Chrono Trigger fo SNES or Playstation?

[OldSkoolBrian]

Which Chrono Trigger is better? SNES or Playstation.

I have a copy of Chrono for the Super Nintendo... I have never played the Playstation version but a friend of mine arugues that the Playstation version is much better.. What do you guys think?

[Rickstilwell1]

The only thing that makes the Playstation version "better" are the added animated cutscenes and the ability to save to a memory card (or now, a PS3 hard drive) instead of a battery that will one day die on you.

Other than that the PS1 adds in annoying load times.

[Aussie2B]

I think your friend is crazy.

[fahlim003]

The only thing that makes the Playstation version "better" are the added animated cutscenes and the ability to save to a memory card (or now, a PS3 hard drive) instead of a battery that will one day die on you.

Other than that the PS1 adds in annoying load times.
The cutscenes are in addition to the entire Extras Mode menu which has access to potentially all ends, all the music, a bestiary, Tech(s) data, and an art gallery.

Personally I'd only be interested in the sound test as otherwise the SNES game is a bit better.

[TonyTheTiger]

The PlayStation version is so poorly optimized that it takes 7 seconds to enter the menu screen and 4 seconds to leave it. And any map with a top layer like snow or fog (Mt. Woe, for instance) causes obscene slowdown.

So the only reason to mess with the PlayStation port is if you really enjoy the extras. Even the FMVs, although nice looking, are weirdly integrated. You essentially watch the same event unfold twice, once in FMV form and then again as the standard in-game version. They are also in typical PlayStation era Squaresoft style where nobody speaks...ever. And the one time somebody does say something it's done like a Fatty Arbuckle film. The screen shows him mouth the words and then it cuts to text on a blank background.

Unless playing on a TV is absolutely necessary, I'd suggest skipping the PlayStation version in favor of either the SNES for the original experience or the DS for the enhancements. That one keeps all the PlayStation extras, adds a few more, and is a perfectly competent port. It also has a new translation while the PlayStation version is a cut-and-paste job from the SNES.

[Colorado Rockies]

Snes version is the best. PS1 version is a joke.
If you really want to play the PS1 version just play the DS version as it includes all the PS1 cutscenes.

[kupomogli]

The SNES version is better, but like fahlim003 mentioned, the PSX version has the Extras section which is like an in game strategy guide. A description of all the techs, music, cutscenes, items/weapons/equipment, enemy bestiary, most every single map in the game viewable(as long as it has an item to acquire.)

If the PSN version has the load times fixed it's the best version. Otherwise the SNES version would be the best. DS version would be the best except there's no option to play on a larger screen. Portable only.

[courtesi1]

here is a curve ball:

anyone know how the wii vc version is?

[Cornelius Spunkwater]

I have the DS version. It's actually really good. I recommend it.

[Leo_A]

here is a curve ball:

anyone know how the wii vc version is?

What curve ball? It's just the exact same code that is on every SuperNes cartridge out there running through a emulation program designed to perform the functions of the SuperNes hardware via software.

You're not getting something that wasn't there before. The only advantages would be superior video quality due to such things as component cables and the suspend state feature of the emulator.

[Peonpiate]

Im surprised no one has mentioned it, but the PSX also includes butchered sound and music compared to the SNES original. That plus the loading times makes it pale in comparison to the original. FF2 [4] and 3 [6] on PSX also have bad sound/music and long load times.

[Edmond Dantes]

IIRC the PS1 version is playable if you play it on a PS2 and turn on fast disc read.

Still you're better off with the SNES version though.

Huge mark against PS1 version is that some of the extras they added were to integrate it better with Chrono Cross. You know, like how the Star Wars trilogy was altered to make it fit in better with the prequels. Do you really want that?

[TonyTheTiger]

It didn't bother me since they didn't change anything. They just added a few bonuses to the end. No different than releasing a small sequel that "bridges gaps" or something lots of games do.

My problem with it was that the premise of the connection was utterly stupid. But I didn't need the new scenes to tell me that. I thought it was stupid based on what Chrono Cross itself implied.

[Zing]

Anyone saying "the PlayStation version is a joke" has probably not actually played it for any amount of time.

The only detriment I found having playing through approximately half of the game is the load time going into the menu. I actually thought the load time before battle was unique to it as well, but the SNES version also has this pause.

