Console: Super NES

Company: Squaresoft

Release Date: August 1995

Genre: RPG

Number of Players: 1

Save Feature? Yes

When it comes to RPGs, there's Chrono Trigger then there's everything else. Nintendo Power magazine put it perfectly when it stated that Chrono Trigger "will spoil you for every other RPG." With its beautiful graphics, memorable soundtrack, and story for the ages, Chrono Trigger is truly a timeless gaming experience. The time-travel idea was a stroke of genius and was carried out brilliantly. It truly gave the game an "epic" feel that most RPGs lack. Chrono Trigger is simply the very best in terms of overall gameplay and intrigue; it could make a very strong case for being the greatest video game of "all-time!"

Overview: Although Chrono Trigger is classified strictly as an RPG, it contains many elements of adventure games as well. Even though traditional RPG functions such as fighting enemies and gaining experience is a large part of the game, there is just so much more to Chrono Trigger than your typical RPG. The game is very non-linear at times and there are countless mini-games/secrets to uncover throughout Crono's journey. You don't feel like you're always being told what to do or where to go like in a hardcore RPG. While many areas in the game are optional, it is a lot of fun trying to find everything and learning more about the various characters as well. Chrono Trigger could be looked at as a vastly improved Secret of Mana game but then again, Chrono Trigger really does stand alone as its own game. Although some features of Chrono Trigger such as the battle system were definitely influenced by FF3, there aren't a whole lot of similarities between the games.

What makes Chrono Trigger really stand out from the pack isn't necessarily the graphics or the music (although both are exceptional as you will see later in this review) but the intangibles that don't really fit into any category. I can't comment enough about the truly magical atmosphere that pervades Chrono Trigger. The whole time-travel concept is what really made Chrono Trigger special in my book. Unlike most RPGs and video games in general, Chrono Trigger really makes you think even after putting down the controller. Just check out the Chrono Trigger message board at Gamefaqs and you'll see what I mean. Another quality that impressed me was the engrossing nature of Chrono Trigger. It's one of those games that you just can't put down to save your life! You have to search "one more" area or find "one more" secret before calling it a night. I can assure you that many a video game player have been up well into the night playing this great game. While FF2 and 3 are fabulous games in their own right, I just don't think that they can match Chrono Trigger when it comes to little things like this. That doesn't mean that these games have no intrigue; it just goes to show how great Chrono Trigger really is!

Another reason why the game is so fun is the excellent battle engine. It is really cool seeing your characters learn new Tech attacks and Combos (some which really test the capabilities of the Super NES). You can choose to attack alone or combine your attack with one or two or your comrades (Double Techs and Triple Techs respectively). There is an amazing array of attack options available in Chrono Trigger; those of you who want variety and lots of it will not be disappointed. Lastly, yet another winning aspect of Chrono Trigger is its incredible staying power. There are around twelve endings in the game and most of the endings are not unlocked until Lavos is defeated once. There are several really good endings too (try to get the secret one!) In addition to this, there are many weapons and special items that most game players will miss in their first trek through the game. There is even a bonus for reaching Level 99 (check out Ayla's weapon!) I have played through this game three times and I still have a few endings and items to find! In terms of replay value, Chrono Trigger is the bomb!!

Graphics: Regarding Chrono Trigger's graphics, all it took was the amazing intro for the game to win me over. As you can see from the screenshots, the graphics throughout Chrono Trigger are very colorful and polished. The attention to detail is simply outstanding! Even more importantly, the visuals do an impeccable job of creating the wonderful atmosphere that makes the game so much fun. Crono's hometown of Truce is bright and peaceful, Guardia Forest seems to have an aura of mystery, and Magus' Castle is dark and ominous. You can tell that the programmers paid attention to absolutely everything right down to most minute detail. Even unimportant locations such as the various homes and inns throughout the game look great! The creation of Chrono Trigger took nearly three years and you can literally see why with the eye-popping graphics.

The forte of Chrono Trigger's eye candy might very well be the background graphics. For a Super NES pak, the backgrounds are simply stunning. For example, during a battle with the Dragon Tank atop Guardia Castle, the background consists of a sky with dark, ominous clouds and an eerie light below the clouds. Within the context of the game and the dire situation at hand during this time, these graphics create the perfect feel. Seeing the sea in the background with the sun sparkling on it is equally impressive. The bosses throughout the game are brilliantly displayed as well. The Guardian Bit of the dark future is ominous, the Tyrano of the distant past is nothing short of gargantuan, and Lavos himself is as intimidating and evil as any foe out there.

