And in a way, I have to agree. There are many video games that get published each year, especially now that gaming has become mainstream. In my opinion, it is difficult to find a game these days that proves to be fun to play, as well as compelling and enjoyable. Metal Gear Solid, FFVII, and a few others have come out in the past 8 years to fill that gap. However, a decade ago, a game came out that had all of the essential ingredients to make a truly good game.
That game was ChronoTrigger.
To run it by with few spoilers, the game begins in a typical fantasy/RPG setting - boy lives in machine-less environment, has friends in small town, and wields sword. However, after a few early turns of events, he is whisked away to an environment similar, yet very different to his own (400 years in the past). What starts out as a "boy meets girl. boy goes back in time. boy saves girl." story soon evolves into much more, as they realize that their fantastical romp was merely the beginning. Now, instead of saving the cutie, the boy is forced to save the world. He isn't doing it on his own, however - he has friends to help him from all over the time-stream. A cave-woman, a malfunctioning robot, and even an old nemesis aid our hero as they fight the greatest battle of all times.
The graphics, with character design by manga/anime favorite Akira Toriyama (think Dr. Slump,SandLand, or the over-marketed DragonBall), are nice in this era, and were on the higher end of 2-D in 1995. From the evil Magus to the almost-too-cute-to-kill Imps that run rampant, the graphics echo the game's varied personality. Perhaps my favorite part of the game was its music. Composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, it is perhaps one of the most memorable game soundtracks ever. I often find myself singing themes from the game in my head (or out loud), although I haven't played it or listened to the soundtrack for at least two years. The sound effects are appropriate, nothing too great, but nothing too disgusting either.
The game has more replay value than a Free-Play DDR machine. Unlike all RPGs before it, where once you beat the game, the only option was to start over. Not so here. Instead, the "New Game+" option was invented. You start the game over, but every character's stats are as you had them at the end of the game. Instead of having difficulty destroying two Imps, you slaughter much of the enemies with the single goal of seeing more of the story. There is a new portal that lets you face the final boss at any point in the game, and at different points will get you different endings, from the plot-heavy to the hilarious. I have personally gotten all but two, and have loved all of them. There are also a plethora of side-quests once you are halfway through the game. After a certain point, you can go straight after the final boss, or you can do a side-quest involving each character. These can be simple tasks or heated battles. The option for all of them makes the game very appealing.
That was a lot of review, and most mindless rambling. I hope you can see that, if you can find a copy, this game is truly great. It is a title that you actually enjoy playing, and enjoy becoming a part of (my personal opinion - the reason Crono has no personality is because the designers want you - yes, you the gamer - to put yourself in his shoes, truly live the adventure). Greatest game ever? Maybe, maybe not. However, it is a darn good candidate.
100/100 A+ Game!
Afterthought - if you are getting this game, I would recommend the SNES version. The PSX edition's load times are tiring (before every battle, a 5-6 second load), and you can get the extra FMV's off the 'Net. Besides, why own a copy when you can get the original?
That game was ChronoTrigger.
To run it by with few spoilers, the game begins in a typical fantasy/RPG setting - boy lives in machine-less environment, has friends in small town, and wields sword. However, after a few early turns of events, he is whisked away to an environment similar, yet very different to his own (400 years in the past). What starts out as a "boy meets girl. boy goes back in time. boy saves girl." story soon evolves into much more, as they realize that their fantastical romp was merely the beginning. Now, instead of saving the cutie, the boy is forced to save the world. He isn't doing it on his own, however - he has friends to help him from all over the time-stream. A cave-woman, a malfunctioning robot, and even an old nemesis aid our hero as they fight the greatest battle of all times.
The graphics, with character design by manga/anime favorite Akira Toriyama (think Dr. Slump,SandLand, or the over-marketed DragonBall), are nice in this era, and were on the higher end of 2-D in 1995. From the evil Magus to the almost-too-cute-to-kill Imps that run rampant, the graphics echo the game's varied personality. Perhaps my favorite part of the game was its music. Composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, it is perhaps one of the most memorable game soundtracks ever. I often find myself singing themes from the game in my head (or out loud), although I haven't played it or listened to the soundtrack for at least two years. The sound effects are appropriate, nothing too great, but nothing too disgusting either.
The game has more replay value than a Free-Play DDR machine. Unlike all RPGs before it, where once you beat the game, the only option was to start over. Not so here. Instead, the "New Game+" option was invented. You start the game over, but every character's stats are as you had them at the end of the game. Instead of having difficulty destroying two Imps, you slaughter much of the enemies with the single goal of seeing more of the story. There is a new portal that lets you face the final boss at any point in the game, and at different points will get you different endings, from the plot-heavy to the hilarious. I have personally gotten all but two, and have loved all of them. There are also a plethora of side-quests once you are halfway through the game. After a certain point, you can go straight after the final boss, or you can do a side-quest involving each character. These can be simple tasks or heated battles. The option for all of them makes the game very appealing.
That was a lot of review, and most mindless rambling. I hope you can see that, if you can find a copy, this game is truly great. It is a title that you actually enjoy playing, and enjoy becoming a part of (my personal opinion - the reason Crono has no personality is because the designers want you - yes, you the gamer - to put yourself in his shoes, truly live the adventure). Greatest game ever? Maybe, maybe not. However, it is a darn good candidate.
100/100 A+ Game!
Afterthought - if you are getting this game, I would recommend the SNES version. The PSX edition's load times are tiring (before every battle, a 5-6 second load), and you can get the extra FMV's off the 'Net. Besides, why own a copy when you can get the original?