Add in the neat bonuses on the disc version and I think it is perfectly fine. As as added bonus, you also get the definitive version of Final Fantasy IV!

[Zing]

FF2 [4] and 3 [6] on PSX also have bad sound/music and long load times.

You must be thinking of Final Fantasy V, not IV, as the PlayStation version of IV has almost zero disc load time.

[TonyTheTiger]

Anyone saying "the PlayStation version is a joke" has probably not actually played it for any amount of time.

Playing it for any amount of time is exactly what makes people painfully aware of the problems. Those numbers I posted above are not made up. It literally takes 7 seconds to get into the menu and 4 seconds to exit it. An 11 second round trip for something that you tend to do on a regular basis is completely unacceptable. And the entire trip through Mt. Woe really does move like molasses. Chrono's Lightning 2 spins at half the speed there.

I only put up with it because I love the game that much.

[kupomogli]

FF2 [4] on PSX also have bad sound/music and long load times.

False information. You should go and compare both versions. FF6 on the other hand, for load times, is correct. The only ports where the music quality isn't as good would be the GBA ports, and FF4 on the GBA is a travesty when it comes to everything.


Anyone saying "the PlayStation version is a joke" has probably not actually played it for any amount of time.

The only detriment I found having playing through approximately half of the game is the load time going into the menu. I actually thought the load time before battle was unique to it as well, but the SNES version also has this pause.

Add in the neat bonuses on the disc version and I think it is perfectly fine. As as added bonus, you also get the definitive version of Final Fantasy IV!


Playing it for any amount of time is exactly what makes people painfully aware of the problems. Those numbers I posted above are not made up. It literally takes 7 seconds to get into the menu and 4 seconds to exit it. An 11 second round trip for something that you tend to do on a regular basis is completely unacceptable. And the entire trip through Mt. Woe really does move like molasses. Chrono's Lightning 2 spins at half the speed there.

I only put up with it because I love the game that much.

I remember I brought up Chrono Trigger load times not being that bad because I never went to the menu often, until on another thread people here mentioned it to me. Yeah, the load times are bad when going in and out of the menu, but you rarely have a need to enter the menu on Chrono Trigger(I rarely ever did.) Also moving from one location, it blacks out almost twice the amount of time the SNES version does. Even then it's not terrible. I agree with Zing. It's worse, but it's not a joke. FF4 GBA or FFTactics PSP are a joke. Also, like Zing said, you get the definitive version of FF4 and the awesome in game strategy guide like bonus.

*edit*

Actually. Made a mistake. FF4 for PSX is tied for the definitive version because of the release of FF4 Complete Collection. Complete Collection adds After Years(which I'm on Chapter 11, estimate of 15 hours, although After Years sucks,) Prologue(which is under an hour,) slightly remixed music which is more of an enhanced version rather than a remix, all the GBA content, and all movies from the DS version. The only flaw on Complete Collection is the change of agility for most enemies from the beginning of the game to when you return to Baron and a few in the Metal Cave. Since that's a very short portion of the game and even on the SNES and PSX version it's fairly easy, it's still a flaw. The addition of the GBA extras make up for in a way. So if you want the all around package, the PSP version is the best, while the PSX is the best if you only want to complete the main quest and sidequests and don't care about the GBA sidequest and using the additional characters end game.

[Colorado Rockies]

Anyone saying "the PlayStation version is a joke" has probably not actually played it for any amount of time.

The only detriment I found having playing through approximately half of the game is the load time going into the menu. I actually thought the load time before battle was unique to it as well, but the SNES version also has this pause.

Add in the neat bonuses on the disc version and I think it is perfectly fine. As as added bonus, you also get the definitive version of Final Fantasy IV!

PSX version is a joke. One big, pathetic joke.

[DDCecil]

SNES version with the Game Genie code 9FD9-7407 to turn the awful, obnoxious battle music into the one that should of been used in the first place.

[theclaw]

Short of an English fan translation repro, Final Fantasy IV PSX is nearest to the real original Japanese SFC version they'll ever release. S-E won't go back and reinsert a better script into newly printed SNES carts. Just not happening.

