Spoiler Alert!
I am going to write about some interesting aspects of Chrono Trigger and why I love it so much. If you want to experience this game with no prior information, do not continue reading 😆!
I was first introduced to Chrono Trigger by my bf. He has played it 4 times and proclaimed that it is his favourite game! I can see why that is so now. Chrono Trigger is a Japanese created 2D RPG which features cute characters and a fabulous storyline. The graphics of this 16-bit game is beautiful and so retro. The soundtracks created wonderfully complements each theme in the game.
I started the game with no prior knowledge last year August but there were delays in between before I finally completed in March. The game could have been completed faster because it is really addictive when the story starts to unfold!
STORYLINE
The unique storyline is definitely the number one reason that I got hooked on to the game. It starts off with just Crono, the spiky-haired main character (who reminded me of Dragon ball), in the team. At the Millennial fair, he bumped into Marle, who turned out to be the princess. As they checked out the teleportation device created by Crono's friend, Lucca, Marle got sucked into the portal after it reacted with her pendant. Crono then went into the same portal in the attempt to save her new found friend. This is when I realized the surprising element of the game; TIME TRAVEL! The implementation of time travel in the game is so unique and adds a mysterious element as you move along with the narrative.
Traveling from the present (1000AD) to the past (600AD), Marle was found pretending to be the queen because the people mistook her identity. She is, after all, the descendant of the royal family. However, this spells big trouble if the real queen was not rescued because Marle would then not exist in the present. Together with Lucca, who created a gate key to travel through portals at will, and a frog knight, they formed a team to save the real Queen Leene.
Back to the present, things got really funny when Crono was captured for his crime of kidnapping the princess and he went through the trial. That's when I realized how I played my game had an impact on the trial verdict. Apparently, eating the chicken for HP would make Crono a thief, and more likely that he is guilty of his crime. Eventually, Crono escaped prison and together with Marle and Lucca, they entered another portal and arrived somewhere dilapidated and abandoned. Initially, I did not know the exact era until it was displayed on the map (2300AD). NO NO NO the future is a ruined piece of land?? This is the start of the big discovery about the truth.
From the future, Lucca repaired a robot and he became part of the team. When 4 characters travel through the portal, the path to End of Time opens! It is a peaceful place where time is endless. That is also where the characters got to learn MAGIC!
As you continue to play on according to the story, the team travels through other time and places. The Zeal Palace is an era when magic was created and let me tell you, it is an absolutely beautiful place on top of the world! Eventually, you would realize you have an ultimate mission in the game to save humanity. What would that be? Find out yourself 😃. This is also the reason why time travel can happen. Some parts of the story can be quite confusing but it would all fall in place soon.
To fulfill the final mission, the team needs to be strong so you have to continue to upgrade and level up. This is where the side quests can come into play. Each side quest is a small story that enhances the whole plot with more depth and meaning. Since it is free and easy here, it might be harder to figure out what to do (Hint: definitely need to Era-hop several times). But it is also the fun part when you have to think. What happens in the past would impact the future :). There are also interesting mini-games such as car racing with Johnny (2300AD) and drinking contest with Ayla (65 mil BC).
Items ~
Treasure chests are everywhere for you to open. Do also look out for twinkly blue stars to get special tabs which you can give to your characters for enhancement. Crono is more of a physical attack person, so you may give him all your power tabs.
The items in the chests include all the types of equipment which the characters may don to increase their power. Some special gears like the Gold Erng can increase health and the Gold Stud can cut down MP usage per attack! I especially love the reduced-MP-usage gear because I can then spam tech or magic attacks! There are also other potions and revival items to be collected for the final battle.
Other than the general wooden chests, there are some black chests along that way that are sealed with a mysterious force. Feels a little scary. It is really interesting when I found out why those chests are sealed close. You may find out why yourself as well!
As I am writing this, the Chrono Trigger playlist on Spotify is playing in my ears. It includes all the remixed versions of the original soundtrack and they are equally perfect.
This sums up all the elements that I liked about the game. It is basically everything - the visuals, the music, the narrative and how the game is supposed to be played. I do not have much experience with other RPG games but Chrono Trigger is a groundbreaking (and forever special) game for me. It has changed my view on games and makes me want to explore more of such games!
Pictures: Screenshots from the game
STORYLINE
The unique storyline is definitely the number one reason that I got hooked on to the game. It starts off with just Crono, the spiky-haired main character (who reminded me of Dragon ball), in the team. At the Millennial fair, he bumped into Marle, who turned out to be the princess. As they checked out the teleportation device created by Crono's friend, Lucca, Marle got sucked into the portal after it reacted with her pendant. Crono then went into the same portal in the attempt to save her new found friend. This is when I realized the surprising element of the game; TIME TRAVEL! The implementation of time travel in the game is so unique and adds a mysterious element as you move along with the narrative.
Back to the present, things got really funny when Crono was captured for his crime of kidnapping the princess and he went through the trial. That's when I realized how I played my game had an impact on the trial verdict. Apparently, eating the chicken for HP would make Crono a thief, and more likely that he is guilty of his crime. Eventually, Crono escaped prison and together with Marle and Lucca, they entered another portal and arrived somewhere dilapidated and abandoned. Initially, I did not know the exact era until it was displayed on the map (2300AD). NO NO NO the future is a ruined piece of land?? This is the start of the big discovery about the truth.
