http://www.square-enix.co.jp/ctds/

The port everyone's been clamoring for is now coming. Let the griping about lazy ports now commence.

*Gripe*

As long as they don't cock it up (thanks for teaching us that one, Yahtzee!) as badly as the last CT port or put it in slow-motion 3D like FF3 and FF4 DS...  Oh who I am kidding, this is Squenix we're talking about here.  Of course they're going to cock it up.

The original Chrono Trigger had top class quality 2D graphics that look great even now.

The DS game will have what...?  PS1/N64 class quality 3D graphics?  What's the point?

I thought that a new focus on mainstream games was supposed to mean no more more ports/remakes like this, or at least that's what people who interpreted the article in that way were trying to argue.  SE is so out of new ideas.

Full of it?  I suspect so.  Lazy?  You bet.

I'd probably get it just so I can play it when I'm not at home and finally get all the endings that I never got.

I'm giddy with anticipation.

... But of course most of you guys are already tearing it down mere minutes after the announcement.  Sigh.

I think it's doubly lame because of how Square cancelled the Chrono Trigger Resurrection effort just to make a DS game.  I would've prefered a full-fledged third title in the series to a marginal remake on a portable.  Obviously the only use that the Chrono franchise has for SE now is to provide some quick funding for Kingdom Hearts 3 or something.

Is there as much want for a Secret of Mana (Seiken Densetsu 2) remake as there is for CT?

I'm neutral on the remake itself (having played the original far too many times) but if it were on a next-gen system, we'd at least have a chance to hear an orchestrated soundtrack. As it is, we'll be stuck with another FF4DS butchering.

I'm still wondering why? why? why? are ALL ports coming to the DS or PSP exclusively! Is there no old-school love for ANY console? what's the deal?! As much as I admire and enjoy the DS, I would much rather play on a screen that's more than a couple of cubic cm...

-avatar!

At least now we know Square-Enix is acknowledging the series so we might also get a Chrono Cross port/remake or a sequel. The last time Square-Enix (then still Squaresoft) released something with the Chrono name on it was Final Fantasy Chronicles 7 years ago. I can't think of any of their brand name they've left dead for so long. Let's hope this is the first step of a revival of the Chrono brand, one that will have more success than their last revival, Seiken Densetsu. No amount of phoenix down can revive the Mana Tree anymore I'm afraid.

They've launched the North America version of the teaser site:

http://na.square-enix.com/ctds/

As well as the official press release:

CHRONO TRIGGER Returns! The Timeless Classic Teleports to Nintendo DS This Holiday Season

Journey Through Time with the RPG Masterpiece that Started It All
LOS ANGELES, July 2 -- Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix(TM) interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that it will release CHRONO TRIGGER® in North America this Holiday season. Remastered exclusively for Nintendo DS(TM), this marks the first time that the groundbreaking RPG will be available on a handheld console.

Originally released in 1995 on Super NES® and shipping more than 2.5 million copies worldwide, CHRONO TRIGGER has been hailed as one of the greatest games of all time by critics and fans alike. With a unique and multifaceted storyline, the game revolutionized the world of RPGs with never-before-seen features, including an unprecedented soundtrack and multiple endings determined by side quests and the player's actions.

With artwork by famed manga artist Akira Toriyama and an unprecedented and inspiring musical score created by Yasunori Mitsuda, CHRONO TRIGGER represents the best-in-class of the video game world. This newly revamped edition maintains all of the game's original elements and spirit while introducing the portability, dual-screen presentation and Touch-Screen functionality of Nintendo DS. Players will soon be able to rediscover the exhilarating RPG experience, breathtaking storyline and innovative gameplay in the palm of their hands.

STORY
When a newly developed teleportation device malfunctions at the Millennial Fair, young Crono must travel through time to rescue his misfortunate 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
- A masterpiece with an engaging and unparalleled storyline, leading to the discovery of multiple epic conclusions to a journey that transcends time

- An unprecedented and 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

---

So it seems that they'll be using more of the original SNES assets rather than a 3D makeover a la FF3 DS and FF4 DS, as purported by the "maintains all of the game's original elements and spirit" statement.   I'd rather the former than the latter anyway, but touch-screen functionality sounds as superfluous as ever.

Personally, I'm just excited by the prospect of Chrono Trigger finally being back in the spotlight after all these years.  Is it true that Europe never got the game in any shape or form?

I'm still revelling over the teaser site.  I swear I could listen to that tick for hours...

No annoucement by Square has made me as excited as this one.  Let's try not to crap all over it, hmmmm?

the point is that most of us first played chrono trigger as kids when we HAD time to sit in front of a tv for 50-100 hours . Now we can take it to work and play it on break. I think the gaming companies are right on the money, they know we want our nostalgia and we have more money to blow on that nostalgia than we did 13 years ago. Can you even put a price on portable nostalgia?!?! (well my guess is $39.95)

I first read the headline, and was apprehensive, since I've played a little of FF3DS and dear god is it slow. I openly fear that many of FF4's best in-battle moments (like Rydia's return) are going to be ripped to shreds by FF3DS' terrible, terrible engine.

