Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Amazon

Steam

Twitch

MONSTER

Cris Tales

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Cris Tales
Item: Cris Tales
Author: Critik 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, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

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

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Cris Tales are quite varied. Many critics, such as Game Informer and Gfinity, praise the story for its endearing and enthralling nature, as well as its focus on time manipulation. They appreciate the unique twist on the typical fantasy RPG narrative and find it to be a thrilling JRPG adventure with clever use of time powers. The story is described as magical, fairy-tale-esque, and promising, with fun dialogue and likeable characters (Pocket Tactics, Siliconera). The time-traveling protagonist and the ability to influence the past to see changes in the present and ensure an ideal future are seen as novel and promising aspects of the narrative (Starbit, Siliconera). However, there are critics who express some negative opinions about the story. Some critics, such as Hooked Gamers and COGconnected, find the plot to be unoriginal and lacking in substance. They point out that the protagonist lacks personality and there is a lack of genuine interpersonal conflict in the supporting cast (Hooked Gamers). The story is also criticized for being slow-paced and lacking urgency, with a desire for more meaningful events to occur earlier on (COGconnected). Additionally, some critics mention the presence of time travel story cliches and character cliches (PlayStation Country, DarkZero). Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Cris Tales has its strengths and weaknesses. The unique time manipulation mechanics and the endearing and enthralling nature of the narrative are praised by some critics. However, others feel that the story falls short of being unique and lacks substance. Despite the mixed opinions, it is evident that the story manages to captivate and engage players with its magical and promising elements. The banter between characters and the fully voice-acted dialogue are also appreciated by some critics. Ultimately, the story of Cris Tales offers an ambitious and intriguing narrative that combines elements of classic Japanese RPGs with time manipulation mechanics, creating a unique and immersive experience for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on the Story of Cris Tales. Some praise its enchanting time manipulation twist and captivating JRPG adventure with likable characters, while others criticize it for being unoriginal and slow-paced. Despite mixed opinions, the story's magical elements and innovative time-travel mechanics engage players, offering an ambitious narrative blending classic RPG elements with unique gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Cris Tales are quite varied. Some critics, such as Game Informer and Gfinity, appreciate the turn-based combat mechanics and the inclusion of time manipulation abilities, which add a layer of strategy and excitement to the battles. The timing mechanic and the ability to use time-crystal powers also receive praise for offering inventive approaches to fights. The inclusion of timed button presses in combat, as mentioned by GameCritics and Guardian, is seen as a twist that makes the turn-based fights feel more involved and engaging. The time-traveling abilities, as highlighted by Screen Rant and Siliconera, not only influence battles but also have an impact on quests and character development, making side quests more meaningful and adding tactical results to combat encounters. The gameplay's integration of time mechanics, according to Switch Player, Softpedia, and PlayStation LifeStyle, creates a unique twist and provides a different perspective on plot, exploration, and combat. On the other hand, some critics express disappointment with certain aspects of the gameplay. GameSkinny and Hooked Gamers criticize the combat mechanics for being standard, uninspired, and monotonous, with a lack of enemy diversity. They also highlight imprecise timed button prompts and the game's reliance on fetch quests, which can feel like padding. PC Gamer and TheGamer feel that the time-based combat system and the potential of time manipulation are underutilized, with combat encounters either being too short or too limiting to fully explore the mechanics' potential. Gamers Heroes and Video Chums mention frustrations with certain aspects of combat, such as bosses being immune to certain debuffs or inspecting enemies and bosses being time-consuming. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Cris Tales offers an interesting and unique gameplay experience with its time manipulation mechanics. The inclusion of time-traveling abilities in combat and quests, as well as the strategic use of timed button presses, are generally appreciated. However, there are mixed opinions regarding the execution of these mechanics. While some critics find them engaging and rewarding, others feel that they are either underutilized or result in repetitive and frustrating gameplay. The lack of enemy diversity and the reliance on fetch quests are also mentioned as drawbacks. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that Cris Tales combines traditional turn-based gameplay with time manipulation to create a familiar yet innovative experience, as noted by Screen Rant.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Cris Tales gameplay. Some praise its inventive time manipulation abilities and strategic combat mechanics, while others criticize it for being standard and uninspired. The game's unique twist on time mechanics enhances battles and quests, but some feel it's underutilized and leads to repetitive gameplay. Despite these drawbacks, Cris Tales offers a blend of traditional turn-based gameplay and time manipulation for a familiar yet innovative experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Cris Tales received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the game's unique and stunning art style, with several mentioning its hand-drawn aesthetics and beautiful character designs. Game Informer described it as "downright gorgeous" and Guardian highlighted the "lovely visuals" that transformed towns and characters into pop-up books. The art style was often compared to popular American cartoons from the early to mid-2000s, with thick black outlines, expressive eyes, and a generous color palette, as mentioned by GameCritics. The visuals were also commended for their consistency and well-implemented execution, as noted by GameSkinny. