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Chrono Trigger

EMAIL PRINT ds

8.6 User Score:

Universal acclaim

Based on 56 critic reviews
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Based on 77 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Square Enix

Developer: Square Enix

Genre(s): Role-Playing Game

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older)

Release Date: November 24, 2008

Summary

[Metacritic's 2008 DS Game of the Year] When a newly developed teleportation device malfunctions at the Millennial Fair, young Crono must travel through time to rescue his unfortunate companion from an intricate web of past and present perils. The swashbuckling adventure that ensues soon unveils an evil force set to destroy the world, triggering Crono's race against time to change the course of history and bring about a brighter future. Features an engaging and unparalleled storyline, leading to the discovery of multiple epic conclusions to a journey that transcends time. An inspiring musical score created by Yasunori Mitsuda. Intriguing battle system made possible by the unique combination of the Active Time Battle system and Tech skills. Famed character designer Akira Toriyama lends his signature art style to create the vibrant world that has captivated gamers around the world. Taking advantage of the Nintendo DS hardware, CHRONO TRIGGER makes its way onto the portable platform with all-new dual screen presentation and Touch-Screen functionality. A brand new dungeon and a Wireless Play mode adds exciting new dimensions to this timeless classic. [Square Enix]

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

GamePro

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]

100

Games Radar (in-house)

We would normally hesitate to give any rerelease such a high score, but this is the ultimate edition of a true classic.

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100

1UP

For fans, the reason to pick up Chrono Trigger is simply because it's available, intact, and enhanced. For newcomers, it's because the game has easily withstood the test of time.

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100

G4 TV

This is a genuine classic, and portability just makes it that much better.

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100

Eurogamer

Chrono Trigger is a masterclass in RPG design, its execution so far beyond the quality and poise of contemporary JRPGs it's embarrassing. It represents the work of a company at the very top of its field, a team of designers so confident with the rules that they helped establish that they felt free to subvert and invert them to glorious effect.

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100

GameShark

It prides itself on being undyingly faithful to its source material; opting to create the ultimate edition of this must-own title with additions that never distract from the innovations that made the game a classic in the first place.

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100

Gaming Age

If you've never played Chrono Trigger, then this is the version to get. The port is great, it looks really solid on the DS, runs fine, and everything is intact.

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100

Cubed3

Regardless of whether or not you have played Chrono Trigger before, the DS remake is an absolute must-own for any RPG fan and is easily one of the year’s best releases.

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100

Zentendo

Chrono Trigger is one of the most charming, endearing, and most fun role playing games I have ever had the pleasure of playing.

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100

Gaming Nexus

Regardless of whether you missed it the first time or not, Chrono Trigger is a must-own game!

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100

DarkZero

On the whole, the game is still full of fantastic little touches that you can’t help but love, all presented and executed in a simply timeless fashion. You can’t ask much more than that.

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100

Eurogamer Portugal

Chrono Trigger has always been known for being one of the best in the genre. Plenty of reasons for that. This is the first legit opportunity for European gamers to try this classic, and the score is justified.

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100

D+PAD Magazine

Never mind videogaming, Chrono Trigger is one of the great recent examples of storytelling in any medium. In short, it's everything role-playing games are meant to be, sucking you into a unique world until your identification with the game is inseparable from the characters and their goals.

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100

BigPond GameArena

A near flawless epic.

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Worth Playing

Easily one of the best video games I've played in the recent past, and I've played quite a few of them. Whether or not you're a fan of consoled-based role-playing games, you owe it to yourself to try this one; it might just change your opinion of them.

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HellBored

From a gaming era that you would think was long forgotten comes a remake of one of the best RPG games ever to be released, now available on the DS, and a must play.

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RPG Fan

While the DS can do more than the SNES could almost 15 years ago, this version of Chrono Trigger is definitively basic and could keep you entertained forever.

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Vandal Online

Ultimately, Chrono Trigger is a good classic, as enjoyable today as it was years ago. It has not aged badly, and in fact, it can bring some new fresh features to players who didn't know it, in spite of the later titles they might have played.

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Cheat Code Central

I could not be more pleased with this rerelease, and I certainly applaud Square Enix for rewarding their longtime fans with such a classic title on a current system. However, this game is not just for longtime fans, and if you have never been able to experience Chrono Trigger, the DS provides the perfect vehicle to do so.

