What makes Chrono Trigger so good?

Even though I was around during the SNES days I never got to play Chrono Trigger. I know many people consider it the greatest RPG of all time. How come? What makes it different or better than say a Final Fantasy game? I was considering picking it up for the DS.

OK, this is just my opinion...

I revisited Chrono Trigger this past weekend and every time I play it, it is always fun and interesting. I think that's what a good game does. Maybe it's the story that kept me glued from start to finish, with its twists and turns. Maybe it has to do with the characters, both good and bad, and how you grow to either care or hate them for what they are, still can't imagine the game without them. Maybe it has to do with the amazing battle system, complete with dual and triple techniques, each of them unique and showcases the personality of the characters. Of course, let's not forget the soundtrack, one of the best soundtracks in gaming history. For me, a soundtrack has to stay memorable and become timeless from its inception to where it is now and I can tell that Chrono Trigger displays both very well. Every character's theme to the battle music fits the universe that is Chrono Trigger. Perhaps the only complaint that I have for it is Crono and the fact that we didn't get to know much of his past, unlike the others. Although he is mute, he does show his personality through his gestures and he is a likeable hero.

[spoiler] I was crushed to see him die, but was ectastic to find out that he can be saved through the Chrono Trigger. Also, one moment that took me completely by surprise was Magus joining you. I was like "No freaking way!" Too awesome! [/spoiler]

That's just a few reasons why Chrono Trigger is my favorite role-playing game of all time. I know that people love Grandia or Tales or Final Fantasy...all of these choices are perfectly OK with me, at least the good ones (not the bad ones). But Chrono Trigger, for me, just stood above the pack. It also doesn't hurt that the Dream Team was involved in the project as well.

Normally, I wouldn't call any videogame a masterpiece.

However...Chrono Trigger is the exception.

story, gameplay, characters, and multiple endings. This game is just awesome.

You know, I was going to write a long post detailing why I liked Chrono Trigger so much, but then Metamania basically beat me to the punch with even better wording than I had, rofl. I agree and support pretty much everything said. I think the only thing I would add to what he's said is that the game paces itself very well. I often find myself having to backtrack and go around in circles levelling up on oldschool RPGs, but I never felt pressured to do so on Chrono Trigger, but on the flipside, the game doesn't feel too easy either. In terms of balance I'd say that's a strong suit. :) And yes, the music is absolutely amazing. In fact, this thread has just inspired me to go and listen to it again right now. :)Khatsworth

:lol: Glad I became the voice of reason! :P

I don't know about anyone else, but the moment I entered my first battle, with Crono drawing out his sword and taking on three Hetakes in the Guardia Forest, I knew it would be something special. I used to have a certain Nintendo Power issue that had a preview of the game and I would read that section over and over again, knowing that it would be something special. The day that I first started playing it, I knew that my initial assumption was correct. :) After destroying Lavos for the first time, I kept on exploring everything the game had to offer and when I got everything, I did it all over again. That game truly is a masterpiece and I hope someday that Square makes another role-playing game in the vein of Chrono Trigger for today's consoles.

Its just an overall well made game. Overflowing with charm and you can see the developers really took care of this game. Also, I prefer the sequel, Chrono Cross over Trigger. I know many disagree, but Cross was a completely different game than Trigger with very little similarities between the two.

That game truly is a masterpiece and I hope someday that Square makes another role-playing game in the vein of Chrono Trigger for today's consoles.Metamania

[QUOTE="Metamania"]That game truly is a masterpiece and I hope someday that Square makes another role-playing game in the vein of Chrono Trigger for today's consoles.Khatsworth

Ah, Super Mario RPG. I remember beating that game in five days, from the day of release to Sunday of that very week. Another memorable RPG!

I'm gonna be a bad guy and say that I thought it was a waste of ten bucks off psn. It had SNES graphics and well, it wasn't terrible but I lost interest pretty quick. I guess those type of games just aren't for me. I played it once and the truth is, ill probably never play it again.

I'm gonna be a bad guy and say that I thought it was a waste of ten bucks off psn. It had SNES graphics and well, it wasn't terrible but I lost interest pretty quick. I guess those type of games just aren't for me. I played it once and the truth is, ill probably never play it again.

TheHighWind

The Playstation version had a lot of extra content going for it, but it's honestly not the best version out there. Loading times are constant, the sound effects can be a bit off sometimes, and I remember the FMV, while wonderful, was a bit choppy and didn't play out too smoothly. I've heard that the DS version is the best one to date, but I've yet to see that for myself. Maybe someday...

Even though I was around during the SNES days I never got to play Chrono Trigger. I know many people consider it the greatest RPG of all time. How come? What makes it different or better than say a Final Fantasy game? I was considering picking it up for the DS.

