Final Fantasy Chronicles
Compilation of Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Trigger for PlayStation.
In 2001, Square released a PlayStation compilation for North America called *Final Fantasy Chronicles*, bundling two of its classic role-playing games: *Final Fantasy IV* (originally from 1991) and *Chrono Trigger* (from 1995). Both titles were ported from the Super Nintendo by TOSE, having already seen individual Japanese PlayStation releases in 1997 and 1999, respectively. The compilation was directed by Kazuhiko Aoki, supervised by Fumiaki Fukaya, and produced by Akihiro Imai, following the model of the earlier *Final Fantasy Anthology*.
The package was well received by players and critics, who appreciated the extra features and the chance for a new audience to experience these RPGs. However, reviewers strongly criticized the frequent and lengthy loading times between areas and battles, which resulted from poor emulation. Sales were strong enough to earn a re-release under Sony's Greatest Hits label in June 2003.
Both games follow standard role-playing conventions, with the player controlling a party of characters. The action is split across three screen types: an overworld for travel, field maps for exploring towns and dungeons, and a battle screen for fighting enemies.
*Final Fantasy IV* introduced the Active Time Battle system, designed by Hiroyuki Ito, where players issue commands in real time during combat. Each character has distinct strengths and weaknesses—for instance, a powerful mage might have low defense, while a physical fighter could lack agility.
*Chrono Trigger* differs from traditional RPGs by avoiding random encounters; most enemies are visible on field maps, and contact with them triggers battles that play out on the same map rather than a separate screen. It uses an updated version of the Active Time Battle system, adding "Techs" that depend on enemy positioning and character abilities. The game also features time travel and a "New Game Plus" option.
The ports in *Final Fantasy Chronicles* were handled by TOSE. The original North American release of *Final Fantasy IV* (as *Final Fantasy II* in 1991) had included "Easytype" modifications, which were removed for this version, and the game was re-localized to better match Takashi Tokita's original script. *Chrono Trigger*, already localized by Ted Woolsey in 1995, received additional modifications for this release.
A major addition to both games was full-motion video.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Final Fantasy Chronicles
- Developer
- Square / Tose
- Publisher
- Square Electronic Arts / Square Enix (Greatest Hits re-release)
- Series
- Final Fantasy / Chrono
- Platforms
- PlayStation
- Released
- NA · July 2, 2001
- Genre
- Role-playing
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Final Fantasy Chronicles was announced by Square Electronic Arts in April 2001. President Jun Iwasaki mentioned an 'overwhelming number' of requests to re-release Chrono Trigger, and believed the compilation would appeal to fans and introduce a new generation to classic titles. An event was held on July 10 in San Francisco, primarily to celebrate the film Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within and the release of Final Fantasy Chronicles, featuring a cosplay contest, a memorabilia raffle, and booths to play the compilation and Final Fantasy X.
Reader's Guide
Final Fantasy Chronicles was received well by players and critics, who praised the peripheral features and the fact that Square was offering RPG classics to a new generation of gamers. Conversely, reviewers sharply criticized 'long and frequent loading' between areas and battles due to poor emulation. Enough copies were sold to warrant a second release as part of Sony's Greatest Hits in June 2003. The compilation became the top selling PlayStation title for two weeks. Gaming website IGN rated it 9.4/10 and awarded an 'Editor's Choice Award', calling it a 'must buy' for RPG fans. It was a runner-up for GameSpot's annual 'Best PlayStation Game' award. GameSpot reviewer Brad Shoemaker gave the game an 8.5, citing 'muffled sound effects' in Final Fantasy IV and frequent loading in Chrono Trigger, and noted the visuals now look dated. Marcus Lai of Gaming Age was disappointed with a lack of additions, calling the ports 'barebone games' and claiming the full motion videos are 'nice touches but don't add much'.
Did You Know?
- Final Fantasy Chronicles was created as a follow-up to Final Fantasy Anthology, a compilation of Final Fantasy V and VI.
- The original Final Fantasy IV was released in North America as Final Fantasy II in 1991 with 'Easytype' modifications; these were removed in the Chronicles version.
- Chrono Trigger features anime-style cutscenes designed by Akira Toriyama and animated by Toei Animation.
- A strategy guide for Final Fantasy Chronicles written by Dan Birlew was published by BradyGames on July 2, 2001.
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