[Cobra Commander]

SNES version with the Game Genie code 9FD9-7407 to turn the awful, obnoxious battle music into the one that should of been used in the first place.
What does that code do exactly?

[DDCecil]

What does that code do exactly?

It turns the battle music into the unreleased battle music (Used for the new monster arena place on the DS version).

[wingzrow]

SNES: Translation is less verbose, and more lighthearted
PS1: Same as PS1 but HORRIBLE, horrible, load times everywhere, oh and some cut scenes
DS: tons of extra stuff from the PS1 game, new more accurate wordy translation, but can't be played on a big screen. Also, scrunched screen if played on anything but a DSi XL

So really, DS or SNES, pick your poison.

[Leo_A]

Also, scrunched screen if played on anything but a DSi XL

If the DS, DS Lite, and DSi have scrunched screens, then the DSiXL does as well. It's just a little bit bigger, but compared to a television screen, it's extremely tiny as well.

Has the same aspect ratio and same screen resolution as any other DS model (To me, your message is saying that only the DSiXL had the correct aspect ratio for DS software, which isn't correct).

[Jorpho]

The SNES version is better, but like fahlim003 mentioned, the PSX version has the Extras section which is like an in game strategy guide. A description of all the techs, music, cutscenes, items/weapons/equipment, enemy bestiary, most every single map in the game viewable(as long as it has an item to acquire.)I'm rather disappointed with said extras (assuming they are the same as in the DS version). All the Endings catalog has is a single screencap from each ending. And it doesn't even have all the endings! Why not go into depth and include Magus dead/Magus alive and Epoch/no Epoch? Anyone willing to get through to all the others would surely be willing to go just a bit further.

(Well, maybe not Lara walks/Lara's hurt. That would just be nuts.)

[shainentinpock]

Personally I prefer the SNES version as I hated the load times of the Playstation version.

[Swamperon]

Ignore the PSX version. If screen size is an issue for you, pick Snes/WiiVC. Otherwise go for the DS version. Can't beat Crono on the go!

[Zing]

I suspect people complaining of "horrible" load times on the PlayStation port have issues with their system's laser assembly. I have two brand new, fresh from the box systems. One is a SCPH-9001, and the other is the PSone. The load times on both are barely longer than on the SNES, other than the menu, which is noticeably long, but not "horrible" by any definition.

[wingzrow]

If the DS, DS Lite, and DSi have scrunched screens, then the DSiXL does as well. It's just a little bit bigger, but compared to a television screen, it's extremely tiny as well.

Has the same aspect ratio and same screen resolution as any other DS model.

That's odd. I played on a regular DSi and then the same game on an XL and could swear it looks more faithful to the SNES resolution on the XL. Must be my imagination.


I suspect people complaining of "horrible" load times on the PlayStation port have issues with their system's laser assembly. I have two brand new, fresh from the box systems. One is a SCPH-9001, and the other is the PSone. The load times on both are barely longer than on the SNES, other than the menu, which is noticeably long, but not "horrible" by any definition.


Magic playstation? I remember load times as long as 10 seconds.

[heybtbm]

As one of the few (only) people in this thread to beat the SNES version and the FF Chronicles (PS) version, I'd say stick with the SNES (or Wii VC when it comes out). The PS "extras" are pointless. I don't watch DVD extras either...and I have the same philosophy with games. The god-awful loading times before battles and going into and out of the menu is no exaggeration. It sucks. I have no idea how I stuck with it through the whole game. I must have had a lot more patience back then.

[Edmond Dantes]

Magic playstation? I remember load times as long as 10 seconds.

Yeah I really can't believe there are people claiming the load times don't exist. I played the PSX version on several systems, all in perfect working order and yes, the load times are ridiculous.

I also noticed some post saying that the SNES version had a brief pause before battles too. Yeah... but on the SNES it was half a second, or maybe one second. On a PSX it's like five seconds, which gets very noticable at times where you have battle after battle.

When I play on a PS2 with the disc read speed turned up, I get more reasonable load times, but since the PS2 doesn't save this configuration I have to remember to do it every time I boot the console. That, versus just power on a cartridge and start playing... well, which one wins, honestly.

I recall hearing that the Japanese PSX version doesn't have the load times as they'r apparently caused by an on-the-fly application of the translated script to a Japanese ROM, or something like that, but ya'll are the experts here.

