the fantastic theme of that game incorporated into CC. Chronomantic is the theme of Trigger, and boy, does it ever give you a feeling of nostalgia! Both victory themes are also from Trigger; they're the same victory theme which Trigger had, which was Lucca's theme. These throwbacks are great, a testament to a legendary game.
Themes that Jump Out
There are many stand-out themes in CC. One of my favorites is Girl Who Stole the Star, which is beautiful and sad; it also contains real voice, which could not be done on the SNES (not done well atleast). Lost Pieces is another sad but fantastic theme. One of the themes which receives great praise from fans is Dream of the Shore near Another World; it's simple, yet evokes a strong feeling that only Mitsuda could pull off; the violin is beautiful and the mood is set perfectly for that part of the game.
Battle!
The battle themes of CC aren't quite as grand as Trigger's (such as Magus's battle theme or the final battle), but there are some good ones. Edge of Death is the main battle theme, and it is very exciting and untypical of usual RPG battle themes. Dragon God is another great boss theme, using voices and violins to a great effect. Mitsuda is so good at setting the mood, which he does perfectly in these pieces.
Solid Mitsuda Themes
I wanted to end with a couple themes that are typical Mitsuda fare, which is not a bad thing. You hear these themes and know "That's Mitsuda," because they fit his style. Frozen Flame is a great theme, peaceful and enjoyable. Dragon Knight is more exciting and robust, feeling noble and honorable in its mood. Mitsuda's style is great, and I personally love it.
Comments