The minute you get into your first battle in Chrono Cross, it is obvious that the magic system is unlike any other you've ever experienced. The game focuses on six different element types: white, black, blue, red, yellow, and green. Each character you come across has an "innate" element type, meaning that the particular character leans towards that element. Any character can use any different type of element even though they are not innate to that color, although they will be considerabley weaker towards an element not of their innate nature.

There are two general types of elements in the Chrono Cross world. Consumable elements and non-consumable elements. What is the difference between the two you ask? Quite simply, consumable elements are elements that are used up after one use. They are commonly found after a battle and can be inexpensively bought at an element store in any of the major towns or cities of El Nido. On the other hand, non-consumable elements are never used up. They can be used over and over just as long as you have enough stamina to cast it.

As you progress through the game it will become clear to you that the stars obtained after a boss fight aren't there for bragging purposes. The star level, easily viewed by going into the character menu, is an indicator of how many bosses you have beaten up until that point and also more importantly, how many more times you can cast a summoned element. Summoned elements are special in that a few criteria have to be met before being able to call them onto your foes. First and most obviously, you must have enough stamina. Secondly, the element field on the upper-left of the screen must be filled all the way up with the color of the to-be summoned element.

More tips and tricks concerning the element system in Chrono Cross are available in the Tips and Tricks section. Now onward towards the element info.