From the future, Lucca repaired a robot and he became part of the team. When 4 characters travel through the portal, the path to End of Time opens! It is a peaceful place where time is endless. That is also where the characters got to learn MAGIC!
As you continue to play on according to the story, the team travels through other time and places. The Zeal Palace is an era when magic was created and let me tell you, it is an absolutely beautiful place on top of the world! Eventually, you would realize you have an ultimate mission in the game to save humanity. What would that be? Find out yourself 😃. This is also the reason why time travel can happen. Some parts of the story can be quite confusing but it would all fall in place soon.
To fulfill the final mission, the team needs to be strong so you have to continue to upgrade and level up. This is where the side quests can come into play. Each side quest is a small story that enhances the whole plot with more depth and meaning. Since it is free and easy here, it might be harder to figure out what to do (Hint: definitely need to Era-hop several times). But it is also the fun part when you have to think. What happens in the past would impact the future :). There are also interesting mini-games such as car racing with Johnny (2300AD) and drinking contest with Ayla (65 mil BC).
Depending on how you play your game, you would have different endings! According to other online sources, there are 13 different endings! For first time players, I feel that it is better to fully explore the game before you check out how you can get those other endings. One of the endings - Beyond Time, has 5 different variations. I got the one called follow the cat and it is amusing.
GAMEPLAY
In RPG games, there are definitely different kinds of monsters. There's a mushroom monster named Hetake, as in you know, Shitake mushroom! By defeating monsters, you gain tech points and experience. You can choose to use general attack, techs or magic attacks. Tech includes different forms of technique attacks which utilize mana. Both magic and tech attacks are unlocked as you level up. The best part here is that the characters can combine their techs and formed a whole new level of attack.
Some attacks also allow damage on all surrounding monsters (saves time!), hence you can strategize on how to best defeat the enemies effectively while saving on mana. The monsters can move freely in a battle so the time of attack is also crucial for techs that hit monsters near to each other or in a row. Each character can only learn a specific element of magic. For Crono, he learns all lightning magic and I think it is quite linked to why he has sharp standing orange hair.
I also love how the characters have healing and revival skills. This is the reason I must have Marle in the team. At the final battle, my characters died several times due to my lousy gaming skills 😝. If it wasn't for the heal and life power, the game would have been tougher for me. Also due to my weak gaming skills, the option of "wait" battle mode makes it more manageable for me to plan and think of the next step of attack.
Monsters ~
There are no random encounters of monsters! Yay! That can be quite irritating, especially when you are trying to save on health potion and on the way to the inn to rest instead. Also, the monsters generally do not respawn. This is good for people like me who can be really confused about finding the way and ends up returning to the same places.
Some attacks also allow damage on all surrounding monsters (saves time!), hence you can strategize on how to best defeat the enemies effectively while saving on mana. The monsters can move freely in a battle so the time of attack is also crucial for techs that hit monsters near to each other or in a row. Each character can only learn a specific element of magic. For Crono, he learns all lightning magic and I think it is quite linked to why he has sharp standing orange hair.
I also love how the characters have healing and revival skills. This is the reason I must have Marle in the team. At the final battle, my characters died several times due to my lousy gaming skills 😝. If it wasn't for the heal and life power, the game would have been tougher for me. Also due to my weak gaming skills, the option of "wait" battle mode makes it more manageable for me to plan and think of the next step of attack.
Monsters ~
There are no random encounters of monsters! Yay! That can be quite irritating, especially when you are trying to save on health potion and on the way to the inn to rest instead. Also, the monsters generally do not respawn. This is good for people like me who can be really confused about finding the way and ends up returning to the same places.
Among the common monsters lie the big bosses. They are more difficult to defeat but each of them has their own weaknesses and strengths. For me, the fun part is really trying to figure out how to defeat a certain monster by trial and error. That is if you do not read the wiki for Chrono Trigger beforehand (the temptation is strong man). Here is where you may need to swap your characters for their unique
abilities to counter the different weaknesses of the bosses. I actually
did not realize that I can arrange my team anytime until the next half
of the game. One of the stupidest boss is Ozzie! It is a hilarious element of the story, and you get to meet him twice.
Items ~
Treasure chests are everywhere for you to open. Do also look out for twinkly blue stars to get special tabs which you can give to your characters for enhancement. Crono is more of a physical attack person, so you may give him all your power tabs.
The items in the chests include all the types of equipment which the characters may don to increase their power. Some special gears like the Gold Erng can increase health and the Gold Stud can cut down MP usage per attack! I especially love the reduced-MP-usage gear because I can then spam tech or magic attacks! There are also other potions and revival items to be collected for the final battle.
Other than the general wooden chests, there are some black chests along that way that are sealed with a mysterious force. Feels a little scary. It is really interesting when I found out why those chests are sealed close. You may find out why yourself as well!
MUSIC
The best soundtracks for a game are found here! Each track just fits perfectly to each theme. The upbeat tune of the battle theme songs really makes you more excited to fight those monsters.
The best soundtracks for a game are found here! Each track just fits perfectly to each theme. The upbeat tune of the battle theme songs really makes you more excited to fight those monsters.
In the midst of the game, I was amazed by this soundtrack which gives off a serene and blissful feeling! I went to youtube to search for Chrono Trigger songs and I found it; CORRIDORS OF TIME <3. Subsequently, I realized it is the theme song of Zeal Palace. Coupled with the beautiful visuals, I get immersed in the mesmerizing background music!
Pictures: Screenshots from the game
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