RSS
Home
Chrono Trigger DS review
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.jpg)
From the moment the pendulum swings back and forth, then the piano plays, and three notes of music play while the title is revealed, something magical is about to occur. That's how I felt playing Chrono Trigger back in 1995. Nearly 13 years later, those same feelings remain and isn't just nostalgia-this is truly a magical game ported to the DS, with only a few updates.
For the uninitated, this classic RPG combined the developmental talents of (then) Japanese powerhouses Square and Enix (they were once rivals). Together, they crafted a time-traveling story about six people banding together to prevent the world from suffering a dealy fate and a really unappealing future. One of the best things about the story were the characters and how they develop during the course of the game. The side characters have a lot of appeal as well. They grow to become a family and once you get to the end of the game, you'll feel a little sad that their time together ends.
As far as the gameplay goes, this is one of more easier RPGs anyone can pick up. The design of the game does a good job of pacing and explain what to do in each game. None of the puzzles are brain-scratchers and the battles are very simple enough to enjoy, yet challenging enough to never get bored of due to the tech system, which allows players to team up certain characters for attacks, which becomes a key battle tactic towards the second half of the game because the game does such a good job of gradually leaning players to using every aspect of the game.
The graphics and art style holds up pretty well as there seems to be only a minor touch-up on all the characters' sprites, which were full of detail back in 1995. In fact, everything that was great about Chrono Trigger back in 1995 is untouched. Especially the music, which is one of the more elegant and understated soundtracks I've heard in a game.
As far as the new stuff goes, its only two dungeons and a monster battle arena, which have no consequence on the game except for gathering items. They're not bad and it makes leveling up a whole lot more easier, but they're relatively inessential to the game's design.
In the end, Chrono Trigger for the DS is a must-buy because for gamers who have never played it, this is one of the best RPGs ever and for long-time fans, it isn't 70 dollars, it's easy to find without the help of eBay.
Grade: A
The good: Completely stellar design, music, characters, plot. The Bad: Meaningless new content. The Gamestop bonus CD: Actually worth listening to.
Publisher: Square Enix Developer: Square Enix/TOSE System: DS Available now.
Related Articles:
Comments
