Overview
Platform: SNES (1995), also available on Nintendo DS, PlayStation, PC (Steam), and mobile.
Developer: Square (now Square Enix)
Genre: Japanese RPG (JRPG)
Some games age gracefully. Chrono Trigger doesn't age at all — it exists in a kind of permanent now, as vibrant, clever, and emotionally resonant as it was the day it launched. Developed by the so-called "Dream Team" of Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy creator), Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest creator), and artist Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball), Chrono Trigger was a collision of talents that produced something greater than the sum of its parts.
The Story: Time Travel Done Right
You play as Crono, a young man from the year 1000 A.D. who accidentally discovers time travel at a Millennial Fair. What begins as a simple adventure to rescue a friend spirals into an epic quest spanning multiple eras — from prehistoric 65,000,000 B.C. to a post-apocalyptic 2300 A.D. — as Crono and his party race to prevent a world-ending catastrophe called Lavos.
What sets Chrono Trigger's narrative apart is its coherence and heart. The time travel mechanics aren't just window dressing — your actions in one era genuinely affect others, and the game rewards players who pay attention to history's threads. The cast of characters is memorable and well-developed, from the reckless knight Frog to the mysterious robot Robo.
Gameplay: The Active Time Battle System
Chrono Trigger uses a variation of Square's Active Time Battle (ATB) system. What makes it special is the concept of Dual and Triple Techs — combination attacks between two or three party members that produce spectacular effects. Coordinating these attacks adds a layer of strategy that keeps combat engaging throughout a 20+ hour playthrough.
There are no random encounters — enemies are visible on the map, meaning you choose your battles. This design decision alone makes the game dramatically less tedious than many of its contemporaries.
Music: Yasunori Mitsuda's Masterwork
The soundtrack, composed primarily by Yasunori Mitsuda (with contributions from Nobuo Uematsu), is nothing short of legendary. Each era has its own musical identity — the prehistoric ages feel primal and ancient, while the far future hums with melancholy electronic ambience. Tracks like Corridors of Time and Frog's Theme are instantly recognizable to anyone who grew up playing RPGs, and remain fan favorites decades later.
Replay Value: 13 Different Endings
One of Chrono Trigger's most remarkable features is its New Game+ mode and its 13 distinct endings, each triggered by defeating the final boss at different points in the story. This was unprecedented for a JRPG in 1995 and gives the game a longevity that few contemporaries can match.
How Does It Hold Up Today?
| Aspect | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Story | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Timeless, emotional, cleverly constructed |
| Gameplay | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fast, strategic, never feels dated |
| Music | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Among the best in gaming history |
| Visuals | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | Gorgeous sprite art; Mode 7 effects still impress |
| Replay Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 13 endings; NG+ mode adds tremendous longevity |
Which Version Should You Play?
- SNES Original: The definitive experience, best via emulation or original hardware.
- Nintendo DS: Adds anime cutscenes and a bonus dungeon — a great portable option.
- PC (Steam): Convenient and includes the DS content; had rough patches on launch but is now in good shape.
- Mobile: Functional but touch controls aren't ideal for an RPG.
Verdict
Chrono Trigger is not just a great retro game — it is one of the greatest games ever made, full stop. If you care about story, music, and elegantly designed gameplay, this is non-negotiable. Play it.