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E3 2008: Chrono Trigger DS Hands-On

By Sophia Tong, GameSpotPosted Jul 16, 2008 2:17 pm PT

We take a closer look to see what has changed--or hasn't changed--in this classic role-playing game.

Many classic role-playing games have been remade lately, and they have been generating a lot of excitement among fans, especially fans of classic Super Nintendo RPGs. Chrono Trigger is one of those games, and for those who are worried about how Chrono Trigger will look, have no fear: Your favorite characters will resume their spritelike appearances. From our brief play session at the Square Enix booth during E3, there seem to be only some minor changes to accommodate the touch screen; otherwise, the look and feel of this game is the same.

Anyone who didn't have the opportunity to play it on the SNES or the PlayStation when it was rereleased with Final Fantasy IV as Final Fantasy Chronicles, this is your chance, and it's portable. We only got to play the beginning, but your adventure begins with Crono heading to the Millennial Fair to meet up with his friend Lucca. Along the way, he bumps into Marle, but Lucca's new transportation device sends her back in time.

Chrono Trigger DS plays the same way, and the only difference now is that there are options to use the touch screen in battle or when you are prompted with a question. You don't have to use the options, but they're there, and they're unobtrusive. Battles are active, and your character is ready once his or her active time bar is full. The bottom screen provides a map and icons to access your menu, tech information, and enemy details. During battle, you can still use the D pad and A or B to make your selection, but you also have the option of tapping the attack button that shows up under each character. This makes the action in the top screen less cluttered because the only thing showing is your health and active time bar. The stylus can also be used to move around if you choose not to use the D pad.

From what we've seen, Chrono Trigger DS stays true to the original and looks fantastic on the DS. The full-motion videos from the PlayStation release will be included, and the reps have said that there is also multiplayer available, but they cannot give details yet. The memorable music is all there, so fans who want to relive this fantasy can look for it this holiday season.

106 Comments

  • Waximizer

    Posted Oct 3, 2008 3:05 am PT

    niiice. a classic reborn

  • jibbityhibbity

    Posted Sep 23, 2008 5:42 pm PT

    **This belongs on the virtual console.** This is simply the original game thrown onto a 64-bit+ system with no technological improvements. This is a flat out cash grab for SE. I was thoroughly impressed with the remake of FFIV (as far as the graphical update and the gameplay additions, while still keeping the same feel as the original) and so far this is a major disappointment. As well as the original design was put together, they could have thrown it into a richer 3D environment and added voice acting while still maintaining the same feel. They should have given it the same treatment they gave FF3 and FF4. I blame it on laziness and sadly, the inefficiency of current game design technology =(

    http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/chronotriggerds/video_player.html?id=I3AynjDx5bgMvz4&tag=videos;title;19
    Check that out. Fan-made but for the most part a perfectly good representation of how a remake could look. Maybe with a few minor "SE" improvements. Just because the characters would be in 3D doesn't mean they'd have to look different from their 2D counterparts.

  • DariusReinhardt

    Posted Sep 23, 2008 2:21 pm PT

    Contrary to Chainer323's limited scope of perception, I believe this is a very smart move on SE's part to bring this to a handheld. Not only will it open the window to other possibilities but it will allow for older titles to be ported. (ie. Secret of Mana)

  • Chainer323

    Posted Sep 22, 2008 10:54 pm PT

    no no no
    SE is stupid to put this game on DS. it just ruins it. The original on SNES and the re-release on PS1, that's all that was needed.
    next thing you know, they will put FFVII on DS, and that will just screw up everything.

  • Chainer323

    Posted Sep 22, 2008 10:54 pm PT

    no no no
    SE is stupid to put this game on DS. it just ruins it. The original on SNES and the re-release on PS1, that's all that was needed.
    next thing you know, they will put FFVII on DS, and that will just screw up everything.

  • Veszerin

    Posted Aug 25, 2008 11:46 pm PT

    @osxgp: Chrono Trigger's visuals are perfect, theres no need to upgrade them. Also, if they got those cheesy graphics like in Final Fantasy III and Final Fantasy IV for the DS, no one would buy it.

    Chrono Trigger was a masterpiece the way it was made.

  • osxgp

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 9:46 pm PT

    I don't see why they can't upgrade this game visually. You know it's going to cost $40, so why not do more than a touch screen upgrade?

  • cloud12892

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 6:33 pm PT

    Never played this before but I have heard great things about this so I might give this a shot. The ATB System is being used so thank god for that. At least I can experience this in its original graphic form. I recently beat FF4 so all I am waiting now is to remake FF6. That was so good cause I beat it on the GBA . Story was amazing.

  • SilverRao

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 6:04 am PT

    YES this is perfect i can't wait!
    Usually, i like 3D upgrades for remakes, but in this case they have made the right decision leaving it as it is.

  • artax33

    Posted Aug 14, 2008 7:31 pm PT

    I am glad to see Chrono Trigger and FF IV being released on the DS. The SNES has the best games. Game play and story are more important then Eye candy any day.

  • IMDLEGEND

    Posted Aug 8, 2008 9:35 am PT

    This will be the reason that I finally pick up a nintendo DS

  • Spider-Jim

    Posted Aug 7, 2008 6:41 am PT

    I call my DS a gameboy all the time . I even call my PSP a gameboy. If I don't say gameboy old people don't know what I'm Talking about.
    Oh yeah I want chronotrigger TOO!!!

  • decreebass

    Posted Aug 5, 2008 11:30 am PT

    this'll be cool. It'll beat playing it as a rom on my computer. But I still have to beat FF Tactics A2, FFIII, FFIV, FF XII: RW, and The World Ends With You. I bite off more than I can chew. My RPG addiction is truly astounding, since I'm an Army nursing student and have very little time to play anyway, lol. Plus also, tell me if this happens to you: Don't you just wanna punch people when they call your DS a gameboy? grrrrrr...

  • rowley2006

    Posted Aug 5, 2008 10:33 am PT

    @supa_badman, that makes no sense what you've said. Thats like saying "the game was perfect the way it was, why didn't they change it?"

    "chrono trigger is one of the best games i have EVER played.
    it is a disapointment that almost NOTHING has changed." -SB

  • mmntw27

    Posted Aug 4, 2008 11:56 am PT

    CronoJKL, I agree with you. If Square can finally realize that brining their masterpiece will get them alot of money, they might actually listen to the fans more often now.

    As for me when this comes out, I'm going to be waiting in GameStop or Wal-Mart till 12AM when this is released...

  • Sharvie

    Posted Jul 26, 2008 5:27 pm PT

    I can't wait for it. I'm glad it is "staying true to the original" which i loved so much.

  • CronoJKL

    Posted Jul 20, 2008 8:18 pm PT

    Can I get a finally? Yes, this is what I've been waiting for... Well, what I've really been waiting for is a Chrono III or IV if you include Radical dreamers. So, everyone go out and buy this game, Squaresoft will wake up and see the gold mine that they are sitting on and make a totally new Chrono game! CHRONO FANS UNITE!

    -Da Marque

  • danwarecritic

    Posted Jul 20, 2008 7:51 pm PT

    Macgyver40, this is one of the best. And TehFuneral, They'll probably be positive. Since this is one of the best RPGs ever made.

  • danwarecritic

    Posted Jul 20, 2008 7:47 pm PT

    Maybe next they could bring over the Star Ocean PSP ports. And hear me out Namco Bandai. I want a DS version of Tales of Destiny. Again, SO PSP ports please, Square-Enix.

  • leofiregod

    Posted Jul 20, 2008 7:30 pm PT

    not a chrono trigger fan

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