Square Enix arms Chrono Trigger DS

Publisher confirms next remake for Nintendo's handheld will be widely acclaimed Super Nintendo action RPG, available this holiday.

Setting off a digital wildfire of speculation just before the games' unveil in May, Square Enix launched telling official Web sites for the Dragon Quest Zenithia Trilogy. The trilogy follows on from the publisher's Final Fantasy DS remakes and will see the fourth, fifth, and sixth installments in the classic franchise remastered for the Nintendo DS, with the first to arrive September 16.

Time keeps on ticking, ticking, ticking...

Now, a similar fate has met Square Enix's next Nintendo DS redux of one of its classic properties. Following the game's official Web site being spotted overnight, Square Enix has confirmed that Chrono Trigger will release for the DS this holiday. Unlike the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest remakes, Chrono Trigger will not receive a graphical overhaul, though it will be reformatted to utilize the DS' dual-screen presentation and touch-screen functionality. The remake will also include a Wireless Play mode and an all-new dungeon.

True to the game's original premise, Chrono Trigger DS presents the story of Crono, who attempts to first save his friend Marle from a malfunctioning teleportation device. However, a more sinister threat evolves through his adventures, and Crono soon finds himself altering space-time to divert the near-certain apocalyptic future.

Rather than traditional random-encounter battles, Chrono Trigger features visible enemies and an active battle system, where players have a personal countdown timer that measures the frequency of attacks. Seen as revolutionary at the time, the game also includes multiple ending sequences.

Widely regarded as the last great hurrah for the Super Nintendo, Squaresoft's Chrono Trigger was released in the US for Nintendo's outmoded platform in September 1995, a full two weeks after the launch of Sony's PlayStation. Despite entering the fray late in the 16-bit lifecycle, Chrono Trigger managed to shift more than 2.5 million units globally.

The game was noted for its "Dream Team" development outfit, which consisted of famed Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, character designer Akira Toriyama, and composer Yasunori Mitsuda, among others. Chrono Trigger was followed in 2000 by Chrono Cross for the PlayStation, a game that received GameSpot's highest honors.

379 Comments

  • SonicEXE

    Posted Nov 19, 2008 8:05 pm PT

    This's pretty awesome, I look forward to picking it up. To anyone who claims the "load times" are a let down, keep in mind this is the DS, not the PSP, it still runs on cartridges, so if there are any load times, they're very minimal

  • JustinGoSka

    Posted Aug 12, 2008 10:07 am PT

    This is gonna be sweet. I cant wait to see what the multiplayer features are. I havent played this game in almost a decade.

  • quirky_clayboy

    Posted Aug 6, 2008 3:11 am PT

    I guess these ports help keep the cash flowing while they make the AAA games, but come on! I'm itching for something new! Yes, Chrono Trigger was one of my favourite games of all time, but I find it somewhat offensive that they keep 'remaking' the classics

  • Eimin

    Posted Jul 18, 2008 6:49 am PT

    it looks terrible, Ill stick with my emulator where I can get better features hands down. Booo square enix! and yes I own the original.

  • Fusion_Master

    Posted Jul 14, 2008 7:53 am PT

    Im very disappointed that after all this time, they are simply porting the game. They are killing off larger possibilites for the title such as a full 3D remake, possibly even for a console rather than a handheld. This is one of those games that could have a huge influence on the tide of console sales etc. Similar to the effect of Final Fantasy VII jumping to PS1, and probably what would happen if that game was ever remade and updated graphically and gameplay-wise. A simple port is a big let down.

  • IvanKavinski

    Posted Jul 13, 2008 5:23 pm PT

    Finally I can play this game on the go...

  • buffdaddy69

    Posted Jul 10, 2008 3:30 pm PT

    What? No 3d remake? Bah. I'll stick to my non loading SNES Chrono Trigger.

  • enisguy

    Posted Jul 10, 2008 9:18 am PT

    Yes! Yes!!!! Greatest RPG of all time. Almost everything about this game is perfect, truly one of the few perfect 10s ever created.

  • CTBradums

    Posted Jul 9, 2008 4:41 pm PT

    One good thing to come from this: Added interest in the Chrono series may spark them to continue work on the third title (possibly why they're re-re-releasing it at all, and no that's not a stutter )

    Chrono Trigger was, and is, one of the greatest games ever created. The Dream Team was exactly that - a dream team of game staff. The story was engaging and epic, the music was perfect and brought out the essence of the varied moods of the game, and everything was unique and original. Squaresoft at its best, and it makes me sad that Enix poisoned the game company we grew up with.

