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MONSTER

Cris Tales

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Cris Tales
Item: Cris Tales
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Side View Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableJul 20, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One

DeveloperDreams Uncorporated

Overview

Discover a unique combination of branching stories, innovative combat, and classic RPG gameplay in Cris Tales’ exciting and unforgettable exploration of how our actions echo through time. Join the newly awakened Time Mage, Crisbell, and her fantastical companions in a fantasy world facing a grim future. The powerful Time Empress and her forces threaten to bring about a cataclysm tearing apart Crystallis and the other four Kingdoms of the region.

Elsewhere

7.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Cris Tales impresses with its whimsical narrative and themes of climate change and class divide, drawing from Colombian storytelling. Critics praise its charming characters and time-manipulation mechanic that highlights player choices. However, it suffers from pacing issues, unclear motivations, and predictable execution, leaving some players feeling disengaged. While it nods to classic JRPGs, the story often relies on familiar tropes, ultimately failing to harness its unique premise. The consensus is mixed: engaging moments exist, but the narrative struggles to realize its full potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Cris Tales has garnered a variety of opinions from critics, with several praising its whimsical and engaging narrative. Critics such as Digitally Downloaded highlight the game's ability to address significant themes like climate change and class divide, drawing from Colombian storytelling traditions. Others, like Cultured Vultures, appreciate the charm of the narrative, noting its engaging twists and well-developed characters. The incorporation of time manipulation as a core mechanic is frequently mentioned, with GameMAG and Gfinity emphasizing how this unique aspect allows players to explore the consequences of their choices and the impact on the world around them. Overall, many critics agree that the story is light-hearted and entertaining, with some moments of emotional depth. However, the narrative also faces significant criticism, particularly regarding its pacing and clarity. CGMagazine notes that the story is poorly told, lacking engagement and leaving players confused about character motivations and stakes. Similarly, COGconnected and NME express concerns about the slow pace and the lack of urgency in the plot, which can detract from the overall experience. Critics like PC Gamer and Impulsegamer point out that while the premise is intriguing, the execution feels predictable and fails to fully commit to its time-altering concept. Furthermore, some reviewers, such as Hardcore Gamer and Finger Guns, mention that the choices presented to players often feel inconsequential, leading to fetch quests that diminish the weight of player decisions. The overall consensus among critics is that while Cris Tales presents a charming and whimsical narrative with engaging elements, it struggles with pacing, clarity, and depth. Many reviewers acknowledge the nostalgic homage to classic JRPGs, as noted by Atomix and New Game Network, but they also point out that the story often falls into familiar tropes and lacks originality. Despite its engaging moments and moral dilemmas, as highlighted by Multiplayer.it and Jeuxvideo.com, the narrative's shortcomings in execution prevent it from reaching its full potential. Ultimately, while some critics find value in the story's themes and character development, others feel that it does not fully deliver on the promise of its unique mechanics and premise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Cris Tales impresses with its unique time manipulation gameplay and strategic turn-based combat, adding depth to fights and exploration. However, critics slam its repetitive battles, tedious fetch quests, and slow pacing, leading to a grindy experience. Ultimately, while the game showcases innovative ideas, poor execution and lack of quality-of-life features leave many wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

