Sat, 07 Nov 2009 by Corbie Dillard
One of the truly greatest RPG experiences ever created.
When Chrono Trigger first appeared on the Super Nintendo console in 1995, it quickly became regarded as one of the most unique and impressive RPG releases to hit the system. Not only was the game developed by a who's who of some of the greatest RPG designers in the industry, but the finished product showed a level of polish that few RPG fans had seen up to that point. While the game came late in the life cycle of the Super Nintendo console, it's gone on to become one of the most collectible RPGs available for the system and a game that still draws raves from role-playing game fans even still today, almost fifteen years later.
In many ways, Chrono Trigger plays out much like the 16-bit Final Fantasy releases in the way your party will travel around on a world map. While you won't encounter enemies while on the world map itself, once you enter many of the areas on the map, you'll quickly find enemies standing in your way. You'll also find that time travel plays a big role in your traveling around in Chrono Trigger as well and it's one of the many things that gives the game its unique storyline flow. But for all of the traveling you'll do throughout the game, it's the battles that make up the meat of the game and offer up quite a unique spin on the turn-based battle system used in the Final Fantasy series.
Chrono Trigger takes the ATB, or "Active-Time-Battle" system from Final Fantasy VI and improves upon it even further. Now you can perform attacks called "Techs" that are basically specialized attack moves that can dish out devastating hits upon enemies. You can also team up with a party member or two and put your tech powers together to perform "Double" and "Triple" Techs for really devastating results. These special attacks will come in very handy with some of the stronger enemies and bosses you'll face throughout the game. As with Final Fantasy VI, magic also plays a key role in Chrono Trigger, as you'll soon find out.
One of the main changes with Chrono Trigger is that you can now see your enemies before they attack; so if you want to fight you can, and if you'd rather not, you can always avoid them, unless of course they sneak up on you. But keep in mind that fighting enemies is an important part of the game, as you need to take part in order to level up your characters and earn money to buy stronger weapons and armor. The addition of techs and the ability to see your enemies really adds an entirely new level of playability to an already impressive Final Fantasy-style RPG gameplay system. Couple these new features with the ability to move back and forth through time, not to mention thirteen different endings, and you have about as much gameplay variety as can be squeezed onto one single Super Nintendo game cartridge.
Graphically, Chrono Trigger is among the best games, visually, ever made for the Super Nintendo console. Not only does the game sport some of the best looking Mode-7 effects seen on the system, it also has a level of color and detail that's just not present in any other Super Nintendo RPG. Ever single area and time period in the game has its own distinct and trademark look to it, and it really gives the game a feeling of being even bigger than it already is. Impressive details abound in every single area of the game. Even the characters themselves offer some extremely impressive animations that make them much more expressive than you'd normally see in a 16-bit title. Other than the handful of Super Nintendo games that use rendered graphics, Chrono Trigger is easily one of the best looking sprite-based titles and a good example of just how impressive the Super Nintendo system is from a graphics standpoint.
Square has always had a knack for really bringing some of the best music to their RPGs, but they've truly outdone themselves with the musical score in Chrono Trigger. The game has some of the most beautiful music you'll ever hear in a video game. From the softer ballads, to the up-tempo battle tunes, there's just so much musical intensity throughout the game. Every piece of music composed for each area has a very distinctive mood to it that always seems to fit the setting of the scene perfectly. In truth, there's not a mediocre track in the entire soundtrack and you'll soon find that the music just keeps getting better and better the further into the game you progress. It's easily one of the most amazing musical performances ever created for a video game and a fitting addition to such a well-rounded video game package.
1. Corbie
07 Nov 2009, 01:19 GMT
We also have a review for the DS version. It's very good. I prefer the original, but the DS version is top shelf.
2. Odnetnin
07 Nov 2009, 01:22 GMT
Thanks, both. I'll delete my original comment now.
3. quickfingers
07 Nov 2009, 01:23 GMT
Chrono Trigger is an amazing game maybe we should give it a 11
4. Sean Aaron
07 Nov 2009, 01:25 GMT
I'm confused as to what Square is waiting for in releasing their crown jewels on the VC...hopefully with the advent of the first Final Fantasy appearing outside of Japan the SNES-era stuff won't be far off!
5. JamieO
07 Nov 2009, 01:26 GMT
Great review Corbie and a really strong 10/10, "pinnacle of 16-bit era gaming" SNES recommendation. This makes me feel pleased with my £60 boxed purchase of it quite a few years back. Ebay has a factory sealed mint US copy available now, for the bargain price of £2,409.34 ($3,999.99).
Did you have to buy it twice after your Retro Duo pulled all the pins back on one of your Chrono Trigger carts?