LJChronx

I still haven't seen the double/triple technique in any other JRPG and "cross time" gaming is something rarely done as well as in Chrono Trigger.

I played the original SNES version and, recently, the DS version as well. The DS version was a fantastic port of the game. The dual screens work really well with the map displayed on the top and main game screen at the bottom. During fights the ability to use the touch pad to control things worked surprisingly well too. I was genuinely impressed and feel that the DS version is an exceptional port. It's very cheap too. If you're a fan of RPGs I think you'd be remiss to pass it up.

Another advantage to the DS version was the fact that you can see which endings you got and rewatch them. Nice little addition for us completionists :)

I'm gonna be a bad guy and say that I thought it was a waste of ten bucks off psn. It had SNES graphics and well, it wasn't terrible but I lost interest pretty quick. I guess those type of games just aren't for me. I played it once and the truth is, ill probably never play it again.

TheHighWind

There might be a reason it had SNES graphics.

syztem

story, gameplay, characters, and multiple endings. This game is just awesome.

ristactionjakso

I'm gonna be a bad guy and say that I thought it was a waste of ten bucks off psn. It had SNES graphics and well, it wasn't terrible but I lost interest pretty quick. I guess those type of games just aren't for me. I played it once and the truth is, ill probably never play it again.

TheHighWind

SNES jasonharris48

Good feedback guys. Thanks! Sounds like I will be picking it up for the DS in the future!

If we really have to explain it to you I say put down the controller and stop gaming altogether......Dracula68

I agree with this.

Good feedback guys. Thanks! Sounds like I will be picking it up for the DS in the future!

LJChronx

I can't remember if I've ever played Chrono Trigger, but I played Chrono Cross on the PSX. As I understand it, Chrono Trigger is revered as one of the greatest RPGs.

I don't like RPGs but Chrono Trigger was the most fun I ever had with an RPG, great game/story.

No one really knows why CT is any good, but propping CT makes for a nice old school/hardcore facade. For the life of me, I have no idea why people think CT stands for excellence. No challenge, shallow gameplay, and JRPG cliches run amok. It was OK back in the day, but I remember how disappointed I was after finishing the game. In the interest of full disclosure, I played through CT after FFVI, so that might explain a lot.

No one really knows why CT is any good, but propping CT makes for a nice old school/hardcore facade. For the life of me, I have no idea why people think CT stands for excellence. No challenge, shallow gameplay, and JRPG cliches run amok. It was OK back in the day, but I remember how disappointed I was after finishing the game. In the interest of full disclosure, I played through CT after FFVI, so that might explain a lot.

QuistisTrepe_

[QUOTE="QuistisTrepe_"]

No one really knows why CT is any good, but propping CT makes for a nice old school/hardcore facade. For the life of me, I have no idea why people think CT stands for excellence. No challenge, shallow gameplay, and JRPG cliches run amok. It was OK back in the day, but I remember how disappointed I was after finishing the game. In the interest of full disclosure, I played through CT after FFVI, so that might explain a lot.

BranKetra

No, it was a pretty barebones, simple game. Seriously, it wasn't rocket science. You bring up an interesting point however. CT didn't require much grinding. One of its true high points.

[QUOTE="BranKetra"][QUOTE="QuistisTrepe_"]

No one really knows why CT is any good, but propping CT makes for a nice old school/hardcore facade. For the life of me, I have no idea why people think CT stands for excellence. No challenge, shallow gameplay, and JRPG cliches run amok. It was OK back in the day, but I remember how disappointed I was after finishing the game. In the interest of full disclosure, I played through CT after FFVI, so that might explain a lot.

QuistisTrepe_

No, it was a pretty barebones, simple game. Seriously, it wasn't rocket science. You bring up an interesting point however. CT didn't require much grinding. One of its true high points.

story, gameplay, characters, and multiple endings. This game is just awesome.

ristactionjakso

i agree they just dont make rpgs like that anymore

No one really knows why CT is any good, but propping CT makes for a nice old school/hardcore facade. For the life of me, I have no idea why people think CT stands for excellence. No challenge, shallow gameplay, and JRPG cliches run amok. It was OK back in the day, but I remember how disappointed I was after finishing the game. In the interest of full disclosure, I played through CT after FFVI, so that might explain a lot.

QuistisTrepe_

That explains why you probably felt disappointed with CT. You must have gotten spoiled big time with Final Fantasy VI. :P Don't get me wrong though; Final Fantasy VI is actually one of the best FFs in the series, so I understand your love for the game. But Chrono Trigger did have challenge and the difficulty continued to ramp up more and more. I remember dying a lot in a couple of bosses, such as Giga Gaia (the one who has Melchoir trapped), and I had to go back and grind a bit before trying and eventually succeeding in defeating that boss.

