Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger, released in 1995 for the SNES, is often regarded as one of the greatest role-playing games of all time. Developed by Square (now Square Enix), the game was the result of a dream collaboration (the "dream team") which included key figures like Yoshinori Kitase, Takashi Tokita, Hironobu Sakaguchi (creator of Final Fantasy), Yuji Horii (creator of Dragon Quest), and Akira Toriyama (famous for his work on Dragon Ball), who managed the character design. Yoshinori Kitase had previously directed Final Fantasy III, and this is very evident in the game.

The game set new standards for the RPG genre with its ambitious storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and striking visual style. One of the most impressive features was its use of the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, first introduced in the Final Fantasy series. In Chrono Trigger, the ATB system was refined and expanded: players could perform combination attacks (known as "Techs") where two or three characters could team up to unleash powerful moves depending on their abilities. This added a layer of strategic depth to battles, requiring careful planning and party management.

The gameplay revolves around time travel. Players explore various eras, ranging from prehistoric times to a post-apocalyptic future, and influence events across the timeline. Choices made in one era can affect the outcomes in another, leading to multiple endings — a revolutionary concept for the time. Unlike many RPGs where random battles interrupt exploration, Chrono Trigger allows players to see enemies on the screen and choose whether to engage, making the experience smoother and more immersive.

The story follows Crono, a silent protagonist, as he and his companions travel through time to prevent a global catastrophe caused by the alien creature Lavos. The cast of characters is diverse and memorable, including the energetic princess Marle, the brilliant inventor Lucca, the tragic knight Frog, and the mysterious Magus. Each character brings unique abilities and a rich backstory, enhancing the emotional depth of the game.

Technically, Chrono Trigger pushed the SNES hardware to its limits. The graphics are colorful and highly detailed, with expressive sprite animations and lush, imaginative backgrounds. It's really one of the best examples of pixel art you can find. Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu composed the soundtrack, delivering one of the most beloved and atmospheric musical scores in gaming history.

Comparisons to other RPGs of the time, especially the Final Fantasy series, are inevitable. While sharing the ATB roots, Chrono Trigger distinguished itself with its non-linear progression, multiple endings, and seamless battle integration. The innovations it introduced influenced not just later Square titles but also the broader RPG genre for years to come.

Chrono Trigger remains celebrated for its pioneering gameplay, emotionally resonant storytelling, and exceptional design. It remains a benchmark for quality in RPG development. Something you should try if you haven't played it already.