RPGamers Network > Reviews > Game Reviews > Chrono Trigger
Visuals:
When this game was released in 1995, the visuals at the time were excellent. Now, in the era of the PS2 and Dreamcast, the graphics are ailing. Still, I felt the visuals deserved an above average rating because they were far above average during the game's initial release. The game uses 2-D sprites on pre-rendered 3-D backgrounds and (for SNES) contains no anime or FMV scenes (which is to be expected. One noteworthy visually related accomplishment of Chrono Trigger would be the character portraits. These are actual anime drawn by Dragonball Z artist Akira Toriyami.
Originality:
This game is the single most original RPG for any system! No other RPG (except for Chrono Cross) has dabbled in the art of time travel and manipulation. In which other game can you get a mute spiky-haired youth, a blonde tomboy princess, a purple-haired genius with a gun, a robot, a frogish humanoid, a cavewoman, and an old nemesis? The development for these characters is amazing in its depth, too.
Battle system:
This battle system is half Secret of Mana and half Final Fantasy. You see enemies as you walk around in dungeons and thus have the chance to avoid them. When you enter battle, it goes to another screen, where the enemies will actually move around. You can combine different characters' techniques together to form massive combinations and sometimes overkill. This is the third best battle system to date after the Grandia series and Xenogears.
Music:
What can I say? This is the first game music done by composer Yasunori Mitsuda, who later went on to compose Xenogears, Chrono Cross, and is currently working on Xenosaga If you enjoy video game music at all then do yourself a favor: venture out and pick up a copy today! This soundtrack rivals those of Final Fantasy VI, Xenogears, Chrono Cross, and Final Fantasy VII.
Replay Value:
This is the game that invented the New Game+ concept. With over 12 different original and long endings, this game can be played through time after time without becoming monotonous. Also,you carry your levels and inventory over to the next game, so you can further develop your characters. This way, you can easily put 100+ hours into this game.
Anyone who hasn't played or bought Chrono Trigger is strongly encouraged to do so. If you cannot find it on SNES, then purchase the Final Fantasy Chronoicles set (it is included with Final Fantasy IV). This is one of the best games out there, and will help decipher the plot in Chrono Cross.
| Game Stats | |
|---|---|
| Genre | RPG |
| Platform | Super Nintendo |
| Format | Cartridge |
| # of Players | 1 |
| Released Jap | 3.11.1995 |
| Released US | 9.27.1995 |
| Released EU | N/A |
| Aprox. Length | 30-50 hrs. |
| Reviewer Rankings | |
| Battle System | 9.0 |
| Gameplay | 8.0 |
| Music | 10.0 |
| Originality | 11.0 |
| Plot | 8.0 |
| Replay Value | 10.0 |
| Sound | 6.0 |
| Visuals | 7.0 |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Overall | |
| 8.6 | |
Chrono Trigger
By: SquaresoftReviewed By: Ellistar
Wow! This is easily one of the greatest RPGs of all time, ranking up with the Final Fantasy series and Xenogears. If you have not played this game, then you have cannot call yourself a true RPGamer.Visuals:
When this game was released in 1995, the visuals at the time were excellent. Now, in the era of the PS2 and Dreamcast, the graphics are ailing. Still, I felt the visuals deserved an above average rating because they were far above average during the game's initial release. The game uses 2-D sprites on pre-rendered 3-D backgrounds and (for SNES) contains no anime or FMV scenes (which is to be expected. One noteworthy visually related accomplishment of Chrono Trigger would be the character portraits. These are actual anime drawn by Dragonball Z artist Akira Toriyami.
Originality:
This game is the single most original RPG for any system! No other RPG (except for Chrono Cross) has dabbled in the art of time travel and manipulation. In which other game can you get a mute spiky-haired youth, a blonde tomboy princess, a purple-haired genius with a gun, a robot, a frogish humanoid, a cavewoman, and an old nemesis? The development for these characters is amazing in its depth, too.
Battle system:
This battle system is half Secret of Mana and half Final Fantasy. You see enemies as you walk around in dungeons and thus have the chance to avoid them. When you enter battle, it goes to another screen, where the enemies will actually move around. You can combine different characters' techniques together to form massive combinations and sometimes overkill. This is the third best battle system to date after the Grandia series and Xenogears.
Music:
What can I say? This is the first game music done by composer Yasunori Mitsuda, who later went on to compose Xenogears, Chrono Cross, and is currently working on Xenosaga If you enjoy video game music at all then do yourself a favor: venture out and pick up a copy today! This soundtrack rivals those of Final Fantasy VI, Xenogears, Chrono Cross, and Final Fantasy VII.
Replay Value:
This is the game that invented the New Game+ concept. With over 12 different original and long endings, this game can be played through time after time without becoming monotonous. Also,you carry your levels and inventory over to the next game, so you can further develop your characters. This way, you can easily put 100+ hours into this game.
Anyone who hasn't played or bought Chrono Trigger is strongly encouraged to do so. If you cannot find it on SNES, then purchase the Final Fantasy Chronoicles set (it is included with Final Fantasy IV). This is one of the best games out there, and will help decipher the plot in Chrono Cross.
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