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Chrono Trigger (1995-)

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Chrono Trigger is a landmark role-playing game developed by Square (now Square Enix) and released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1995. The game brought together an all-star team dubbed the "Dream Team," which included Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii, and Dragon Ball artist Akira Toriyama, who designed the characters. Published by Square, Chrono Trigger quickly became one of the most critically acclaimed and beloved RPGs of the 16-bit era.

The game follows the story of Crono, a silent protagonist who embarks on a time-traveling adventure to save the world from a catastrophic future threat known as Lavos. Players journey through multiple time periods, including prehistoric times, the Middle Ages, a post-apocalyptic future, and beyond, each with unique environments, characters, and storylines. Gameplay features include turn-based battles with a unique "Active Time Battle" system, multiple endings based on player choices, and the innovative "Tech" system that allows for powerful combo attacks between characters. The storytelling, visuals, and soundtrack—composed by Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu—were all highly praised.

While Chrono Trigger is not a sequel or prequel to any other title, it later spawned a follow-up, Chrono Cross, released for the PlayStation in 1999. Though not a direct sequel, Chrono Cross shares thematic links and references to Chrono Trigger, building upon its legacy. Chrono Trigger has seen several re-releases: a PlayStation port in 1999 bundled with Final Fantasy IV, a Nintendo DS version in 2008 with added dungeons and a more faithful translation, a mobile and Steam version (though initially criticized for UI issues), and its inclusion in retro game compilations and virtual consoles across multiple Nintendo platforms.

Upon release, Chrono Trigger was met with widespread critical acclaim for its innovative design, deep story, and replayability. It was heavily promoted through magazines and demo kiosks, and word-of-mouth helped establish its legendary status among RPG fans. Over the decades, it has consistently appeared on “greatest games of all time” lists and is often cited as one of the finest examples of Japanese RPG design. Its blend of heartfelt storytelling, time-travel mechanics, and character-driven narrative has ensured its place as a timeless classic in gaming history.

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