[TonyTheTiger]

The load times on both are barely longer than on the SNES, other than the menu, which is noticeably long, but not "horrible" by any definition.

I'm curious what you'd consider actually bad load times, then. Because the only PSX games with worse loading I can think of are the butchered X-Men vs. Street Fighter or MK Trilogy if you use Shang Tsung's morphs.

[Peonpiate]

You must be thinking of Final Fantasy V, not IV, as the PlayStation version of IV has almost zero disc load time.

Your right. 6 is barely playable with its loading times but FF4 and FF5 was very playable [but still not as good as the English translated ROM].

To Kupo- the sound effects in FF6 are off compared to the original. The music is ok, but go into the menu either in or out of battle and the sounds are not right at all.

[fahlim003]

What experience I've had with the PlayStation/FF Chronicles CT hasn't surpassed that which is found on Super Nintendo. All the bonuses are nice but don't really make up for the lackings in the actual game. As for the inclusion of FF4, I personally don't think it's that great. I've watched an entire run-through on PS and completed a game on GBA, and despite it's short-comings I prefer GBA for actually having the ATB bar and showing which weapons/armor upgrade/downgrade/equal or not. Not having these aren't game breaking but it's annoying and personally despite mediocre GBA sound, crummy in-game font, and some lag during battles I enjoyed it. However, the PSP version stomps all over the short-comings of GBA with authority, easily the best version to-date.

Back to Chrono Trigger, I'd like to make a comment on the guide(s), specifically SNES by Nintendo Power. It's actually not that useful and I wonder if the Brady Games version is better. I have my doubts since I have read the FF4 side and it wasn't too polished.

Each version has it's advantages so it really it's a matter of taste. I have no DS so that's out automatically as are PSN/VC. Chronicles (PS1) is cheaper than SNES and comes with a competent additional game and bonus content not seen on SNES which comes at the cost of some slightly different audio and loading via CD and saying this I still prefer SNES since it still has New Game+ which is really all that matters to me.

[kupomogli]

I still prefer SNES since it still has New Game+ which is really all that matters to me.

The PSX version has New Game+.

[fahlim003]

The PSX version has New Game+.
I know, I'm saying that if this was a feature present in later versions and not SNES that would make SNES left in dark, as such since it has at least this it's sufficient enough for what it brings to the table in the first place.

[NerdXCrewWill]

Final Fantasy IV GBA is absolutely dreadful. Even if you look past all the inferior graphics and dumb looking font, the game is super buggy. The timing of the battle system is so ridiculously off. You can attack way more often in the GBA version that all challenge is completely eliminated. I have no clue what was up with that, but it ruined the game. I mean, Final Fantasy IV isn't a hard game, but it can be a little challenging if you don't overlevel. There's no challenge at, no matter what, in the GBA version, except for one bonus boss at the end.

I just want to say that my copy of Chrono Trigger Playstation got a scuff on it from a dysfunctional PS2 and now the load times going into every battle (on every machine I use) is 30-45 seconds. The sad thing is that it got the scuff on my first playthrough, so I've never had a chance to really play it.

[TonyTheTiger]

I would place CT PSX in a pocket where it was incredibly relevant and worthwhile but only for a limited time.

Back around 1999ish, when Square had been doing slightly upgraded ports of the FF games at the height of FF fever (or RPG fever in general), the fact that FFIV and CT were not on the localization list was maddening. I remember lots of backlashes against cancelled or simply denied localizations but all pale in comparison to what I remember from those two games.

CT especially got a lot of support since CT was upgraded differently than the FFs were. Chrono Cross was hot shit at the time, having been highly anticipated by pretty much everybody who liked Trigger. The CT port had anime cutscenes in Akira Toriyama style at the dawn of Dragon Ball Z mania. And this was long before YouTube. At at 56k download speeds, seeing the FMVs in anything other than either 5 second clips or terrible quality was nigh impossible.

So if we jump into a time machine and dial back to 1999/2000 (or 2001 when the game finally hit after one of the few successful Internet petition pushes) I'd probably say that there were reasons to play the game if you were really that big a fan. But today every benefit can be had through other means. "Stop gap" doesn't even begin to describe it.