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Official Nintendo Magazine UK

As a remake this is recommended, but as it's a 'new' game in the UK it's essential. [Feb 2009, p.76]

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GamingTrend

If you've played CT before and never "got it," or if you've avoided it for whatever reason, now's your chance to give it the shot it deserves. It will be well worth your time.

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Gamer 2.0

It is definitely the most engaging RPG experience you’ll find on the DS and will continue to be played and praised.

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GameFocus

You don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars for a US SNES version on eBay, import a Super Famicom and game from Japan or play the weaker PSOne version. This game is not only one of the best games ever made, but one of the best DS games available right now that every DS and RPG fan should have in their collection.

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IGN AU

Chrono Trigger DS is a faithful port of the wonderful original, with subtle improvements to the script and a little extra gameplay. If the very, very minor sound issues, or the moderately-retro graphics don't bother you, then is a must-own, especially if you've never played it before.

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Gamestyle

It gets better as it goes, and perhaps even better with age, and still puts most other RPGs to shame.

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SpazioGames

Although 15 years have passed since its first publishing, Chrono Trigger is back on Nintendo DS with a devastating energy. Thanks to great graphics and design by Akira Toriyama the game delivers a great role playing experience. The narrative structure is deep and builds around fascinating characters, leading the player to thirteen different finales. A must-buy for every DS owner and role playing fan.

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Game Positive

Sticklers for plot and veterans who are only searching for something new in their old favorite may be disappointed, but for everyone else, Chrono Trigger has aged well.

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GameSpy

Chrono Trigger is one of the best examples of what the Japanese RPG experience can offer. Its gameplay feels more unique and inviting to those who aren't enamored with selecting boring attack commands for their static sprites to follow.

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NintendoWorldReport

Regardless of price or underwhelming extra features, this is an excellent and authentic port of my personal favorite game of all time, and one I would recommend to virtually anyone. If you can read, you should play Chrono Trigger, and the new DS version is an accessible way to do that.

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Kombo

Consider this one highly recommended. Chrono Trigger does not disappoint.

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Gamervision

Chrono Trigger DS is a remake done right, and both longtime fans and new players should pick it up.

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Pocket Gamer UK

Few games stand the test of time like Chrono Trigger. A role-playing classic, it's one of the very best the genre has to offer.

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Nintendo Power

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]

Game Informer

It's a true classic, and playing it should be a government-mandated rite of passage for any role-playing fan. [Dec 2008, p.130]

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Level7.nu

One of the best roleplaying adventures ever made is revived for the Nintendo DS, and it's as fantastic as it ever was. Despite being 14 years old this game still manages to wipe the floor with most games released in it's wake. Design, script, sound, characters, the time traveling mechanic and a number of other features are simply so ingenious that more than a decade of subsequent games has seen few titles to rival this experience.

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AceGamez

Despite a few minor quibbles, Chrono Trigger is a triumph; there's a new dungeon to explore for those who are looking for something new and for those who've never played the game, or who've forgotten just how incredible it is, there's a whole world to save and a whole history to rewrite as you see fit.

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Gamer.nl

Chrono Trigger hasn't lost its magic in 2009. The combat system is unique and effective, the story and its characters impressive and even the looks and sound of the game are more than you could wish for. It the end it was worth waiting for a European version.

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VideoGamer

Chrono Trigger is brilliant for loads of reasons: the unobtrusive combat, the time-traveling plot, the incredible character design, the entrancing music, but what impresses most is how great it plays despite the fact it's 14 years old. It feels fresh, vibrant and innovative.

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RPGamer

Chrono Trigger DS truly stands the test of time. From the distinct 2D visuals, to the wonderful score, to the singular characters, to the unique take on a well-known battle system, everything was done exquisitely in the 90s, and it is all there and just as fun today.

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N-Europe

Chrono Trigger achieves a level of quality that most games today still haven't achieved, and it's a perfect example of balanced game design.

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LEVEL (Czech Republic)

Time-proved game shows its quality in the world of next-gen graphics. Chrono Trigger is one of the best RPGs in history and DS version allows European players to enjoy it for the very first time. [Feb 2009]

Cynamite

Chrono Trigger rightfully climbs to the olymp of roleplaying games. Charming graphics, great story and a neat combat system make this classic an instant hit on the NDS!

