I think it is super wild that there are so many RPGs out there that take inspiration from this game, while very few accomplish the same achievements this game does. It is fantastic.

This was my 4th time trying to play this game. First, I tried to play it on my hacked SNES Classic. Got up to Robo and stopped playing. Then I tried the PC port in 2021. Port sucked. I tried again in 2022. Port still sucked. Finally, I tried the PC port again, and now works.

So to start, story. I do think the game has a fantastic opening. But then, it kinda drags a little for a bit. But then you hit the mid point of the game, and the entire concept of this game finally clicks. I ended up falling in love with every member of the cast.

This game has a ton of side content, that initially, I had no intentions of doing. However, many friends HEAVILY suggested I do them, and yup I agree, they are all very important and worth doing. All of the character specific quests are great.

Gameplay, this game is also great, though I do have a few nitpicks. Combat is super fun, no complaints there. However, navigation is a little weird. There were a lot of times where I really had no idea where to go, and with no quest menu, I had no way to double check.

I think this game could really benefit from some kind of HD-2D remaster to add a quest menu, and maybe even markers for main quests and side quests. I think it would do wonders to improve the game for a newer audience.

Along side that, why is Chrono Cross on all platforms, but the only modern way to play Chrono Trigger is the Steam version? This game should be on all modern platforms, and I can't find a good reason for why it's not, besides maybe a remake is in development.

Side note - during my playthrough, I was heavily considering dropping it while the story was at a low point. I am super happy I pushed through, because this game was really worth it. I am super excited to revisit it for NG+ at some point.