Push Play Ep. #2

TIMESTAMPS

“Guardia Millennial Fair” – 3:06

“Secret of the Forest” – 5:30

“Frog’s Theme” – 8:34

“Kingdom Trial” – 9:53

“Lavos’ Theme” – 12:14

“Robo’s Theme” – 15:20

“Showdown with Magus” – 16:31

“Undersea Palace” – 18:23

“Ayla’s Theme” – 20:36

“Last Battle” – 21:57

“Chrono Trigger Medley” – 24:29

The music in the background of the first segment is the Chrono Trigger Theme.

That game is Chrono Trigger.

Now, there are 5 games I list as the best I have ever played, but even some 14 years after it made its debut on the SNES, Chrono Trigger is still on that short list.

So why does this game stand out so much in my mind? The answer is easy. Chrono Trigger manages to be something many other RPGs have tried to be and failed: epic.

How I got hooked

As I have mentioned before, I did not own an SNES during its popular time period. In fact, until I got the Dreamcast, I never 0wned a console in its current generation, and even then I got it after the release of the PS2. My cousin did have one, though, and I spent many a night over at his place playing it since he lived near Arizona State, where I was attending college.

I do not remember why my cousin chose to buy Chrono Trigger. He tended to try and stay up on gaming news, and he had read something somewhere about it that really had caught his interest. Still, neither of us really knew much about it. It did not take long for him to start telling me I had to play it, however. So, one day while I was over there, I started a new game, with him watching and offering advice from time to time.

Everything seems kind of bland…till Marle vanishes.

I remember not being all that impressed at first. Here you are, this character named Crono, wandering aimlessly around the Millennial Fair. Sure, you bump into Marle and you battle a training robot, but it’s just not that exciting. Then you are informed that your friend Lucca is ready to demonstrate her newest invention, so you and Marle go to see it.

Turns out Lucca is a genius, and she has created a teleport pad. Crono steps into the pad on the left hand side, Lucca and her father flip a few switches, and presto, he appears on the other padon the right. Marle decides she wants to try as well, but something happens. The pendant she is wearing starts to glow, and Marle disappears, leaving it behind. Crono decides he has to go after her, only to find himself back in time 400 years, trying to save Marle’s ancestor so she will not vanish from time.

At that point, I was hooked.

Truly Epic Story

One area many RPGs fail is their storylines just tend to fall flat. Chrono Trigger in no way falls prey to this. As you and your ever growing team (you can get up to 7, though only 3 can be a part of your party at any given time) travel through time, you begin to understand that the whole world is in danger thanks to the nightmare that is Lavos. You must move around through time, completing different quests in different areas to try and find out what if anything can be done to stop this menace.

So you have multiple story threads being woven together through different eras in the game, but that is not all. Square did such a great job of breathing life into every main character in the game, especially your team members. Crono never actually talks in the game, and yet it quickly becomes evident that he is a truly brave warrior willing to lay down his life for his friends. Marle is actually the princess of the kingdom of Gardia, but she prefers to spend her time away from the castle in defiance of her father. Lucca is a brilliant inventor who has been at least somewhat shunned by those who do not understand her. Frog, an adventurer from the past who was turned into a frog-man by a powerful sorcerer, blames himself for the death of his friend Cyrus, the hero of Gardia. Heck, even the cave girl Ayla and Robo the robot from the future are not 2d characters.

An epic storyline and unique combat make Chrono Trigger a must own for RPG fans.

Oh, and I know I said there were 7 possible characters. It’s just for the sake of those of you who have not played the game yet, I do not want to tell you who the 7th is. Trust me when I say he has quite the back story.

So, you have a great plot that spans several eras, characters you grow to care about throughout the game, and one major turning point in the game that not only grabs you but changes the game completely. Like I said, this story is just flat out epic.

Reinventing Turn Bassed Combat

The story is not the only thing that will impress you about Chrono Trigger. The game was truly revolutionary, introducing several of the conventions that are now used in RPGs, especially those that have stuck to the turn based model.

As I said earlier, you control a party of 3 characters at a time. In combat, these three have speed ratings that determine how quickly they will be able to make their attacks. Once the meter fills, you can choose your next move, but choose quickly because the enemy can attack as you make your decision (you can turn the active battle system off so that enemies wait for you to make your decision, but what is the fun in that?).