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Pelit (Finland)

Chrono Trigger is a timeless classic. The game's first European release was long overdue but it isn't too late even after 14 years. Of course the game can't deliver the same impact as it did back in the day but there's still a lot to love. [Mar 2009]

Gamers.at

Chrono Trigger is simply brilliant and an absolute must-have for any RPG-Fan – but everyone else should also take a closer look despite the simple 2D-graphics and the lack of a German translation.

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IGN

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.

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GameZone

The must-have DS RPG you've like already played through, Chrono Trigger is a thoroughly entertaining game with a lengthy quest, an excellent combat system, an unforgettable soundtrack, likable characters and so much more.

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NGamer UK

Not as perfect as grandad remembers, but its design quirks fade under an onslaught of unrelenting brilliance. [Mar 2009, p.68]

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Games Master UK

Up there with the DS's best. Fast-forward to 7 February and pick this up yesterday. [Feb 2009, p.77]

GameSpot

This perennial time-travel adventure is worth falling in love with all over again.

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PALGN

Taken off its pedestal and with all the hype and expectation dusted away, Chrono Trigger provides one of the most unique and entertaining adventures available on the DS.

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Everyeye.it

Chrono Trigger was and still is a "must have" for RPG lovers. And not only for the historical importance of the game, but because even today, after fourteen years from the first release, there are few Jrpg that can compete against the Square-Enix title for the supremacy regarding plot, screenplay, character charisma and emotive impact. Anyway, to fully appreciate this game, the player have to ignore an evident technical backwardness, that the porting have not wiped out.

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Multiplayer.it

Chrono Trigger is still today a masterpiece just like in '96 but the weak port made by Square Enix, especially compared with others efforts on DS from the company, left us a bit disappointed.

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InsideGamer.nl

As a devote Chrono Trigger fan myself I have to admit that Chrono Trigger DS could have used some more improvements than just some touchscreen controls, an extra dungeon and a monster battle system. Still, this remains one of the best games ever made, and newcomers to the game should definitely pick it up right away. The way the compelling story, interesting characters, inspiring music and great gameplay are combined into one game, is something that RPGs to date haven't easily surpassed.

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3DJuegos

Chrono Trigger was one of the best SNES videogames. Its compelling storyline, cared finish and contribution to the RPG genre is unquestionable. Yeah, this Nintendo DS version is more a nostalgic cry than a try to create a real remake, but if you are a loyal time traveler, there isn't a turn back: you must take this game.

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Teletext GameCentral

The classic 1995 role-player is finally released in Europe and it's almost sad how fresh it still feels.

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Thunderbolt

Chrono Trigger is worth travelling back in time for again and again.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.6 (out of 10) based on 77 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Dave H gave it a9:
I enjoyed playing the original Chrono Trigger years ago and was satisfied with the port to the DS. It's the same great story as the original with a few tweaks to the dialogue. The combat is the same as the original with a few abilities renamed. I disagree with anyone who says the combat is boring because when the game was created the combat was fast paced and blew Final Fantasy titles for the SNES out of the water. Also, don't be misled by people saying it's the same game. Even though the extras were noticeably removed from normal game play and seemed like the grindfest of an MMO, in the end they did provide connections between this game and the sequel. I highly recommend fans who have played the original and Chrono Cross to invest into buying the game as well as people new to the series.

Evin J gave it a9:
A great game, by all means. I haven't played the original, so I can't compare the two, but the game is amazing for the DS. The graphics, though aged, still appear new and fresh on the handheld system, and the music immerses you in a whole new level. FIghting is fun and interesting, but one thing that disappointed me was the repetition. Combat against regular enemies is as simple as mashing the 'A' button to attack, and does not get very complicated unless you are fighting bosses. The game makes great usage of side quests, and before finishing the game, you can take on a load of other small quests. Another feature Chrono Trigger offers is the Pet Arena, a fun feature that has no effect on your actual game. You get a pet, teach it attacks, let it evolve, similar to Pokemon, and duel it out with the computer. Another thing Chrono Trigger seems to lack in is the multiplayer function. It lacks something like a co-op storyline, which would be a fun addition, but nevertheless, this game is definitely one of my favorite.

