Let me start by saying that in my humble opinion, this is not only the
best RPG ever released for the Super NES, it is also the best RPG ever
released for ANY system. The premise of the story would be nearly
impossible to summarize in a small paragraph but I'll give it a shot.
You begin the game at the Millenia Fair. It is here where you are
transported in time through a portal opened by your friend Lucca. It is
there where you accidentally alter the course of events of time. Now you
must journey through time from period to period in an effort to try and
restore the events of time to their original state. Along the way you
will meet up with some strange characters some of whom will join you on
your quest to save the world from the destruction of Lavos.
Graphics [10/10]:
This game sports the best graphics of any SNES game. Hands down!
Everything is so bright and colorful. And the attention to detail in the
characters is astounding. Famed Dragonball Z artist Akira Toriyama
designed most of the characters from this game and it shows. And equally
impressive is the scene in which you warp through time. The tunnel you
travel through is a marvel to behold. And the unique thing about this
game is that every new area you travel to has a completely unique and
original look and feel to it. This really adds to the spaciousness of
the game's feel. Square really knew how to pull graphic and sound power
out of the SNES and this game is the pinnacle of that fact.
Music and Sound [10/10]:
Now here is where this game shines. If you thought the graphics were
impressive, you ain't seen, or shall I say heard, nothing yet! Until
this game I had never actually purchased a video game soundtrack but
this one made a believer out of me. There is a 3 CD soundtrack set
available that I reccomend to anyone. The music in each area, like the
graphics, has a unique and original feel and tempo to it. This really
compliments the areas and makes the game that much more engulfing. One
of my favorites is the song at the very beginning of the game when you
first wake up and venture out of Crono's house. Take my word for it this
is the best soundtrack of any video game I have ever played. Even better
than the very close second place winner FFIII.
Game Play [10/10]:
I have always leaned more towards the action style combat RPGs as a
whole but this is one turn-based RPG that changed my whole philosophy.
Not only does each character have a wealth of options but if you combine
the abilities and spells of each character together you get a super
spell called a "double or triple-tech". And as the enemies get tougher
you are going to find yourself using these more and more. I also loved
the quick and easy menu system. You even had a bar on the menu that
showed how much longer your character had to wait in order to have
his/her turn at attacking. The menu system is even better than the one
used in FF III (wow I can't believe I just said that. But it's true!)
Even those who are not real fans of turn-based RPGs will love this game.
Challenge and Replay [10/10]:
As with most Square games this one is far from easy. In fact it gets
downright tough in places. But it is a gradual challenge. And learning
new spells and picking up and purchasing more powerful weapons will help
ease the challenge a bit. And there are several different endings so
it's always fun to go back and play through the game again in an attempt
to get a better ending. Square really knew what they were doing with
this game and it shows. You'll keep coming back for more!
Conclusion/Overall [10/10]:
This is as close to perfect as any video game I have ever played. If I
were dumped on a deserted island and could only have one game system and
one game to play for the rest of eternity they would be the Super NES
and Chrono Trigger and I say that without any hesitation. "Is it really
that good?", you ask, "You better believe it...and then some!"
