Chrono Trigger—The Retro Classic I’ve Never Played

RETROGAMING

10/13/20244 min read

I Finally Chose to Stream Chrono Trigger

As a retro game streamer who grew up in the ‘80s, I’ve spent countless hours playing and talking about some of the greatest video games of all time. From Super Mario Bros. to The Legend of Zelda, I’ve revisited many iconic titles that shaped my childhood and the gaming industry. But there’s one game I’ve somehow never played—despite hearing about it for decades: Chrono Trigger.

Yes, you read that right. I’ve never played Chrono Trigger.

Released in 1995 for the Super Nintendo, Chrono Trigger wasn’t just a game—it was a masterpiece so I've been told. Developed by a "dream team" that included Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, Dragon Quest mastermind Yuji Horii, and Dragon Ball artist Akira Toriyama, it makes sense that this game would be special.

Missing the Boat Back in the '90s

Growing up in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, I was an RPG fan, but my tastes were more in line with Final Fantasy, Dragon Warrior, and action games like Metroid and Mega Man. When Chrono Trigger dropped in 1995, I was already deep into other games, and to be honest, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of amazing titles coming out at the time. There was always another big release on the horizon, and before I knew it, Chrono Trigger slipped through the cracks.

As the years went by, I kept hearing people rave about how incredible the game was. Friends would bring it up during heated "Best RPG of All Time" debates, and every "Top 10" retro game list seemed to feature Chrono Trigger in its top ranks. Despite all the buzz, for some reason, I just never made time for it.

But as a retro game streamer, there’s always been a nagging feeling in the back of my mind—how could I call myself a lover of classic games without having experienced this masterpiece firsthand?

Why Now?

So, why now? Why, after all these years, did I finally decide to jump into Chrono Trigger and stream it for the first time?

First off, there’s the sheer curiosity that has built up over the years. I’ve heard so much about this game—the time-traveling storyline, the deep characters, the incredible music—that I feel like I’ve already missed out on something truly special. Every time someone talks about the game’s multiple endings or mentions iconic characters like Frog or Magus, I’m left feeling like the guy who wasn’t invited to the coolest party in town. It’s finally time to change that.

Secondly, there’s the fact that the retro community has kept this game alive in ways that are impossible to ignore. Whether it’s through fan art, remixes of the soundtrack, or endless YouTube videos analyzing every inch of the game, Chrono Trigger has remained a beloved classic for decades. When I see so many people still passionately talking about the game, it tells me there’s something truly timeless about it. What better way to experience that than with all of you, live on stream?

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I want to share this journey with fellow retro enthusiasts—and those, like me, who’ve never played it. I’m not just playing Chrono Trigger for myself. I’m playing it to experience something new with a community of fans who’ve either been there from the start or are discovering it for the first time. There’s a special magic to experiencing a game "together" for the first time, and what better game to do that with than one of the most celebrated RPGs of all time?

What I Expect

Honestly, I’m going into Chrono Trigger with pretty high expectations. How could I not, with all the praise that’s been heaped on it over the years? I’m expecting a gripping storyline, memorable characters, and music that will stick with me long after the credits roll.

But I’m also excited about being surprised. I’ve avoided spoilers as much as I could, so there are still so many elements of the game that are a mystery to me. What will the combat system feel like? Will the time-travel mechanic blow my mind like it did for so many others? What kind of emotions will the story stir up as I meet these characters and shape the future of their world?

There’s something thrilling about experiencing a beloved classic with fresh eyes, and I’m ready to embrace that.

Join Me on This Retro Adventure

If you’re a longtime fan of Chrono Trigger, I’d love to hear your thoughts, memories, and advice as I embark on this journey for the first time. If you’ve never played it, I invite you to experience it with me—let’s discover together what makes this game so legendary.

Streaming retro games is all about celebrating the past, sharing nostalgia, and discovering hidden gems, and it’s time for me to see why Chrono Trigger is one of the most talked-about games in gaming history.