You Haven’t Played This? – Chrono Trigger Part 2

My journey through Chrono Trigger has continued. I have not played as much of the game since the last post as I would have liked to. But, I am continuing to make my way through Chrono Trigger and I am really enjoying my time with it. The storytelling really started to change from goofy fantasy faire to something resembling a more grown-up roleplaying experience, both in tone and execution.

Since I last posted an article I have been placed on trial for kidnapping (in the game), convicted, and sentenced to death. Thank God for inept guards and ridiculous castle design. I managed to make my way up the tower to evade capture. This portion of the game included some interested stealth based gameplay that was more fun than frustrating. The exploration element was also satisfying. I was rewarded consistently for exploring all ends of the castle. Once at the top of the castle, I was faced by my hardest combat challenge thus far, the Dragon Tank. Man, that thing was actually kind of hard. I died on it. My second attempt was much more focused and I was able to defeat it without too much trouble. But, I was impressed at the set-piece for the scenario and the enemy’s variety of attacks. I hope that more bosses offer focused gameplay like this that forces you to dismantle an enemy piece-by-piece.

Once I defeated the Dragon Tank, Butts, Moose, and Fart were forced to flee the castle and entered another time portal which hurls you forward in time. I am now in the future. Rats suck and steal your Tonics. People don’t have money. Food seems to be sparse. And fuck rats. Those assholes.

Chrono Trigger is shaping up well. The Character evolution isn’t blowing me away. But, the themes and execution of the story is really impressing me, especially for a game that turns 20 years old on the day of this writing. I will continue to soldier on. More to come!