A Timeless Masterpiece of RPG Design

Released by Square in 1995 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Chrono Trigger is widely regarded as one of the greatest role-playing games (RPGs) of all time. Developed by a “dream team” of Japanese game designers—Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy), Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest), and Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball)—the game pushed the boundaries of what an RPG could offer in terms of narrative depth, gameplay innovation, and emotional resonance.

Epic Story Across Time

At its heart, Chrono Trigger tells the story of Crono, a silent protagonist who, through a twist of fate, is thrust into an adventure that spans the entirety of human history—from prehistoric times and the Middle Ages to a post-apocalyptic future and beyond. The game’s time-travel mechanic is more than just a narrative gimmick—it’s intricately tied to the world design, quests, and characters.

Players experience firsthand how actions in one era can influence events centuries later, making the timeline feel alive and reactive. With multiple endings—over a dozen in total—Chrono Trigger was one of the first games to truly reward player choice and exploration.

Battle System and Innovations

Chrono Trigger’s Active Time Battle 2.0 system refined what Square had introduced in earlier Final Fantasy titles. Characters share turn meters, and strategic planning becomes key—especially with the introduction of combo techniques. These “Dual Techs” and “Triple Techs” allow party members to combine attacks for devastating results.

Another innovation was the absence of random encounters. Enemies appear visibly on the map, and battles transition seamlessly without screen fades—an RPG rarity at the time. This made exploration smoother and kept the pace brisk.

Characters and Worldbuilding

The game features a memorable cast of characters, each with their own backstory, motivations, and personal stakes in the time-spanning conflict. From the loyal frog knight Glenn to the mysterious Magus, every party member brings emotional weight and gameplay variety.

Toriyama’s distinctive art style shines throughout, bringing life to the lush environments, unique NPCs, and expressive sprite animations. Combined with Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu’s iconic soundtrack—filled with emotional themes and stirring battle music—the world of Chrono Trigger feels both fantastical and deeply human.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Chrono Trigger set a new gold standard for RPGs in terms of narrative branching, visual polish, and emotional storytelling. It inspired generations of developers and remains a benchmark for how to build an engaging, time-spanning story. Re-releases on multiple platforms—from the PlayStation to mobile devices—have ensured new generations of players continue to discover its magic.

Whether you’re traveling to the Day of Lavos or saving a princess from a wormhole in time, Chrono Trigger is a journey you’ll never forget.

Price: £12

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