Chrono T gave it a10:
This is my favorite game if u dont trust me on this being one of the top 10 games of all time then take it from these pple: Game Pro - 5/5 Eurogamer - 10/10 Nintendo Power - 5th best game ever Dengeki - 8th best game ever 2nd place IGN top 100 list 2006/2008 2nd place gamefaqs tpo game 2007 3rd place gamefaqs top game 2004 4th place IGN top 100 2002/2003 5th place gamespot.com top game (they only have one list total) 6th place IGN top 100 2005 28th on Famitsu by writers but by readers 5th ever (famitsu is the biggest game magazine - JPNESE) best ds game from gamefaqs.com ALSO BEST MUSIC OF ANY GAME - UNIVERSAL AGREEMENT!

Paolo J gave it a10:
Well, like many others, I picked up this game because I missed it the first time, and heard it was stupendous and magical ...And they were very much correct;well, to me at least. Chrono Trigger has aged well, and holds up even to today's best titles. I love how Chrono Trigger has a focus on exploration. There are caves, forests and castles to be explored in the different time eras of Chrono Trigger. You may explore the Dark Ages, the Future and Prehistoric eras, with a few other eras in between. Throw in some hidden items, secrets, and treasures for motivation, and you've got an amazing exploration experience. Chrono Trigger has some action too, to add some excitement to your adventurous mind. There are no random encounters, and the battle system is deep, but easy to get into. If you're familiar with the Final Fantasy series, Chrono Trigger will feel very familiar to you. CT runs utilizes a modified version of the ATB. You'll encounter ghouls and goblins, robots and mutants, dinosaurs and knights and many more. The boss fights are enjoyable and exciting, and the more important boss fights are just plain epic. Three of my favorite boss fights ever happen in this game. The music in CT is just phenomenal. There are many different tunes to fit the mood. They give each time era a different vibe, and represents them well. The background music is memorable and catchy, while the battle themes set you up for a huge climactic fight. Listen to a few tunes on Youtube or something, I'm sure you'll be impressed. Chrono Trigger's soundtrack is what they make it out to be, it's fantastic. This game is old, and the graphics are certainly showing their age. They still look good though; it's certainly one of the prettier DS games. Chrono Trigger was a technical masterpiece during it's time... but is still an amazing artistic piece today. The different time periods look great, and it's easy to tell one from the other, and the locales you'll visit are just beautiful. Those with a strong imagination could probably image themselves in these epic landscapes. The characters in CT are colorful, and give off an indescribable charm. The characters just somehow make you feel younger. I don't know how, but they do. Each character has a distinct personality, and have an interesting past to uncover. My favorite character is Frog, a loyal knight to the Kingdom of Guardia. Chrono Trigger has a now very overused story, but it's still very interesting today, because of it's unique method of story telling; time travel. Each era is different and have many different problems to solve, but they all connect at one point. Each era is like a puzzle piece; you'll have to fit them together to find the big image. There are only two things I disliked in the game. Number one, the easy-ish difficulty, and number two, the the bland and repetitive extras introduced in this port. In conclusion, you must play Chrono Trigger. It's an amazing RPG, and is widely considered to be one of the best games ever. It's one of the best games I've played, and has taken top spot for favorite RPG. There's a good chance for it to become one of yours. 10/10 Recommended 110%. Note: Chrono Trigger is without a doubt one of the best games I've played, but don't let that boost your expectations to ridiculous heights. Come into the game with lower, more realistic expectations, so there's a good chance of having zero disappointments. That said, enjoy the game.

Ben R. gave it a9:
Chrono Trigger is one of THE best RPG games I've played on D.S since Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. The storyline is great and some of the monsters are just plain weird! I think the graphics could be a bit better and the monsters could be a bit harder. Overall, I think Chrono Trigger is one of the best RPGs EVER!!!!!!!

Xiru gave it an8:
Don't get me wrong, this game is awesome. I mean, it's Chrono Trigger. As a port, however, it's decent at best. I personally only found the new screen layout and the touch menu buttons to be useful. The new side-quests were only a bunch of dungeon crawling sessions (without the plot elements which made the original dungeon crawling sessions good), while the new touch control scheme was atrociously bad. If you love RPGs and never played this game before, buy it. If you played it before, buy it because it's friggin' handheld Chrono Trigger. But don't expect to be amazed by the new content.

ed f gave it a4:
I LOVE role playing games and before this had a blast with dragon quest. This one is EXTREMELY boring and hard to navigate. The graphics are so pixelated it's hard to tell what is a treasure chest, or a road, or a person. Everything is REALLY tiny and difficult to view, and I find the game play really boring, and the battles even more so.

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Chrono Trigger

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