Chrono Trigger Remake: Director Seeks Inspiration from Final Fantasy 7

Yoshinori Kitase, one of the original directors of Chrono Trigger, recently reached out to fans for their input on how best to revive or remake the beloved classic JRPG for a modern audience. Originally launched for the SNES in 1995, Chrono Trigger is widely regarded as one of the most influential JRPGs of all time. The game boasted a talented team of creators, including Hironobu Sakaguchi, the mastermind behind Final Fantasy, and Akira Toriyama, the renowned artist of Dragon Ball. Yoshinori Kitase, who served as one of the three directors for Chrono Trigger, has since gone on to work as a producer at Square Enix, contributing to many critically acclaimed Final Fantasy titles.

Chrono Trigger has earned a reputation as one of the greatest RPGs ever made, thanks to its timeless visuals, intricate combat mechanics, and a captivating storyline that continues to resonate with players nearly thirty years after its initial release. The game's enduring popularity is evident, with Square Enix re-releasing Chrono Trigger on various platforms, including PC and mobile devices. Despite its availability on multiple platforms, there appears to be a growing interest in seeing a remake of this classic masterpiece.

Yoshinori Kitase, a guest on the My Perfect Console podcast hosted by Simon Parkin, discussed how Chrono Trigger could be reintroduced or remade for modern audiences. Kitase proposed three options: a straight port, a graphical remaster, or a remake on the scale of Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

Twitter article posted by Genki

Twitter article posted by Stealth

Chrono Trigger Remake Options

Parkin expressed his admiration for Nintendo's approach in remaking The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for the Nintendo Switch. Kitase appreciated Parkin's feedback. Kitase also mentioned that there are various possibilities for a Chrono Trigger remake.

The main cast of Chrono Trigger, travelling on top the Epoch Time Machine. - A graphical remaster on the same level as 2019's Link's Awakening remake or an HD-2D remake like Live A Live would be best for gamers who would prefer that the core gameplay and storytelling of Chrono Trigger to remain the same

A graphical remaster similar to the Link's Awakening remake of 2019 or an HD-2D remake like Live A Live would be ideal for gamers who want to keep the core gameplay and storytelling of Chrono Trigger unchanged. Alternatively, a remake on the scale of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, with a shift from turn-based gameplay to real-time action combat, could attract a broader audience.

A poll conducted by Twitter user Genki asked the same question as Kitase, receiving 2354 votes. The majority of users preferred a graphical remaster, with 54.3% of the votes. 36.3% of fans opted for a full remake similar to the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy. One user named Stealth shared their vision for an ideal Chrono Trigger remake, envisioning it in Square Enix's HD-2D JRPG style with full voice acting, quality-of-life improvements, and all additional content from the re-releases.

Editor's P/S:

The article teases the possibility of a Chrono Trigger revival, sparking excitement among fans of the beloved JRPG. Yoshinori Kitase, an original director of the game, seeks input on the best approach to bring the classic to a modern audience. With three options presented—a straight port, a graphical remaster, or a full-scale remake—the article explores the potential for a refreshed Chrono Trigger experience.

The fan response, as evidenced by a Twitter poll, reveals a preference for a graphical remaster that preserves the core gameplay while enhancing the visuals. However, a significant number of fans also express interest in a full remake that embraces modern advancements in technology and gameplay. The article highlights the challenge of balancing nostalgia with the need for innovation, leaving readers eagerly anticipating further developments on this potential revival.