[QUOTE="BranKetra"][QUOTE="QuistisTrepe_"]

No one really knows why CT is any good, but propping CT makes for a nice old school/hardcore facade. For the life of me, I have no idea why people think CT stands for excellence. No challenge, shallow gameplay, and JRPG cliches run amok. It was OK back in the day, but I remember how disappointed I was after finishing the game. In the interest of full disclosure, I played through CT after FFVI, so that might explain a lot.

QuistisTrepe_

No, it was a pretty barebones, simple game. Seriously, it wasn't rocket science. You bring up an interesting point however. CT didn't require much grinding. One of its true high points.

maybe you suffer of the effects of "i loved x game, all games should be copies".

I loved both, CT and ff VI, they are unique and different and great in their own way.

[QUOTE="QuistisTrepe_"]

[QUOTE="BranKetra"] Too easy? Did you grind a lot?Krelian-co

No, it was a pretty barebones, simple game. Seriously, it wasn't rocket science. You bring up an interesting point however. CT didn't require much grinding. One of its true high points.

maybe you suffer of the effects of "i loved x game, all games should be copies".

I loved both, CT and ff VI, they are unique and different and great in their own way.

Not at all. I play a wide variety of RPGs. So I'm taking issue with CT only in this case. I played a great game and followed that up with a game that was merely good IMO.

[QUOTE="QuistisTrepe_"]

No one really knows why CT is any good, but propping CT makes for a nice old school/hardcore facade. For the life of me, I have no idea why people think CT stands for excellence. No challenge, shallow gameplay, and JRPG cliches run amok. It was OK back in the day, but I remember how disappointed I was after finishing the game. In the interest of full disclosure, I played through CT after FFVI, so that might explain a lot.

Metamania

That explains why you probably felt disappointed with CT. You must have gotten spoiled big time with Final Fantasy VI. :P Don't get me wrong though; Final Fantasy VI is actually one of the best FFs in the series, so I understand your love for the game. But Chrono Trigger did have challenge and the difficulty continued to ramp up more and more. I remember dying a lot in a couple of bosses, such as Giga Gaia (the one who has Melchoir trapped), and I had to go back and grind a bit before trying and eventually succeeding in defeating that boss.

[QUOTE="Metamania"]

[QUOTE="QuistisTrepe_"]

No one really knows why CT is any good, but propping CT makes for a nice old school/hardcore facade. For the life of me, I have no idea why people think CT stands for excellence. No challenge, shallow gameplay, and JRPG cliches run amok. It was OK back in the day, but I remember how disappointed I was after finishing the game. In the interest of full disclosure, I played through CT after FFVI, so that might explain a lot.

BranKetra

That explains why you probably felt disappointed with CT. You must have gotten spoiled big time with Final Fantasy VI. :P Don't get me wrong though; Final Fantasy VI is actually one of the best FFs in the series, so I understand your love for the game. But Chrono Trigger did have challenge and the difficulty continued to ramp up more and more. I remember dying a lot in a couple of bosses, such as Giga Gaia (the one who has Melchoir trapped), and I had to go back and grind a bit before trying and eventually succeeding in defeating that boss.

Sun of Son was easy. I forgot the name of the armor, but it's the one that absorbs fire and heals you. I had that equipped on Crono and while I didn't have it on the other two members, both of them died, but Crono lived. So I would just keep on slashing at the right flame and it would pummel me right back, but his attack healed me instead, due to said armor. What an easy boss fight! And Giga Gaia was a pain for one reason; the two attacks that would come, right after the other and he would do it often! But once you healed yourself and killed the two hands, then it's easy to concentrate on the head until both hands are revived. Then destroy the hands yet again, go after the head for massive damage, and it was done. but it was frustrating when I went through that battle the first time through!

[QUOTE="BranKetra"][QUOTE="Metamania"]

That explains why you probably felt disappointed with CT. You must have gotten spoiled big time with Final Fantasy VI. :P Don't get me wrong though; Final Fantasy VI is actually one of the best FFs in the series, so I understand your love for the game. But Chrono Trigger did have challenge and the difficulty continued to ramp up more and more. I remember dying a lot in a couple of bosses, such as Giga Gaia (the one who has Melchoir trapped), and I had to go back and grind a bit before trying and eventually succeeding in defeating that boss.

Metamania

Sun of Son was easy. I forgot the name of the armor, but it's the one that absorbs fire and heals you. I had that equipped on Crono and while I didn't have it on the other two members, both of them died, but Crono lived. So I would just keep on slashing at the right flame and it would pummel me right back, but his attack healed me instead, due to said armor. What an easy boss fight! And Giga Gaia was a pain for one reason; the two attacks that would come, right after the other and he would do it often! But once you healed yourself and killed the two hands, then it's easy to concentrate on the head until both hands are revived. Then destroy the hands yet again, go after the head for massive damage, and it was done. but it was frustrating when I went through that battle the first time through!