Today marks 30 years since the release of Tales of Phantasia, a game that not only revolutionized the RPG genre but also laid the groundwork for one of the most enduring and successful franchises in the medium. Developed by Wolf Team, the title was originally released on the Super Famicom during a period considered the “golden age” of RPGs, alongside classics like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI. An absolute rarity that marked an era. Over the last three decades, Tales of Phantasia has been acclaimed for its innovative Linear Motion Battle System, which […]
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Tales of Phantasia, a game that not only revolutionized the RPG genre but also laid the groundwork for one of the most enduring and successful franchises in the medium. Developed by Wolf Team, the title was originally released on the Super Famicom during a period considered the “golden age” of RPGs, alongside classics like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI.
An absolute rarity that marked an era
Over the last three decades, Tales of Phantasia has been acclaimed for its innovative Linear Motion Battle System, which introduced real-time combat, breaking away from the traditional turn-based combat structures of the time. This system allowed players to execute combos of unique arts, giving each character their own fighting style. This approach has influenced dozens of sequels and spin-offs within the franchise, as well as other titles like Star Ocean.
Despite a narrative that starts off simply, the story becomes darker and more complex as it progresses, trapping players in a world full of conflict and deep characters. From the beginning, Cress Albane, the protagonist, faces personal tragedies that transform him and lead him to question his family legacy. This focus on complex characters and their individual development is complemented by the Skit system, which offers optional conversations that enrich the narrative experience.
The striking duality between the colorful appearance of the game and its dark narrative has left an indelible mark on the RPG genre. As time goes by, Tales of Phantasia remains a pillar in the evolution of video games, demonstrating that a title can age gracefully and remain relevant. Undoubtedly, its legacy lives on in every new installment of the Tales saga.
Brandon Adler, director of The Outer Worlds 2, has firmly stated that Chrono Trigger is the best JRPG ever made, generating a consensus among fans of the genre. During a recent appearance on Simon Parkin’s My Perfect Console podcast, Adler not only praised the artistic quality and emotional impact of the game but also claimed that “there is no comparison.” This SNES classic has maintained a prominent position on lists of the best JRPGs, surpassing heavyweights like Final Fantasy 7 and Earthbound. A great JRPG rightly valued One of the highlights he mentioned […]
Brandon Adler, director of The Outer Worlds 2, has firmly stated that Chrono Trigger is the best JRPG ever made, generating a consensus among fans of the genre. During a recent appearance on Simon Parkin’s My Perfect Console podcast, Adler not only praised the artistic quality and emotional impact of the game, but also claimed that “there is no comparison”. This SNES classic has maintained a prominent position on lists of the best JRPGs, surpassing heavyweights like Final Fantasy 7 and Earthbound.
A great JRPG rightly valued
One of the highlights that Adler mentioned was the exceptional pace of the game. “It’s one of the few JRPGs where you don’t have to grind,” Adler pointed out, who considers this a defining feature of the game that often goes unnoticed. Even if it is not exactly a rarity or an exception in the genre.
Adler also highlighted the innovative combo mechanics, which offered a new experience in terms of game design and immersion, allowing characters to interact in ways never seen before. “I felt like I was experiencing a new level of game design,” he reflected. Although he considers himself a big fan of JRPGs, he admits that his relationship with titles like Dragon Quest is one of love/hate, mainly due to the “grinding” elements they involve.
Finally, the director of The Outer Worlds 2 emphasizes that, although his intention is not for his games to be “preachers,” the capitalist satire of his RPG touches on relevant and universal themes, reflecting realities that repeat in our current society. “We see this happening over and over again in a constant cycle,” concluded Adler, highlighting the importance of addressing these themes in video games.
Veteran programmer Koji Sugimoto, known for his work on iconic titles like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy X, has expressed his discontent with the recent trend in modern video games that seeks to emulate the visual errors of the PlayStation 1 era. Sugimoto believes that this practice, fueled by the release of a new tool by Unity Japan that makes it easier for developers to replicate the characteristic texture distortion of the PS1 hardware, is unnecessary and goes against his work as a developer. There are no longer limitations, why imitate them? In a comment reacting to […]
The veteran programmer Koji Sugimoto, known for his work on iconic titles such as Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy X, has expressed his discontent with the recent trend in modern video games that seeks to emulate the visual errors of the PlayStation 1 era. Sugimoto believes that this practice, fueled by the release of a new tool by Unity Japan, which makes it easier for developers to replicate the characteristic texture distortion of the PS1 hardware, is unnecessary and goes against his work as a developer.
There are no limitations anymore, why imitate them?
