Chrono Trigger

 DS
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 814 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 744 out of 814
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 814
  3. Negative: 46 out of 814
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  1. thealexmott
    Mar 26, 2017
    7
    I understand why this game would appeal to so many, but after 3 hours, I was ultimately bored with it. If you're REALLY into traditional RPGs, this will probably be worth visiting.
  2. tomasz009
    Nov 22, 2016
    10
    Incredible. No true fan of RPGs can avoid this game.

    What more can I say? It strikes the perfect balance between fun gameplay and a thoughtful, gripping story. Just look up Corridors of Time to see how well the mood is set in this game.

    No review can do it justice. Play it.
  3. Aldia
    Aug 20, 2016
    10
    Masterpiece! This game stands side by side with Final Fantasy VI as the greatest RPGs to date. Who would believe that we've already reached the peak of RPG genre 20 years ago with these two games.
  4. pg_x
    Aug 9, 2016
    10
    Chrono Trigger is love, Chrono Trigger is live... one of the best JRPGs of all time and pretty much my favorite classic. And the DS Port made it even greater!
  5. night4
    Apr 16, 2016
    10
    I'm biased because I grew up with this game, but it's friggin amazing. The music, characters, combat, etc are fantastic.

    The best thing is that you can combine abilities into dual or triple techs for greater effect. I'm not sure why more games don't have a system like this.
  6. Samfortal
    Jan 26, 2016
    10
    Amazing RPG. I never though the sound was important and I never cared, but when you start playing CT, The sound catch you and you keep playing its sounds in you phone. Parla!
  7. Super_Cloud
    Jan 1, 2016
    10
    Chrono trigger is one of the best game of all time! I played it so many time on snes and when the DS version came out it was a must buy, i think the DS version is the best version out there, the extra to an already legendary game was incredible! I just wish we could have explored 1999 AD in the DS version, it would have been so nice to have more story from that era, the ost is amazing justChrono trigger is one of the best game of all time! I played it so many time on snes and when the DS version came out it was a must buy, i think the DS version is the best version out there, the extra to an already legendary game was incredible! I just wish we could have explored 1999 AD in the DS version, it would have been so nice to have more story from that era, the ost is amazing just like the character from the game, truly one of the best game of all time!… Expand
  8. imnotyourguy
    Dec 30, 2015
    9
    Absolutely spectacular.This is an RPG where you don't need to grind,all the party characters are useful and all of them can do combination moves with each other,adding depth to the combat.Speaking of depth in combat,the special moves will hit enemies depending on where they are positioned.The story revolves around time travelling,but isn't a mess like in most cases.The characters are allAbsolutely spectacular.This is an RPG where you don't need to grind,all the party characters are useful and all of them can do combination moves with each other,adding depth to the combat.Speaking of depth in combat,the special moves will hit enemies depending on where they are positioned.The story revolves around time travelling,but isn't a mess like in most cases.The characters are all likable and memorable(except for the main protagonist,who is as likable as a genital wart).The music is awesome,and the in-game cutscenes(if you can even call them that),coupled with the said music,will give you goosebumps more than you'd expect.The boss battles are **** unbelievable.
    However,there's one thing that lowers this game to a 9:the final boss battle.It completely threw all of CT's best features out of the window.You'll see what I mean.
    In conclusion,this is a game you have to get without a question.Even if you're not into role-playing games,this game is something you'll never forget.    … Expand
  9. fernandinands
    Dec 20, 2015
    10
    The very best jRPG ever made. What make it rock is the simplicity of the story, the easiness of to play. Is a bit opposed of the big Operas "Golden Era jRPGs"(influenced by Final Fantasy) was.
  10. YorkMan
    Nov 24, 2015
    6
    Chrono Trigger (CT)has been somewhat placed on a pedestal since its original SNES release in 1995. As games go, it's very very good... But it's far from the '10/10' perfect score most people seem to be giving it on here.
    For it's time, the graphics/music/gameplay were top drawer and, as an old school gamer, I wouldn't consider them of utmost importance anyway. A decent RPG needs three    Chrono Trigger (CT)has been somewhat placed on a pedestal since its original SNES release in 1995. As games go, it's very very good... But it's far from the '10/10' perfect score most people seem to be giving it on here.
    For it's time, the graphics/music/gameplay were top drawer and, as an old school gamer, I wouldn't consider them of utmost importance anyway. A decent RPG needs three things...
    Decent characters, character development and an involving storyline. CT falls down on the first two, and because the storyline of the game isn't actually that long, it's all over far too quickly.
    It doesn't help that the game isn't that difficult either. The map system allows you to skip past most fights, and the one's your forced into can be overcome without much effort.
    Considering the number of much better games in the genre on the SNES, this is a game I would recommend you play, but it isn't one I'd suggest you develop any real expectations of.    … Expand
  11. danmfg
    Nov 21, 2015
    10
    Let me tell you all a funny story. The year was 2008, and all I wanted for my birthday was one game, a game that had just come out in November, a game I had specifically showed my mother to get, Kirby Super Star Ultra. I woke up early the morning of my birthday, saw a gift that was in the shape of a DS game case, and hastily I tore away the gift wrapping. Inside, wasn't the game I hadLet me tell you all a funny story. The year was 2008, and all I wanted for my birthday was one game, a game that had just come out in November, a game I had specifically showed my mother to get, Kirby Super Star Ultra. I woke up early the morning of my birthday, saw a gift that was in the shape of a DS game case, and hastily I tore away the gift wrapping. Inside, wasn't the game I had picked out. Instead, it was Chrono Trigger. In my mind, this was the best mistake my mom had made since I was conceived.

