Chrono Trigger
Only by mastering time itself do you stand a chance against Lavos.Genre: rpg - japanese
Publisher: Squaresoft
Year: 1995
System: SNES
Gameplay Score: 5
Gameplay Notes:
Battle system is special. There's an optional Active Battle System and an innovative Single and Team techniques system. No grinding necessary. An assortment of sidequests and minigames like the actions you take at the Millennial Fair which influence how the trial plays out. One thing that I greatly appreciate is that you are never alone in a one-character party. You are joined by 3 other playable characters within the first hour of play. Being able to switch your party members on the fly is also a welcome quality of life feature. No random battles. The Game+ feature! What an awesome concept. In most RPGs there's rarely a reason to play it again. In fact, the necessary grinding is a massive barrier to playing it again. This game solves that by giving you true incentive to play again and again.
Level Design Score: 5
Level Design Notes:
An incredible assortment of scenarios. This might be the only RPG with hub world (The End of Time) from which you can travel anywhere in time and space. About halfway through it even becomes an open world game once you get the Epoch. The time travel mechanic makes for fascinating situations like the Mystics in 1000AD Medina Village being nice to humans after defeating Ozzie in the 600AD.
Theme Score: 5
Theme Notes:
Easily the most engaging plot and characters in an RPG. Each playable character and even a number of recurring enemies has a satisfying story arch. The game has 13 endings and it's fun to use Game+ to check each one of them out.
Art Style Score: 5
Art Style Notes:
Some of the best sprite work on the SNES. The character models are all excellent and give each character a unique and unmistakable look and feel. Marle looks weak while shooting her crossbow compared to Ayla's vicious melee attacks while Marle also looks positively demure while casting her Heal magic, whereas Ayla is downright cheeky administering a health-restoring Kiss. Each character has their own means of accomplishing similar tasks.
Audio Score: 5
Audio Notes:
The BEST soundtrack on the SNES. Bar none. Well, ok Final Fantasy VI might have an argument, but this game has an unbelievable OST. The music tracks are unique, varied, and incredibly long compositions. These are full songs and not just 10 seconds which loop, like so many songs of this era.
Overall Score: 100
Review ID: 109
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