Gaming Generations :: Chrono Trigger

NeedsMoreZazz · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 8:20 pm Post subject:

Chrono Trigger

Developer: Square
Distributer: Square-Enix
Release Date: 11/25/2008
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: Everyone

One of the best and most famous RPGs of all time returns again on Nintendo DS

Graphics
Being a classic game, the whole thing is done in pixel-art, however it is very high quality and pretty for what it is. Animations are fluid and attractive

Plot
Chrono and his allies travel through time performing heroic deeds and defeating enemies with the ultimate goal of destroying the world parasite Lavos and making the world a better place.

Setting
Set in a fantasy earth-like planet. As the game involves time travel the setting changes from a neanderthal level of technology to medieval kingdoms and both an advanced magical society and an advanced science society.

Gameplay
Fairly typical RPG fare. The turns are based on an actual time system depending on how fast the characters are. You have your regular attack, item and flee options as well as a variety of skills and spells called techs. Fairly unique among RPGs are the dual and triple techs. If 2 or 3 of your characters are ready to go at the same time they can team up to perform powerful combo attacks.

Sound
For it's time, the sound is fantastic. Beautifully composed midi tracks and sound effects set the tone well

Summary
Chrono Trigger's reputation for being a fantastic RPG is well deserved. Even today the game remains engrossing and entertaining with a surprisingly deep storyline and well executed time travel system. The game is very open ended as far as traditional RPGs go, becoming almost fully open ended about 3/4 of the way through the game. There are a number of ways to take on the final boss. There are several outcomes for some of the quests and this was one of the first games to boast multiple endings. Despite it's age, this game remains a true gem that few can compete with. The most glaring problem with this game is that some people just cannot stand Akira Toriyama. After you complete the game there is an option to start again with your old characters and equipment, allowing you to blaze through the game again and attempt for a different ending, or to complete things you missed the first time.

Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Control: 10/10
Gameplay: 10/10
Replay: 8/10
Overall: 9.5/10
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completed reviews
Harvest Moon DS
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (DS)
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (DS)
Final Fantasy Tactics A2 (DS)
Kirby Squeak Squad (DS)
Mario Kart DS
Disgaea (DS and PSP)
Chrono Trigger (DS)
Devil May Cry 4 (360)