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Chrono Trigger ds Game Reviews
Chrono Trigger
Critic Score
Metascore: 92 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
8.8 out of 10
based on 48 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 52 votes
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Rate this game

[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]

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

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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98
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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96
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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95
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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95
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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94
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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93
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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92
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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92
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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91
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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91
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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90
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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90
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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90
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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90
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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90
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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90
Kombo
Consider this one highly recommended. Chrono Trigger does not disappoint.
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90
Gamervision
Chrono Trigger DS is a remake done right, and both longtime fans and new players should pick it up.
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90
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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90
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]
90
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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90
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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90
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]
90
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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88
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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88
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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87
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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86
Games Master UK
Up there with the DS's best. Fast-forward to 7 February and pick this up yesterday. [Feb 2009, p.77]
85
GameSpot
This perennial time-travel adventure is worth falling in love with all over again.
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85
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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85
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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85
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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83
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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83
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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80
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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What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 8.8 (out of 10) based on 52 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

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.

Justin M gave it a10:
Seems people are mostly upset about the fact that, at its heart, the game is still a port and it's full-price. The reason for this, my friends, is because Chrono Trigger now goes on eBay for over a hundred dollars at the very least. I myself first played the game on a ROM, and truly, using PC controls or even a gamepad doesn't cut it. The extra side-missions are great, the cutscenes aren't really my style but they flesh things out well, and the music box lets you listen to some of gaming's greatest compositions whenever you like. The arena fell quite short, and I too was hoping for something involving co-op, but disregarding that it is a brilliant game with one of the greatest stories in RPG history and a depth that has sunk right into gamers since its first release. And personally, I'm glad they didn't decide to "juice up" the game by adding the DS's low-poly 3D capabilities; retro graphics seem to flesh out characters better by having us focus on dialogue rather than flamboyant body movements. It's worth the forty dollars if you are a fan of RPGs, a fan of stories worth novels, of quotably controversial philosophy, or simply the roots of some aspects of gaming that made it what it is today that in my opinion need to be rediscovered by our graphics- and gameplay-oriented developers in modern times.

Malo D gave it a3:
Grossly overrated. Having not played the original I can only assume it hasn't aged well. A game's is "depth" is only one factor. The gameplay is repetitive and the story is lackluster. Not only that but the game is missing the one feature of the original that could have brought this game up to a 7 for me: Co-op. When you play through a game with someone it can make up for tedious gameplay and alters the experience entirely. It's a shame to see so many respected reviewers using such nostalgia bias in their reviews. Although the remake (not reinterpretation) of a game from nearly 15 years ago suggested that it would be heavily reliant on nostalgia.

Jordan S.n gave it a6:
I have never played this game on any other console (I've always been more of a PC gamer). The story is pretty good so far, but I find the gameplay a little on the shallow side. Battles are pretty boring for the most part, and some of the maps are really hard to navigate, meaning I can hardly tell which parts of the screen are navigable, and which are walls. The puzzles might be challenging for a 5th grader.

Zack S. gave it a10:
I try and like RPG's i really do, but most of the time i get bored with them a few days after i get this. Its either the story starts to waver or you get lost and have no idea were your going. but thats not the case with chrono trigger. Chrono trigger takes place in a alternative universe (OMG NO WAY!) Your main character is chrono, from what i see he is a teenage hero who has to save the worldd (OMG NO WAY) originol right? well actually it is. Chrono Trigger is a remake of a snes game and back then this was ground breaking stuff. I never played the originol Chrono Trigger but i have always heard about how awesome it was. When i heard of the DS remake i just had to get it. And i wish i hunted down a copy of it for the snes.. and a snes but ya this game is abosulty fantastic. After you start your journey with chronos you meet up with a princess that disguised as a normal person to blend in and excape the castle. (Again OMG NO WAY) After you meet up with her you meet one of your friends who is working on a teleporter. You test it out for her and it works. The princess wants to try it anfter you and from what i understood her amulet reacted to the teleporter and teleported hero into the past. You being the brave hero follow her. You find yourself back in the at the exact same spot you were before. Here you are intoduced to the combat mechanics. The combat mechanics are actually very cool and work very very well. If you ahve ever played Final Fantasy 10-2 you might know how this works better then i can explain it. There is a little bar and you ahve to wait for it to fill up to attack. (OMG THIS IS GROUND BREAKING STUFF) Yes its not turn base suprisingly. When your opponent attacks the bar stops and you have to wait for them to finish. Same if your allies attack. You can have up to 3 allys including chrono who can not be changed out. He always seems to be able to attack quicker then any of your allies and you can use combo attacks with your allies. A example if you use the combo of chrono adn lucca chrono runs up to the enemy and starts spinning his sword around (a move he can already do) But lucca uses her flame thrower and ignits the sword on fire and does burn damage to the enemy. The only down side is that when you try and use items it takes a few seconds to find everything and you feel rushed if you are in a boss battle. The intier game can be played using the touch screen. I found myself going back and fourth between the styles and the buttons. Thats only because im more used to using the buttons but when it comes to battle its best to use the syalus. I have to go (in study hall bell just rung) But before i do let me just say that this is one of the few games i actually finished for the DS. Im not much of a handheld gamer but this game is a classic and classics dont die. They are just reborn.

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