Cross Edge: First Impression

I recently got Cross Edge by NIS America for the PS3. It was a risk, considering that the reviews available on the Internet were divided between good and bad. After playing it for a few hours, I find that there are three qualities that the player should have in order to enjoy this game:

1. Able to figure out the complicated battle system;
2. Willing to spend time working on the item system;
3. Willing to grind for hours.

Battle System

Cross Edge's battle system is a two-edged sword. Its complexity makes it all the more satisfying when one figures it out and master it. That is, if one manages to figure it out. Failure would seriously reduce game enjoyment.

First, the player has to understand the system. Then there is the memory work to memorize the qualities of each skill. No need to memorize all, just the ones most frequently used. Also, the player should remember which character (there are many, many of them - in the dozens!) has what skills. And there is experimentation to work out the best ways to use the skills. Thankfully, there is 'Battle Practice' where tactics can be tried out.

Formation plays a role in battle as certain moves can only hit certain squares. In addition to that, the use of certain combinations of skills produces a Branch Combo for more effect and eye-candy goodness.

And then there is the Action Count timer. Once the timer starts with the first skill used, the player has a limited amount of time use the next skill. The timer replenishes with each skill used. Although the time given is short, the idea is to use the time to manipulate the controls to bring out the right skill. Ideally, the player should already have decided on the next skill before the timer starts.

That is why memory work is important.

Because of this complicated system, the game can be very satisfying for the player if he/she can figure it out and use it. Otherwise, the player is in for a bad time.

Item System

Cross Edge has not just one, but three item systems.

There is the Upgrade, which is the straightforward spending of Enemy Points (EPs) from winning battles to increase the quality of items. A fully-upgraded item can be Converted into another item, usually ingredients for the next item system.

The second system is the Synthesis, where items are created from recipes and ingredients. The skill of the character (she is Marie) performing the Synthesis affects the results.

The third system is the Composite. It is something like socketing, where items are inserted into an item to increase the bonuses of the latter item.

And since every edge in battle is helpful, expect to spend a lot of time making the best items for each of the dozens of characters in the game.

Grind for Hours

Of course, resources are necessary to make good items. That is where hours and hours of playing (grinding) is necessary to obtain (farm) all the resources.

And grinding is necessary to practice the battle system.

And to level up the characters. None of the characters should be neglected in case one has a skill needed for a combo or has some other quality that gives an edge for a specific battle.

Because of this, a lot of grinding is necessary. Which will not be fun if the player has not figured out the battle system.

To summarize, in order to enjoy the game, the player should figure out the battle system, work on the item system and be willing to grind for a long time. I shall see how the game holds up in stress-testing. Will it still hold my interest after many hours?

Next Cross Edge: Moving Along