Square Enix created an updated Chrono Trigger ($9.99) port, released it for Steam, and is bringing some enhancements to the iOS and Android versions. “Updated graphics and sound" mean the game looks different than the previous port, though the font is still a bit jarring. Controls and screen layout got an update, along with support for controllers. The game properly supports playing across multiple devices, as you can now use cloud saves and play on the iPad and Apple TV. A new autosave function will help make the game feel a bit more modern, and achievements are there for y’all who like brownie points.
I’m really glad to see Chrono Trigger getting these enhancmenets so long after its initial mobile release. It’s reminiscent of Sega updating the Sonic the Hedgehog titles years later with the Christian Whitehead and Headcannon updates. While this version isn’t perhaps of the same, nitpicky quality as those ports, Square Enix is at least making sure that this port of a timeless classic stays fresh and relevant for new and existing players. Plus, this port is arguably the definitive port, content-wise, as it has the new features from the DS version. Whether you like the re-recorded soundtrack is a matter of taste.
What’s kind of funny is that PC people are complaining that this is the mobile version just ported to PC, as the touch controls are available. Some of the other tweaks made to the PC version are either inconvenient or just plain ugly, like the font.
Okay yeah, fuck. This is what I was scared of. It's just the phone version ported to Windows. Touch controls and all. pic.twitter.com/ek8KJL94wu
— Fred Wood (@thatsmytrunks) February 27, 2018
Of course, if you wanted to play Chrono Trigger as it was intended, there are ways to do that! Otherwise, while some of the modernizing changes might be controversial, this is still a classic game available for a few bucks. You can check out the new Chrono Trigger update right now, and be sure to read Shaun’s RPG Reload on the title.