Showcasing enhanced versions of the Super Nintendo classics Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy Chronicles is a must-have "retro" bundle for the serious role-playing game fan.Originally released in the U.S. in 1991 as Final Fantasy II, the groundbreaking Final Fantasy IV introduced the "Active Time Battle" combat system that has since become a staple in the series. In addition to new computer animation sequences and minor gameplay enhancements, this reissue sports a new dialogue translation that is more faithful to the Japanese version and fleshes out the previously pared-down story of a conflicted knight and his quest for redemption.
Although not as well known as Final Fantasy IV--and not even part of the Final Fantasy series, for that matter--1995's Chrono Trigger is a nonlinear adventure game where players must travel across time to save a princess (and the world in the process). New Japanese cartoon cutscenes from animator Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragonball Z) grace the updated Chrono Trigger, and an extras mode (filled with game-related goodies that must be unlocked) has been added, increasing the already high replay value of this title with multiple endings.
Admittedly, the games' two-dimensional graphics and simplistic sounds are quite "last generation," which may turn off some younger gamers and recent converts to the genre, but their solid gameplay, deep storyline, and memorable characters are still first-rate by today's standards. --Joe Hon
Pros:
- Brings together two classic Super Nintendo role-playing games
- Retranslated text of Final Fantasy IV more faithful
- Extras mode increases Chrono Trigger's replay value
- New animated "movie" sequences
Cons: - In-game graphics and sounds are quite dated