In a comment reacting to a tweet from Unity Japan, Sugimoto reflected on the hard work he and his team dedicated to avoiding texture distortion, something that is now glorified as a “charming” aspect of retro video games. “Back then, we put in exhausting effort to avoid this distortion, only for it to be considered a character trait today,” Sugimoto stated, emphasizing his bewilderment at this current appreciation.
The criticism is not new; as early as 2019, Sugimoto had described the trend of intentionally replicating such imperfections as “detestable,” arguing that he had spent hours of work struggling against the problem. Despite his frustration, the interest in visual defects evokes a broader debate about the value of imperfections in digital media.
The renowned musician and composer Brian Eno has also addressed this phenomenon. In his book A Year With Swollen Appendices, he argues that elements that now seem strange or ugly in a new medium, such as CD distortion or 8-bit sound, will eventually be valued and emulated over time. This trend reflects a nostalgic look at the aesthetics of the past, which continues to influence the artistic direction of contemporary video games.
The year 2023 has been widely recognized as one of the best years in the history of video games, highlighting titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. However, another game that has captured the attention of players is Sea of Stars, a pixel art J-RPG developed by Sabotage Studio, which pays homage to classics like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger. This title has not only been acclaimed for its quality but has also proven to be a benchmark in the genre, standing out for its dialogues, puzzles, and clever combat. […]
The year 2023 has been widely recognized as one of the best years in the history of video games, highlighting titles such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. However, another game that has captured the attention of players is Sea of Stars, a pixel art J-RPG developed by Sabotage Studio, which pays homage to classics like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger. This title has not only been acclaimed for its quality but has also proven to be a benchmark in the genre, standing out for its dialogues, puzzles, and clever combat.
Sea of Stars receives a DLC that you can’t miss
Recently, the Canadian team released a free DLC titled Throes of the Watchmaker. This expansion promises an additional experience that connects with the main story and offers up to eight hours of gameplay, including new classes for the protagonists and numerous enemies. After completing the DLC, it is noted that the quality of the additional content is exceptional, although smaller in scale compared to the main adventure of Valere and Zale.
Throes of the Watchmaker focuses on secondary characters like Keenathan and the Watchmaker, taking them to a circus world where they will have to adapt to new combat methodologies. However, some players may find that the new skills, while creative, sacrifice a bit of the fantasy of combat for a more comedic approach, which may not match the impact of the intense ending of the main story.
Despite this, the battles in the DLC present a significant level of difficulty, requiring players to remember previous concepts and face challenges that are not suitable for beginners. The puzzle and exploration skills remain the strong point of Sea of Stars, organizing gameplay into challenges that provide a stimulating experience. With Throes of the Watchmaker, Sabotage Studio’s commitment to reconstituting the elements that made the base game a success is highlighted, ensuring that the expansion is meaningful content for fans.
In a year marked by uncertainty for Chrono Trigger fans, rumors have emerged about a possible remake of the classic title, but these have been quickly denied. It is understandable that fans feel anxious, as Square Enix has not released new updates about the series in years. During an interview, Yuji Horii, co-author of Chrono Trigger, mentioned his interest in working on a remake for the 30th anniversary of the game, but his comments were misinterpreted by a translator at a recent event, leading to unfounded speculation. Demands that seem unlikely to fall […]
In a year marked by uncertainty for Chrono Trigger fans, rumors have emerged about a possible remake of the classic title, but these have been quickly denied. It is understandable that fans feel anxious, as Square Enix has not released new updates about the series in years. During an interview, Yuji Horii, co-author of Chrono Trigger, mentioned his interest in working on a remake to celebrate the game’s 30th anniversary, but his comments were misinterpreted by a translator at a recent event, leading to unfounded speculation.
Lawsuits that seem unlikely to fall on deaf ears
Horii, known for his work on the Dragon Quest series, echoed the fans’ demand during his conversation with Gamereactor, stating: “Yes, it has been a long time. Yes, I want to do something.” This came after a rumor claimed that the remake was confirmed, which was quickly denied by specialized media such as Gematsu.
Despite these confusions, the interest in a modern adaptation of Chrono Trigger is undeniable, especially after the commercial success of the HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest 3. This suggests that Square Enix might consider a similar approach to revitalize Chrono Trigger. However, although many are eagerly awaiting a treatment in the style of the Final Fantasy VII remake, market expectations and the company’s high sales standards are factors to consider.
For those who can’t wait, the original version of Chrono Trigger is currently available on Steam with a 50% discount, making it more accessible for new players. While fans continue to speculate about the future of the series, the legacy of Chrono Trigger remains alive, awaiting a revival that many consider inevitable at some point.
