As a relatively primitive RPG, Chrono Trigger still manages to surpass the gameplay of most other games in the genre, even today. While Final Fantasy is famous for its elf-based random battles, Chrono Trigger relieves the tension of wandering seemingly sparse environments by giving the player greater control over the battles they fight. Most encounters can now be foreseen, although there are several ambushes that can't be prevented. Boo.

With a total party of seven characters, plus one hi ... more >>

As a relatively primitive RPG, Chrono Trigger still manages to surpass the gameplay of most other games in the genre, even today. While Final Fantasy is famous for its elf-based random battles, Chrono Trigger relieves the tension of wandering seemingly sparse environments by giving the player greater control over the battles they fight. Most encounters can now be foreseen, although there are several ambushes that can't be prevented. Boo.

With a total party of seven characters, plus one hidden, you can choose any three to participate in battles. Using a new Square technique called Techs, players can join forces in pairs or trios to unleash more devastating attacks upon the enemy. This works especially well against some of Chrono Trigger's many bosses. As long as you use your initiative and don't follow a wreckless course of action, you shouldn't have too much trouble progressing through the game.

Okay, the visuals aren't up to much in comparison to some games on more advanced platforms, but the top-down scrolling environments still boast significant detail. Other than that, there's really not much else to say, except that it's a Squaresoft classic. It's been re-released on PlayStation as part of the Chronicles onslaught from Square. All that's left to witness the Chrono touch is the Game Boy Advance. We can live in hope, can't we?
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