Chrono Cross Character Help

[HHammond]

I just picked up Chrono Cross and, as a big fan of Chrono Trigger (my first JRPG!), I'm absolutely loving it! My only issue is that I understand it has a ridiculous amount of characters and it's impossible to get them on one playthrough. I don't know if I'll be playing the game a second time through and I obviously don't want to miss out on the best characters! I'm more interested in characters with a good story rather than those who are badass (that pink dog thing... I'm dumping it ASAP) so anyone I should focus on getting? Or do I get all the best characters automatically? If it's possible, can spoilers be kept to a minimum?

 

[Username Redacted]

From my recollection there aren't that many exclusive characters (i.e. getting character X precludes you from recruiting character Y; maybe ~6 total). That said there are definitely some overpowered characters. As already mentioned the 'Steal' ability is useful (mostly late game) and very rare.

Mojo - Not the best offense but at higher levels is nigh unhittable.

Guile - 3rd or 4th highest Magic strength in the game AND the only character whose spell system levels in reverse (more high level spell slots than low level ones). He is a beast at higher levels.

Glenn - Decent attack stats and the only character in the game who can dual wield weapons (very damaging). Also participates in one of the only useful team attacks in the game.

Orlha AKA Sailor Moon - One of the highest attack powers in the game. Also I'm pretty sure that the math that calculates how much damage her lvl. 5 ability should do is bugged. That moves does more damage than almost every character in the games lvl. 7 ability and absolutely obliterates enemies that are weak to its element.

I have played this game though many times. Obviously I don't always use the same party but if something was proving especially problematic then it was Serge/Guile/Glen or Serge/Guile/Orlha that got tasked with deleting the problem.