Sea of Stars, a game that pays homage to the classic RPGs of the 90s, has established itself as one of the standout surprises of 2023. With its charming pixel art, turn-based gameplay, and captivating soundtrack, it has managed to attract a base of millions of players. Now, the title from Sabotage Studio offers a new reason to return to the world of Zale and Valere with the release of Throes of the Watchmaker, a free expansion scheduled for May 20. A free expansion full of exciting content This new content, which […]
Sea of Stars, a game that pays homage to the classic RPGs of the 90s, has established itself as one of the standout surprises of 2023. With its charming pixel art, turn-based gameplay, and captivating soundtrack, it has managed to attract a base of millions of players. Now, the title from Sabotage Studio offers a new reason to return to the world of Zale and Valere with the release of Throes of the Watchmaker, a free expansion scheduled for May 20th.
A free expansion full of exciting content
This new content, which can be obtained at no additional cost for players who already have the game, promises to add about 8 hours of gameplay with fresh and exciting stories. In this expansion, the protagonists move to a circus setting, where they take on the new classes of Juggler and Acrobat, facing a variety of villains and challenges. Players will be able to enjoy new dungeons, mini-games, and puzzles, all while maintaining the humor and fantasy that characterize the original work.
One of the most notable features of Throes of the Watchmaker is the inclusion of Arty, a robotic companion whose aesthetic is reminiscent of the iconic character Robo from Chrono Trigger. In addition, the soundtrack will feature a special collaboration with Yasunori Mitsuda, the renowned composer of the Chrono series, which will surely elevate the musical experience of the DLC even further.
With this release, Sea of Stars concludes its post-launch support cycle, after introducing the DLC Dawn of Equinox at the end of last year, which included cooperative play for three players and multiple improvements. From now on, the studio will focus on a new project, leaving an indelible mark on the indie game catalog of the season.
The first one arrives. It starts to get warmer, or less cold, and you feel like going out into the street. But more important than all that is that Steam is putting on its spring sales. One of the four big sales of the year, which coincide with each of the four seasons. Although some say that the sales used to be better, we do not agree. There are excellent deals right now. And we are going to prove it to you. These are the Steam deals you can’t miss. Higurashi When They Cry – Free | €36.44 (-35%) If, like us, you are […]
The first one arrives. It starts to get warmer, or less cold, and you feel like going out. But more important than all that is that Steam is putting out its spring sales. One of the four big sales of the year, which coincide with each of the four seasons. Although some say that the sales used to be better, we do not agree. There are excellent deals right now. And we are going to prove it to you. Here are the Steam offers you can’t miss.
If, like us, you are eagerly awaiting Silent Hill f, you might be curious about playing the previous titles from its creator, Ryukishi07. And the one that is most similar is Higurashi When They Cry. Moreover, you are in luck: it’s free! Well, sort of. The first chapter is free, but you will have to buy the following ones, which have a very tempting offer. But trust us, this is like a drug. If the first one is free, it’s because they know you won’t be able to quit even if you want to.
One of the great indie games in history. With a large fandom behind it, very beloved by the public, it catapulted Toby Fox to stardom. And not without good reason. This year we should receive the next two chapters of his next work, Deltarune, and what better way to prepare than to play his first game for an absolutely ridiculous amount of money? You pay more money for a coffee that you enjoy less than what Undertale leaves with you.
If Microsoft has a big bet this year, it is Doom: The Dark Ages. The Doom franchise has not failed since it returned in 2016 with a reinvention of the game that retains the same frenetic pace, violence, and heavy metal spirit as the original, but with a different touch. If you have never played that first game, this is the perfect time. Just two euros to get ready for Doom: The Dark Ages, which they have confirmed draws from this even more than from Doom Eternal.
It turns 30 years old, we still don’t know what Square Enix intends to do, but it seems that the first thing is that we can all replay it. With the largest offer in its history, Chrono Trigger is basically being given away right now. For less than 4 euros, you can get one of the best JRPGs in history, created by the most absolutely amazing team of creators in the history of video game development. Everything we tell you about Chrono Trigger falls short. Although that doesn’t mean we won’t try.
If you prefer western role-playing games, in the style of Baldur’s Gate, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is exactly what you need. A game heavily inspired by the classics, but with all the comforts of modern games, the only thing it lacks is the Dungeons & Dragons license. It has the Pathfinder license, the most famous clone of Dungeons & Dragons. And the game is an absolute delight that will keep you glued to the screen for as many hours as you want to invest for a ridiculous amount of money.
We know that WWE 2K25 has just been released, but let’s be honest: there is only one king of wrestling video games and that is Fire Pro Wrestling. The best wrestling video game has been so for 30 years and it is not going to stop being so anytime soon, and now you can buy it for a historic low price. Moreover, the PC version allows you to introduce an almost infinite amount of community-created content that makes this the game you can play for the rest of your life if that’s what you want. And no. We are not exaggerating.
If an indie game stood out last year, it was Mouthwashing. Knowing how to capture the essence of horror, telling a story as chilling as it is captivating, it is a brief but intense experience that is even more enjoyable in subsequent playthroughs. Now for just a few cents over 10 euros, it is the perfect time to dive into this terrifying and fascinating adventure that captivated everyone in 2024.
If you have VR glasses, you probably already have it, but if that’s not the case, why don’t you have Half-Life: Alyx? This game is the reason to have VR glasses, and now it’s at a price that is practically stealing from Valve. Or it would be if they weren’t still not giving us Half-Life 3, which is why we’re a bit angry with them. So, if you have VR or are thinking about getting some, this game should be in your library because you won’t experience anything better.
There may be those who haven’t jumped into Diablo IV because they are waiting for more content. If you are that person, congratulations: this is your moment. The price is excellent and the content of Diablo IV is already more than you will be able to tackle even if you dedicate 8 or 10 hours a day. And is that good? It’s excellent for Diablo players. Because we are talking about less than 30 euros for a game that, if you want, will last you hundreds of hours of exactly what you are looking for. Scratching that itch you have for more Diablo.
It has had mixed impressions, but let’s be clear: Dragon Age: The Veilguard. It is not the previous Dragon Age games, but it is not a bad Dragon Age. And it is certainly a good Dragon Age to play for 30 euros. An irresistible price for a game that, controversies aside, is graphically spectacular and offers an engaging narrative and very interesting gameplay.
The crown jewel. The J-RPG that keeps us hooked for many, many hours. Persona 3 Reload hasn’t dropped much in price, but it doesn’t matter: it’s an excellent game and you should take the opportunity to buy it, enjoy it, savor it. If you’re a fan of Persona 5, Persona 3 Reload will not only not disappoint you, but it might even please you more. That’s why you should try it. Because it might be your new favorite game.
Time passes for everyone. Even for the JRPGs that have marked entire generations and have defined video games in a way that most can hardly even dream of. This has been the case with Chrono Trigger, one of the most important games of the SNES and one of the most legendary JRPGs in history, which has just turned 30 years old. Something that, of course, Square Enix has already announced it plans to celebrate as it deserves. How that celebration will be is what remains unclear. They have said they plan to celebrate it, but not how. […]
Time passes for everyone. Even for the JRPGs that have marked entire generations and have defined video games in a way that most can hardly even dream of. This has been the case with Chrono Trigger, one of the most important games on the SNES and one of the most legendary JRPGs in history, which has just turned 30 years old. Something that, of course, Square Enix has already announced it plans to celebrate as it deserves.
How is that celebration going to be? That is what remains unclear. They have said that they plan to celebrate it, but not how. That’s why we can only speculate and dream, knowing that they will have to do something. And in the meantime, we prefer to remember and above all, explain something that perhaps many people do not know: why Chrono Trigger is important. And that is what this article is about. The reasons why this thirty anniversary should be your excuse to replay a legendary game. Or to play it for the first time.
Chrono Trigger is a classic role-playing video game developed by Square, in which a group of young adventurers travel through different eras to save the planet from a future disaster.
The biography of Chrono Trigger
Published on March 11, 1995 for Super Nintendo, it wouldn’t reach the US until August 11 of that same year. And Europe and Australia? I’m afraid we would have to wait until February 2009 for a remaster to be released for Nintendo DS. This does not mean that the game was not played outside of Japan and the US until then.
Because Chrono Trigger is one of those games that was highly imported at the time. Although it was sold at completely outrageous prices outside of North America, it was also sold in English outside the US. And over time since the Super Nintendo, its legend continued to grow, partly thanks to a re-release on PlayStation that was published in 1999 in Japan and in 2001 in the US, which would further cement its cult status. This led to the fact that over the years and with the rise of emulation, anyone interested in JRPGs not only had heard of Chrono Trigger but could also play it, even if it never legally reached their territory.
A game created by a dream team
Why did the game cause such a stir? Probably because it was designed from the beginning to do so. Chrono Trigger was developed by what Square conceived as a dream team of three designers who had just created indisputable masterpieces: Hironobu Sakaguchi, creator of Final Fantasy; Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest; and Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball. Together, they conceived the entire foundation of the game, from the visuals to the mechanics, resulting in the most idiosyncratic JRPG of its generation.
