"Chrono Trigger" Review for the Nintendo DS

It's finally here: Square Enix released "Chrono Trigger" on the Nintendo DS. Frequently referred to as a cult classic and one of the best role-playing games of all time, "Chrono Trigger" follows the story of Crono and his friends as they try to save the world from an apocalyptic fate.

The story begins in 1000 A.D. at Truce Village where people are celebrating at the Millennial Fair. You, as Crono, go to the fair to see your friend Lucca's latest invention: a teleportation machine. Along the way you bump into a perky tomboy named Marle, who asks you to show her around. When you both go to Lucca's show, disaster ensues. Marle volunteers, and the machine goes haywire, causing her to disappear. Crono, of course, dashes after her and discovers that he traveled 400 years into the past. Through further time travel, the group witnesses a desolate, barren future and vows to prevent it.

While the game is a port from Super Nintendo (meaning there's no significant tweaking of the graphics or storyline), old fans will still find new features to enjoy. The game has been modified to make use of the dual screens. A new dungeon and a new ending has also been added, as well as an extras section and an arena.

The extras section features a theater (to re-watch animated shorts), an art gallery, a music box, a dojo (to let you know all the techniques you mastered), a bestiary, an item encyclopedia, and two hidden options. The arena allows you to train a monster (called a smidge) and battle it against other monsters or hook up and fight a friend's smidge.

Graphics/Audio

Even though "Chrono Trigger" was released more than a decade ago, its graphics aren't too noticeably outdated compared to other DS games. Sure, it's not cutting edge, and perhaps those new to the game will find the time-warp sequences a little hokey. But overall, the graphics are sound. In addition, ten in-game cutscenes feature small anime movies. They are so few and far between, however, that it's a little jarring to be suddenly interrupted by them.

Regarding audio, there's over 60 different songs; you won't become bored by repetitious music. The music itself is true to its Super Nintendo counterpart and features plenty of great orchestra scores. Overall, the music enhances the game's atmosphere and tone.

Gameplay

"Chrono Trigger" is a standard RPG. Using magic (called techs), weapons, and items you fight your foes through on-screen command menus. One difference that separates this RPG from others is that instead of random attacks, you see monsters on-screen, making it easier to avoid them if you so choose.

The new dual screen takes some getting used to, however, especially if you're used to playing "Chrono Trigger" on the Super Nintendo. The extra screen shows a map along with menu options. In battles, your command menus will also appear there (which, to me, makes it hard to see what's happening in the battle while inputting the commands). Of course, you can also choose to play the classic mode, which only uses one screen if you don't like the dual screens.

Creativity

Unexpected twists, rich characters, and a unique storyline is what made "Chrono Trigger" achieve its consistently high rank on best games list for years. Old fans will relive what made this game so loved in the first place and new players will be awed at its complex story that rivals even today's new games. Each character has a compelling background story, different time periods have a fully fleshed-out world, and the outcomes of your meddling in time are explored in detail.

Fun Factor

Overall, "Chrono Trigger" is a fun game that is neither impossibly hard or ridiculously easy. The game also eliminates a major problem all RPGs face: re-playability. After investing so much time exhausting all the side quests and defeating the final boss, many players may be hesitant to restart the game.

But with "Chrono Trigger," you can play your same game file over and over again once you defeat the final boss. Called "New Game +," this option lets you can start from the game's beginning again on your finished file, but you get to keep all your stats, bonuses, and equipment. This feature also allows you to receive different endings based on what point in time you decide to defeat the final boss again (players can choose to fight it at almost any time during the game).

Conclusion

"Chrono Trigger" is a treat to play. Some long-time players may be perturbed at shelling out close to $40 for a game that doesn't have significant changes. But for those die-hard fans who want to replay the game or for new gamers who've never played it, "Chrono Trigger" is an excellent addition to your gaming library.

Price: $39.99