About this game
Chrono Trigger is the Super Famicom RPG most frequently named on "greatest games" lists. Created by a "Dream Team" of Hironobu Sakaguchi, Yuji Horii, and Akira Toriyama — the creators of Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Dragon Ball — it follows Crono and companions across seven time periods, from 65,000,000 BC to 2300 AD. The game introduced dual and triple character combination attacks, multiple distinct endings, and a New Game+ system. It sold two million copies in Japan in its first two months.
Key Features
Active Time Battle system with 13 dual and triple combination techniques. Seven distinct time periods each with unique art design and enemies. Thirteen multiple endings, determined by decisions throughout the game. New Game+ (carry stats and equipment into a second playthrough). Akira Toriyama character and enemy designs consistent with Dragon Ball aesthetic. No random encounters — all enemies visible on the field map.
The Story Behind
Chrono Trigger arrived in the final year of the Super Famicom's peak — the 32-bit transition was imminent, Sony's PlayStation was arriving in Japan in December 1994, and Sega's Saturn had launched the same month. The game's creation story became legendary: Sakaguchi and Horii met by chance at a trip to the United States, sketched out the project on a napkin, then convinced Toriyama to join. Composer Yasunori Mitsuda's debut as lead composer on the project was so intense he reportedly developed a stomach ulcer; Nobuo Uematsu completed several tracks to relieve him. The game sold 2 million copies in its first two months in Japan, finishing 1995 as the second best-selling game in the country.
Tricks & Tales
The "Lavos" final boss can be fought at any time once the bucket portal is accessible — meaning the game can be completed in under 2 hours by a skilled player who knows the shortcuts. The "Dream's Epilogue" ending — obtained only in New Game+ — is considered one of the most emotionally resonant endings in gaming history. The game's Battle Mode (originally "Active Time Battle") was refined specifically for Chrono Trigger from Final Fantasy IV's system. Each of the game's 13 endings was intended to reflect the consequence of when and how players chose to confront Lavos.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Japanese Super Famicom version and North American SNES version have minor translation differences. The North American version is titled "Chrono Trigger" — same as Japan. Japanese cartridge plays on Super Famicom and region-free units only. A well-regarded fan translation exists for players who prefer reading in English on original hardware.
Maintenance Tips
Battery-backed save via CR2032. Among the most sought-after CIB SNES games — the original cardboard box, manual, and all inserts in excellent condition command large premiums. The cartridge itself is common but complete boxes are scarce in Japan. Clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol if audio glitching occurs (the SPC700 sound chip is sensitive to dirty pin connections).
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
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