6. bro2dragons
07 Nov 2009, 01:29 GMT
what i wouldn't do for a vc release of this. it's too bad, but i just DON'T have $40 to shell out for a DS game... especially when i don't even know where my DS is...
7. Corbie
07 Nov 2009, 01:30 GMT
I already had a shrinkwrapped copy of Chrono Trigger that I had to unwrap after the system ruined my original. I hated to open it, but I didn't want to buy another one at the time.
8. theblackdragon
07 Nov 2009, 01:31 GMT
I think the multiple endings are what make this game so great. With a time-hopping game, the option to New Game +, do something different at one point in time, and subsequently have the ending turn out completely different than before is seriously awesome.
9. Odnetnin
07 Nov 2009, 01:31 GMT
@bro Especially.
10. cheetahman91
07 Nov 2009, 01:35 GMT
Best game made by Squaresoft. None of the Final Fantasys come even a million miles near as good IMO. In fact, this is the only nonMario RPG I really even like. (well, i guess FF1's ok too)
Also, the composer of this game also composed the music for Mario Party 1.
11. JamieO
07 Nov 2009, 01:39 GMT
Whoa @Corbie, the very action of bursting the wrap and tearing the seal open, is potentionally valued at about £2,350 by eBays 'buy it now' pricing!
Does anyone know if such a price is valid for a factory sealed copy. It seems particularly extortionate.
Fair play and hats off to you, though, these classics were made to be played.
12. Corbie
07 Nov 2009, 01:45 GMT
Nah, I've seen shrinkwrapped CT games go for as little as $160 on ebay. You might find some desperate rich person who'd drop that kind of change, but not likely. In truth, I wouldn't have given it up any way and as you said, I'd rather play it. That's the way it was intended.
13. Brionkendo
07 Nov 2009, 01:51 GMT
I own the original... and it rules!
14. JamieO
07 Nov 2009, 01:52 GMT
Cheers @Corbie , I thought as much. Perhaps someone told the ebay seller that the game is golden and they took it literally regarding the contents of the factory wrap. They must be thinking that the cartridge was forged out of solid gold. Daytime telly ads inform me that it is currently a particularly potent time for selling gold.
15. Nintendo-Naut
07 Nov 2009, 01:56 GMT
One of the most ove games ever. I got the DS version expecting to be amazed, and was shocked that the game was as boring as it was.
16. PhoenixSage
07 Nov 2009, 01:56 GMT
Knew it was coming, but a score well-deserved for one of (if not the) pinnacles of RPG gaming. Everything comes together so perfectly in this game, it's incredible. An absolute must-have, so I'm glad Square gave me a copy I could lug around on my DS everywhere with, even if some of the new features were kinda blah.
Chrono Trigger ftw!
17. donth8theplaya69
07 Nov 2009, 01:57 GMT
I already have the DS version but I'm willing to spend 800 wii points if it comes out on the VC just to play it on the big screen.
@Corbie If the DS version is the definitive version, then why did it get a 9/10?
18. pixelman
07 Nov 2009, 02:00 GMT
I have the DS version. It's alright, but for me it lacks "something" that other RPGs have - I can't put my finger on it, though. Also, the active time system really annoyed me.
19. StarBoy91
07 Nov 2009, 02:02 GMT
You know, at first I thought it was gonna be Illusion of Gaia. Then, I thought it was gonna be Chrono Trigger. Now I am left without words seeing as one of my guesses was right.
Chrono Trigger truly is a timeless (I went there) adventure. Though I must admit I only played the DS version, and I got eleven endings out of thirteen/fifteen. Still, I love the soundtrack; Yasunori Mitsuda truly is a gifted composer. 
All that aside, fantastic review, Corbie.
Programmer's Ending FTInfiniteW!!!!!!
20. Egg miester
07 Nov 2009, 02:08 GMT
this game is pure epicness nothing can compare with chrono trigger truely this game is a masterpiece from gameplay to store to music really this game can't be beaten
21. Odnetnin
07 Nov 2009, 02:11 GMT
@donth8 Corbie didn't write the review of the DS version, so his opinion may have differed from the reviewer's at any given part of the review.
22. StarBoy91
07 Nov 2009, 02:13 GMT
I noticed this before I even played Secret of Mana and Chrono Trigger (and not by myself, but through a website), but Randie (boy) and Purim (girl) vaguely resemble Crono and Marle. What unusually odd likeness!
[wonder if irk's seen it yet?]
@don - I like that avatar, looks good.