    Everything about Chrono Trigger is outstanding. The beginning opening with the festival is an example that shows most of what I mean. It teaches you about core game mechanics without seeming like a tutorial, it subtly constructs the world and the plot through every action you take, it endears the player to Marle which ensures that the player has a personal motivation for acting rather than just being told, "that's what your character would do," and does this all while being a lighthearted romp in a festival. It ensures that you feel invested before the story starts, and that once the story does start you will be ready. Furthermore, the hidden ramifications of your actions at the festival, and having no characters forcing Crono to do anything, highlight the influence that personal choices have in the narrative. The game is a seamless blend between the overarching plot and every action you take. Every main quest, every side quest, and every character decision is all part of accomplishing your main objective in the game. The characters all have distinctive personalities and unique movesets that mesh differently with everyone else, encouraging you to play with everyone, and endearing you to everyone.

    I could ramble on and on, but seeing all the other reviews it's unnecessary at this point. To summarize, Chrono Trigger is by far, the best JRPG, if not the best RPG, I've ever played.    … Expand
  12. Noalan
    Nov 18, 2015
    10
    As an RPG and JRPG fan, Chrono Trigger is my all time favorite game hands down. This game is a must play and it's art style hasn't aged at all, and looks better than some games coming out now.

    1. Chrono Trigger
    2. FF6
    3. FF7
    4. FF4
    5. Grandia 2
  13. Dilemma537
    Nov 4, 2015
    10
    Apparently some special kind of people are rating this game low because... no multiplayer? ...cuz u didn't like pixels and sprites? And get this, there's even someone complaining"we're being charged full price for a 15 port". You do realize that the SNES cartridge is worth hundreds right? If u mean the PS copy, have fun with those load times. Lol
    Now the review...
    The greatest game of    Apparently some special kind of people are rating this game low because... no multiplayer? ...cuz u didn't like pixels and sprites? And get this, there's even someone complaining"we're being charged full price for a 15 port". You do realize that the SNES cartridge is worth hundreds right? If u mean the PS copy, have fun with those load times. Lol
    Now the review...
    The greatest game of all time...NOW PORTABLE! How cool is that? Comes with extra features and even a new ending (and a few items) to discover that ties it to the sequel, Chrono Cross (even hinting at Guile in CC being Magus all along!) Not to mention some cool extra stuff. Id say that all it needed was updated HD graphics (similar to the Street Fighter II Turbo and Earthworm Jim HD remakes for PSN), but why bother to try to add more cards to the house of cards. Best leave a good thing be.
    Game play is fast to execute like the SNES version and even has the PS1 cutscemes. Truly a complete version. There has never been a JRPG as good since. This game (although short) is still my favorite game of all time.    … Expand
  14. RaptorX3
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    before i played this game i finished chrono cross and it was the best rpg i have ever played then i thougt maybe i should play this game but i was not sure cuz of old graphics old game i thought that i couldnt even play this but when i played this game it wasnt that bad even how old it is it was great to play this game nice story tho
  15. GrandMasterD
    Sep 25, 2015
    10
