Gamer’s Diary: What I Want From Chrono Break (Assuming It Ever Gets Made)
By: Kofi Amankwaa Jr.
Tags: Chrono Trigger, Video Game Journalism, Video Games, Square Enix, Chrono Cross

© Square Enix 2000

Last time we had a game in the Chrono series, it was divisive among fans but loved by the critics. Chrono Cross was a serious departure from Chrono Trigger but still carried the game’s spirit while introducing something new and of its own identity (no matter how convoluted it was). Trigger focused on the idea that the smallest actions can change the future both in a positive and negative manner. Cross meanwhile focuses on said consequences of the smallest actions and how the effects it has on the future and people’s livelihoods can be downright painful, tragic, and sad but strangely hopeful. This didn’t sit well with fans of the first Chrono game, who were hoping for a more upbeat adventure with a simplistic story but instead got an intense emotional adventure that had a very bittersweet conclusion even if it was still a relatively positive ending.

The idea of doing a follow up can be scary especially when you are succeeding one of the greatest games ever made. However, it wouldn’t be the first time Square did a ballsy move and switched things up with a well-known property. So why not do it for the Chrono series? I probably could understand given that a lot of the themes and concepts from the series have since been used by not only other games in Square but also other JRPGs as a whole. Multiple endings and narrative choices are littered throughout the Persona series much like it was with the Chrono series. The Final Fantasy franchise has toyed with the idea of multiple realities and time travel. So trying to innovate new story themes would probably be difficult since a lot of games nowadays have used their concepts and done it better. I say so what? A new Chrono game doesn’t need to innovate to be great. It just needs to have a really good story and excellent gameplay.

This brings us to the idea of doing a new brand new Chrono game in Chrono Break. I highly doubt that Square Enix would ever bother reading this random blog of some nerdy Black dude from the States. However, if they ever do consider to experiment with this series again, I have some ideas that I think would be beneficial for the new game. Again, these are wishes so try not to think too hard on them.

Anyways here are my wishes/concepts for Chrono Break:

1.) The Chrono lore should not be wholly instrumental to the plot

To me, one of the biggest drawbacks of Cross was that it was way too engulfed with the Chrono lore (a constant with Square’s games). To me, the lore should serve as solely being easter eggs and only should lightly be important to the plot of the game. Fans should not need to play the previous games to understand what a “Chrono Trigger” is or who “Lavos” is (although it would help in better context of things). Just make it the experience simple enough for newcomers while having nice callbacks to the two previous Chrono games as fan service for the fans.

© Square Enix 1995

2.) Tell a simple, heartfelt story with some travel and parallel reality shenanigans

Nothing is better in video games when you create an emotional story that resonates with the player that anybody could relate to. You could have a story about how a person is dealing with the loss of a loved one and how if they had an opportunity to see them again, they would take that chance regardless of the consequences. You could also have an adventure where the hero is looking to find a better life for themselves and meet interesting people along the way while learning about them and each other (ALMOST similar to the first game). For example, I personally would give an opportunity to see a universe where my race is persecuted or judged by their skin color. It’d be great! However, the Big Bad would know about this ability as well and would try to take advantage of said power and leaving everybody to suffer; or something like that. Again, these are broad strokes of ideas but you can see where I’m getting at. That could resonate with a lot of gamers that would be talked about for years.

3.) Keep the combat engaging and turn-based (option 1)

Listen, I’m an old school JRPG head and I forever will have love and appreciation for turn based style gameplay. It has a place in today’s gaming. I mean look at Dragon Quest and the Persona series. Heck, the upcoming Yakuza 7 is going to be a turn based RPG game. I think the game should maintain an old school aesthetic while bringing in new elements to the experience.

4.) If you must, make the action RPG free flowing and smooth (option 2)

However, I am not a snob to Action RPG games and I often encourage action-based combat and/or experimental elements in RPGs. So if Square must, they should at least keep the combat simplistic, stylish, and smooth. Nier Automata is a game I often argue has one of the best Action RPG combat elements in a game. Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance is another one I recommend as an inspiration. Heck, be stylish and go for Devil May Cry 5’s combat style. You just employed the battle director of that game to your company. Might as well have him be in charge!

5.) Use time-based special moves and just get weird (in a good way)

You have the basic attacks along with magic and item use — you know, the standard RPG stuff — but get crazy with it when you use time-based attacks. Like you can slow your enemies attacks while you take advantage or speed things up to give you advantage. You can use time to change the battle arena. This one is a bit sketchy but I mean this just me “spitballing” ideas.

© Square Enix 2000

6.) Make the Big Bad not some cosmic entity but rather a misguided individual…better yet…make them the “CHRONO TRIGGER”

The last two Chrono games featured some cosmic entity that was trying to destroy life itself. Their presence is frightening to a degree but after a while that becomes a one trick pony. You will need to come up with something better if you want to get fans invested into the game. I’d say make the next major villain of the series the original “Chrono Trigger” before that role was passed on to you. I think it’ll be the biggest plot twist of the series thus far and would throw a lot of fans off. I could see something like that happening. It’ll be a great way to put an old spin on a classic “chosen hero” trope. The original chosen hero is actually the villain. Yeah, I would love that!

7.) Be sure to include diversity in a positive light

I mean this should be a given. I would like to see a diverse cast of characters instead of the usual anime tropes we see in JRPGs. No need for childhood friends as the leads (although that’s nice). I would like to see somebody who is adjusting to a new life but still misses their family. I would also love to see a transgender hero without the traumatic baggage (looking at you The Last of Us Part II). The world is a big place and Square should broaden their appeal instead of sticking to the standards that are kind of played out at this point.

These are all my wishes (for now)! I mean it’s very unlikely we will ever get a sequel for the Chrono series but it doesn’t mean I or anybody else won’t stop wishing for it! I sincerely hope Square dusts the series from its vault. Since we are entering a new console generation it would be great to see a new spin on an old classic.