Chrono Trigger

Normally, when I hear that a classic game is being ported to a handheld, I become skeptical because the usual result is a no-frills port meant to cash in on gamers' nostalgia. But thankfully, Square Enix isn't that kind of company. They put a lot of care into their ports and I'm incredibly happy to report that they truly went the extra mile with Chrono Trigger DS. They've kept the magic of the original intact while adding subtle improvements and innovative features that truly enhance the classic experience. It is without a doubt one of the best releases of 2008.

THE VERDICT by Will Herring Will Herring's Avatar Square Enix knocks one out of the park with this superb re-release of the one of the most influential games in role playing history!

A Timeless Classic

Chrono Trigger's time-bending narrative is really well served by the DS' hardware. The touch screen is put to excellent use, with things like an overhead map and inventory access laid out in an intuitive manner-everything you need to keep your party in shape is right there at your stylus tip. You can literally swap out party members, equip them with the latest gear, save your game, and never have to hit the pause button.

When you engage in combat, the touch screen displays an in-depth battle menu, allowing you to select techniques, items, magics and target specific enemies with the stylus in real time. This makes the battles flow like clockwork, with quick, responsive menus that you can navigate with ease. But the best part is that there is a Classic mode that you can switch to on the fly in case you want to keep it old school and use standard controls.

Chrono Trigger

Back To The Future

Chrono Trigger DS also includes the fantastic animated cut-scenes from the Final Fantasy Chronicles re-release as well as a touched-up script and a brand new Arena mode. In the game's Arena, you're given the task of raising a small Nu monster and sending him through various time periods to train and learn new techniques. Once trained, you can pit your monster against other players via the game's Wi-Fi support, or simply battle the computer. It's a quirky and interesting diversion that only adds to the massive Chrono Trigger universe by supplying the player with even more to do.

By this point the verdict is obvious: I can't recommend Chrono Trigger DS highly enough. The original was a classic in its own right but Square Enix has made it even more special with this excellent handheld port. Regardless of whether you played it already or are new to the series, you owe it to yourself to check out this amazing title.

PROS: An amazing update to one of the best console RPG games ever produced.
CONS: The only bad thing is that the game eventually ends.
Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger

Comments [25]

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JPThunder01

It looks like they didn't touch up the graphics all that much which is a shame.. it would've been nice to be able to play the game in it's original form or a seperate option to play a remixed version with updated graphics.

maranda

Is this one of those games that you fight choosing a character and then "magic".... kablam! you hurt the bad guy -20 points.... he hits you, -10 points.... "hammer" kablam! you hurt him bad, -30 points, you win!!.... is this game like that?????

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donkeykong57

Its been almost a year since I played Chrono Trigger, I really wish I had a DS

diablo2lod

this is a turn based strategy game... meaning you attack, he attacks, and then you attack.... normally i despise turn based games, but crono trigger is one i put up with, because you have combo attacks... i have the ROM for an SNES emulator... fun game... never could get passed the far future up in the sky..... but it is definitely worth the coin if you have a DS...

slickjames

maranda wrote:

Is this one of those games that you fight choosing a character and then "magic".... kablam! you hurt the bad guy -20 points.... he hits you, -10 points.... "hammer" kablam! you hurt him bad, -30 points, you win!!.... is this game like that?????

It's alot more than that. Turn based games like this get a bad name here in the US because many people think that all you do is press attack and watch and that's all there is too it. To win a fight in a game like this it takes alot of thinking and tactics and your reward is a great story and in new RPG's great cutsceens. Most SquareEnix games have better stories than most novels. If you never played one this is one of the best ever and a great place to start, like Will I can't recommend this game enough. Also FF3 for DS is a great one too.

AceFondu

I still don't understand how Square Enix can justify charging $40 for this. It's a game over a decade old and they put a $40 price tag on it? They just assume that all DS games should be priced that high, even though they're practically the only company selling DS games that high. So ridiculous.

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