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Cris Tales. Gfinity pointed out issues with blurry and pixelated textures that contrasted with the sharp graphics of the rest of the world. PlayStation Country mentioned a spotty framerate at times and a camera view that was not helpful for being aware of surroundings. DarkZero criticized the design of side characters, considering them bland and rushed. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the graphics and visual design of Cris Tales are exceptional. The majority of critics praised the game's gorgeous and unique art style, blending eastern and western influences, stunning character designs, and visually impressive representations of different timezones. The visuals were often described as captivating, colorful, highly detailed, and visually appealing. The use of hand-drawn aesthetics, seamless combination of 2D and 3D elements, and attention to detail in characters and backgrounds were also highlighted as standout features. The positive feedback from multiple critics supports the notion that the graphics and visual design of Cris Tales are a significant strength of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics lauded Cris Tales for its stunning art style, hand-drawn aesthetics, and beautiful character designs reminiscent of American cartoons. However, some noted issues like blurry textures and spotty framerates. Overall, the majority agreed that the game's graphics are exceptional, blending eastern and western influences with visually impressive representations of different timezones.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Cris Tales, with many considering it to be a standout aspect of the game. Critics such as Guardian and Screen Rant appreciated the integral role that the music played in introducing and elucidating the game's world, maintaining emotions, and supporting the drama. The orchestral score was particularly highlighted by Screen Rant, who mentioned its classic adventure feel that added to the game's retro charm. TheSixthAxis also commended the score, describing it as phenomenal and mentioning memorable battle themes, boss encounter tracks, and location themes. The soundtrack was further described as breathtaking and complementary to the fantastical nature of the game by Pocket Tactics. The voice acting was consistently praised by critics such as Noisy Pixel, Siliconera, and COGconnected, with mentions of it being extraordinary, expressive, and of high quality. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the sound design and music of Cris Tales was positive, there were no specific negative opinions mentioned by the critics. This suggests that the game's audio elements were generally well-received and did not have any major flaws or shortcomings. The absence of negative feedback from the critics indicates a high level of satisfaction with the sound design and music. In conclusion, the sound design and music of Cris Tales received widespread acclaim from the majority of critics. The integral role of the music in setting the tone, enhancing emotions, and supporting the game's narrative was highly appreciated. The orchestral score, memorable battle themes, and location tracks were specifically highlighted as standout elements. Additionally, the voice acting was consistently praised for its quality and expressiveness. With no negative opinions mentioned, it can be concluded that the sound design and music of Cris Tales were highly successful in creating an immersive and enjoyable audio experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praised the sound design, music, and voice acting in Cris Tales, highlighting the integral role of music in enriching the game's world and emotions. The orchestral score was lauded for its classic adventure feel, while voice acting was deemed extraordinary and expressive. With no negative feedback, the audio elements were deemed flawless, creating an immersive and enjoyable experience for players.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the voice acting of Cris Tales is largely positive. Multiple critics praise the game for having fully voiced dialogue, even in minor conversations with NPCs, which adds depth and immersion to the gameplay experience. Critics such as Gamers' Temple, Noisy Pixel, and Softpedia specifically mention that every character in the game is voiced, and the voice acting is described as pretty good, wonderful, and exceptionally good respectively. They highlight the fact that the voice acting helps to anchor the characters' personalities, engage the player, and bring depth and life to the characters, as mentioned by Impulsegamer. The voice acting is also praised for being excellent and expressive, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the game, according to COGconnected and TheXboxHub. However, there are a few critics who express some negative opinions about the voice acting in Cris Tales. Hooked Gamers criticizes the protagonist, Crisbell, for lacking personality despite being fully voiced. They also mention that the character of Zas is annoying and cringe-worthy, with obnoxious dialogue. While these criticisms are specific to certain characters, they do indicate that not all aspects of the voice acting are universally praised. In conclusion, the overall consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Cris Tales is a strong aspect of the game. The majority of critics appreciate the fact that every character, including NPCs, is fully voiced, and they describe the voice acting as pretty good, wonderful, exceptionally good, excellent, and extremely good. The voice acting is commended for bringing depth and life to the characters, anchoring their personalities, and engaging the player. Despite some negative opinions regarding specific characters, the positive feedback from the majority of critics suggests that the voice acting in Cris Tales is a notable and enjoyable aspect of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics largely praise the voice acting in Cris Tales for its fully voiced dialogue, adding depth and immersion to the gameplay. Most critics highlight the excellent voice acting that brings characters to life and engages players. While some critics have negative opinions about specific characters, overall consensus is that the voice acting is a strong and enjoyable aspect of the game.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

