There are even elements of “choices matter” present in Chrono Trigger, which a lot of games back then did not (or could not) implement. They are not side quests that feel like filler tasks to make the game artificially longer.Īfter all, who could forget helping Frog avenge his lost brother, or acting as Lucca to change a critical moment from her childhood that had haunted her ever since? These stories tug at our heart strings and connect us even more to the characters we got to know throughout the main story. If these quests are completed, you learn valuable backstory about each character that helps to tie them to the main plot while simultaneously making them stronger for the final battle. Every party member has in-depth, optional side quests that develop their character and story. Chrono Trigger does not have this problem. Many SNES games released around the same time as Chrono Trigger had interesting characters with a lot of potential but did not explore them fully or give them enough depth. This allowed for a new experience during the next playthrough. You could start the game over and you would retain your party members, most equipment, and levels, meaning you would be stronger and could challenge Lavos earlier if you wished.
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There are a few endings that depend on how and when you decide to fight Lavos, but the majority of the endings can only be obtained after beginning again in New Game Plus mode.Ĭhrono Trigger wasn’t the very first game to have a New Game Plus mode, but its ideas for it were unique. However, not all of the endings can be reached during the first playthrough. While world-building is certainly one of Chrono Trigger’s strengths, it’s not what most sets it apart from other games released during the mid-90s.Ĭhrono Trigger is somewhat shorter of a game compared to other JRPGs, but that was likely by design the game features a whopping thirteen different endings, so the intention is to beat the game more than once. This was a difficult feeling to capture in the SNES days. Events in the past impact the future, which successfully connects these eras instead of making them feel separate and isolated. It feels as though the game pushed the SNES limitations to bring life (and sometimes desolation) to all of these areas.
Some of the time periods live in prosperity with advanced technology. As you travel between them, you learn how the world has changed over the course of human history, especially due to the effects of Lavos. in the future.Įach of these time periods are drastically distinct from each other. There are seven different eras that Crono and his friends travel to during their quest, ranging from 65,000,000 B.C. The world in Chrono Trigger feels much larger than it truly is due to the time travel mechanics. Crono is a silent protagonist, not unlike many other gaming heroes, which allows you to imprint yourself onto him and make it your story. The story is straightforward, but the way it unfolds throughout the journey makes you feel completely immersed and truly part of the quest.