    The game was a 10 on the snes, on the ps1 it was better with the fmv cutscenes, but suffered from loading times, now we have the best version thus far on the Nintendo DS. The 3d remake would be nice if they ever put effort into that. You can't give this game a bad score, gameplay is great, the 16 bit graphics are great, and so is the story with multiple endings, and now even more contentThe game was a 10 on the snes, on the ps1 it was better with the fmv cutscenes, but suffered from loading times, now we have the best version thus far on the Nintendo DS. The 3d remake would be nice if they ever put effort into that. You can't give this game a bad score, gameplay is great, the 16 bit graphics are great, and so is the story with multiple endings, and now even more content on the DS. If you like RPG's this is the definitive. Square hit the nail on the head with this, and having Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball, Dragon Quest, etc.) design the characters could not have been a better choice.… Expand
  16. dhormone
    Aug 13, 2015
    7
    It's a fun, good game game and I'd recommend it to any JRPG fan, but there are some issues that a lot of people overlook. Mainly in character development or should I say lack of. Additionally the Story has some very weak points and is poorly executed in certain parts. Gameplay is pretty solid though, Decent battle system, great soundtrack(although there are a few weak tracks but overallIt's a fun, good game game and I'd recommend it to any JRPG fan, but there are some issues that a lot of people overlook. Mainly in character development or should I say lack of. Additionally the Story has some very weak points and is poorly executed in certain parts. Gameplay is pretty solid though, Decent battle system, great soundtrack(although there are a few weak tracks but overall its great) A game well worth playing!… Expand
  17. Signas501
    Mar 22, 2015
    10
    Released for the SNES, NES, PS3, and DS Chrono trigger follows a boy named crono, who travels through time with his allies Robo (Prometheus) Frog (Glenn) Marle (Nadia) Lucca, Ayla, and Magus (Janus) to stop a creature Lavos from destroying the world in the year 1999. to do so, they must embark on several dangerous quests, stopping dangerous beasts in their path, and changing history, noReleased for the SNES, NES, PS3, and DS Chrono trigger follows a boy named crono, who travels through time with his allies Robo (Prometheus) Frog (Glenn) Marle (Nadia) Lucca, Ayla, and Magus (Janus) to stop a creature Lavos from destroying the world in the year 1999. to do so, they must embark on several dangerous quests, stopping dangerous beasts in their path, and changing history, no matter what it takes to finally stop lavos.… Expand
  18. popop
    Oct 21, 2014
    10
    oh god i love this game its the fourth time and im still enjoying it gr8 story perfect character string with a attracting and glueing adventure once u start it you dont wanna end it
  19. Schrottplatz00
    Jul 23, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. MY SCORE: 9.6/10 (I round it on Metacritic)

    Almost 20 years later there's nothing much to say about this game that hasn't been said yet. One of my favourites. The amazing time-travelling themed plot drags you in and the smooth RPG gameplay makes it impossible to leave aside. A must have for anyone who like any kind of RPG gaming or any gamer at all. Epic story, awesome atmosphere and one of the best soundtracks ever made for videogames. Of course, being this game made in 1995 makes it obsolete, there's much more new and better graphics and also all kind of gameplay improvement, but the awesome characters, story, soundtrack and all that time-travelling (which I'm really fond of) cover up it's old age.

