Post by solidbatman on May 29, 2011 8:49:40 GMT -5
-Visuals- 9.5/10
This is a re- release of Chrono Trigger that originally came out on the SNES. That means you get some 16 bit graphics. I know this will turn a lot of people away from the game, but if you set that aside you will love the vibrant color usage and great dungeon designs. The inclusion of anime style cut scenes for the PS1 version makes it just that much better. It really was, and still is, a visual treat.
-Sound- 9/10
The MIDI music is back in all of it's glory. It was a treat on the SNES and is still a treat to listen to today. The sound track fits the game perfectly with different music for the different time periods in the game. For example, the 1000 AD music is no where close to being the same as the 650000 BC music, or even the 600 AD music. The sound effects are all well done.
-Game play- 9.4/10
Chrono Trigger features the typical ATB battle system found in most Final Fantasy games of the day. The ATB (Active Time Bar) battle system is a fast paced battle system where you attack once an action bar fills up. This means slower characters will attack less in a given battle but fast characters will see their bar charge more quickly and thus attack more. Enemies also attack in this manner, and will attack you even if you are trying to choose a move. It's fun, but not really the most unique battle system.
What makes the game play in Chrono Trigger so unique is the time traveling aspect of the game. You aren't traveling to different worlds or even different parts of your world. You are exploring the same area of your world through different time periods. This part of the game is done perfectly. You will see similarities as you explore the time periods, but each period will feel fresh and new. Chrono Trigger also introduces another cool concept to the already awesome time traveling part of the game. Actions that you take in the past will affect what happens in the future, especially towards the end of the game. That and there are at least three different ways to get to the final boss, which can change depending on what you do in the past. It all makes more sense as you play the game, so go play it.
-Story- 9.8/10
You start off the game as a kid named Crono (or whatever you want to call him) who attends the Millennium Fair to watch her friend Lucca demonstrate her new teleporter. While there, Crono runs into, literally, a girl named Marle who drops a pendent that she wears. Crono finds the pendent and the two quickly become friends. They both go to see Lucca's teleporter and both test it out. Crono is teleported to the nearby teleporter without an issue, but Marle's pendent reacts to the teleporter opening a time gate. Crono, being the brave soul he is, goes in the time gate to save Marle. Thus, the incredible adventure begins. The story is extremely fun and exciting and a memorable cast of characters makes the game's story head and shoulders above many RPGs. Add in multiple endings and optional characters and you've got a story that is nearly perfect.
-Overall- 9.7/10
I cannot recommend this game enough. If you love a great story with unique game play, you will love this game, despite it's age. The color usage is very vibrant and the soundtrack is very well done. Now quit reading this and go play the game. Seriously, go play the game.