88%

Negative (0-49)

13%

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

In terms of the technical performance on PC, GameCritics and Gfinity both mentioned positive aspects. GameCritics noted that the game has received updates, including balance changes, more options, a new dungeon, and a new playable character. Gfinity, on the other hand, mentioned some issues with frames dropping, missing punctuation in in-game text, and blurry textures, but stated that these issues were noticeable but not game-breaking. Moving on to the Nintendo Switch platform, several critics highlighted some negative aspects. Gamers Heroes mentioned rare crashes and occasional framerate drops, while Gamers' Temple criticized the game for long and intrusive loading times. God is a Geek also mentioned significant performance issues, including frame rate drops and long loading times for random encounters. Noisy Pixel, Pocket Tactics, Siliconera, Starbit, and Switch Player all mentioned long loading times and technical issues on the Switch version. For the PS5 platform, Impulsegamer mentioned that the game runs significantly better on PS5 compared to other platforms, with shorter load times. However, PlayStation Country highlighted spotty framerate issues, especially in the early game, and mentioned load times and soft locks during boss fights. Softpedia also mentioned some minor bugs and issues with the action mechanic during combat and camera angles while adventuring. Lastly, for the Xbox Series X platform, TheXboxHub stated that there were some minor issues with controller input after loading screens or fights, but they resolved themselves. Overall, the technical performance was stable. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, it is clear that the Nintendo Switch version of Cris Tales faced the most significant technical issues. Critics consistently mentioned long loading times, frame rate drops, crashes, and performance issues. The PS5 version had a mix of positive and negative comments, with some critics praising the improved performance and shorter load times, while others mentioned framerate issues and bugs. The PC version had a positive aspect mentioned by GameCritics regarding updates, but Gfinity noted some technical issues like frame drops and blurry textures. The Xbox Series X version had minor issues with controller input, but overall, the technical performance was stable. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Cris Tales had technical issues, particularly on the Nintendo Switch, which negatively impacted the gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised Cris Tales for its updates and new content on PC, but noted technical issues like frame drops. The Nintendo Switch version faced the most significant problems with long loading times and performance issues. PS5 had mixed reviews, with improved performance but also framerate problems. Xbox Series X had minor controller input issues but stable performance overall. In conclusion, critics agree that technical issues, especially on the Nintendo Switch, impacted the gameplay experience of Cris Tales.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Cris Tales are quite varied. Noisy Pixel highlights the game's good amount of content, including side missions and different outcomes based on player choices, which suggests a positive replay value. GAMES.CH also supports this notion, mentioning that the choices players make can have immediate and long-term effects on the world, adding to the game's replayability. Softpedia further reinforces the positive aspect of replay value by mentioning the multiple possible endings based on player choices. These opinions suggest that Cris Tales offers a satisfying replay value through its branching narratives and impactful decisions. On the other hand, Slant Magazine presents a negative perspective, stating that the game lacks replay value due to fully upgrading weapons and superfluous abilities. This criticism suggests that once players have completed the game and maximized their character's potential, there may not be much incentive to replay it. However, this viewpoint seems to be in the minority, as other critics do not mention this issue. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards Cris Tales having a good replay value. Switch Player praises the side quests as the best part of the game, offering players the opportunity to have an impact on the world, and mentions that the game provides around 50 hours of gameplay to complete everything. TheXboxHub also supports the idea of replayability, noting that the game offers side quests and exploration, providing multiple opportunities for enjoyment and replay. These positive opinions outweigh the negative perspective presented by Slant Magazine, indicating that Cris Tales generally offers a satisfying replay value for players.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Cris Tales, with some praising its branching narratives and multiple endings for a satisfying replay experience. Others criticize the lack of incentive to replay after fully upgrading weapons. Overall, the majority of critics agree that Cris Tales offers good replay value with side quests, impactful decisions, and around 50 hours of gameplay.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