    I don't recommend this game for anyone that started playing videogames after 2005/2006, since people like this are hard to catch the feeling and the awesomeness of this game!    … Expand
  20. SaRDaNaPaLoS_QQ
    Jul 1, 2014
    10
    I really can't understand why someone would give this game below 10, it's a damn masterpiece, especially for RPG/jRPG fans. Sure, the graphics are outdated, but when did graphics became half of a game? Why would somebody give Chrono trigger a 4 just based on its graphics? Since when do people care anyway when browser, android and ever facebook games are some of the most popular out there?I really can't understand why someone would give this game below 10, it's a damn masterpiece, especially for RPG/jRPG fans. Sure, the graphics are outdated, but when did graphics became half of a game? Why would somebody give Chrono trigger a 4 just based on its graphics? Since when do people care anyway when browser, android and ever facebook games are some of the most popular out there? The deal is simple, Chrono trigger offers an amazing set of characters (both friendly and rivals), with constant and consistent character development till the end of the game. Hell even Townsfolk have storylines that you can explore VIA time travel. The world is absolutely HUGE and you can visit it in multiple time periods, which expand on it even more and you can instantly see the outcome of your actions. The story line to this game is great and fulfilling, leaving nothing to be desired, really. All the plot twists and the world secrets make you feel as if you're exploring yourself, making up some of the best immersion experiences I've ever felt in a video game.

    I could go on for ever, but games like this and system shock 2 etc compared to today's game industries, make me think what a friend of mine always claims. That video games have gone backwards since then.

    TL;DR : 10/10 would play again.    … Expand
  21. shinesprites
    Jun 3, 2014
    10
    Pros:
    -Good story line
    -Story makes sense
    -careful character design
    -RPG combat easy to learn
    -Puzzle in a solvable layout
    Cons:
    -Graphics (but can only do so much during the time)
    -May be confusing at certain areas
  22. Wolfie1987
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    Best Square RPG, best "New Game Plus" RPG, best time travel game, best replay value for a RPG, et cetera. Time-tested classic. You can play this masterpiece on SNES, PSX, & DS, the DS version is probably the best choice.
  23. rubanzomi
    Mar 13, 2014
    10
    This and Earthbound are the best RPG's of all time and this game should always be enjoyable to the player
    even if it does not have the same flashy graphics most games have today. This game deserves a 10/10 and I'm sure if you play it you will think so too.
  24. archonome
    Feb 19, 2014
    10
    Hands down the best RPG game I have ever played in MY LIFE... It was 1995-1996... I was completely obsessed by this game, it would literally make me Nostalgic beyond words when I played.
    Everything about it, the music is beyond legendary, the storyline is absolutely describable good... I cannot explain how this game transports you to another world... Seriously! Please believe the    Hands down the best RPG game I have ever played in MY LIFE... It was 1995-1996... I was completely obsessed by this game, it would literally make me Nostalgic beyond words when I played.
    Everything about it, the music is beyond legendary, the storyline is absolutely describable good... I cannot explain how this game transports you to another world... Seriously! Please believe the ratings, there is NO comparable game out there....NONE , not even FF7.

    I am an old school gamer, I dislike the current trend of dumb down games and I must tell you I would NEVER give a game a 10/10.......EVER.
    This game is justified 10/10. There is no arguing in my mind about it.

    If they revamped the graphics for PS3-PS4 and charged 100$, I would buy it all over again.    … Expand
  25. Kakashi2
    Feb 15, 2014
    7
    When this game came out on the SNES I would have given it a 10. When it was released on the Playstation I would have still given it a 10. I even had fun playing this as a rom and as an iso. To me this is the fifth installment of this game. I like this game, but I would have liked some new features to be added. I also heard Chrono Break was cancelled because this game didn't sell well.When this game came out on the SNES I would have given it a 10. When it was released on the Playstation I would have still given it a 10. I even had fun playing this as a rom and as an iso. To me this is the fifth installment of this game. I like this game, but I would have liked some new features to be added. I also heard Chrono Break was cancelled because this game didn't sell well. Really? Does SquareEnix really expect a game that has been rereleased so many times to sell well? SquareEnix seems to rely on Squaresoft's accomplishments while failing to succeed on their own. I wish Squaresoft still existed.… Expand
  26. rhaynes7
    Feb 11, 2014
    10
    I'm usually not a fan of Japanese RPGs. My experience with them is fairly limited. In fact, I received it as a surprise gift. I knew it was considered to be one of the best, but the genre had always intimidated me, and I was reluctant to play it.