  • lionheart234

    Posted Jul 8, 2008 2:52 pm PT

    at last...... chrono trigger comes to the uk......!!! xD
    been waiting so long to play it....

  • Stonetowerghost

    Posted Jul 8, 2008 12:55 pm PT

    absolutely amazing. it is about time.

  • Valdera

    Posted Jul 8, 2008 10:43 am PT

    oh wow!! definately buying this first day!!

  • SaitouZero

    Posted Jul 7, 2008 1:22 pm PT

    Wow I was pretty excited about this because I thought it was a 3D remake similar to FFIII and FFIV , but now that I know its just a port my enthusiasm has greatly diminished, even with the added features. You'd probably be better off playing the PS1 Chrono Trigger on your PSP, at least you get nice anime cutscenes.

  • Tyralyon

    Posted Jul 7, 2008 7:14 am PT

    What does it matter if it comes out in Europe? The DS games doesn't have region locks, and it's not much of a hassle buying games from North American retailers.
    Anyways, great news, CT is such a brilliant game. I suppose they will release it outside Japan, I just hope they do the same with the DQ trilogy

  • Mattyrock

    Posted Jul 7, 2008 2:57 am PT

    YES! I've been wanting to play Chrono Trigger, I hope it comes out in PAL regions.

  • Zeus-Guy

    Posted Jul 6, 2008 9:03 pm PT

    Finally, I've been wanting to play Chrono Trigger for a while. My only concern is the touch screen, hope it's optional.

  • Chico_Azteca

    Posted Jul 6, 2008 8:16 pm PT

    after recovering form the massive simultaneous hear attack nerdgasms zeizures and crying

    i hope they start remaking FF7 *puppy eyes*

  • Greenlight23

    Posted Jul 6, 2008 12:58 pm PT

    I think it's a wonderful idea that Square would decide to keep the CT graphics as they were. I don't think a graphically revamped CT would work wonders at all, and besides, it wouldn't be really necessary in the first place.

    People have been waiting for this news for quite a long time, and I'm glad to see that Square finally act their act together to do this.

  • bassy26

    Posted Jul 6, 2008 12:55 pm PT

    I can't wait ^^

  • joseMolina18415

    Posted Jul 6, 2008 11:33 am PT

    Thats good, this has a great game. Good News

  • mdharken

    Posted Jul 6, 2008 10:42 am PT

    Yes, bravo Square a game I was really wanting : . Now how about getting Mario RPG to USA now yes?

  • Leafsno1

    Posted Jul 6, 2008 9:36 am PT

    WOW ive never wanted a game remade more than this one. amazing amazing amazing...i wish i never played this game 10 or so years ago...cause i couldnt stop playing videogames after that experience.

  • GDCalibur

    Posted Jul 6, 2008 4:20 am PT

    Well looks like I have to buy a DS now =D Great news right here. One of my all time favorite rpgs.

  • Slammer612

    Posted Jul 6, 2008 3:07 am PT

    @njm1314 I guess I lost the memo that said that Square/enix is Nintendo

  • Sim_genius

    Posted Jul 5, 2008 11:42 pm PT

    That is awesome news. I never had the chance to finish CT on the SNES and now I can!!

  • Payback7

    Posted Jul 5, 2008 9:26 pm PT

    QMG QMG!!! Thank you Square Enix! Loved this game the first time around and can't wait to see it on the DS.

  • dragonmaster335

    Posted Jul 5, 2008 8:14 pm PT

    Wow, my favorite RPG of all time, I have an M3 and I might actually consider paying for this, that's how great Chrono Trigger is :-D.

  • omnifas

    Posted Jul 5, 2008 6:44 pm PT

    Actually I wouldn't mine a 3d revamp CT, remember CT:Resurrection? Though that had early PS2 or Dreamcast like graphics, the creator did the transition pretty well.

    Anyways Im definately getting this.

  • njm1314

    Posted Jul 5, 2008 6:36 pm PT

    So I guess Nintendo has just given up on making new games huh?

  • Naedeslus

    Posted Jul 5, 2008 5:31 pm PT

    I'm glad they are not redoing the graphics, for CT was the best looking SNES game, ever. I don't think a 3D DS game would do it justice, also am looking forward to playing this on the go.

