Now, I only played the SNES version of this marvel, but then, I’ve never owned any of the other consoles it’s on so there’s that. However, I can say conclusively that as a game, Chrono Trigger is the greatest one of its era. What makes it so great? Take a look:
Graphics
In terms of graphics, Chrono Trigger probably had the most impressive 2d graphics of the SNES era, at least of my knowledge, which is admittedly far from complete. Everything in the game looks dark, fluid and amazing. Every single area in the entire game comes to life with no exceptions and every single part of the game deserves a look, head to toe. Compared to other RPG classics like Earthbound, Tales of Phantasia and Final Fantasy 6, Chrono Trigger is definitely much better in terms of graphics. Honestly there isn’t much else to say. For the time, it was excellent and arguably even perfect.
Audio
While the music is debatably worse than Earthbound’s, all one need do is listen to Wind Scene to get a perfect picture of how beautiful Chrono Trigger’s music is. While not as influential as the NES Mega Man music, that one song along made its mark on video game history, and that alone is enough to give it a 9/10, if only because while most of the music is excellent, it’s difficult to consistently keep up with such a perfect musical score in a game the entire way through. It’s not perfect and not the best, but Chrono Trigger’s music is definitely on par with Earthbound’s nostalgia factor with its own pure beauty.
Story
Story, the meat of any RPG. Chrono Trigger doesn’t disappoint. With amazing characterization and its handling of time traveling shenanigans, Chrono Trigger offers several satisfying endings and several satisfying beginnings. For a silent protagonist, Chrono has an impact on video game history arguably equal to Link of Zelda fare, if you’re so inclined. A tech nerd, a princess, a robot from the future, a powerful cavewoman, a legendary frog wielding a legendary sword, and a certain popular antihero wizard make up this game’s main cast, and they do not disappoint. The main antagonist serves as a splendid impending doom that constantly hangs over the head of the player as he fights his way through a robot factory or a magical land in the clouds. Every character makes you feel in his or her own way. There is never any reason to think this game’s story is bad other than simply not paying enough attention to it.
Gameplay
Simply put, Chrono Trigger’s gameplay is legendary. For pure rpgs of the time, there was no superior gameplay, simply because rather than two sets of models hitting each other from opposite ends of a room and taking turns or the game waiting for you to choose your action, the main selling point of this game is that in its encounters enemies constantly change position with every single encounter, every encounter essentially unique. Every animation had extreme care placed upon it and it really shows. Most rpgs try to focus on story and music. This one in particular excelled in nearly every area, but especially the action-filled gameplay. For a pure rpg, its gameplay was the absolute pinnacle for its time without turning into an actual action-rpg like Tales of Phantasia.
Level Design
The level design of this game is great, just like practically every other aspect of it. You would be hard-pressed to find an rpg with better-made dungeons, though in terms of other game genres that’s not necessarily the case. However, as an rpg, while there isn’t much to say other than “this is great”, that statement is indeed true. I never felt confused playing Chrono Trigger nor did I feel it was particularly unforgiving. I’m not one to find levels in themselves fun in an rpg, per se, but there are no real flaws in the levels themselves. If I had to give them a number, I would say that while they didn’t completely knock my socks off, they definitely worked very well.
Replayability
The simple fact that there are multiple endings is usually enough for an rpg to have great replayability, but this game has well over a dozen different variations of endings, letting the player play it over and over to see every possible conclusion to their actions. While its dialogue isn’t as amazing as Earthbound by far, its replayability comes from a different source. I’ve played this game four times now and most likely I’ll play it again in the future. If multiple endings are your thing, this game gets a 10/10 on replayability. If you don’t particularly care about multiple endings then I’d still give it an 8/10 on replayability just out of the fun you’d have with the gameplay. All in all, I’d give its replayability a 9/10.
Final Thoughts
Everything works together almost perfectly. In my mind, this game’s only real flaw is how short it is. Compared to every single other rpg I’ve mentioned in this review, Chrono Trigger is by far the shortest. The fact that there are so many endings goes a ways in compensating for this, but the very fact that there is something to compensate for that I do indeed care about keeps this from being my personal favorite retro rpg.
Images via Wikipedia
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