    However, once I finally set down to play it, I became engrossed with the games battle system and story. The battle system is unique in    I'm usually not a fan of Japanese RPGs. My experience with them is fairly limited. In fact, I received it as a surprise gift. I knew it was considered to be one of the best, but the genre had always intimidated me, and I was reluctant to play it.

    However, once I finally set down to play it, I became engrossed with the games battle system and story. The battle system is unique in that time is continuously flowing. It's not turn-based, but rather actions are made based on speed and how quick you think. Sometimes, you'll need the fast paced movements, and other times, there's an advantage for waiting on your opponent. With character combos and other combat moves, this system is complex, and you'll always find new ways to play with the games great cast.

    The games hilarious and often moving story also grabbed my attention. Early in the game, you participate in a festival, and some of the actions you take in the festival will come back to get you in a trial when you're falsely accused of stealing the nation's princess. Time travel intertwines the whole story in an intelligent way, and provided many excellent locales. The story is like none I had ever experienced, and I was enthralled from start to finish.

    The music is also quite enjoyable and aids in the action, particularly facing the dark mage, hearing the wind blow and the maniac screams of laughter. It's still eerie and effective, despite the age this game has.

    I'm glad I got this surprise. It's now one of my all-time favorite games, and one that I would recommend to anyone who might be curious about fantasy RPGs such as this.    … Expand
  27. spi280
    Jan 31, 2014
    10
    one of my favourite games ever. an excellent fantasy storyline that uses time travel and doesn't screw it up. tons of endings, great music and some great sprites, this is a game that i absolutely love.
  28. FabbGuy
    Jan 20, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I first thought this game was bad I never liked rpg game but when my I played this game it was fantastic it had a amazing story, amazing characters, this is by far the best Turn Base RPG game! In general the best rpg of all time.… Expand
  29. artorras
    Jan 3, 2014
    10
    One of the best games I ever played and definitely my favorite RPG game. Phenomenal soundtrack, dynamic and innovative gameplay, fantastic storytelling, stunning graphics (for the time of course ^ ^), and an engaging and wonderful story, not to mention the more than 10 possible endings that the game offers. With a legend of graphic animations (Akira Toriyama), two geniuses of theOne of the best games I ever played and definitely my favorite RPG game. Phenomenal soundtrack, dynamic and innovative gameplay, fantastic storytelling, stunning graphics (for the time of course ^ ^), and an engaging and wonderful story, not to mention the more than 10 possible endings that the game offers. With a legend of graphic animations (Akira Toriyama), two geniuses of the soundtracks (Nobuo Uematsu and Yasunori Mitsuda), plus the Director of Dragon Quest series (Yuji Horii) and the producer of Final Fantasy series (Hironobu Sakaguchi). I do not have the RIGHT to give a lower rating than 10/10 for Chrono Trigger. PS: Each has their own opinion, feel free to disagree with me. ^ ^… Expand
  30. inevitabilities
    Dec 25, 2013
    10
    Simply one of the best video games ever created. ALL aspects of this game are amazing. Anyone who is capable of playing a video game should play this. So good.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best DS Game of 2008
1
#1 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
1
#1 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. GamePro
    100
    Regardless of whether you played it already or are new to the series, you owe it to yourself to check out this amazing title. [Dec 2008, p.97]
  2. Nintendo Power
    90
    Despite my criticisms, Chrono Trigger is an amazing adventure and a required purchase for ardent fans and anyone who's never played the game before. [Holiday 2008, p.82]
  3. IGN
    88
    The game is virtually unchanged in its core, having a new script re-write, but retaining the visuals, music, character designs, interface styles, and options of the source material. At the same time, Square Enix also ensures that this is the definitive version of Chrono Trigger out there, as the game comes complete with every option you could ever want for touch vs. button control, two or single screen display, or game pacing and difficulty.
    Read full review
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