Left feeling a bit empty after playing it for the first time a few months ago(why did I wait so long?) I am afraid no JRPG will be able to surpass it. Would love to have a discussion about similar games that reach the same quality level (Note: I have already played Final Fantasy VI ).
I disagree with the extent of your warning, but only just. I also originally bounced off of Chrono Cross because it wasn’t what I was expecting (3D Chrono Trigger). Once I went back to it like it was a brand new game, I grew to enjoy it on its own merits.
At least play it long enough to get the nostalgia whenever you hear the music come up on rainwave :p