I grew up playing video games, and Nintendo has always been my company of choice. But over the years I lost my enthusiasm for games. I just didn't have the time to waste playing a game that I could beat in a day and then never feel like playing again. But then, I stumbled across Chrono Trigger.

Chrono Trigger is an RPG in every sense of the term. Not only can you name every character of your team, but where you go and WHEN you go is completely up to you. Granted, there are some limits which force the storyline to progress forward, but does that really matter? After all, its the original and captivating storyline that keeps me playing.

You play as a boy from the year 1000 A.D., and while simply having a good time at the town's millennial festival, things suddenly take a turn for the worst as a young girl is pulled into a mysterious void that appeared right before your eyes. But being the upstanding young man you are, you enter the void after her. This is only the beginning in an adventure that spans eons. Playing as the boy you collect allies from different periods of time and strive to save the future from what seems like an unalterable doom during the fateful day of Lavos.

The game uses a semi-turn based battle system in which the characters are able to attack (use spells, items, etc.) as soon as their individual action bar fills up. Also, encountering monsters is not a random event. You can see them on the screen, and it isn't until you come into contact with one that you will engage in battle (the battle then consists of all the monsters that were on the screen at the time). Another fun aspect of the game is the ability of the characters to learn duo and trio attacks, which involve a specific set of two or three characters (you can only have three characters out at a time). Chrono Trigger has entertaining graphics (for Super Nintendo standards) and side games, as well as memorable characters and adventures. It's only one player, but well worth playing.

So, whether you're in the medieval, prehistoric, or far flung future, action and intrigue lurk around every corner. The game also has multiple endings depending on when you choose to face the day of Lavos. And once you finish one ending, you automatically start over (with your same items and stats) with another chance to change the ending. So, what does your future hold?


Recommended: Yes