  • Grandstream

    Posted Jul 5, 2008 3:56 pm PT

    Dragon Quest 4-6? Disgaea? Chrono Trigger, even. The DS has TREMENDOUS potential for a handheld. And porting RPGs like these onto it shows that. Right now, the PSP only has Tactics, 1 and 2 (FFwise), and Star Ocean 1 and 2 coming out. So, handhelds are getting bigger and better.

  • JoelIncarnation

    Posted Jul 5, 2008 12:29 pm PT

    *%&* YAAAAAA!!!

  • Alizerothree

    Posted Jul 5, 2008 12:25 pm PT

    They totally needed to give this game a graphic overhaul and cutscenes. It's a shame they are trying to make a quick $$$ off fans without giving them any new worthwhile features and polish.

  • G1Ga-B1T3

    Posted Jul 5, 2008 12:19 pm PT

    So the DS re-release is teh reason that Chrono-ressurrection got slapped with a cease and desist? C'mon! Where the heck are the 3-D remakes? Square needs to get their heads out of ther rear ends.... last decent game they put out was FFVII....

  • Zoard

    Posted Jul 5, 2008 10:33 am PT

    do the time warp!

  • kuda001

    Posted Jul 5, 2008 9:03 am PT

    yay! ayla the cave girl was my fave character.

  • windbane

    Posted Jul 4, 2008 10:04 pm PT

    What would be nice, would be to have these SquareEnix remakes on XBLA.

  • JCooll

    Posted Jul 4, 2008 9:35 pm PT

    COOL !!!!!!!! cant wait

  • Skuad_Knight

    Posted Jul 4, 2008 4:35 pm PT

    Chrono Trigger graphics are not bad by any means, even for a 16-bit game. There are A LOT of worse looking games today. I live in Europe and I have an import USA cartridge, which I treasure deeply. Looking forward for the remake

  • jimmy813

    Posted Jul 4, 2008 3:43 pm PT

    Woohoo, something that will finally make me use my DS again!

  • UltimateXShadow

    Posted Jul 4, 2008 2:11 pm PT

    I am buying this game. Nothing and nobody can convince me to do otherwise.

  • flawless_blade

    Posted Jul 4, 2008 10:30 am PT

    Wow I haven't played that game since the SNES! Eh... I can't remember what happens...

  • IgotNDskillz

    Posted Jul 4, 2008 6:40 am PT

    even though I have the snes version

  • IgotNDskillz

    Posted Jul 4, 2008 6:38 am PT

    why isn't it getting a graphics overhaul? That's paying $35 for a 12 year old game. (A really great game at that) but still, it's like final fantasy favoritism. The final fantasies are all getting graphic overhauls for ds, yet chrono trigger is getting no graphics overhaul, but touch screen functions. that's pointless, and adding an extra dungeon is not doing much. All they care about are final fantasies. This game should get a true remake. Basically, another port oh well, I might buy it anyway lol

  • runkennyrun

    Posted Jul 3, 2008 11:49 pm PT

    Now that i think about it, i'm actually kind of glad they aren't doing a graphical overhaul. think about it. every "graphical overhaul" that has been done for the DS has turned out to look really, really... "kiddie."

    ...and almost embarrassingly so. and naturally, everyone who played Chrono Trigger when it came out back in '95 is WELL into their twenties, and would rather not be caught playing what appears to be a "kiddie game" on their DS -- no matter how gloriously awesome Chrono Trigger is.

    I'm pretty sure some day -- maybe not for a VERY long time -- they WILL do a proper remake of CT. I'd imagine it playing a lot like FFX-2 with the graphics looking something like BioShock. I mean come on, i can't be the only one who thought of Robo after seeing the "big daddy" in the trailers.

  • Hitman2500

    Posted Jul 3, 2008 10:27 pm PT

    I am so excited to play Chrono Trigger again!!! And to make things better its portable!!!

  • -Squirrel-

    Posted Jul 3, 2008 9:49 pm PT

    I just heard about this yesterday and I'm already tired of waiting... I'll bide my time with ff6 for the GBA and Golden Sun I guess.

    I hope they include something cool with a reserve for this game.

  • ffxiiangel

    Posted Jul 3, 2008 8:13 pm PT

    Finally Square Enix did something right!!!!

  • Valen_Ca

    Posted Jul 3, 2008 7:50 pm PT

    Wow, this is a surprise, all they are adding is an extra dungeon and wireless play, this remake may not be as screwy as I thought it was going to be.

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