Chrono Trigger DS: I Find Your Lack of Graphics (Mildly) Disturbing

Around the first of July, Square-Enix launched a simple teaser webpage on their Japanese site that seemed immediately familiar.  As soon as fans saw the pendulum swing and heard the famous ticking, we immediately crapped ourselves.  And it took no more than a second to put the final four letters of the hyperlink together.  CTDS. Chrono Trigger DS. Now, with E3 come and gone, we have some more information, and are shopping for new shorts all over again.

So let’s take a look at what we know.  While most of it is good, some of it is a little disappointing; namely, the lack of a fully-3D graphical upgrade. Chrono Trigger DS is next in a long line of remakes being made for the DS.  Final Fantasy III and Final Fantasy IV are completely re-envisioned remakes with updated 3D polygonal graphics and CG cut scenes.  Chrono Trigger appears to have avoided that route: “Unlike the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest remakes, Chrono Trigger will not receive a graphical overhaul, though it will be reformatted to utilize the DS’ dual-screen presentation and touch-screen functionality. The remake will also include a Wireless Play mode and an all-new dungeon” (Tom Magrino, GameSpot).

Gamers have already seen a direct port in Final Fantasy Chronicles for the PlayStation (with added cut scenes and load times).  So why would Square-Enix opt to ditch updated graphics?  Best guess: to save time and get the game out ASAP.  Square-Enix claims they had a financially lousy year in 2007, which is not surprising due to their overall lackluster releases.  So skipping a complete graphical overhaul will save them mucho time and allow them to get the game out by the end of 2008.  I guess they figure Chrono Trigger will sell no matter what, (which is probably true), but still, this is a landmark game and deserves better treatment.

So far, the lack of updated graphics is looking out to be the worst thing, which is not bloody awful.  Chrono Trigger’s sprite-based graphics are charming and stand up even today, so it will not be bothersome to newer gamers who are getting their first stab at this amazing game.  Look out for Chrono Trigger DS at the end of 2008, just in time for the (very happy) holidays.