23. Super Smash Bros. Fan1999
07 Nov 2009, 02:16 GMT
My 9th most requested title for the Vritual Console. Here's to hoping that the game get released, but seems questionable since it has a remake.
24. WhoKnew
07 Nov 2009, 02:20 GMT
^Theres the DS game. Whats the point of releasing a VC version?
Great review corbie.
25. StarBoy91
07 Nov 2009, 02:27 GMT
The only thing I did not like is the fact that once you start New Game +, as long as you're careful, you'll never have a single game over once. But, eh, without it, how are the other endings possible to acquire? Otherwise, topnotch title and a worthy RPG experience.
26. ReZon
07 Nov 2009, 02:41 GMT
10/10? That's it? It should have been higher!
Great review Corbie.. a masterpiece of a game.
27. motang
07 Nov 2009, 02:42 GMT
All time favorite RPG, I am actually working my way through the DS version of it, and loving every minute of it.
28. Corbie
07 Nov 2009, 02:57 GMT
The DS version is fantastic, but the definitive version of the game will always be the Super Nintendo original.
29. GabeGreens
07 Nov 2009, 03:06 GMT
I was gonna comment on the game, but then I remembered what happened last time. So Im just gonna say good review
30. motang
07 Nov 2009, 03:15 GMT
@Corbie we won't mention the horrible PSOne version
As it was plagued with load times and stuff, but it did as a nifty anime style intro, which the DS version has.
31. ReZon
07 Nov 2009, 03:24 GMT
@motang - The PSOne version is something that should not be spoken of. Ever.
32. Rhansley64
07 Nov 2009, 03:31 GMT
Chrono Trigger is just Incredible if anyone here hasn't play it we pity you and your children.
33. StarBoy91
07 Nov 2009, 03:42 GMT
For certain musical purposes, I name Robo "Rick".
I mean, c'mon. Who wouldn't? [...]
...right. Carry on.
34. slapshot82
07 Nov 2009, 04:26 GMT
I new the score before I scrolled down, great job as usual Corb.
35. Earendel68
07 Nov 2009, 04:57 GMT
I played this game years ago, and still it is one of my favourites. Unfortunely, I think Square is not going to realese this title in VC because of the DS version recently launched. What a pity...
36. theblackdragon
07 Nov 2009, 05:54 GMT
@Motang, ReZon: whine all you like about loading times, FFChronicles was my first experience with CT and I played the living heck out of it in that form. It's proof positive that this was a game amazing enough to make you ignore any loading-time BS if you'd never played it in cartridge form before (either that, or I was so used to other PSX games having to load all the time back then that that's why i don't remember it being a problem, lol).
37. Andy100003
07 Nov 2009, 07:48 GMT
figured u would review it corb
38. Prosody
07 Nov 2009, 08:17 GMT
Yeah, but... it's not as good as Shining Force, is it?
39. primeris
07 Nov 2009, 08:48 GMT
I played it and replayed it on the SNES, and I'm enjoying it on the DS now (had to turn off the newfangled animations though, I don't like them).
It seriously had some of the most emotional, goosebump inducing scenes I've ever experienced in a videogame, like Lucca's flashback scene (which I failed to realize was interactive until I had just enough time to panic before failing), Frog snapping out of his funk and using the Masamune, Chrono's violent confrontation with Lavos...
40. primeris
07 Nov 2009, 09:09 GMT
@prosody
Looked up Shining Force. Meh. It's a strategy RPG. Not the same animal. And you also compare it to Zelda, which isn't even any type of RPG, in comments for the Shining Force II review!
???
I may play them someday, but apples and artichokes.
41. Prosody
07 Nov 2009, 09:28 GMT
Yeah, but apples aren't as good as Shining Force, are they?
42. Rensch
07 Nov 2009, 10:41 GMT
Being from Europe, I didn't know much about this game until it was released for DS not too long ago, finally hitting Europe after passing the SNES and PS in Europe.
But boy, this game kicks ass even though it's well over a decade old. I played it a few weeks ago and it is definitely one of my favorite games of all time.
The sorytelling in this game just blows me away. there is definitely some strong character development here. This is one of those few games whose characters you actually grow attached to like it was a book or movie.
43. Smileoscar
07 Nov 2009, 11:06 GMT
lol why haven't I bought this yet? Well, that's another game I'll have to add to my wishlist
44. Terranigma
07 Nov 2009, 12:00 GMT
I really must pick up the DS version at some point.
45. ryanknight717
07 Nov 2009, 14:17 GMT
ill pick up the snes version
46. FantasiaWHT
07 Nov 2009, 14:25 GMT
Absolutely. This is one of an extremely rare handful of games that deserve a 10 for showing utter, flawless, perfection
47. Hyper Luigi
07 Nov 2009, 15:06 GMT
I only have played the DS version, and it is fantastic.