Cris Tales has received praise for its innovative gameplay mechanics, particularly its unique time manipulation system that allows players to interact with the past, present, and future. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Gfinity highlight how this mechanic adds strategic depth to combat encounters, enabling players to influence enemy states and create engaging battle scenarios. The turn-based combat system, while traditional, is noted for its potential to offer varied approaches to fights, as mentioned by Generación Xbox and NME. Additionally, the exploration aspects of the game, where players can see multiple timelines simultaneously, have been recognized for enhancing the narrative and puzzle-solving elements, making the gameplay feel fresh and engaging. However, despite these positive aspects, many reviewers have pointed out significant shortcomings in the gameplay. A common criticism is the repetitiveness of combat, with several critics, including Gamer Escape and IGN, noting that while the time travel mechanic adds depth, it often leads to a monotonous experience as battles can feel grindy and lack variety. Lengthy animations and poorly timed mechanics have also been highlighted by critics like Player 2 and RPGamer, leading to frustrations that detract from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, the game has been criticized for tedious fetch quests and slow pacing, as noted by Launcher and others, which can further contribute to a sense of stagnation in gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Cris Tales presents a fresh take on traditional JRPG gameplay through its time manipulation mechanics, it ultimately falls short of its potential due to issues of repetitiveness and execution. Many reviewers, including Destructoid and Hardcore Gamer, feel that the innovative ideas are under-utilized, resulting in a combat system that can feel basic and uninspired over time. The lack of quality-of-life features, such as an autosave function, has also been mentioned as a detractor from the overall experience. In summary, while Cris Tales has a solid foundation of creative gameplay mechanics, it struggles to maintain engagement and excitement throughout the game, leaving many critics wishing for a more refined execution.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Cris Tales shines with its vibrant, hand-drawn visuals inspired by Colombian culture, earning widespread praise for its unique art style and captivating aesthetics. Critics laud the split-screen mechanic and intricate character designs, though some note issues like lack of detail and simplistic environments. Overall, it delivers a visually stunning experience in the indie JRPG market, despite minor execution flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Cris Tales is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its vibrant and unique art style. Reviewers such as Hooked Gamers and Gfinity highlighted the game’s beautiful hand-drawn visuals and the charming aesthetic that draws inspiration from Colombian culture. IGN and Destructoid echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the delightful blend of colorful anime influences and the fairy-tale atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. The split-screen mechanic showcasing past, present, and future elements was also noted as a visually impressive feature, contributing to the game's distinctiveness. Critics like Multiplayer.it and Gamer Escape appreciated the intricate details in character designs and environments, which reflect a significant investment in artistic direction. However, while the majority of reviews are positive, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in the visual execution. PlayStation Universe and SECTOR.sk mentioned that the graphics, while colorful and attractive, sometimes lack surface detail and can create a patchwork impression rather than a cohesive world. Others, such as MGG and Gameblog.fr, noted that the environments can feel simplistic or cubical, lacking depth and complexity. Additionally, PlayStation Country criticized the camera angles during exploration, which could hinder the player's awareness of their surroundings. These critiques suggest that while the visuals are captivating, there are areas where the execution could be improved. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Cris Tales features a visually stunning and unique design that stands out in the indie game market. The majority of reviewers celebrate the game's artistic direction, with many praising its charming hand-drawn art style and vibrant color palette. Critics like GameSpew and New Game Network encapsulated the general sentiment by describing the visuals as captivating and gorgeous, making it a memorable experience in the realm of JRPGs. Despite some criticisms regarding detail and environmental depth, the overall impression is that Cris Tales successfully delivers a visually rich and engaging experience that resonates with players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Cris Tales boasts a mostly praised orchestral score and immersive sound design that evokes nostalgia and enriches gameplay. Critics commend the voice acting and memorable themes, enhancing character depth and atmosphere. However, some reviewers note issues with repetitiveness and inconsistency in the soundtrack and sound effects. Despite these criticisms, the game's audio is widely regarded as a strong asset, contributing significantly to its indie RPG charm.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