But then I checked here...

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3168511

...and found screenshots identical to the original, with the promise of stylus control, wireless play, and a new dungeon. So as long as A, the script is largely unmolested, and B, the stylus controls are OPTIONAL (damn you, Phantom Hourglass), this is pretty much 100% good news.

P.S. Oh, and...

this is neat, finding out my friends and I are apparently several years ahead of the national profanity curve. That's an oldie.

I'm pretty neutral on this announcement.  On one hand, Chrono Trigger is an awesome game and its current after-market value is totally nuts.  Having it available to a new generation that never got to experience the original can't be anything but a good things.  Also, it's nice to know that they're not changing it drastically.  The DS should, in theory, be able to run the SNES original at full speed with no compromises.

On the other hand, if they're not changing much at all, I'm pretty annoyed that I'll have to pay $40 to play it on an itty bitty little screen instead of $8 to play it on virtual console.  Now we know for sure why Square isn't putting more games on that...

Square-Enix probably doesn't think so; none of the latest Mana games have done that well, namely Sword of Mana, Children of Mana, Heroes of Mana, or Dawn of Mana.

Besides, it took Square...how many years...before they finally decided to come out with a legitimate port of Chrono Trigger, as opposed to the PSX port that had load times longer than all get-out? Secret of Mana never even got a port to the PSX.

Honestly though, I never really cared for FF until FFVII; up until FFVII, FF just seemed like a run-of-the-mill RPG series. I've always liked the Chrono and Seiken Densetsu series better, though, that's probably because Secret of Mana was an action RPG, and Chrono Trigger played really quick.

Otherwise, I've never really cared for menu-based RPGs too much, and what kept me going through FFVII ~ X was probably the plot and all the cinematics.

But those World of Mana games did happen. Plus there's been lots of other DS remakes -- Front Mission, Final Fantasy III & IV, and Dragon Quest IV - VI -- plus even further PSP ones. I have little idea what the Mana development team is doing at the moment to be honest.

Squeenix says that about all their games (except the multiple endings bit). Chrono Trigger was fun. It definitely had a lot going for it, but I fail to see why people remain so enamored with it. Do you really think kids these days are going to fall in love with CT? I say no. They have games which in many ways are much better. Of course those who grew up with a SNES will probably find the nostalgia a huge draw. As for myself, I finished CT (on the SNES), really enjoyed it, and then happily sold it Also, I was amazed at how Squeenix could publish such a crappy follow-up to CT (ie Chrono Cross)! When I look back at CC, I have no clue why I even bothered to finish the wretched thing... although with a CT release on the DS, I'm guessing Squeenix has a sequel in mind.

cheers,

-avatar!

I'm with longhairmike on this one.  As someone who applauds the porting of classics to portable format, I'm far more in favor of CT coming to the DS rather than VC.  I'll gladly pay the premium to have this badboy on the go.

f--- the kids.  This one's for the fans who've been waiting close to thirteen years for a shot at a decent rediscovery of a classic.

.

I would like Square Enix to release EVO: The Search for Eden on the VC... and maybe Actraiser 2, if it is as good as the first one.  Is it?

Anyway, I'll keep my eye on this release.  I think the holiday season is already cramped, so I don't know if I'm going to rush to get this, or maybe ask for it is as a Christmas gift.  I don't think I've ever finished Chrono Trigger (and I know I never finished Chrono Cross).

btw, is FFIV really that bad?  I was hoping FFVI would be next on the remake list...

I'd imagine that your apparent PC roots might have something to do with it.  Of the people that I've run into who aren't so enamoured with CT, there tend to be two types: the CRPG fans and the Sega fans.

...and which in many ways are much worse.

Even though it can't match Trigger, I actually liked CC, and another sequel in the series is bound to be better than a lot of the stuff they put out on the PS2.

Now that we know this is a port not unlike FF4-6 on GBA or FM1 on DS, I can say that I'm happy it won't suffer from the slow-ass 3D engine, but even though CT is, IMO, the best game ever made, I can't say I have any particular desire to play it on the DS.  Will I buy it?  Of course, but it's not a port I'm clamoring for.  I suppose the Europeans will be happiest about this since even if they don't get it, at least it's finally on a system without a regional lock-out.

As for any future Chrono games, I don't want to see any.  I have absolutley no confidence in Squenix to make a quality new game in this franchise, and I'd rather they not ruin it like they did with Mana and to a lesser extent, SaGa (these were never that great to begin with, but even the Japanese stopped buying them after Unlimited SaGa).