Chrono Trigger is one of the greatest games ever made, I just wish there was a Chrono Trigger 3 released on the PlayStation 3, that would be AWESOME! 
Great review Corbie!
48. Ren
07 Nov 2009, 15:39 GMT
I'll have to try the DS version before I shell out for the other or anything. Can this be enjoyed by Non-Rpg fans. I've really never gotten into any of the overhead RPGs, I just get bored with continuous fetch quests in 2-d. But good story is good story, so I should give it a go, right?
49. Fuzzy
07 Nov 2009, 16:03 GMT
I remember playing this game when I was younger. I know I'm from Aus but i did. It must have been either with a converter or a USA SNES. But anyway, I rented the SNES from a video shop and got this game, becuase we were out of town. Loved it. I remember the hype this game had in thhe NMS mags. Finished it on a ROM and loved it. Will eventually buy a DS just to play this ggame.
Corbie, you are forgiven for missing the SNES review last week? Of couse!
50. Shmavey
07 Nov 2009, 16:25 GMT
@Prosody
Shining force is awesome!
51. Mickeymac
07 Nov 2009, 17:00 GMT
I really should play this again someday. I remember liking it at first, but after playing it again almost a year later, I decided it wasn't all it was cracked up to be, and I never played it again.
I think the first time I was simply expecting it to be "just another SNES RPG". Afterwards I realized all the hype surrounding it, and the next time I played it, I expected it to be the best RPG ever, which it clearly wasn't - that really put me off it.
I guess next time I'll have to remember that it's not a bad game, nor is it the best game. It's just a good game in its own right.
52. Angelic Lapras King
07 Nov 2009, 17:19 GMT
@WhoKnew
Kirby's Fun Park, Fire Emblem and FF3+4 got DS remakes but then later rereleased on VC, so I d say this has a good chance...
...when Square Enix get all the Final Fantasys out the way probably. ^^;
53. Prosody
07 Nov 2009, 18:48 GMT
@Shmavey - I'm so glad you agree. It's nice that someone else around here sees sense!
54. Jyrule
07 Nov 2009, 18:51 GMT
10/10 for sure! CT is one of the several games made in the "golden age" of RPG's. I've played it several times throughout the years. Beat the SNES version probably 3-4 times and working on the DS version right now, taking it slow and enjoying the journey yet again.
55. expa0
07 Nov 2009, 19:02 GMT
Ah, Chrono Trigger the best game ever. Just yesterday I played trough it again, it never gets old. The games nowadays are just utter trash compared to this gem.
56. chadthegamer
07 Nov 2009, 21:08 GMT
AMAZING RPG, stuck on the last boss, though
57. Byg Juce
07 Nov 2009, 22:11 GMT
Excellent review!
I agree 100% with your comment about there not being a single mediocre track in the game. I can't even find words that could accurately describe how its soundtrack makes me feel. I actually imported the 3-disc OST compilation from Japan when I was a sophomore in high school (2001-ish). CT is easily my most nostalgic game (I got it for Christmas in '95. I had just turned 10). Thanks for the memories!
58. vherub
07 Nov 2009, 23:34 GMT
the music from the trial scene is permanently burned into my mind, good stuff all around, never could get into chrono cross
59. Chrono Cross
08 Nov 2009, 00:06 GMT
Great review Corbie!
...as always
60. Giggsy
08 Nov 2009, 00:17 GMT
@JamieO You certainly have got that right my man.
Damn those adverts!
61. Ricardo91
08 Nov 2009, 06:09 GMT
Yep, this is most definitely a 10/10 game! I've only played the DS version, and it's one of the best RPGs/games I've ever played! Should really get back to it at some point...
62. GabeGreens
08 Nov 2009, 06:33 GMT
Just a bit higher score then I would give it, but still a good game. A bit too easy for me, and the regular non-boss battles are a bit too simple at times. And I personally dont like the story. But still a good game.
63. Swerd_Murd
08 Nov 2009, 14:20 GMT
You never see this game score lower than perfect. Seriously--this, Half Life 2, and Zelda: Ocarina of Time. You just don't get better than those in their respective genres.
64. g-silent007
08 Nov 2009, 17:18 GMT
Great review! I would give this game the same score. Anyway before I got Chrono trigger I didnt play RPG's that much but now the last 5 games I bought have been RPG's and now love them!
65. StarBoy91
08 Nov 2009, 18:57 GMT
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past always got a perfect score too, right, Swerd_Murd?
