Chrono Trigger is by far the best RPG I have played. The game succeeds in Plot, Music, Graphics, Control, and Gameplay/Fun. I will do my best to explain why I believe it is so superior to other RPGs.

(Graphics 100/100)

Game Graphics- The actual game graphics in Chrono Trigger are amazing. Every single inch of the graphics is extremely clear and detailed. Chrono Trigger is pure quality, and nowhere in the entire game will you find anything less than great graphics!

Character Animation- The characters in the game look exactly like the artwork illustrated by Akira Toriyama for Chrono Trigger. The characters are not super-deformed like in most 16-bit RPGs, they are pieces of beautiful artwork. They are much more intense to look at than the sluggish blocky characters in most of the "new 3D" Playstation and Nintendo 64 games.

Map/ Overworld- The world map in Chrono Trigger is fairly plain, but there is no RPG that has a perfect world map, especially Final Fantasy VI's horrible pixilated map. For the most part, Chrono Trigger's map is much more clear, easy to travel, and organized than other RPGs. It is very colorful and detailed and keeps the game flowing from one part to another.

Battle/ Spells- The spells in Chrono Trigger are amazing and make battles extremely fun! Most of the spells in Chrono Trigger are 3D, clear, and crisp. Every single tech and spell is well detailed and executed. You can definitely tell the graphic developers of Chrono Trigger spent a lot of time animating the spells and techs. The battles look clear and crisp as well, and take place on the overworld map screen instead of on an additional battle screen like in Final Fantasy games. This lends the game a much more realistic feel.

(Sound/ Music 100/100)

Sound Quality- The sound quality in Chrono Trigger is so good that sometimes it sounds as if real musical instruments are playing the music. If you listen to the music, you can easily tell Chrono Trigger's sound quality surpasses all other video games of any genre on any system.

Sound Effects- The sound effects in Chrono Trigger are also very realistic just as the sound quality is. You may not pay too much attention to the sound effects because the music is so good, but if you really listen they sound quite good. For example, if you hit an enemy with a sword it truly sounds like you are hitting it with a sword, and all the other sound effects are also unique and amazing.

Music- The music is extremely unique and well composed by Yasunori Mitsuda. Often Chrono Trigger's music is sometimes overlooked, sadly, because of the hype of Final Fantasy game music. I am a musician, and believe Chrono Trigger's composition is extremely beyond any other game soundtrack. Chrono Trigger has it all: Great sound quality, great sound effects, and great music! Every single song fits the game just right, and blends in to add unique artistic styles and elements like in no other RPG. You will most definitely enjoy listening to Chrono Trigger's heavenly music.

(Plot- 100/100)

Main Plot- Chrono Trigger's plot is very unique and well developed. The story is more imaginative and humorous than in other RPGs. Personally, I think when an RPG has a plot with lots of humor and massive imagination it becomes an involving and addicting game. I don't want to spoil the plot for you so I will briefly summarize. In Chrono Trigger the past, present, and future are being destroyed. Your main character gets sent back in time in a time machine one day, and begins his quest to solve the mystery. From there, your party travels through time, enduring many side quests, and slowly solving the mystery in order to save the future.

Character Development- The characters are very well developed. Each individual character, minor and major, have a complex dialogue that pulls your interest into the game! Each creature has a distinct personality, and a role to play. Crono, the first character you play with, doesn't talk, but this isn't bad at all. You see, in an RPG, you are supposed to "role play." In Chrono Trigger, you role play through Crono (a youth just like you most likely.) I like this element very much, because it makes you a part of the game. In Final Fantasy, all the characters talk so you're not technically role playing, you are watching the characters role play for you. In Chrono Trigger you can feel the pain, sympathy, and love in the game. I never felt as strongly about the emotions in other RPGs, as I did in Chrono Trigger.

(Control 100/100)

Game Control- The game control is superior. You can walk and run in all directions. Chrono Trigger has a very natural control, so anyone can enjoy this game with ease.

Battle Control- Chrono Trigger's battle control should serve as a role model to future RPGs. In Chrono Trigger there aren't any random battles, and when you do get into a battle the controls are a cinch! It creates such a flowing game without the annoying random battles that are in most RPGs. All techs and items are easily accessible for battle use, and are easy to organize. The battle control is also very natural, and easy to love!

(Gameplay 100/100)

Mini Games- There is a lot to do in Chrono Trigger besides getting into battles. You can play games at the millennial fair (a Simon says game, a drinking contest, a running race, and a fighting game). There is also a fun jet race game around the midpoint of the game. Also, you can clone your characters to make dolls of them. It is very cool!

Game Difficulty- Chrono Trigger is a moderately challenging game. The bosses are somewhat difficult, but the regular battles are easy. Sometimes the stages are challenging to master also. Some people think an RPG has to be super challenging to be good, but I think RPGs should flow like Chrono Trigger. Chrono Trigger is a very smooth game, and I'm glad it isn't too hard.

Game Length- Chrono Trigger is not the longest RPG, but it is long enough for you to have a lot of great fun! The people that complain about Chrono Trigger's length are Final Fantasy VI fans. Final Fantasy VI is longer, but if it didn't have random battles and somewhat slow control, than it would be basically the same length. Chrono Trigger has extremely good control and limited battles so it is a little faster to get through the game. I believe the length is just right for a fun RPG experience: not too long and not too short.

Replay Value- Chrono Trigger has probably the best replay value for an RPG. If you give any RPG a higher rating in Replay Value, it just doesn't make a bit of sense. In Chrono Trigger there are 10+ endings. There is also a new game + option (starting a new game with past game progress) to make achieving all the endings a little less frustrating than it would be if you had to start over and over.

Fun Factor- Chrono Trigger is the most fun RPG I have played. It has great music, great plot, great control, and great battles. (THE PERFECT RECIPE FOR RPG FUN!)

(Overall- 100/100)

Chrono Trigger, for the most part, is an underrated game, but I strongly believe, and have descriptively explained to you why this game deserves a strong perfect score! I think this game should not ever get anything below a great score. If you see a review that gives this game anything below a great score, you will notice a lack of description, because I have read a lot of them. But if you read a review by someone that really understands this game they will give it a 100 and explain their decision with ease! I hope you will buy Chrono Trigger if you haven't, because it is more than well worth it. I can tell you right now there's not going to be anything like this game again, not even Chrono Cross for the PSX! Thanks for reading! E-mail any comments to Sonic6254aol.com.