77%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

23%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Cris Tales have garnered a predominantly positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's effective orchestral score and immersive audio elements. Many reviewers praised the soundtrack for its ability to evoke nostalgia for classic RPGs, with critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Ragequit.gr noting the high-quality compositions that enhance the game's atmosphere. The voice acting was also frequently commended, with GameSpew mentioning that the performances added depth to the characters, while TheXboxHub highlighted the excellent voice work across all characters, including NPCs. Overall, the music was described as fitting for the game's tone, with memorable themes and a variety of styles, as noted by critics such as CGMagazine and RPGamer. However, not all feedback was entirely positive, as several critics pointed out issues with repetitiveness and inconsistency in the soundtrack. Atomix remarked that while the music pays homage to classic RPGs, it lacks variety, leading to moments of monotony. Gameblog.fr echoed this sentiment, describing some tracks as repetitive and annoying, which detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, some critics, like Checkpoint Gaming and Finger Guns, mentioned that the short length of certain tracks contributed to a sense of repetition, while others like Easy Allies pointed out issues with sound effects and recording quality. This inconsistency in audio levels was also noted by Hobby Consolas, suggesting that while the music is generally enjoyable, it does not always maintain a high standard throughout the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Cris Tales features a commendable sound design and music score that significantly enhances the gaming experience. While there are criticisms regarding repetitiveness and some inconsistencies, the majority of reviewers find the soundtrack to be engaging and well-crafted, with a strong orchestral presence that complements the visuals and gameplay. Critics such as GameSpot and Twinfinite emphasized the soundtrack's ability to create an immersive atmosphere, while others like MGG and Metro GameCentral highlighted the emotional resonance of the music. Ultimately, Cris Tales stands out for its sound design and music, making it a notable title in the realm of indie RPGs.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in "Cris Tales" is a standout feature, praised for enhancing the game's charm and narrative depth, with critics highlighting the talented performances that bring characters to life. However, some inconsistencies and exaggerated dramatics have drawn criticism, and not all portrayals resonate universally, particularly with the protagonist. Overall, most agree it's a strong asset for an indie title, significantly enriching the storytelling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in "Cris Tales" has garnered a largely positive reception from critics across various platforms. Reviewers such as Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected highlight the capable performances that enhance the game's charm and immersion, while Finger Guns and GameSpew commend the well-delivered performances that contribute positively to character interactions and elevate the narrative. Critics like Impulsegamer and New Game Network emphasize the depth and life that the talented voice cast brings to the characters, with NME noting the impressive nuances that even elevate minor characters. The overall sentiment suggests that the voice acting is a significant asset to the game, enriching the storytelling and character development. However, not all feedback has been entirely favorable. Some critics have pointed out inconsistencies in the quality of the voice acting, with Easy Allies noting moments where the performances lack consistency. PlayStation Universe mentioned that the voice acting often leans towards exaggerated and dramatic performances, which might not resonate with every player. Additionally, Hobby Consolas raised concerns about the localization, suggesting that some expressions may not resonate with all Spanish-speaking audiences. Critics like Hooked Gamers expressed dissatisfaction with certain character portrayals, specifically mentioning that the protagonist, Crisbell, lacks personality despite being fully voiced, which detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in "Cris Tales" is a commendable achievement, particularly for an indie title. While there are some criticisms regarding consistency and localization, the majority of reviewers agree that the performances are engaging and contribute significantly to the game's charm and narrative depth. Critics such as Softpedia and GameSpot celebrate the quality of the voice acting, with the latter specifically praising standout performances that enhance the story. The combination of well-executed voice acting across various characters has left a positive impression, solidifying it as a key element of the game's appeal.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Cris Tales shows promise but is plagued by significant technical issues across all platforms. The Nintendo Switch suffers from long loading times, while the PS5 and Xbox Series X have frequent loading screens and frame rate drops despite improved graphics. PC players experience a more stable performance but still encounter bugs. Overall, the game’s technical performance is a mixed bag, hindering its potential enjoyment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of Cris Tales across various platforms, it's evident that there are some positives to highlight. On the Nintendo Switch, critics like TouchArcade and Switch Player noted that the game runs solidly without major issues, aside from occasional stuttering. The Xbox Series X version has been praised by SomosXbox for its optimization, boasting 4K graphics and low loading times that contribute to a smooth gaming experience. Similarly, Impulsegamer noted that the PS5 version runs significantly better than other platforms, with shorter load times enhancing the overall experience. On PC, several reviewers, including Wccftech and Eurogamer Italy, reported that the game performs relatively well, with manageable load times and a generally stable experience. However, the negatives for each platform are quite pronounced and detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. The Nintendo Switch version has been widely criticized for long loading times, with critics like RPG Fan and Vooks highlighting how these issues disrupt gameplay flow. On the PS5, frequent loading screens and frame rate drops were noted by Checkpoint Gaming and PlayStation Country, indicating a lack of optimization despite the platform's capabilities. The Xbox Series X version, while generally stable, still suffers from some glitches and longer load times, as pointed out by Atomix and LevelUp. On PC, while the experience is generally good, there are still reports of bugs and crashes from critics like TierraGamer and Easy Allies that can hinder immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Cris Tales suffers from significant technical issues across all platforms, particularly in terms of loading times and optimization. The Nintendo Switch version appears to be the most affected, with multiple reviewers noting long and intrusive loading screens that disrupt gameplay. On consoles, especially the PS5 and Xbox Series X, while there are some positives, such as improved graphics and performance, the frequent loading issues and frame rate drops remain a common theme. PC players generally report a more stable experience, but even they are not immune to bugs and performance hiccups. This mixed reception suggests that while Cris Tales has potential, its technical performance leaves much to be desired across all platforms, as echoed by reviewers like Gameblog.fr and DarkZero.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Cris Tales boasts enticing replay value with multiple endings and branching narratives, appealing to completionists and choice-driven players. However, critics raise red flags about its linear story, tedious fetch quests, and grind-heavy gameplay, which undermine the incentive for multiple playthroughs. While the game charms with its mechanics, many reviewers caution that its repetitive elements may leave players feeling unsatisfied after the initial run. Overall, it's a mixed bag—promising but hampered by significant limitations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Cris Tales reveal a mix of positive elements that some critics appreciate. Several reviewers, such as Hobby Consolas and Softpedia, highlight the game's multiple endings based on player choices, which can enhance replay value. The presence of branching narratives and time manipulation mechanics, as noted by MGG Spain and MondoXbox, encourages players to explore different paths and outcomes. Additionally, critics like Vandal and Everyeye.it mention that the game offers a substantial amount of content, with playtimes ranging from 20 to 30 hours, which can appeal to completionists looking to experience everything the game has to offer. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's limited replay value due to various factors. Finger Guns and Hardcore Gamer point out that the linearity of the story and the repetitive nature of fetch quests may discourage players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. The grind-heavy gameplay and tedious combat are also recurring themes in reviews, with Launcher and RPGamer noting that these aspects can lead to a tiring experience. Furthermore, some critics, like Easy Allies and SpazioGames, mention that the lack of meaningful choices and depth in quests can detract from the overall replayability, making it feel more like a one-time experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Cris Tales offers some replay value through its choices and multiple endings, many aspects of the game limit its appeal for multiple playthroughs. Critics like NME and GameSpot recognize the potential for replayability but caution that the linear narrative and repetitive elements may frustrate players. In summary, Cris Tales presents a charming experience with engaging mechanics, but its replay value is hampered by linearity and repetitive gameplay, leaving many reviewers with mixed feelings about the game's long-term enjoyment.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

