Chrono Trigger Metacritic [updated] ✧ ❲EXCLUSIVE❳
Widely considered one of the greatest video games ever made, Chrono Trigger remains a "gold standard" for the JRPG genre nearly 30 years after its release. While it predates the creation of review aggregators, its modern Metacritic standing serves as a digital monument to its enduring legacy, maintaining a consistent "Universal Acclaim" status across multiple platforms. The Metascores: Consistency Across Time Because Chrono Trigger originally launched on the Super Nintendo (SNES) in 1995, its highest scores often come from retrospective reviews or later ports.
31 Years Ago, Square Enix Released One of the Most Legendary Video Games in History * Today, March 11, marks the 31st anniversary ... AOL.com Chrono Cross user reviews - Metacritic The only complaint is that like every PS1 RPG, the load times between fights really adds up. Overall, it's a Top 25 game of all-ti... Metacritic Show all Nintendo DS (2008): Metascore: 92 based on 55 critic reviews. User Score: 9.2 from over 1,000 ratings. Highlights: Often called the "ultimate edition," this version added new dungeons, animated cutscenes, and dual-screen functionality. PC/Steam (2018): Metascore: Mixed/Average (Initially received negative feedback due to being a mobile port with UI issues and graphical filters). User Score: ~8.0 (Improved over time after several major patches fixed the visuals and controls). PlayStation (Final Fantasy Chronicles, 2001): Metascore: 89 (The collection featuring Final Fantasy IV). Criticism: Critics noted significant loading times when entering battles or menus compared to the SNES original. Metacritic +8 Critical Consensus Reviewers from major outlets like Eurogamer and
Since Chrono Trigger is universally regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, a standard review or retrospective is often redundant. Instead, a truly useful feature would be a practical, modern analysis of the best way to play it today. Here is a draft of a feature article titled "The Timeless Classic: Which Version of Chrono Trigger Should You Play in 2024?"
Feature: The Timeless Classic With a Metascore of 96, Chrono Trigger is a masterpiece. But with four different versions available, which one is actually the best way to experience the Super NES classic? By [Your Name/Outlet Name] There are few games in history that hold a perfect reputation. Chrono Trigger , originally released on the Super Nintendo in 1995, sits near the very top of Metacritic’s "Best of All Time" lists with a staggering Metascore of 96 . Critics and players alike praise its tight narrative, Akira Toriyama’s iconic character designs, and a battle system that revolutionized the JRPG genre by removing random encounters. However, new players face a daunting question: Which version should they play? Over the last 30 years, Square Enix has ported the game to the PlayStation, the Nintendo DS, mobile devices, and most recently, the PC (Steam). While the core story of Crono, Marle, and Lucca remains intact, the experience varies wildly depending on the platform. If you are looking to visit 65,000,000 B.C. for the first time, or returning to save Queen Leene, here is the definitive guide to picking the right version. 1. The Purist’s Choice: Super Nintendo (Original Hardware/Emulation) Best For: Historical accuracy and audiophiles. The 1995 original is still considered by many speedrunners and purists to be the "cleanest" version of the game. chrono trigger metacritic
The Good: It features the original, unaltered translation (infamous for the medieval dialect of Frog) and the uncompressed 16-bit soundtrack, which many argue sounds superior to later arranged versions. The pacing is snappy, with zero load times. The Bad: It lacks the quality-of-life features added in later ports, such as the Monster Arena or the Dimensional Vortex dungeons. Furthermore, playing this legally often requires expensive original hardware or a subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online service.
2. The "Definitive" Edition: Nintendo DS Best For: New players and completionists. Released in 2008, the Nintendo DS version is widely considered the gold standard. It holds a Metascore of 92 , proving that the game held up remarkably well over a decade later.
The Good: This version retains the original graphics but cleans up the UI to utilize the DS dual screens. Most importantly, it adds the Dimensional Vortex and the Lost Sanctum dungeons, as well as a new ending that ties the narrative closer to its sequel, Chrono Cross . The translation was also refined, fixing bugs and clarifying the plot without losing the original charm. The Bad: The audio quality took a slight hit during the porting process, sounding a bit "tinny" compared to the SNES original. Widely considered one of the greatest video games
3. The Accessible Choice: Steam / Mobile (Pixel Remaster / Updated Port) Best For: Handheld enthusiasts and those without a DS. For years, the mobile and Steam ports were the worst way to play, suffering from ugly UI overlays and locked framerates. However, Square Enix recently overhauled these versions.
The Good: They now include the extra dungeons from the DS version and updated controls. It is the most accessible way to play on a modern phone or PC. The Bad: Even with updates, the "fonts" and UI elements often clash with the retro aesthetic. While functional, it lacks the tactile charm of the DS touchscreen menus or the raw pixel purity of the SNES.
The Verdict If you own a Nintendo DS (or a 3DS), play the DS version. It strikes the perfect balance between modern quality-of-life features and respect for the original art style. It offers the most content and the best interface. However, if you want to experience the game exactly as 1995 critics did—with the original, raw translation and superior sound hardware—the SNES version (via Switch Online) is the way to go. Whichever you choose, the Metascore doesn't lie: Chrono Trigger is an essential play. 31 Years Ago, Square Enix Released One of
Why This Feature is Useful:
It addresses a pain point: New players are often paralyzed by choice when they see multiple versions on digital storefronts. It leverages the Metacritic data: It uses the scores (96 vs 92) to validate the quality while explaining why the scores might differ (hardware limitations vs. age). It provides actionable advice: It moves beyond "this game is good" to "buy this specific cartridge/download."