Top 25 Soundtracks 2011: Number 22

Number 22: Chrono Cross

Chrono Cross, will we ever see you again? The only sequel, to date, that Chrono Trigger has ever received, Chrono Cross was less popular then its predecessor but still loved by fans of the series.

Chrono Trigger was known for its music so it was no surprise to anyone when Chrono Cross was composed once again by Yasunori Mitsuda. Once again, Mitsuda delivers a stellar soundtrack with wonderful melodies and beautiful songs that stay with you long after the songs are gone.

Unlike Trigger, which focused on time travel as a key mechanic, Cross was all about dimensional travel between several realities that had split years earlier, each a variation of the other.


 As a result, much of Chrono Cross is a bit more relaxed, more laid back. Many of the songs have two versions, one for each reality. Not that it's a bad thing. Mitsuda is an extremely skilled composer, and he can make two very similar melodies into two very different, and wonderful songs.

Mitsuda is also extremely good at associating his music with emotion and scene. Some of his music in Cross is haunting and mysterious, but not in a fearful way. While you feel a sense of the unknown, its at the same time some of these songs are calm and peaceful. On the other hand however, there are plenty of more menacing songs that manage to bring the feel of menace without ever bringing the feeling of despair along completely.

No game would be complete if the ending wasn't a pulse pounding affair either. But in Mitsuda's hands, what could have been a generic battle theme instead became this. Unique, different and very distinct.

Chrono Cross is a very solid and well put together soundtrack with a different style and poise then the standard RPG fair. If you've grown tired of Uemetsu, or are just plain looking for something different, give Chrono Cross your time. You won't be dissapointed.

 

Chrono Cross
Enjoyment: 3.75

Stand Alone Quality: 3.75

Composition: 3

Emotional Reaction: 3.5

Non-Gamer Enjoyment: 1

Nostalgia: 0

Total: 3.75

Number 22--Chrono Cross by Yasunori Mitsuda.

Number 23--Sonic CD US by Spencer Nilsen.

Number 24--Megaman II by Manami Matsumae, Yoshihiro Sakaguchi, and Takashi Tateishi

Number 25--Dawn of War II by Doyle W. Donehoo