Seems simple enough, right? Well, at its base, it is, but then there is Tech. Tech is your special attacks and magic. Using Tech will use up magic points, which you have to refill with ethers as per normal RPG rules. Here’s where things get interesting, though. You see, you have 3 levels of Tech. The first level is performed by the person you are controlling. Then there is Double Tech, in which 2 characters team up to attack. For example, Lucca controls fire, and one of her Double Tech attacks is to throw flame onto Crono’s sword so he can do both physical and fire damage to the opponent. Then there is Triple Tech, where all three combine their efforts. The problem is you cannot pull off Double or Triple Tech unless every character involved can make a move at that time.

So what does that mean? It means combat, especially in the latter stages of the game, becomes a balancing act where you are constantly having to decide if it is better to attack with the character who is ready now or wait for the others to perform more powerful combined attacks. This strategic gameplay really helps separate Chrono Trigger from the more standard fare of turn based RPGs.

Oh, then there’s the New Games +.

Just how many endings are there to this game?

Depending on the choices you make and side quests you complete before facing Lavos, you will get several different slight variations of the ending of the game. After it is all done, you are given the chance to start the game over with your leveled up characters and equipment. This New Game + feature may be a mainstay in games now, but it was a relatively new concept when it was done in this game.

The thing is this feature is not just a nice little addition that in the end does not really amount to much. There are 13 unique endings in Chrono Trigger. Which one you get depends directly on when you beat Lavos. You see, from the very beginning of the game, you can go directly to the final fight with the ultimate evil by going to the left teleport pad instead of the right, which means you will face it with only Crono and Marle. If you do not have the 2 of them seriously powered up, you will not last long in that battle. If you do manage to beat it, you will be able to tour through different parts of the game, talking to NPCs who represet the game designers saying things like “You never even got to the part I created.”

These graphics on an SNES were just startling.

So how different are these endings? Some of them are radically different. For example, Frog may turn back into a human, or the world may be run by reptiles. It’s all up to you and when you choose to beat Lavos.

So you have a great storyline, phenomenal gameplay and major replayability. Add to that graphics that were unrivaled by anything on the SNES, and you have the makings of one of the most popular RPGs ever. So popular, in fact, that it was released on both the Playtation and the Nintendo DS. There is also a “sequel” on the Playstaion called Chrono Cross, but it can hardly be called a true sequel. Sure, it is a good game in its own right, but it is only loosely connected to the original and does not carry over the use of Tech.

So, you’ve decided you want to play the game, and now you just want to know which version to play? Well, avoid the Playstation one at all costs; the load times will frustrate you to no end. Really, the DS version is the best, with the inclusion of the anime cut scenes from the Paystation version,  a few new features and a new, improved localization of the game.

As I said earlier, this game is just truly Epic. There is no other way to describe it. Chrono Trigger gets a 5 out of 5.

Just 2 more reviews to go.

Does that sound a little strange to you? Maybe you think there just isn’t enough good game music out there to make you want to buy a soundtrack. If that is the way you feel, let me challenge you to listen to the games you play. Notice how the music adds to the experience, much like a good score adds to a great movie. Think about the driving sound of the battles in Gears of War, and the great relive you felt as the music changed and dropped out, your audio clue that the battle was over…for now. Remember the haunting music that plays in the wraith mash in Fable 2, setting you on edge as you looked around each corner, trying to spot the banshees before they spotted you. Good music adds to the atmosphere of the game; we just tend to be so wrapped up in making sure we don’t die that we tend not to notice.

So maybe you’re considering starting a soundtrack collection of your own, but you have no idea where to begin. The following list, while in no way comprehensive, might help give you some ideas.

Video Games Live Vol 1

If you have no idea where to begin, consider picking up Video Games Live Vol 1. Video Games Live is a series of live performances of music from some of the most well known video games ever. The first CD is a compilation of fantastic video game music, including greats like Kingdom Hearts, Myst, Medal of Honor and a rocking rendition of the Castlevania theme that is a definite crowd pleaser.

The great thing about this compilation is not only is the music masterfully performed by great orchestras and choirs, it will give you a chance to experience music from multiple games. After listening to this compilation, you will hopefully get some ideas for some other soundtracks you may want to consider. Just remember that the older games aren’t going to quite sound as good as they do on this compilation.

There is one other good reason to buy this CD. It contains a suite from a game that has made several people decide that video game soundtracks may just be worth buying:

Halo

It doesn’t matter if you are a fan of the series or think it is overrated, one listen to the main theme for Halo will have you geared up to play. The combination of classical and rock influences make this score, composed by Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori, one worth owning.