66. WolfRamHeart
08 Nov 2009, 19:31 GMT
Excellent review Corbie! A very well deserved perfect ten. Out of all the RPGs that I have ever played in my life there is still not one game that has surpassed the greatness of Chrono Trigger. It is truly a 16-bit masterpiece that has clearly stood the test of time. And yes, I think Shining Force is awesome too Prosody!
67. Mickeymac
08 Nov 2009, 23:56 GMT
I could never understand how this game could be considered one of the best RPGs of all time. It's a good game for sure, but I've played wayed better games, past and present, in my short span of time with the genre.
Oh well, I guess everyone has their opinions.
68. StarBoy91
09 Nov 2009, 01:35 GMT
Yep, everyone's entitled to their opinion. And I'm okay with that.
69. Corbie
09 Nov 2009, 01:46 GMT
Well Mickeymac, I understand your feelings. Because I could never understand how this game could not be considered one of the best RPGs of all time.
70. StarBoy91
09 Nov 2009, 02:38 GMT
I'm probably one of the few who likes Breath of Fire, Super Mario RPG, and SoulBlazer slightly more than Chrono Trigger. And all of them are great RPGs.
My favorite character is probably Robo, or maybe Marle.
I could probably remember every detail of CT by heart. I think...
71. Maxime
09 Nov 2009, 04:13 GMT
For some reason, I could never forget the first time we meet frog in the medieval dimension. That scenario was simply epic.
72. Mickeymac
09 Nov 2009, 04:51 GMT
Eh regardless of where it stands, it's still a great game, right?
73. Corbie
09 Nov 2009, 05:03 GMT
It's decent.
74. JayArr
09 Nov 2009, 16:41 GMT
Hmmm...never heard of this. I may have to check it out. I like reading good reviews on obscure games. Well done Corbie.
75. bro2dragons
09 Nov 2009, 17:21 GMT
@JayArr: Chrono Trigger is NOT obscure AT ALL! it's widely recognised as one of the greatest RPGs of all time... and it really is, (unlike beyonce's music video...
). i just found my DS (which apparently no longer has a battery that functions for more than 5 minutes, so it has to be kept plugged in while playing) and i ran out and bought this same day for DS. luckily i found it used for $17, so i jumped on it. absolutely brilliant through and through. now i'm torn on best RPG ever... Chrono Trigger... Final Fantasy 7... or Mass Effect.... oh well. regardless of which is best, i own 2 out of three, and am still playing through the other (borrowed from a friend), so i think me= WIN!
76. StarBoy91
09 Nov 2009, 20:09 GMT
Obscure! You're funny, JR.
That's okay, man, you're all right. I mean, I haven't heard of Chrono Trigger 'til like around 2003 or 2004.
77. Badknux
10 Nov 2009, 05:42 GMT
I like Super Mario RPG better. But, I do like this game's art style. Looks like Dragon Ball Z.
78. bro2dragons
10 Nov 2009, 06:43 GMT
@Badknux: that's because Akira Toriyama is the man behind the art for both if i'm not mistaken. and it's obvious. there's a LOT of Goku influence in Crono (or is it the other way around? my chronology is hazy...), and a LOT of Bulma in Lucca, and several other characters mirror some DBZ mainstays, as well.
79. Corbie
10 Nov 2009, 09:51 GMT
Yes Akira Toriyama did the artwork for both the Dragon Ball Z and Chrono Trigger.
80. StarBoy91
10 Nov 2009, 23:51 GMT
Akira Toriyama makes some great profile artwork.
81. Willybomb
12 Nov 2009, 13:37 GMT
I really want to play this game on the snes but im from the uk and not sure which converter to use and if any work with chrono trigger. If anyone from the uk knows what converter works with the game cart then i would be very grateful. I've heard great things about this game and im a great fan of RPG's and cant wait to add this to my collection
82. StarBoy91
12 Nov 2009, 21:45 GMT
Now, I love Chrono Trigger and all; but if there's one thing I'm not entirely certain about is whether or not this game has, or should have, a sequel? I don't know if Chrono Cross counts as a "sequel", but that game is on my wanted list and I'm very interested.
83. Mickeymac
12 Nov 2009, 22:58 GMT
I have a feeling I might actually like Chrono Cross more than Chrono Trigger. It just seems more interesting and unique to me, and I like the presentation a lot more(I really hate Dragon Ball Z, as well as Akira Toriyama's artwork). I think I might actually be able to get into the story, too.
84. StarBoy91
18 Nov 2009, 04:14 GMT
Frog [Glenn] is probably the second best amphibian character right after Yoshi! Awesome persona, and his Masamune is awesome!
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