While the sprites themselves are excellent, the game's animation might be the most underrated quality of the game's graphics. The personality of the game would not be possible without the exceptional animation. I really like the way each character expresses himself/herself in different situations. Crono might have a look of confidence, Marle might look surprised, and Lucca could be laughing about something. It can be downright funny at times! The animation of the various attacks and the enemies' movements look very real as well. Overall, I would have to say that the graphics in Chrono Trigger are second only to the earth-shattering sights of the Donkey Kong Country series.

Music: The first time that I heard the main theme to Chrono Trigger (It was when my good friend Jon Pursel was playing the game.), I simply fell in love with it. I could not get enough of that track and I ended up searching the internet over just for the MIDI version! You have to remember that I only had an NES at this time so I couldn't just go out and buy the game. Needless to say, Chrono Trigger's soundtrack really struck the right chord with me. If every game had music like Chrono Trigger, all of us would be in heaven! :) Although I enjoy the legendary FF3 soundtrack a lot, I feel that Chrono Trigger's score is even better. I've never come across a game with so many great tracks. The music in Chrono Trigger really seems to focus on emotion. Some tracks are heroic and give you a feeling of hope (The main theme, Epoch Time Machine track), others are peaceful (End of Time, 1000 AD overworld), and some are even somewhat sad (Memories). Throw in an upbeat Battle theme (I loved the voices in that track.), memorable character themes (Robo and Lucca), and my favorite Ending theme (To Far Away Times) ever and you've got yourself quite a soundtrack! What makes the music so memorable is not just the quality but the way in which each theme just seems to fit each area perfectly. There aren't many games out there where the graphics and music compliment each other this well.

As if an outstanding score wasn't enough, the sound effects in Chrono Trigger are exceptional as well. From the sound of gentle streams in Truce Canyon to the powerful winds atop Death Peak, everything just sounds so realistic for a Super NES pak! The sounds of weapons clashing and Triple Techs being effected are also done very well. If it wasn't for a few average tracks (most tracks in the Jurassic era, Boss Battle themes), I'd give Chrono Trigger's soundtrack a perfect score. Still, this soundtrack remains one of my personal favorites and that's saying a lot!

Play Control: While play control may not be the most important aspect of an RPG, it is still important for these games to have easy controls. Thankfully, the play control in Chrono Trigger is easy to learn and fun to put into use. Moving in the "Secret of Mana-ish" areas is a breeze since you can make your characters dash (a rarity for a game of this genre). More importantly, navigating through the menu (which is very large) is a cinch once you learn where everything is. Although there are a lot of options available, you won't get frazzled by any stretch. The controls during the battles are typical RPG fare. It's set up to where you can attack, use Techs, and use items very quickly. This is critical (especially in the Active mode where the enemies won't wait eons for you to attack). Overall, the controls in Chrono Trigger are excellent.

Challenge: Like in virtually every RPG, the challenge level of Chrono Trigger depends on the player. If you spend a lot of time defeating enemies and gaining experience, you'll be more than strong enough to fight the tougher foes. Keeping Crono and his friends equipped with the best weapons and armor as well as buying a large supply of tonics and ethers before entering a new area will strengthen your chances of success as well. Figuring out the strengths of each character (e.g. Crono is the strongest, Marle is excellent at healing the party, etc...) is also a good idea. One thing that I do want to emphasize is that, unless you enjoy wasting hours of your time, you don't have to spend a lot of time building experience in Chrono Trigger. In you're expecting another Dragon Warrior 2 (I spend literally hours upon hours building levels in that monster!!) then think again! As long as you don't run from every battle, the experience will naturally come.

The many boss characters in this game can be pretty tough at times but once you figure out which attacks/Techs work the best, you'll come out on top. For example, when you battle the great wizard Magus, his weakness changes with each sequence. He might be suspectible to Lightning Techs one minute and Ice Techs the next. Some bosses are able to protect themselves at times as well. There are instances where you actually want to wait to attack or you'll want to attack a certain part of a creature. Whatever you do, attack the eye of the Lavos Spawn beings atop Death Peak; avoid the body at all costs!

Overall, Chrono Trigger isn't terribly difficult if you're patient as well as tough in the mental department. While certain battles can be very tough, they never reach the point of frustration. However, if you can't keep your head during some of the later battles, it is safe to say that Lavos will emerge victorious.

