An immersive classic rpg is re-born for the DS!!!!
So we skip (or time travel) forward to a new millennium of gaming goodness and say to ourselves "what will be done for us next, to keep us amused and occupied??", and then it came. News that "Yes" the original Square beast of an RPG classic will be getting a makeover and a new release on a new system and "Kaching" portable also. My jaw dropped.
So I played, I laughed, I cried but most off all, I played and had some bloody good fun dammit!!!!
For veterans of the Chrono "World" as such you will be able to shed a lil gaming tear here for sure, for new-comers, wow!!! do you have a hot lil gem of gaming goodness ready to throw in, crank up, sit back and enjoy.
GAMEPLAY:- 10/10
This has always been the games strongest draw point, hands down. Any RPG fan of any age or skill will definitely be in for a treat here, for sure. With a battle system that's based around actually seeing monsters on the screen first, this has always been a draw for me in the sense that if you don't feel like fighting, then don't. Battles are also fought with an active time-based system, i.e. characters can attack after a certain amount of time has passed. There are also a number of "Techs", or skills, each character can use. They can use these Techs on their own, or combine them with another ally to perform even stronger skills.
The story will make you laugh at times, it will also make you cry. But most importantly it will keep players interested and wanting to learn more about the characters and their adventures.
SOUND:- 10/10
I have personally always loved this soundtrack (hence why I bought it) there is jus something about the composing and the pieces at certain times, it really adds to the feelings in the story, and in battles. Certain FX used at times can keep the player thinking to themselves "DAMN!!!!, that must of hurt".
It never gets dry or boring, always a pleasure for the ears.
Graphics:- 10/10
One could be forgiven for thinking that with cover art image that the game is all anime based. But, alas there is more to this than meets the eye. Bright vibrant graphics abound, trees are as they should be, water the same, mountains etc. have all been given that "special touch". It is extremely easy on the eyes, the sprites have also been well done, characters are beautiful. Overall the game is for as much as the DS can perform in my opinion "Eye Candy".
REPLAYABILITY:- 10/10
The longevity is definitely here, especially if like me, you are one of those "RPG HEADS" that must explore everywhere possible, max out everything possible and just overall get your value for your hard earned $$.
Also, with a total of 13 endings in all, if you want to see everything there is to see and learn about this wonderful classic, then this will make sure that a few run throughs will most surely be on the cards, either soon after completion or in the future.
Overall this is a beautiful masterpiece, that at the end of the day, is most surely worth using those pennies that you saved for a "rainy day" to buy.
If not, then beg or borrow your mates, you will most certainly not be disappointed.
A classic that will always be able to hold it's own, hands down!!