All you need to do is listen to the main theme to see what I mean. It starts with an ethereal chorus, building up to the first strings of electric guitar. Before long, you are completely drawn into the music.

If you are looking to build a video game soundtrack collection, Halo is a great one to pick up. Some might even argue that the soundtrack outshines the game. Might be a bit of a stretch, but it is rather well done. It’s not far fetched, however, to argue this soundtrack was what made many people actually start considering the possibility that game scores could be on par with movie soundtracks.

Gears of War

Forgive the pun, but an epic game deserves and epic soundtrack. Gears of War definitly delivers. Composer Kevin Riepl is a veteran of gaming soundtracks, with credits ranging from Twisted Metal Black to the Unreal series. For Gears, he took a more movie-like approach, writing a score worthy of any war drama.

The theme sets the tone early, with a driving tempo and militaristic feel that fits the game perfectly. This is followed by the haunting overture “14 Years After E-Day,” adding the eerie feel the to the background of the story. Other tracks are also reminiscent of some of the major battled in the game, like the high pitched and fast paced “Miserable Wretches,” the overpowering “Running With Boomers,” and the powerhouse “Train Ride to Hell,” which builds to the finale, leaving just a hint of more to come in Gears 2.

Mass Effect

Anyone who played the game knows just how good the music of Mass Effect is. Jack Wall, Sam Hulick, Richard Jacques and David Kates combine to create one of the most unique soundtracks in recent memory. Borrowing heavily from the older electronic sounds of 80s Sci Fi, this soundtrack ranks up there as one of my all time favorites.

Just lietening to the theme will be enough to remind fans of the great atmosphere of this game., complimented by tracks like the powerful “Spectre Induction” or the uptempo “Uncharted Words.” With 37 tracks, there is plenty of music for fans of the game to enjoy.

None of the tracks on the CD are as good as “M4 Part II” by the Faunts. I remember listening to this song as it rolled with the end credits of the game, just being amazed by the fact Bioware found a song that actually fit the game. As a matter of fact, I found myself almost sad once the credits were over because it was that good. Of all the tracks on the CD, I have listend to this one the most.

So far, all of the soundtracks I’ve been recommending are from the last couple of generations of consoles. While gaming music has really come into it’s own in these generations, there are great soundtracks from earlier consoles worth purchasing.

Metal Gear Solid

I bet that if you are a fan of Metal Gear Solid, you probably have the theme playing in your head right now… or at least a clip of it with someone screaming “SNAKE!”

The music of MGS really helps set the tone for the game, and the soundtrack brings some of the more memorable set pieces of the adventure to mind. Just try not to remember franticly trying to find cover while taking out Sniper Wolf when you hear “Duel,” or lining up shots with the missile launcher while avoiding the attack of the “Hin D.” The soundtrack even includes the soulful “Mantis’ Theme” and sorrowful “Enclosure” (plays after you kill Sniper Wolf), which remind you of the serious undertone of the game.

Metal Gear Solid is definitely a great example of a soundtrack worth picking up from an earlier generation of consoles, but it’s still a CD based game. Earlier games relied upon midi synthesizers and other programing tricks to make music. It doesn’t mean these earlier game soundtracks are not worth tracking down, however. As a matter of fact, my favorite game soundtrack comes from the pre-CD consoles.

Chrono Trigger

If you have been listening to the podcasts, you should have seen this one coming. I was lucky enough to find the Chrono Trigger soundtrack a few years ago at Bookmans, and I have never regretted the purchase.

Composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, Chrono Trigger is considered by many to be one of the best soundtracks done on the SNES. Beginning with “Premonition,” it is clear that Mitsuda was able to get past the musical limitations of the system in a way most could not. Each area in the game has its own unique music, and yet they all blend together to make a great CD.

I’m not the only one who likes the music of this SNES RPG. In fact, the next Video Games Live CD is going to have music from the game in it, and those of us who preordered Chrono Trigger on the DS got a CD with fully orchestrated versions of music from the game.

So that’s my list of video game soundtrack recommendations. It is by no means all inclusive, and I intend on getting many more soundtracks to add to my collection, but hopefully reading about these soundtracks will get you thinking about some of your favorite gaming music. You might even think about tracking down a soundtrack or two for yourself. You might be surprised by just how good they can be.