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

Overall, the critics have expressed a mix of positive and negative opinions regarding the overall verdict of Cris Tales. In terms of positives, several critics praised the game's art style and visuals, with GameSkinny describing it as having a "top-notch art style" and Siliconera highlighting its "distinct identity" and being "visually stunning." The unique time manipulation mechanics were also commended by critics such as Push Square, who praised the game's "unique spin on classic RPGs" and the "fresh and interesting gameplay" it brings. The engaging story and solid battle system were also mentioned as positives by GameCritics and Gfinity, respectively. On the negative side, some critics pointed out certain flaws and issues with Cris Tales. One common criticism was the lack of diverse enemy types and repetitive combat, as mentioned by GameSkinny and Hooked Gamers. The game's technical issues, such as long loading times and performance problems, were also mentioned by critics like God is a Geek and Video Chums. Additionally, some critics expressed disappointment with the game's execution of its time-altering concept, with PC Gamer stating that it "fails to fully utilize" this mechanic in both its narrative and gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Cris Tales is a game with potential but falls short of reaching its full potential. While it is praised for its visuals, unique mechanics, and engaging story, the game is hindered by various issues such as repetitive combat, technical problems, and missed opportunities in utilizing its time-altering concept. However, there are still positive aspects that make it enjoyable for RPG fans, as noted by Game Informer and Gfinity. The game's overall verdict is seen as a solid but flawed experience, with some critics recommending it for fans of the genre, while others suggest that there are better options available.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Cris Tales. They praised its art style, unique time mechanics, story, and battle system. However, criticisms include lack of enemy variety, repetitive combat, technical issues, and underutilization of time-altering concept. While the game has potential, it falls short due to these flaws. Some recommend it for RPG fans, but others suggest looking for better options.

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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

God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Jul 23, 2021

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

Cris Tales is an impressive and refreshing take on the JRPG genre, with its unique time powers and engaging gameplay. However, the technical issues on the Switch version detract from the overall experience

Read full review

Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Aug 2, 2021

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

Cris Tales is a fantastic JRPG that blends traditional mechanics with new ideas, featuring an engrossing world and innovative gameplay. It's a must-play for JRPG fans.

Read full review

Guardian

Jul 26, 2021

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

Authentic passion and character make up for some endemic RPG frustrations. Not a landmark revitalisation, but still worth playing.

Read full review

Pocket Tactics

Nintendo Switch

Jul 27, 2021

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

The game is described as a unique gem with stunning visuals and music, interesting mechanics, and a beautiful story, but held back by load times and somewhat frustrating combat.

Read full review

Gamers' Temple

Nintendo Switch

Aug 31, 2021

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

Cris Tales is a great turn-based RPG with a unique visual style and enjoyable gameplay, despite the issue of long loading times.

Read full review

Screen Rant

Jul 19, 2021

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

Cris Tales embraces the old model of JRPGs, making it feel like a well-worn experience for seasoned fans of the genre. Crisbell’s time powers provide a fun new spin on the classic turn-based combat. Cris Tales isn’t that difficult either, making it a good choice for beginners looking to get into turn-based RPGs.

Read full review