CHRONO TRIGGER®

Chrono Trigger is widely regarded as one of the greatest JRPGs ever made, praised for its engaging story, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics that still hold up decades later. The game features a unique time-travel plot, fast-paced turn-based combat, and multiple endings with a New Game+ system that adds replayability. Its art style, influenced by Akira Toriyama, and its iconic soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda receive high acclaim. Many players appreciate the game's balanced difficulty, lack of grinding, and well-paced story.

However, the Steam port has received mixed reviews. While some find it a convenient way to experience the classic with added features like cloud saves and widescreen support, others criticize technical issues such as crashes, input lag, and graphical inconsistencies. Some fans feel the HD graphics option and dialogue changes detract from the original experience. Despite these flaws, the core game remains beloved, and many recommend playing it, especially on sale or via original versions or other ports for a more polished experience.

Highlights

Players consistently praise Chrono Trigger's gameplay mechanics, highlighting its innovative turn-based combat that remains fun and engaging without excessive grinding. The storyline is celebrated for its compelling time-travel narrative and memorable characters, with emotional depth and multiple endings that encourage replay. The graphics, especially the original SNES-style visuals and Akira Toriyama's character designs, are admired for their timeless charm. Additionally, the soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda is frequently described as a masterpiece that enhances the overall experience. The New Game+ feature and quality-of-life improvements in some versions also receive positive mentions.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the Steam port's technical instability, including frequent crashes and input lag that disrupt gameplay. The HD graphics option is divisive, with some players disliking the blending of enhanced sprites with low-resolution backgrounds and the lack of proper filtering or integer scaling. Changes in dialogue and naming in this port have upset purists who prefer the original text. Controls without a gamepad are reported as suboptimal, and some players find pacing issues and occasional tedious segments. Many recommend alternative versions or emulation for a smoother, more authentic experience.