Reminding me why I like JRPGs
Chrono Trigger is one of those games that I regrettably missed growing up. I remember renting it back then but, I remembered almost nothing about it. Playing through the DS remake of Chrono Trigger only confirmed my lack of a memory for this game in that none of it was familiar to me and while I discovered what made this game great, I also found that this game deserved the praise it has received and is one of the best JRPGs I've ever played.
The game starts during the Millennial Fair where Crono, our hero, is to meet his best friend Lucca to see her crazy new invention. On his way, he bumps into Marle, a rambunctious young blonde girl who promptly demands that Crono and her walk together until she voluntaries to be sucked through a dimensional gate to the past. From there, it's your job as Crono to save the princess and, in effect, save the world.
The story, while good, was predictable for most of the game and didn't pull me in to make me care about the characters a whole lot. I cared enough that I wanted to see how the story came together but, not enough that they'll stick with me after the game is done with. I won't spoil it for those that haven't already played it but, I will say that the twist in the middle of the game with Crono was probably the most interesting part of the whole story.
Combat is probably the weakest part of this game. There's not much to do other than mash the A button until everything on the screen dies. Dual and Triple techs are a nice touch initially and do add a little something to it but, you soon find that most of the time, you're better off just doing single techs with your team because it ends up doing more damage for less SP with the exception of the healing dual techs that are nearly vital in the later portion of the game. But, as soon as you start doing New Game+, you never have to do dual techs ever again. In fact, as soon as you find the gold stud accessory and get Chrono's or Magus' final tech, you quickly find yourself casting that at the start of each fight for only 5 sp and doing enough damage that you kill everything and end the fight, leaving you feeling powerful but, not challenged. Even the purported hardest ending can be done without much difficulty.
Speaking of which, the game also features a new game+ option that allows you to start a new game plus with any saved game. This lets you retain all of your items, levels, and techs. This option is handy if you just want to grab all of the endings and don't want to have a tough time doing it.
The graphics are wonderful and is something that I miss in today's world of 3D animation, CG cut-scenes and life-like computer people. But, the charm of sprites when they were at their peak in the 16-bit era with it's Mode 7 and Blast Processing. Toriyama's anime inspired look is bright and vibrant and just fun to look at.
The sound design and music is no slouch, either. The sound of Crono striking a critical hit or when he casts Luminaire make me believe in their awesome damage output and the score of the music will ring in my ears well after I stop playing the game. The music is perhaps my favorite part. That battle theme...
Even with the combat not holding up, Chrono Trigger still stood up even after all these years. This game reminds me why I loved JRPGs in the first place. I encourage anyone who even just has a passing interest in RPGs from the 16-bit era or any JPG should give this one a look, despite the combat.
