Chrono Trigger Review

Currently on my 2nd playthrough. Never played it before, so the DS version is my 1st.

With that said. I missed out. The gameplay is awesome. Not your typical turn based rpg. With the use of Tech’s (Techniques) Which, when you start off, you will only be able to attack the enemies clumped together. But later on, when you recieve the Magic Elements for the characters. The real fun comes into play. Via Dual & Triple Techs. Which deal alot more damage. As it uses each of your 3 member party’s turn together for a reallly powerful attack.

Random battles, are at times random. But for the most part, as you are able to see them on the screen. You can simply evade and run past them. The monsters will give off experience, and in most cases (TP) which is needed to learn newer Techs.

Graphic wise. The Background and Sprites are pretty damn good, to this day. In today’s standards you won’t see anything “Suprising” or “Groundbreaking” for that matter. The FMV sequences you see during critical parts of the game are done by Akira Toriyama. Who did alot for the Dragon Ball Anime. You will see alot of resemblances there. His artwork is pretty nice. It also gives the storyline additional depth. (IE, Chrono’s Temporary Departure)

Sound wise. It’s all on point. While the game doesnt give off much depth to alot of the characters, comment wise and storyline throughout the game. The Music brings it to life nicely.

Storyline. Being able to go back and forth visiting and in most instances re visiting areas in different times, both past and present, and in some situations, future. Adds a depth you rarely see in alot of RPG’s. Having to go back in time to aqcuire something, only to go a little further ahead in the future to give to the Blacksmith is pretty interesting. Later on in the game, you will be able to freely go anywhere easily. In which case, your actions in the past, will change what is occuring in the future times.

Replayibility is lovely. As the story has 13 possible endings. All dependant on when you decide on defeating lavos as to where you are exactly far as the story.

New Game+ Is outright awesome. (Especially if you were like me, no walkthrough) I killed Magus!

Anyway. Once You start over, the only difference is you remain at the level you were at when you completed the game. As well as the Items/Weapons you’ve accumulated. They stay with you. The Techs as well. This makes the game very easy, to an laughable extent on the second playthrough. Although it has it’s perks. As you are more then able to defeat Lavos at any time in the game. Could view all the endings if that’s your interest. Or recieve multiple powerful Acessory’s during your 2nd time around that you missed Or only recieved 1.

Out of all the new DS features. The Monster Arena, Arena of the Ages. Is nice but not something that interested me. As it’s bland. You recieve a monster, then are able to send him off training at any era past or present that you have been to. Each area focuses on raising different stats, you also send him onto training with an item, which will either raise his stats, learn a new tehnique, or change his appearance altogether. Battle wise, in the arena, you merely watch your monster fight off another, if things get rough, you could use his turn to give a healing item to him. But that’s about it. Not much depth to it. Although you could acquire rare, and one time items early on this way. I just didnt find it that interesting.

The Dimensional Vortex & Lost Sanctum are two additional sidequests. One, will have you going back an forth through time quite often. While the other consist of numerous dungeon’s some old, and some new.

Overall. I give it a 8/10 It’s no where near being anything uninteresting. Character development is fairly minor and uninteresting at times, unless it’s the main part of “Their” storyline. Other then that, their minor remarks, give you an idea, but a small one.

Gameplay, & Story will have you hooked. As well as the Extra’s.

The Theater allows you to watch all of the in game movies whenever you want.

The Art Gallery shows you numerous sketches of the characters.

Music Box allows you to play any song you want. Which, alot are good. Never heard any of the music on this game before. Yasunori Mitsuda Did pretty good. A few songs remind me of Nobuo Uematsu though.

The Dojo shows you a picture of every Technique you have learned. As well as a written description

The Item Encylopedia is pretty much the same thing. Shows you “Every” Item you ever had throughout the game. As well as a description of it. Also informs you what % of the overall in game items you’ve obtained thus far.

Treasure Atlus. This Extra is neat. Basically shows you where every treasure chest is located, as well as it’s contents.

The Bestiary shows you each monster, it’s hp, techs, weaknesses, immunities, ect. Also informs you of the total you’ve discovered. And the % you’re at.

A very good game for it’s low price. If you’ve never played it before, or havent played it since the SNES days. Get it.