Chrono Trigger

So, this game is a masterpiece. One of the most charming pieces of game-entertainment developed in the last fifteen years. Nearly sacred. The plot moves forward relentlessly, propelling each set-piece into the next by baiting your curiosity (and rewarding your exploration). We’re not talking about an advanced, shifting AI, nor does the game mold itself to your play-style; what we’re dealing with is just a very soundly structured script. The setting is unique, the characters are all likable stereotypes, and the music is top-notch stuff.

It’s a game that should have been released on day one with the GBA, or the DS.

And as much as you thought you liked Chrono Trigger, playing it again will remind you how much you actually liked it. You really liked Chrono Trigger. And if you haven’t played it before, you’re going to really like Chrono Trigger.

Telling a sweeping, millenia-spanning story of heroism and fate, Chrono Trigger’s ideas have been used by other games in the years following its original release. The branching paths and multiple endings have been a feature of RPGs for a long while, but the restraint that streamlines the game’s central tale has rarely been duplicated.

Chrono Trigger works because of that script. It works because of the glee of each monster encounter; a tiny pantomime that gives a little heart to every battle. Enemies don’t just appear and clutter the screen; sometimes they jump out from behind bushes, sometimes they knock into each other and dart off without ever attacking you again. Everyone who worked on Chrono Trigger loved it, and it shows in each minute. There’s no filler in this game, and no cut corners.

But what has the DS added to the title? Well, I may just be imagining it, but I swear that the slight delay after battles (while the DS brings up the touch screen menus again) is new ... but it’s so forgivable that you don’t really notice after a while. The game blissfully retains a SNES mode, so you can do away with the tertiary touch-screen control—and, well, I’d suggest it, since it adds so little to the experience. We’ve got a new translation of the script which, frankly, I didn’t even catch. The animated cutscenes are brilliant, despite my personal dislike of Akira Toriyama’s designs. The music remains wonderfully orchestrated. For emphasis, let me include another sentence about the music: It’s amazing.

And there’s that dungeon, which works quite nicely.

Also there’s a monster-battle mode.

Regrettably, there’s no way for me to test out the wireless battle mode, as Play only received one copy of the game ... and since no one else has it yet (Ed note: as of the chance Heather had to review CTDS), I have to admit I can’t review it. Point is, the game doesn’t need it—it’s already so good—that as long as the VS mode doesn’t break the single-player campaign, then it’s just gravy. I can’t wait to try out the retail copy against a friend. But even if it the VS stuff sucked, this game is still Chrono Trigger. It’s gorgeous.

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