@ Ryu: ActRaiser 2 is nothing like ActRaiser 1.  It's all (very difficult) action and no sim stuff.

Same here. And overall, I'm pretty "meh" about all these re-releases, including CT. I loved these when I first played them and they'll always have a special place in my heart, but I don't love them to the point where I'll buy the same game again. SEVERAL times. Especially since now I don't have time to play epic RPGs. Which I think I've FINALLY learned after my FF Chronicles, FF Anthology, FF Origins, FF Dawn of Souls, and FF4/5/6 GBA sat unopened and unplayed/unfinished on my shelves TO THIS DAY.

I'd rather go for new games instead of rehashed versions of old favorites.

Heh, "commence griping" was a joke, but it's funny because it's true.

Personally, as a big fan of the game I'm enthused, but only mildly so. A straight port with a singular extra dungeon and a tacked-on touch control doesn't really offer me much that I can't already get by plugging in my SNES. That's the one thing I don't understand--fans who say they've been clamoring for a second chance to play the game again. You don't lose your chance to play a game once a new console generation is unleashed... unless you sold your game/console (and downloading is beneath you), but if that's the case I guess it wasn't that indispensable after all. Portability is nice, but this isn't really the kind of game that's reasonably played in ten minute bursts. The only real argument I could understand is a dead save battery, but that seems like a bit of a reach as far as justification goes.

The fact that it's a blatant cash grab--minimal effort for maximum profit--kind of tarnishes my enthusiasm. Virtual Console releases are essentially cash grabs too, but at least they're not as shameless as a $39.99 MSRP.

It feels almost silly to complain or feel ambivalent about an inevitable release, though, I must admit. As long as it doesn't spawn "Chrono Trigger 2: Crono Jr.'s Quest" for cell phones, it doesn't really hurt anything.

I  think people don't expect as much out of handheld consoles as they do with home consoles, simply on basis of graphical processing power. A lot of DS games still only have maybe SNES quality graphics. Chrono Trigger should look right at home on the DS.

If you haven't had the chance to play it up until now, now you can, and now you can play it on the go for that matter. It really is a quick game to play, that can be finished in about 16 hours total, including all possible sidequests; I know I did.

Well, I'm kind of happy that it won't be unnecessarily redone, although it remains to be seen how the touch/dual screen thing will work.  CT was one of the most polished RPGs when it came out and it still is.

I'm not sure I totally understand either.  I never sold my SNES or my original copy of Chrono Trigger.  I rarely sell RPGs, and much less an RPG that I consider a personal favorite.

I do suspect however if just based on Angela's words (namely the word 'rediscovery') that it could be more a matter of feeling like the original is somewhat played out and that some may just be wanting to recapture the magic of the first few times they played it.  Even the best games can appear to lose their luster a bit when you get too familiar with them.  Since it looks like the DS game won't be making any drastic changes, maybe they can add in just enough new things to keep the game fresh, but without sacrificing the things that make the original a classic.

You mean that you don't want to see them add more 'depth' to the story?

Jokes aside, I think that a 'search for Schala' side story might not be a terrible idea, if just to know what happened to Magus.  The problem is that I have little faith in today's Square.

Nope, Europe never got anything Chrono related, which still mystifies me to this date.
The PSX rerelease seemed like a good opportunity, but was never released there either.

I guess they get their shot now, more than 13 years later.

I think I would have preferred a remake, but a new dungeon is enough for me, I guess

The debut trailer is up on the official Japanese site, as well as Gametrailers:

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/35888.html

Nothing too telling, but I'm reminded at how much I loved those Toriyama group shots. :)

But they did get Terranigma, so I guess we're even?

Mmm, Tenchisozo. Tasty!

I wonder if the anime cutscenes from the PS1 version will be included? The port was unplayable, but it was worth it for those new movies. Actually, that reminds me that I've already bought the game twice. The new features had better be really good if they want my money again (says the person who's bought various versions of Street Fighter II).

Wasn't that sort of addressed in Radical Dreamers? Apparently it's not canon anymore, though, so I wouldn't mind if the extra dungeon was about that.

Radical Dreamers isn't canon, but Chrono Cross is and has roughly the same story.  I like the Radical Dreamers version a lot better, but still...

Chrono Cross addresses what happened to Schala (which for me was totally out of left field; I didn't care for most of the forced tie-ins to Chrono Trigger), but not what happened to Magus who went to look for her.  It's one of the things that the game botched up.  I heard somewhere that Guile was going to be Magus but the writers couldn't figure out a way to pull it off and wound up dropping the idea.

I never played through the entirety of Radical Dreamers.  I played for a while but eventually got tired of seeing the same rooms and getting nowhere.  I've read that Magil is supposedly Magus in disguise, though I don't know how the story ends.