Final Fantasy Chronicles: Final Fantasy IV & Chrono Trigger PlayStation

A re-release in much the same vein as Final Fantasy Anthologies, Final Fantasy Chronicles bundles two of Square Soft's most beloved SNES RPG titles -- Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Trigger -- in this PlayStation release. Final Fantasy IV, known in the US as Final Fantasy II, follows the exploits of Cecil, a Black Knight and former leader of the Red Wings who questions the orders of his king and is demoted because of this. From here, he embarks on a journey that will span worlds and decide the fate of the entire kingdom.

Battles are turn-based, but introduced to the series is the Active Time Battle (ATB) concept, which forces players to be quick with their decision-making because, despite the turn-based nature of the title, enemies can attack at brief intervals. The player's party can consist of as many as five people at one time and throughout the adventure, characters will leave and join up with the party. The characters themselves are divided into classes and possess specific attributes and skills. Kain, for example, is able to use a jump ability in battle while Rosa wields white magic. Known as the "Easytype," the original US release excluded particular items, abilities, and spells, all of which have been restored for this release, dubbed "Hardtype." As part of the update, new FMV cutscenes are interjected throughout the game.

Released late in the SNES system's lifecycle, Chrono Trigger documents the adventure of a young boy named Crono and his misadventures through time. During the Millennial Fair, Crono meets and quickly befriends a woman named Marle. While visiting Crono's inventor friend Lucca however, Marle is inadvertently sent into the past and Crono and Lucca must set off after her. Dubbed the "Tech System," the game allows characters to combine elemental attacks in order to produce Double and even Triple Techs; powerful offensive and defensive techniques. New Tech skills can be learned as the character increases in level.

Unlike Final Fantasy IV, battles in Chrono Trigger are not initiated at random, allowing players to avoid enemies (who are in plain sight) as they see fit. New animated cutscenes have been included as part of the update, as well as an Extras Mode that houses any additional extras unlocked by attaining one of the game's twelve different endings. A Theater, Music Box, Art Gallery, and Bestiary are just some of the options available, allowing players to view unlocked movie and ending sequences, listen to music from the game, view stills of the main characters, and read up on monsters, bosses, and techniques. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide