chrono-trigger-ds
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790K people bought Chrono Trigger DS (and other Square sales figures)
Note: numbers reflect 10k increments Square Enix has released an accounting of its software sales for fiscal year 2009 -- which ended March 31 -- and remakes ruled. Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride, a refresh of the 1992 Super Famicom installment in the famous role-playing series, sold 1.35 million copies globally -- placing Dissidia: Final Fantasy, a new property, in second place with combined sales of 930,000 teeny-tiny UMDs.Let there be no questioning of Chrono Trigger's lasting appeal: the DS re-release managed to make it into the hands on 790k gamers, many of which were no doubt buying the game for the second or third time since the 16-bit original's 1995 launch.European gamers gobbled up Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII with half a million units sold in the territory, although the region came in third in overall sales for Square Enix. The US actually proved to be its most lucrative market with 1.69 million games sold, versus 1.51M for Japan. Part of the success in the West: The Last Remnant and Infinite Undiscovery, which sold better in the States than anywhere else.[Via Siliconera]
Metareview - Chrono Trigger (DS)
Between traveling and "quality family time," many Americans are being torn away from their beloved consoles due to the Thanksgiving holiday. So, before hitting the road, it might be worth picking up the well-reviewed DS remake of Chrono Trigger, one of the best RPGs of the 16-bit era (or ever, according to what company you keep). Although the reviews are clearly written from the standpoint of a 20- or 30-something with memories of playing the original on the SNES or PlayStation, they seem to agree that the game has held up over time. GamesRadar (100/100) "If you've never played Chrono Trigger, you owe it to yourself to finally give this gaming touchstone a whirl. And if you have played it before, you can play it again, for no other reason than to see how new it all still feels. We would normally hesitate to give any rerelease such a high score, but this is the ultimate edition of a true classic." 1UP (95/100): "For fans, the reason to pick up Chrono Trigger is simply because it's available, intact, and enhanced. For newcomers, it's because the game has easily withstood the test of time." Game Informer (95/100): "It's a true classic, and playing it should be a government-mandated rite of passage for any role-playing fan." IGN (88/100): "If you've never played Chrono Trigger before, buy this game. If you're a die-hard fan and want to support one of the greatest games of all time, buy this game. If you're having trouble validating a $40 purchase for what is ultimately the same game, it's the wrong choice for you, and your cash is better spent elsewhere." GameSpot (85/100): "Chrono Trigger is a fantastic synthesis of excellent storytelling, game design, music, and gameplay that has withstood the test of time and should be considered required playing for any fan of role-playing games. Though its extra content is hit or miss and it's essentially a direct port of a game released 13 years ago, the DS version is easily the definitive edition of this masterpiece,"
Chrono Trigger's cast travels through console history in new commercial
This Japanese commercial for Chrono Trigger DS is incredibly cute and, unlike the game, totally original. It depicts the Chrono Trigger gang hopping out of a Super Famicom and encountering a DS -- which Ayla refers to as "that white thing" before asking if she can eat it. Marle announces that everyone should go in. They probably wouldn't if they knew they were going to have to endure more dungeons, but oh well.After the break, we've posted a second, much more traditional Chrono Trigger commercial that doesn't do quite as much damage to the fourth wall. It's still pretty exciting!
Chrono Trigger DS to have a new ending
The Square loyal among you will apparently have yet another reason to play through the tiny-sized version of Chrono Trigger on the DS -- besides nostalgia and the chance to hang out with your buddy, Frog. Siliconera reports that the release will include a brand new ending created just for the portable CT.Yes, to answer your question, this is yet another ending for Chrono Trigger, which already had more than enough endings to go around. What do we know about it so far? Only that it will include the image you see above, which is code for, "We don't know anything."
Chrono Trigger DS includes new ending
Most people know all about Chrono Trigger. They've tackled the challenges presented in what many would consider one of the greatest games ever made. So, why should those of you who have bested the game in the past pick up the new DS remake? Apparently, it's going to have a brand new ending!We were already sold on the game when it was announced, being the huge DS and RPG fans that we are, but perhaps this will be enough to get a few of you down from on top of that fence? If not, have you read up on the other new features?%Gallery-27682%[Via Siliconera]
Chrono Trigger DS features optional SNES play mode
For fans of Chrono Trigger, the news that the game would be ported to the DS was like finding an extra toy in your box of cereal. Or, actually, it was probably a bigger deal than that. Like, a lot bigger. But, what about those purists that don't like touch-screen controls changing up the game? Well, Square Enix will be including a single-screen mode, which you can see to the right of this text. The bottom screen will display health information for the enemies you're currently engaging, so it still plays a role in the game. Are touch-screen controls really that big of an issue, though?%Gallery-27682%
Chrono Trigger gets date for North American release
It looks like the early December release that GameStop predicted is false. Chrono Trigger will be hitting North American shores a week earlier, on November 25th. The rest of the press release is kind of bare, with the exception of one thing: Arena mode.At the end of the features section, it reads that "brand-new dungeons" and "an Arena mode" will "add exciting new dimensions to this timeless classic." Is this the two-player mode that we're all in the dark about? Sounds like it to us, meaning Chrono Trigger could allow for co-operative play in these new dungeons, as well as some kind of versus mechanic in this Arena mode. We might be reaching a bit, though, with the reality of it most likely being the new dungeons are only accessible from the single-player campaign and the Arena mode will let you and a friend do a boss rush or something.%Gallery-27682%
Chrono Trigger's wireless mode to support 2 players
When not debating the potential price tag for Chrono Trigger, you can pretty much find us scribbling hearts with Chrono Trigger in them within the confines of our sketchbook. To say we're excited would be quite the understatement. And now we're even more excited that we have a sliver of new info about the proposed wireless mode that was revealed last month.Sadly, that's really all we have right now. The wireless mode will support two players, but in terms of what those two players will take part in is anyone's guess. We're kind of leaning toward co-op play, like possible in Secret of Mana. Either that or some kind of dungeon rush mode or whatever.%Gallery-27682%[Via Siliconera]
Point/Counterpoint: The worth of Chrono Trigger DS
One of the biggest titles to release on the DS this year is none other than Chrono Trigger DS. But, is it worth the $40 that Square Enix is demanding gamers cough up in order to enjoy this RPG classic on their handheld? The DS Fanboy staff has drawn a line in the sand and been split down the middle, with each side presenting a solid argument that effectively states their case. Instead of letting this get violent and taking it out into the streets, we've decided to turn to our computers and take it out into the virtual streets of the DS Fanboy blog. So, read on and then decide for yourself if Chrono Trigger DS is really worth the price of admission. NEXT >> #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } %Gallery-27682%
No Chrono Trigger for Europe this year
But rest assured European gamers, you are getting Chrono Trigger DS. It just won't be hitting your shores for awhile now, as the window for the game's release has been pushed back to "early 2009." One would assume that to be Q1, but you all know what your teachers told you about assuming. So who's looking forward to the DS update of this classic RPG? Some consider it to be the greatest game ever made, you know.%Gallery-27682%
Square Enix trademark elicits confusion over Chrono Trigger DS
Square Enix trademarked something fairly odd during E3 last week. What was it? Echoes of Time. Logical reasoning points to a subtitle for Chrono Trigger DS, but with Square Enix never stating the title was temporary, we're left to wonder.We'll admit that Chrono Trigger: Echoes of Time has a nice ring to it. But, is it really for the DS remake? Or, does Square Enix have something else up their sleeve?%Gallery-27682%
Chrono Trigger: A noble spirit embiggens the smallest screens
We can only put up with tiny scans and crazy Japanese writing for so long before we go Chrono crazy. Thankfully, we've nabbed a select number of high-quality screens and created a genuine, bonafide, one-hundred percent awesome Chrono Trigger gallery.Again, they look pretty much identical to the original SNES version, but remember that for a good portion of the world, there never was a first time around for Chrono Trigger. New to some, old (yet inspiring) to others -- but either way, it's a kickass batch of images from one of the greatest games ever made.%Gallery-27682%
Chrono Trigger goodies, just in time to appeal to your sense of nostalgia
With the recent announcement of Chrono Trigger DS, the DS Fanboy staff have been salivating for weeks now. In fact, we've all tied buckets around our necks, to save our precious t-shirts from being drenched. Life is all about adapting.If you find yourself in the same crazed state of mind as us, desperate to get your hands on the final product, know some cool Chrono Trigger collectibles just went up on eBay. They're a set of keychain figurines and some Prism cards. The keychains are especially nice, but cost about twice the going rate on a SNES Chrono Trigger cart.Source - KeychainsSource - Prism cards[Via Gamesniped]
DS Daily: Chrono price point
Let's have another discussion about Chrono Trigger, because it's a sad day when we stop talking about such a wonderful game. Most of you seem to be okay with Square Enix's decision to port the original SNES game to the DS, but just how much are you willing to pay for it?Normally, Square Enix's DS titles cost $40 (with some exceptions). Yet, we can't see something like this costing as much as say, a totally revamped Final Fantasy IV. If the company had just brought the game to the Wii's Virtual Console, it would only cost $8 (but, it wouldn't have been portable). Then again, if you buy the orignal from eBay, you can expect to pay some big bucks. So, consumer whores (and how!): how much should Chrono Trigger DS retail for? What is a fair pricing scheme?
This Chrono Trigger trailer speaks our language
We posted a trailer a few days back that let us bask in the glory that is Chrono Trigger DS, and it was wonderful. There was just one, teensy weensy problem, though -- it was in Japanese. Yet, now you can enjoy the trailer in English by watching the video above, or head on over to the official (North American) website to see it in higher quality. Normally we'd say it's not worth the effort for a few text changes here and there, but then again, we're not normally writing about Chrono Trigger DS.We recommend that those of you who find yourselves chronically obsessed with Chrono Trigger sit down and give it a watch.[Thanks, T.J.!]
Composer explains what to expect from the Chrono Trigger DS soundtrack
Yasunori Mitsuda is probably just as excited about Chrono Trigger as you are. If that name doesn't ring a bell, those of you who've played the original SNES title might know his work -- he composed most of the soundtrack, after all.Mitsuda's reaction when he heard about the remake ... er, we mean, port? "Finally!" That pretty much sums it up in one word. In an interview with 1UP, he told the gaming site, "I had the music for the Nintendo DS version stay as close as possible to the SNES original, so I think you'll like how it turns out. Whether you're playing for the first time or reflecting on the past as you go, I hope all of you enjoy it." It sounds to us like the music is almost as similar to its roots as the rest of the port, but that's one element that's completely timeless in our eyes to our ears. To find out more about Mitsuda and the Chrono Trigger soundtrack, though, we recommend checking out 1UP's interview with the composer.Do those of you that played the game remember the music in it at all? Or was that one aspect that's evaporated from your brain over time?
Friday Video: Alternate history
This week, everybody freaked out (justifiably) about a port of a thirteen-year-old game. Since we can't manage to think about anything else, we thought we would all sit back together for some Chrono Trigger content today, and celebrate our independence from having to keep another system hooked up.This animated scene was added to the last enhanced port of Chrono Trigger, made for the PlayStation. Square Enix doesn't seem to have a problem putting FMV on the DS, so we'll probably see it in the new version as well. Hopefully the other new feature from that version -- interminable loading times -- won't also be implemented.Go back in time to five minutes ago so your popcorn will be ready right now!
First image of Chrono Trigger DS revealed
So, apparently the game isn't getting a visual overhaul in the slightest, as, should our memory serve us correct, the images in the scan to the right look exactly like the original SNES title. Hey, we're not complaining! Who has any right to complain about Chrono Trigger getting re-released for the DS? Nobody, that's who!Seriously, we're so stoked for this game, we doubt any other happening could ever rival it. Actually, if Abraham Lincoln and George Washington rose out of their graves to take part in a zombie steel-cage match, it would probably rival Chrono Trigger. But, Chrono would still win. See how crazy this game is making us?
Chrono Trigger DS confirmed for North America this holiday
Well, that didn't take long. After Square Enix quietly launched a teaser website seemingly devoted to bringing fan fave Chrono Trigger to the Nintendo DS, we've managed to scrape our jaws off the floor just in time to see that the company has confirmed plans for the title, and that the game will ship in time for North American gamers to pull it out of their stockings this holiday season.With the original having shipped some 2.5 million copies the world over, Squeenix calls the portable take on the 1995 SNES role-playing classic "newly revamped," promising a new dungeon and wireless play of some sort. Touch screen support is also promised, something we're getting plenty of practice at as we paw at our computer screens in eager anticipation.
Square Enix countdown site opens, most likely Chrono Trigger DS
A new Square Enix countdown site has launched, which features only a clock and the Nintendo DS logo. Considering the URL is square-enix.co.jp/ctds, we're going to take a guess and say it's Chrono Trigger DS. It could be a remake, a sequel ... or something entirely different. Chrono Tetris, perhaps?Screw that. Who are we kidding?[Thanks to everyone that sent this in! And to Square Enix, for doing something right.]
