Final Fantasy Chronicles: Final Fantasy IV & Chrono Trigger

UPC: 662248901015

Platform: PlayStation

Publisher: Square Electronic Arts L.L.C

Developer: Square Co. Ltd.

Category: Compilation

Style(s): Role-Playing

Synopsis: A re-release in much the same vein as Final Fantasy Anthologies, Final Fantasy Chronicles bundles two of Square Soft's most beloved SNES RPG titles -- Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Trigger -- in this PlayStation release. Final Fantasy IV, known in the US as Final Fantasy II, follows the exploits of Cecil, a Black Knight and former leader of the Red Wings who questions the orders of his king and is demoted because of this. From here, he embarks on a journey that will span worlds and decide the fate of the entire kingdom. Battles are turn-based, but introduced to the series is the Active Time Battle (ATB) concept, which forces players to be quick with their decision-making because, despite the turn-based nature of the title, enemies can attack at brief intervals. The player's party can consist of as many as five people at one time and throughout the adventure, characters will leave and join up with the party. The characters themselves are divided into classes and possess specific attributes and skills. Kain, for example, is able to use a jump ability in battle while Rosa wields white magic. Known as the "Easytype," the original US release excluded particular items, abilities, and spells, all of which have been restored for this release, dubbed "Hardtype." As part of the update, new FMV cutscenes are interjected throughout the game. Released late in the SNES system's lifecycle, Chrono Trigger documents the adventure of a young boy named Crono and his misadventures through time. During the Millennial Fair, Crono meets and quickly befriends a woman named Marle. While visiting Crono's inventor friend Lucca however, Marle is inadvertently sent into the past and Crono and Lucca must set off after her. Dubbed the "Tech System," the game allows characters to combine elemental attacks in order to produce Double and even Triple Techs; powerful offensive and defensive techniques. New Tech skills can be learned as the character increases in level. Unlike Final Fantasy IV, battles in Chrono Trigger are not initiated at random, allowing players to avoid enemies (who are in plain sight) as they see fit. New animated cutscenes have been included as part of the update, as well as an Extras Mode that houses any additional extras unlocked by attaining one of the game's twelve different endings. A Theater, Music Box, Art Gallery, and Bestiary are just some of the options available, allowing players to view unlocked movie and ending sequences, listen to music from the game, view stills of the main characters, and read up on monsters, bosses, and techniques. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide

Package Contents: 60-page Instruction Manual

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

The manual explains the basic storylines, controls, and combat systems found in each game. ~ Steven Sloboda, All Game Guide

Almost nothing was enhanced from the original versions other than the cut-scenes. ~ Steven Sloboda, All Game Guide

Those familiar with the original Super Famicom and Super NES releases of Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Trigger will be happy to learn nothing has been lost in the move from cartridge to disc. Of course, not much has been added either. With minor graphical enhancements, there are only a few places in Final Fantasy Chronicles where you can tell the game is actually a PlayStation title. These instances primarily involve new cinematic cut-scenes added in for extra flair. While Final Fantasy IV's CGI movies don't contribute much to the overall enjoyment, Chrono Trigger's new scenes in the distinct style of Akira Toriyama are exciting. Veterans of the series will be charmed by the sight of boss battles made into anime fight scenes, with their favorite characters moving and interacting like never before. It's a shame the rest of the graphics weren't given a similar face-lift (like Super Mario All-Stars did with the original 8-bit Super Mario trilogy). Despite the games being direct ports of their 16-bit counterparts, there is a problem due to the change in formats, resulting in loading times that can kill the excitement and momentum building in a game. Unlike typical PlayStation RPGs, there are no loading screens, meaning the visuals go black for a second or two. It isn't much, but it's enough to ruin the mood. Though Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Trigger may qualify as "vintage" gaming, fans of the two series owe it to themselves to play what many consider to be the top two console RPGs of the 16-bit era. Just don't expect many frills. ~ Steven Sloboda, All Game Guide

Having two games on one disc is a nice bonus, and Chrono Trigger features multiple endings. ~ Steven Sloboda, All Game Guide

Strong music for the time, given the original format's limitations. ~ Steven Sloboda, All Game Guide

The gameplay is still fun, especially Chrono Trigger's. ~ Steven Sloboda, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.