Gameplay Today - Because You're Always Gaming

There are only a handful of SNES games that still evoke the level of nostalgia and love for classic turn-based Japanese role-playing games that Chrono Trigger does. It’s one of those rare gems that tend to come up in conversation whenever people are discussing titles that deserve a sequel in this generation of hardware. While we’re still waiting for another game in the Chrono series (Chrono Cross on the PS1 was the last and Chrono Break never materialized), we at least get to play the original on the Nintendo Wii now thanks to the Virtual Console. The only real question is whether or not the title holds up to our memories.

After just a little time with my old friend Chrono Trigger, I instantly wished all RPGs could have an engine this great. The battle system in Chrono Trigger is virtually perfect. First off, there aren’t any random battles to fill up dead time, because there isn’t any dead time in this game. In order to initiate a battle, an enemy on the field must see you. The nice part about this is that you can actually avoid getting into battles when you know where your enemies are. Another major positive about the battle system is that there are no breaks in the action to load battles. A baddie spots you and you fight your enemies on that same field right there. It keeps things moving along nicely and stands as a reminder of how far modern day RPGs have gotten from seamless action. The basic inventory system delivers a nice old school feel in its simplicity and effectiveness.

Prior to Chrono Trigger, there was never an RPG based on time travel. Amazingly, this game’s story still holds up and does a very good job with the whole time theme. Another interesting innovation of note is the existence of double and triple techs. Chrono Trigger’s Tech System adds a teamwork element to the game, which really makes this title shine. Double techs are attacks where two characters team up to create a team skill, and triple techs are attacks where three characters team up for a triple team skill. Again, it’s very simple and very effective.

The controls continue the theme of “simple works”. This is a JRPG from early 1995 after all. The battles aren’t just basic attack and heal though. You actually have to think and use strategy if you want to win. Don't have the right members in your party or proper strategy in place and you can’t expect to go far. Chrono Trigger was pretty challenging the first time (and second) times around and honestly, it’s still not a breeze even if you know what’s coming.

Chrono Trigger still looks great and truth be told, still looks better than the often praised Final Fantasy VI. Everything in Chrono Trigger is very well done. The characters are big; the world map is pretty detailed and even minor set pieces display great detail for the time. The audio is standard Square stuff from the 16-bit era, but what did you expect? That’s not to say the sound effects aren’t top notch. They are… for an SNES Virtual Console title. The game was made in 1995 after all. The music is nicely done and the highlight of the game’s sound.
It’s pretty hard to believe that this game has been out for sixteen years. That’s because Chrono Trigger is still a must have. Thanks to the Wii’s Virtual Console, an entirely new generation of gamers have a chance to be exposed to beautiful sprites and some of the best role-playing mechanics available in any game. Chrono Trigger scratches that itch for a great classic JRPG on modern consoles, but simultaneously makes you want more of it. If you’re looking for a great story and solid gameplay, look no further than Chrono Trigger.