Chrono Trigger (SNES) review "If you are a fan of the classic games, then most likely you have heard of Chrono Trigger. Very few games were more succesful and had more cult fans than one of Squares greatest accomplishes. Square is most known for their Final Fantasy series, however those are not the only RPG's they created. They also created Crono Trigger, as one of their last games for the SNES. It was a typical RPG, except that you could see your enemies before battle and it had an innovative time system. The idea for Crono..."

If you are a fan of the classic games, then most likely you have heard of Chrono Trigger. Very few games were more succesful and had more cult fans than one of Squares greatest accomplishes. Square is most known for their Final Fantasy series, however those are not the only RPG's they created. They also created Crono Trigger, as one of their last games for the SNES. It was a typical RPG, except that you could see your enemies before battle and it had an innovative time system. The idea for Crono Trigger was perfect, and the game itself didn't fully do what it could've.

STORY (16/20): Many people told me Crono Trigger has one of the strongest videogame stories out there, but really I don't think it does. First of all the worst and most annoying part of the game is the star character Crono. He does not have the ability to speak it seems, for he never says a word of dialogue throughout the entire game. This leaves Crono as a completely undeveloped character. Also very few relationships develop between character, discluding Magus and Frog, and Lucca and Robo, no other relationships occur, not even ones that you would think about. The characters develop a little bit, but not as much as many other games. Besides their own personal missions they do not develop outside of them.

The story itself starts off simple, as a kid named Crono goes to a party. From there his bestfriend Lucca accidentally transports a girl through time. Crono, being the hero, goes after her. From there they travel to various times and meet various peoples, and watch as all the parts of the story starts to link. I never said this had a bad story, it just could've been a little stronger.

Some people say the best part of Chrono Trigger is how you can control your own story, and that could be true. However with so much control, alot of the story could be lost and undiscovered. Many people without online help could've missed entire characters, which hurts the story. If you are into true RPG's which you entirely control Chrono Trigger is good, but it's not a console RPG like the Final Fantasy's.

GRAPHICS (14/15): These are some of the strongest on the Super Nintendo. After you get past the point that they are sprites and have an anime look you will see that they are strong. I am not a fan of anime at all, and I do not believe it belongs in videogames, but the sprites look so very well in this game. The color scheme is also wonderful, especially as you travel through the worlds. The world map is kinda bland, but that is basically what a world map should be. These graphics could easily get a perfect score, but in no way will I ever grant anime in a video game that high. However they are very strong.

SOUND (8/10): Now Chrono Trigger has a lot to live up. This is a Squaresoft game, meaning that the music has a higher scale, for that is one of the things Squaresoft does best. This game is no exception, with the memorable music at every turn. The music is strong, and so are the sound effects. However even though it is really strong, and has a good assortment I think it could've been better seeing it is an RPG. The music is nice and catchy but it is not praiseworthy.

GAMEPLAY (37/40): Chrono Trigger is based in one world, and how it has changed over millions of years. This means throughout the game you will visit the future filled with robots, prehistoric times with dinosaurs, and even good ol' medieval ages. It all depends as you travel throughout time. This is a nice aspect, at first you will need to find time gates, and then there is Epoch later on. Definitely the strongest point in Chrono Trigger.

As an RPG, it has the typical aspects. There is a level up system, which happens when you gain experience points throughout battle. Their are also Techs, which are basically special moves, that the characters experience by earning more tech points. This is similiar to other Square Soft games, however there is one place where it largely differs. There are no random battles. That is my favorite part of RPG's, and seeing your enemies before a battle is not fun at all. This also means you can't stand around leveling up for the next battle. Also you really can't just go out with full power in weapons, which is sadly dissapointing. I hate being forced into magic.

Each character has their own special weapons, this is a very good thing that Final Fantasy does. The entire equip menu is very similiar to other SquareSoft games, as does the save menu. The resemblences are there, but it it just doesn't fully cut it. On a plus note their are many sidequests to perform, but sadly some of them you will gain nothing from (stupid Ozzie's Fort). But they will fill in some story parts, but you do not have to do them. This game is fun and easy to maneuver, but it just doesn't have that loving feel.

REPLAYABILITY (8/10): For an RPG this is extremely strong. Most RPG's really lose their importance after one play through, because you have seen the entire story and heard all the music. However with Crono Trigger various decisions change the game greatly. There are characters to be had, depending on what you do and 12 different endings. Ok, that is alot of endings to view but if you desire you can. The game itself is no different, but you can earn the extra things and the theatre for playing through many times. I won't, but I know people that will.

DIFFICULTY (5/5): Now in the beggining many of the bosses are very difficult, as you will need to discover their weaknesses. Also alot of the later bosses too are powerful. Yet once their weakness is discovered they can easily be disposed. Even the final boss is not too difficult, if you know what you are doing. Now as most console RPG's the puzzles are not difficult, and in very few areas you'll become completely trapped. Nothing to difficult there either.

OVERALL (88/100): Chrono Trigger is not the godly game that many call it. It is a great RPG, and if you have not experienced it yet, you really have sold yourself out short. But is this the greatest RPG of all time, not even close. Many of the things were done well, but if you can just imagine how much better it could've been if they fixed a few holes (Like the whole Crono character). Times are slowly changing, but Chrono Trigger will not die away thanks to the time system and it's ever lasting appeal. I enjoyed Chrono Trigger very much, but Squaresoft has done better many times. Don't miss this title however, for some people will believe it is the greatest RPG ever. It depends all on how you look at things.

Community review by ratking (August 23, 2002) A bio for this contributor is currently unavailable, but check back soon to see if that changes. If you are the author of this review, you can update your bio from the Settings page.