Written by. Nick Mosier based on the original Japanese article (original article’s publication date: 2022-02-15 14:44 JST)

Square Enix is releasing Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on April 7. The game is set to feature HD models and refined character illustrations, with more details being shown on the official Twitter account.

Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition is a remaster of the 1999 RPG Chrono Cross originally released for the PlayStation as a sequel to ChronoTrigger. The game contains two parallel dimensions, Home World and Another World. The main character Serge can travel between these worlds while meeting and recruiting many friends on their adventure.

In addition to the remaster having HD 3D models, enemy encounters can be toggled on or off, there are battle enhancements to make battles easier, and an auto-battle function. There are also background filter and screen resolution options. But the game’s 3D models aren’t just being converted to HD. They also appear to have some refinements and changes.

The heroes of Chrono Cross look better than ever, with all 3D models revamped and upgraded!

Want to keep it classic? Switch back to the original versions via the menu. pic.twitter.com/fpBZzW7UGC
— Chrono Cross (@chronogame) February 13, 2022

If we look at these comparison screenshots, we can see changes like Serge’s chin being more pointed, giving a slightly different impression. His body appears to be a bit slimmer as well. The clothes on the model also have a texture with detailed patterns and wrinkles, and a necklace has been added. The original character illustration also has a necklace, so maybe it was added because they could make it visible with the higher resolution.

We can also see similar model and texture adjustments to Kid, the game’s heroine. Her face has been made slimmer and the body of the model has been tweaked. It also looks like there’s a difference in hair volume between the models and the ribbon in her hair is thinner, perhaps another change made due to the higher resolution.

The character illustrations that appear during conversations are also being updated with original character designer Nobuteru Yuuki refining the artwork. Plus, the game’s music is getting remastered with a new track being added.

Alongside upgraded character models, Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition has also seen all its character illustrations refined by returning character artist Nobuteru Yuuki.

Still love the original art? You can switch back to the classic style via the settings. pic.twitter.com/b9y1fqYiwm
— Chrono Cross (@chronogame) February 14, 2022

It will be possible to switch between the old and new designs, so it’ll be interesting to see the new models and how the original models make the transition to HD. There will also be a pixel font and an HD font, but the graphics options cannot be toggled separately and will all be switched together.

The toggle between the updated and original versions is reminiscent of games like Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap and it is surely a welcome addition to fans of the original game.

Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition is coming to PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on April 7.