The video game industry is filled to the brim with remakes, reboots, and revivals lately. Microsoft is working on new entries in theFableandPerfect Darkfranchises, bringing them back to the Xbox, while Sony is enjoying a successful new generation ofGod of Wargames. That’s why it’s no surprise to hear leaks claiming thataChrono Chrossremasteris in the works, potentially reviving one of Square Enix’s most acclaimed games. Of course, ifChrono Crossmakes a comeback, then its predecessor ought to get a remaster too. The time travel titanChrono Triggeris the natural companion for its interdimensional cousin.
As well-liked asChrono Crosswas in its time,Chrono Triggeris more famously acclaimed, still regarded as a top-tier RPG some twenty-five years after its release.Chrono Triggerhas a received a few different ports over the years, coming to the Nintendo DS and to PC, but a truly new version hasn’t cropped up in a while. It’s high time that Square Enix remadeChrono Trigger, and not just because the rest of the game industry is excited about remakes right now. A new version ofChrono Triggercould both revitalize theChronoIP and inspire other RPG developers working on next-gen games.
RELATED:Leaked Chrono Cross Mobile Game Crossover Could Be More Evidence That Remake Rumors Are True
Chrono Trigger’s Potential Change and Influence
The unique aspects ofChrono Trigger’s combatcould really flourish in a remake. The battle system distinguished itself thanks to Active Time Battles, where each character carried out actions in real time but had cooldowns before they could act again, as well as each character’s Techs and the potent Double or Triple Techs that resulted from party members teaming up. AChrono Triggerremake could add new Techs and Double Tech combinations to each character’s moveset, building on the feature, while simultaneously reminding other turn-based RPG franchises of possibilities built into these team attacks, as well as the intense Active Time Battle model’s potential to replace turn-based combat.
Chrono Trigger’s compelling storytellingwould also be more than worth revisiting through a remake. InChrono Trigger,players meet and team up with characters from all across the world’s timeline, resulting in some really unique characters banding together to save their timeline from catastrophe. While aChrono Triggerremake wouldn’t necessarily introduce a deluge of new characters, Square Enix could potentially write new endings to the game by reexamining how players might impact the game’s plot.Chrono Triggeris well known for having a large number of endings, but introducing some more would be a huge selling point for RPG enthusiasts.
RELATED:Why Chrono Cross Deserves a Remaster
Overall, the biggest potential benefit of aChrono Triggerremake is its potential to revive theChronoseries in general.Chrono Crosscould certainly accomplish something similar, butChrono Trigger’s greater status as an RPG icon might mean it has the gravity necessary to pull RPG fans back into the franchise. Once that’s done, Square Enix will be well poised to finally make a newChronogame, succeeding the cancelledChrono Break.A franchise revival starting with aChrono Triggerremake also has even greater potential to get other developers thinking about time travel storylines, Active Time Battles, and more, potentially causinga broader shift in the JRPG genre.
Hope for a Chrono Trigger Remake
It’s hard to say if aChrono Triggerremake is in the cards right now. If Square Enix really is working on aChrono Crossremake, then it’s probably not focusing onChrono Triggerat the same time, although a well receivedChrono Cross Remasteredwould almost certainly lead toChrono Triggergetting remade, too. SinceChrono Trigger’s Steam versiongot a mixed reception at launch, a remake of either game would make some sense; Square Enix has a motive to bolster the franchise’s image.Chrono Crossmay be the star of recent rumors, but ifChrono Cross Remasteredis really on the way, then there’s hope thatChrono Triggerwill follow suit.
Chrono Triggeris available now on PC.
MORE:Mind Bending Time Travel Video Games To Play if You Loved Loki