39%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Cris Tales has garnered a variety of positive feedback, particularly regarding its artistic design and narrative elements. Critics such as Atomix and Pure Playstation commend the game for its stunning visuals and engaging story, highlighting its homage to classic JRPGs. The game’s unique time travel mechanic has also been praised, with reviewers like Push Square noting its fresh spin on traditional RPG elements. Many critics, including Gamers' Temple and Switch Player, appreciate the game’s blend of classic mechanics with innovative ideas, making it a delightful experience for fans of the genre. Overall, the charming art style and heartfelt storytelling resonate well with players, contributing to its appeal. However, Cris Tales is not without its flaws, which have been extensively noted by reviewers. Critics like WellPlayed and Gamersky point out that the game suffers from a lack of variety in its time travel mechanics and dull combat, which can lead to a less engaging experience over time. Technical issues, such as long loading times and pacing problems, have also been highlighted by multiple reviewers, including Hardcore Gamer and Siliconera. Furthermore, several critics, including RPGamer and PC Gamer, mention that while the game has a promising foundation, it ultimately falls short in execution, leading to a sense of unfulfilled potential. The overall consensus among critics is that Cris Tales is a charming yet flawed JRPG that offers a nostalgic experience for genre enthusiasts while presenting unique ideas. While many reviewers appreciate its artistic direction and engaging narrative, they also emphasize the need for improvements in gameplay mechanics and technical performance. Critics like IGN and New Game Network suggest that despite its shortcomings, the game remains enjoyable and worth experiencing, especially for those who appreciate the genre's conventions. Ultimately, Cris Tales is seen as a solid title with enough charm to warrant a playthrough, albeit with tempered expectations regarding its gameplay depth and technical execution.

TL;DR

Cris Tales impresses with stunning visuals and an engaging, nostalgic story that pays homage to classic JRPGs, thanks to its innovative time travel mechanic. However, it struggles with lackluster combat, technical issues, and repetitive mechanics, leaving critics feeling it doesn't fully deliver on its promise. While it offers a delightful experience for genre fans, improvements are needed for a more engaging gameplay experience. Worth a playthrough, but manage your expectations.

MONSTER

Reviews

147 reviews found

Noisy Pixel

Nintendo Switch

Jul 19, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cris Tales is an amazing experience with memorable characters, an addictive battle system, and wonderful discoveries. It pushes the RPG genre to new heights, but is hindered by lengthy load times and lack of direction for some missions.

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Atomix

Xbox Series X

Jul 30, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cris Tales is a remarkable RPG that elevates the standard for Latin American games, combining a heartfelt story, stunning visuals, and enjoyable gameplay, despite some shortcomings in music and character mechanics.

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GameCritics

Jan 21, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An impressive first title from a young indie studio with an engaging story, solid battle system, and enjoyable cast of characters.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Aug 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cris Tales succeeds in what it sets out to do. It may not reach the level of Chrono Trigger, but it is still a very good RPG with a great art style, enjoyable mechanics, and a captivating story. It is highly recommended, especially considering it is free on Xbox Game Pass.

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GameMAG

PlayStation 5

Jul 20, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cris Tales is praised as a worthy indie release that captures the essence of classic JRPGs, offering engaging gameplay and a rich story that invites players to explore its world.

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TheSixthAxis

Jul 22, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for its time mechanics and attention to detail, with a minor gripe about the lack of audio cue for battles

Gaming Nexus

Nintendo Switch

Jul 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cris Tales is a beautiful homage to JRPGs with some flaws, including load times and a somewhat predictable story, but its visual and audio design make it worth experiencing.

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Everyeye.it

Jul 22, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cris Tales is praised as a delightful indie JRPG that combines engaging gameplay with a captivating story and artistic design, making it a recommended experience for players.

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Multiplayer.it

Jul 20, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cris Tales is a love letter to JRPGs, blending traditional elements with innovative mechanics and a rich narrative, despite some pacing issues in the latter part of the game.

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But Why Tho?

Xbox Series X

Jul 23, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cris Tales is a well-rounded RPG that successfully combines classic elements with modern twists, delivering a unique and enjoyable experience despite some lightness in story and gameplay.

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