But it is not a dream team just because of its dream trio. It is also because of the excellent team that accompanied them. Takashi Tokita, director of Live A Live and Parasite Eve, would be co-director and co-writer of the game. Kazuhiko Aoki, director of Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy Chronicles, would be producer. And Masato Kato, writer of Final Fantasy VII, would be the other co-writer. Creating an absolutely dream team for the game.
An incredible story, magical designs, and unforgettable characters
But what is the game about? Basically, in the year 1000AD, Crono and Marle see how Lucca and her father demonstrate how their teleportation works at the fair of the Kingdom of Guardia. Due to an accident, they are teleported back in time 400 years, which leads them on an adventure of time travel, time paradoxes, and also a fight against a mad scientist who wants to end the world, which unfolds through different eras of the same world.
All of this, moreover, with seven tremendously charismatic characters that we can recruit in different time periods. Traveling from prehistory to the distant future, we will have all kinds of allies to fight against the evil Magus and the consequences of his actions, first trying to solve the disaster of our time travels, and then trying to prevent The End of Times with one of the most unforgettable castings of all time. Let’s remember, all designed by Akira Toriyama.
Although it remains a classic JRPG in terms of gameplay, the game would feature the Active Time Battle system, which would allow rivals to take actions while we make decisions in the menus. And surely the most striking aspect is the existence of cooperative skills, for which two or more characters will need to be in our party to perform a particularly powerful ability together. As long as the enemies are in the right position, as they can move during combat.
A game with many versions
With versions for SNES, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, mobile, and PC, it has undergone small changes over time. That said, there is no definitive version of the game. Although many people recommend the Nintendo DS version for having extra content and being relatively more accessible, it is generally accepted that the best version is the original. The SNES version remains the best-adjusted version, with fewer compromises and, while it shows its age, for many people this is not a problem but a plus: it has all the beauty of a game from its era.
What will Square Enix do to celebrate the 30th anniversary? While we would settle for a better port than the one we currently have for PCs, it wouldn’t hurt to have a good remaster. They will probably hold concerts, some kind of art exhibition in Japan, and everything else they do aside from that should be considered a bonus. Unfortunately, Chrono Trigger, as beloved as it is, doesn’t seem to be a priority like Final Fantasy is. Therefore, while we hope for at least the announcement of a series of ports, a Pixel Remaster-style version, or a remaster or remake, everything is still uncertain. But until we know, we can always return to this immortal game that hasn’t aged a single day since March 11, 1995.
Chrono Trigger is a classic role-playing video game developed by Square, in which a group of young adventurers travel through different eras to save the planet from a future disaster.
Today, the iconic video game Chrono Trigger, released in 1995, celebrates its 30th anniversary, a significant milestone for fans of this classic JRPG. Square Enix has announced that it will launch various projects related to Chrono Trigger throughout this year, in a gesture of gratitude towards all the players who have enjoyed the title over the decades. Through its social media, the company has urged fans to stay tuned, promising that more exciting information is on the way. Not every day is a 30th anniversary! The release of Chrono Trigger was the […]
Today, the iconic video game Chrono Trigger, released in 1995, celebrates its 30th anniversary, a significant milestone for fans of this classic JRPG. Square Enix has announced that it will launch various projects related to Chrono Trigger throughout this year, in a gesture of gratitude towards all the players who have enjoyed the title over the decades. Through its social media, the company has urged fans to stay tuned, promising that more exciting information is on the way.
Not every day turns 30 years old!
The launch of Chrono Trigger was the result of collaboration between giants in the video game industry, such as Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest, Akira Toriyama, the famous artist of Dragon Ball, and Hironobu Sakaguchi, the father of Final Fantasy. The influence of the title has endured over the years, becoming a benchmark in video game storytelling and turn-based gameplay.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Square Enix Music Channel on YouTube will host a live stream on March 14, dedicated to the renowned soundtrack of Chrono Trigger. This event aims not only to revive nostalgia among players but also to attract new generations to the legacy of the game.
As these tributes are presented, many fans have expressed their desire to be able to play Chrono Trigger on modern platforms like PS5 or Nintendo Switch, in addition to PC. Although the PC port has improved since its problematic launch, the possibility of accessing the game on more current consoles would be greatly appreciated. It is also expected that, along with Square Enix’s announcements, more surprises related to the game and its legacy will be revealed.
Finally, we highlight the new exhibition by conceptual artist Yoshitaka Amano, known for his work on Final Fantasy VII, which showcases his influence in the world of Square Enix video games. Without a doubt, this month is filled with celebrations that pay tribute to the rich history of the company and its masterpieces.
