Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 40
  2. Negative: 6 out of 40
  1. Aug 27, 2020
    80
    A fun little hack-and-slash. The nostalgia of playing on a GBA might not be there anymore, but there's a lot of adventure packed into a small package. Its biggest flaws are that it doesn't feel particularly inimitable nowadays, and the multiplayer is almost a must. If you're looking for a relaxing way to beat down some baddies with your friends, Crystal Chronicles gives you everything you might be looking for — without having to shell out for four portable systems.
  2. Aug 26, 2020
    80
    Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles was already a wonderfully unique and challenging title when it originally released, but the Remastered Edition brings that all to the table with even more plus the ability to finally play with friends online. While the character models may still be clearly from many console generations ago, there’s so much wonder and charm put into it that it’s fantastic to play through and enjoy time and time again. It’s a wonder how even years later it still feels as inviting, and somewhat terrifying, to take on new dungeons and challenge whatever comes next. Anyone looking for a seemingly simple but utterly charming action adventure with tons of time to spend taking on dungeons need look no further than Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition.
  3. Aug 26, 2020
    80
    Although a little marked by time, the graphics and sound improvements are successful. The magic of the title still operates as much even after sixteen years, not to mention the multiplatform side making the title more accessible. In short, whether or not you missed the original, this remaster, certainly not flawless, remains an adventure that we invite you to (re) live alone or with someone.
  4. Aug 27, 2020
    79
    The improved graphics take an already beautiful game and smooths out all of the aging issues that became noticeable since its original release seventeen years ago. The various family trades and tribes in Crystal Chronicles Remastered brings an element of replayability to this Final Fantasy title for new and old fans. The epic Caravan campaign is more enjoyable than ever on current-gen consoles, and fans of the original Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles should definitely check out the freshly remastered version.
  5. Oct 2, 2020
    75
    It’s too bad the journey can feel so aimless and disjointed at times with the mixed storytelling and the cumbersome mechanics that stick each component of gameplay together. It can be occasionally exhausting to navigate through the menus, swapping in different spells and items constantly as you beat on your foe for a good 30 minutes. I really wish Square Enix would give it the fair shake it deserves with modern conveniences, instead of dredging up dated gameplay mechanics that overshadow a wonderful, mystical little world. Still, getting to play a family-friendly tale with my daughter does make up for a lot of this, and if you can get some friends together, it could be the same for you.
  6. Aug 26, 2020
    75
    Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition is an almost great update on the original. While the game itself is still fantastic and the new content is fun, the online only multiplayer leaves a lot to be desired in terms of quality and features.
User Score
5.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 38
  2. Negative: 18 out of 38
  1. Sep 10, 2020
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Critical Review of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition. Square Enix re-made this title with the same
    Concept for Game Cube, have it be the most expensive game to play. The initial cost is $29.99, then additional $50.00 in DLC puts this at $90, per person. On top of that there is no central management system. Bought this game on PS4, and want to play on iOS? Fork over more cash. Speaking of iOS, while you are figuring out how to try multiplayer, watch your iPad or IPhone continue to play the opening movie, again and again. So that was frustrating, so now I am just going to play the game I bought on PS4 Pro. I am one of those geeks that changed out the hard drive for a 1 TB SSD. And helped with larger games like FF7R, or FF XV. No help here, get ready to continue to looking a now loading screen up to 60 seconds in some areas. Wait until you play the Moschet Manor level. Now loading every time you pass through a door. The timing of the game is off, in the first level River Belle Path, you will be laying a key down and by the time the sequence completes enemies will possibly knock you down 2-3 Health bars. The AI for Mog not dependable. In areas like Rebena Te Ra in single player mode, Mog is not going to help you open multi step doors that require magic. After painting him over and over again, I finally gave up and completed the level with out the chest. And as everyone else has complained there is no couch co-op play, so cross that off the list. Finally the end of the game. This is where you know this was just upscaled by AI. With out spoiling the end game, just be ready for seizure inducing cut scenes. I think the ideas was to be cute and magical while on a bad mushroom trip. Post game there are dungeons that still affected by miasma (even though you cleared the world of it). The challenge levels are brutal on single player mode. This is when I decided I was done with the game. Finally the trophies/achievements for the game are lame, only 9 and no Platinum trophy for PSN. 5 of the trophies are possible to obtain on the first play through (3 of them are missable). With the other 4 coming on post game play through. This game was announced to come out in early 2019 along side other Final Fantasy titles going cross platform. I am not sure what SquareEnix did in the extra year+ with the title, with it being a “Remastered Edition” but it was not released in a cohesive, playable state for the price tag it begs.
    Full Review »
  2. Sep 2, 2020
    4
    The charm of the original has been stripped bare from this remaster. Do yourself a favour and download the new free version of FFXIV instead.The charm of the original has been stripped bare from this remaster. Do yourself a favour and download the new free version of FFXIV instead.

    Crystal Chronicles had its flaws when it launched on Nintendo's gamecube, but the co-op was unforgettably fun. Setting out together, making progress together, and returning to towns to see families and growth has been stripped away. You won't even get a letter after helping a friend in their world and if you plan to play in a group of four, you will be playing the same dungeons four times over to make progress.

    Even simple things like continuing to help your friend progress in their world is unavailable, and instead after each multiplayer session the lobby needs to be closed and remade.

    I was very excited for this remaster, but disappointed with the souless imitation we recieved. FFXIV truly is the last bastion of quality Final Fantasy.
    Full Review »
  3. Aug 28, 2020
    3
    The names Square Enix, Squaresoft and Final Fantasy used to be synonymous with quality.

    This remaster is just the latest evidence that things
    The names Square Enix, Squaresoft and Final Fantasy used to be synonymous with quality.

    This remaster is just the latest evidence that things have long since changed.
    Full Review »