The United States of America has had 45 presidents. Chrono Cross has 45 characters you can recruit as party members. Despite existing in different realities, our commanders-in-chief share some staggering similarities with the denizens of the classic PlayStation RPG – including their hobbies, mannerisms, and physical appearances. But which pairings work the best?
We don’t need to keep explaining how this works; you’re probably sick of seeing “Which president approximately equals which Chrono Cross character” lists all over the internet by now, but we’ll try to throw in some nontraditional picks to surprise you. So strap yourself in, because all of this is about to make complete and total sense.
01. George Washington = Kid
If you had to choose a single person to represent the concept of President of the United States, you would choose George Washington. Likewise, Kid is the face of Chrono Cross. Even though she’s not technically the protagonist, she is at the center of the story, and that visual of her on the beach is the first image that comes to many players’ minds when they think of the game.
02. John Adams = Leena
Leena falls into the "sweet girl next door" archetype. That means her identity is tied to a particular residence (or proximity to one) – just like John Adams! He was the first president to live in the White House, forever associating him with that official abode.
03. Thomas Jefferson = Luccia
People don’t call you “Father of the Declaration of Independence” or “The Sage of Monticello” if you’re an idiot. Thomas Jefferson was a brilliant man, so he can only rightly be matched with the smartest Chrono Cross character: the genius scientist Luccia, who creates her own experimental lifeforms.
04. James Madison = Razzly
Standing 5’ 4” and weighing about 100 pounds, James Madison is the shortest and lightest president. Razzly is 3’ 7” and 11 pounds, which also makes her exceptionally short and light. Plus, since she’s a fairy and probably glows and/sparkles, she’s got another version of “light” going for her.
05. James Monroe = Harle
Apart from her outfit and makeup, Harle’s defining characteristic is her dialect, which has a heavy French influence. James Monroe was a diplomat in Paris for a time and was fluent in French, so this is a match made in le paradis.
06. John Quincy Adams = Viper
The resemblance here is uncanny. Chrono Cross is all about alternate dimensions and stuff, so John Quincy Adams and General Viper are likely just different manifestations of the exact same person.
07. Andrew Jackson = Glenn
Glenn is a skilled swordsman, notable for his ability to wield the legendary blade Einlanzer. In fact, he can get two versions of the sword and DUAL-wield them! Andrew Jackson was likewise known for DUEL-wielding; he infamously killed the attorney Charles Dickinson in a duel.
08. Martin Van Buren = Guile
For his acumen in navigating the political landscape, Martin Van Buren earned the nickname “Little Magician.” So, the leap to Guile’s title (“Actual Magician”) isn’t a stretch at all.
09. William Henry Harrison = Skelly
William Henry Harrison is known for one thing: dying a month after his inauguration (the shortest presidential term in history). Skelly is dead circus performer who continues to exist as an animated skeleton, which makes him a macabre but apt match for a man whose existence is defined by death.
10. John Tyler = Van
Go ahead and recite everything you remember about the accomplishments of President John Tyler. Now recite everything you remember about Van and his storyline in Chrono Cross. Are you done? Of course you are, because nothing about these equally unremarkable figures stands out.
11. James K. Polk = Mel
Mel isn’t particularly powerful or important; her most notable characteristic is the fact that she is 10 years old. Of course, no presidents ever took office at that young age, but James K. Polk had the nickname "Young Hickory," which is close enough.
12. Zachary Taylor = Orcha
We were too lazy to do any research on who Zachary Taylor was or what he did, so we just started rearranging the letters in his name. That eventually gave us: “Lazy? Try a Orcha!” So there you have it. He’s a Orcha.
13. Millard Fillmore = Macha
Chrono Cross/president enthusiasts can rattle off dozens of ways these two fan-favorites are connected. We’re going to skip all of those obvious ones, instead going with the fact they both have two children – one male and one female. Fillmore had Mary and Millard, while Macha has Korcha and Mel.
14. Franklin Pierce = Steena
For religious reasons, Franklin Pierce was the only president to “affirm” rather than “swear” the oath of office. Steena is also devout in her faith, being raised as a shrine maiden and studying prophesies. Or, hey, if that doesn’t do it for you: His last name is “Pierce” and Steena’s weapon is a sword.
15. James Buchanan = Draggy
Did you know that James Buchanan was the only president who was a lifelong bachelor? It’s true. Did you know that Draggy is the last surviving dragon, which means that he will never find a mate, dooming him to a life of bachelorhood until he dies alone? Also true.
