Chrono Trigger
1999
- role-playing (rpg)
- action
- fantasy
- science fiction
- single player
The story
An enhanced port of Chrono Trigger that adds anime cutscenes and an exclusive Extras Mode. It is also known for having significantly longer load times in comparison to the original SNES version. Extras Mode is an option in the main menu that let players view cutscenes and artwork, listen to music, and view information about techs, enemies, bosses, endings, and item locations. It was first released for PlayStation in Japan before it came to North America as part of the Final Fantasy Chronicles compilation.
What it’s like
Warm pixel-art towns under bright daylight give way to glowing future cityscapes and moonlit ruins, and the 1999 PlayStation port keeps the SNES originals' sprites and painted backdrops intact while layering in anime cutscenes that arrive with soft cel shading and gentle, lingering camera moves. The soundtrack is the centerpiece: Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu's themes swell in bright, melodic phrases, with quieter piano-led passages in sleepy villages and eerie, wind-blown pads over dead landscapes. The vibe is nostalgic and wistful, a cozy adventure with a current of melancholy about time and loss, best suited to a long, unhurried evening or a comfort replay with a controller in hand. Pacing is brisk in battle and leisurely between towns, and load screens are noticeably longer than on the original cartridge, which is worth expecting. Violence is cartoonish and bloodless, with monsters dissolving into light; there is no gore, no sexual content, and little real menace beyond a few sombre story beats. The emotional arc follows a group of friends who grow closer across centuries, and the tone stays earnest and hopeful. It suits fans of classic Japanese RPGs who want gentle, low-gore fantasy with a sweeping score and a great deal of heart.
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