Storyline: Anyone who knows me well can attest to the fact that I have always been fascinated with the concept of time travel. Just the thought of going into the past and meeting an ancestor or venturing into the distant future to see the condition of the world is fascinating! The paradoxes created by seemingly innocent actions, alternate pasts/futures, alternate dimensions that appear so similar on the surface yet are so different underneath (see Chrono Cross); it is all so interesting!

With that being said, it probably doesn't come to you as a surprise that I found Chrono Trigger's plot to be very intriguing. It truly gives the game an "epic" feel and results in a lot of paradoxes and wild twists and turns. The game begins in the year 1000 A.D. when peace reigns in Guardia Kingdom. A young man by the name of Crono lives a normal, peaceful life in Truce Village (just south of Guardia Castle) until one fateful day. At the Millennial Fair, Crono literally runs into a young woman by the name of Marle. The two decide to enjoy the fair together which seems innocent enough until the story takes a wild spin. When Marle decides to test Lucca's (Crono's best friend) transporter device, her pendant strangely reacts to the invention and an eerie portal sucks Marle in. Crono decides that he must go after her and is shocked when he discovers that the portal leads him back in time to the year 600 A.D. He eventually finds Marle but just when it seems safe to go back to their time, Marle mysteriously disappears into thin air. Soon after, Lucca catches up with Crono thanks to her "Gate Key" (it's able to open portals) and quickly explains that unless Queen Leene (Marle's ancestor) is saved, Marle herself will cease to exist! The reason for this paradox is that Marle was mistakenly rescued in the woods instead of Queen Leene. The queen would have been saved had it not been for Marle's appearance in the year 600! In desperation, Crono and Lucca journey to the strange Cathedral and with the help of Frog, Leene is rescued. With Marle back in tow, the threesome decide that it is best to journey back to the present. However, tragedy strikes in the year 1000 A.D. when Crono is convicted for kidnapping Marle and is sentenced to be executed by the evil chancellor. After dispatching the idiotic guards, Crono makes a daring escape. With the king's guards in pursuit, Crono, Marle, and Lucca run for cover in Guardia Forest. They reach a dead end and all looks lost until they find another time portal! To their amazement, this portal sends them into a very foreign, metallic dome. Once they journey outside, they are horrified to see destroyed buildings, fierce wind gusts, and a barren, lifeless land. This is not the peaceful kingdom of Guardia for sure. It is not until Crono and company meet up with Robo that they learn that they are in the future; the very distant future indeed (2300 A.D.) There are a few people still surviving but dispair and death is everywhere. The defining moment of the game comes when Marle accidently presses a button on the last functioning super computer in Proto Dome. Crono and his friends discover that in the year 1999 A.D., an unearthly terror called Lavos burst up out of the ground and unleashed napalm bombs on the Earth. After seeing this tragedy replayed on the computer, Crono and his friends are horrified. This is the fate of the world; the finality of humanity. However, they realize that, slim as their chances may be, they are actually in a position to prevent "The Day of Lavos" from ever happening. With the ability to travel through time, Crono and his party actually stand a chance at defeating Lavos. Along the way, they meet up with many friends as well as foes and visit many different time periods. They get to see Lavos land on the Earth in the very distant past, the magical kingdom of Zeal in its prime, and the war against Magus that takes place in the middle ages. While there are more twists and turns in Chrono Trigger's plot than in a giant pretzel, what it all boils down to is a final confrontation with Lavos himself.

Funfactor: In terms of overall gameplay, Chrono Trigger is simply as good as video gaming gets. This game is just so engrossing; it's one of those games that you can play for hours on end without even thinking about it. The first time through the game is a really special treat too; there are so many incredible adventures and surprises to be had. The game doesn't grow old once you beat it either; it has a tremendous amount of replay value due to the non-linear gameplay towards the end of the game as well as the multiple endings available. Overall, Chrono Trigger is a very special game pak that is worth every bright green buck.

Negatives: When you come across a game as great as Chrono Trigger, it is hard (if not impossible) to get enough of it. Although Chrono Trigger is a jam-packed 32 meg cart, it isn't nearly as long as Final Fantasy 3. Besides its brevity, Chrono Trigger is pretty solid on all counts!

Ratings:

Graphics: 4.9
Music: 4.8
Play Control: 4.4
Challenge: 4.3
Storyline: 5.0*
Funfactor: 4.8

Overall Score: 28.2 out of 30.0 
Overall Rating: *Crown Jewel!!*

Back to Super NES Special