Video: The Best RPG Ever Made Still Isn't On Switch

I’d be down for a Trials of Mana type remake.

Played it years ago, and it was pretty good but definitely overhyped. I'm cool with it not being on Switch and would much rather have a Chrono Cross port/remake/remaster.

Still have to get around to playing it

"there are very few ways for gamers to play this pivotal RPG for themselves"
Yeah, sure... i'm confident that because of this most of us here never played this game... 🙄

Tried to play and finish this game so many times, but it never hooked me. Genesis kid, so I have no nostalgia for it at all.

Person 5 Royal and Fallout 3 .. both deserve to be on it. I mean it's depressing that Bethesda has put so much attention on Skyrim and all the ports and remasters of it yet the only way I can play Fallout 3 is by using my PS3. I mean wtf, Bethesda?! Fallout 3 was GOTY also you know? Fallout 3 not getting a remaster is the one thing that bugs me more than anything in the world of gaming.. especially given how bad it's Frame rate is on the old consoles.

ignore the haters, this game is incredible.

I played it on wii virtual console, great game. Wasn't it on Wii U VC (I missed out on Wii U)?

maybe Square Enix is working on a remake of Chrono Trigger for Switch or all consoles.

Only four releases? You guys forgot about the Wii Virtual Console version. Of course that version is moot now, but it was very significant as it was one of the few European releases of the game.

And additionally, the PS1 version was also made available for digital download on PS3 and Vita, though since it's the PS1 version, it is less recommended.

When reading the title I thought "what game could they be referring to?". I kept reading and saw that you were referring about the best game ever made, not just the best RPG.

I'd be terrified to play a remake of this game because it might not be as good as the original, even though I'd kill for a super high budget remake (I know, I'm a paradox)

Actually, Phantasy Star IV is on switch.

Lmao. ‘Very few ways’. I have it on Vita, have it on Wii, have it on DS. Have it on Steam too. And of course I’ve played it via emulation. Switch isn’t the be all and end all.

Was 6 turning 7 on my first of a million playthroughs back in '95, was mindblowing at the time (its ff3 with time travel!). Couldn't say it's the best or my fave because its kinda just ingrained in me and not sure I'd play again, but definitely a special game to me, gonna watch this later

Indeed Golden Sun 1 & 2 aren't on the Switch

(tbh, I never liked Chrone Trigger all that much)

By the way, in case anyone was wondering: while this article states that the best RPG isn't on Switch yet, I can confirm that the worst RPG ever made is indeed on Switch - it's called Hoshi wo Miru Hito, and is in the JP eShop.
And it's bad.

We are back folks; with another why Chrono trigger needs to be on modern platforms

@JonComms In response to your question in the video regarding price of the game, I bought it for $89.99 Canadian when it was released. To compare, "60 dollar" Switch games cost $79.99 here.

I'm prepared to get a lot of flack for this but Chrono Trigger is easily one of the most overhyped and overrated games I've ever played. The game is an okay 7/10 experience at best that everyone and their grandmothers heralds as a undisputed 10/10 masterpiece of game design and I just....don't get it.

Chrono Collection incoming. Also a remake of Cross. Think of it like the Mana Collection plus the Trials of Mana remake.

Damn right its the greatest RPG

Chrono Trigger is a good game, but saying it's the best RPG ever is a bit of a stretch. It's like Final Fantasy 7, good, but Majorly overrated, due to people who played it boasting it as God's work.

In reality, there are no "Best rpgs ever made", it's all down to a person's personal preference. For example, I could say that NieR is the best RPG ever made, since it's the best one I've played, however to someone else, they could hate NieR, and deem it as the worst JRPG they've ever played, and the worst JRPG ever made. It just depends on a person's personal preference really.

@somnambulance We will get the Pixel Remasters on consoles sooner or later. As of now though, only the first 5 games have been released on PC and Mobile. FF6 is set to be released on Steam and Mobile in Feb 2022 so maybe sometime next year we will see the Pixel Remasters on consoles.

I grew up with it. It’s really good, but best? Maybe you should play more classic and modern rpg’s. Don’t stick with the huge names and wander off the beaten path a bit.

Best RPG ever made? More like best game ever made.

@VoidofLight exactly! And people are always mean when I say that Tetris on Gameboy is the best RPG ever made. It's really just a personal preference.

Final Fantasy 7 is on the Switch tho

Definitely my personal fav RPG. If it doesn't come to switch I at least have it downloaded to my snes classic.

You make me wanna play Chrono Trigger right now. I think I still have it. I’d have to look in my attic. I might even have it on that SpongeBob cartridge with over 200 RPG’s for the DS. It is compatible with my 3DS. It’s an absolutely great game. Is it overrated for today’s standards? Oh, I don’t think so. It’s old School. A classic. I wouldn’t mind a remake.

Chrono Trigger is my favorite game of all time in my opinion.

Im definitely sensing a remaster/remake of sorts coming within 2 years , considering how they pulled it off with trials of mana & dq 11 , switch version is very likely

I've tried the game once or twice but it just couldn't grab me. Maybe I should give it another shot sometime but I don't know if the game will ever really grab my attention properly.

With the way SE handled the DQ 1-3 ports, I almost don't want them to port Chrono Trigger and ruin it's framerate. If they do it SOLID, then sure. But a half-assed port of Chrono Trigger already got screwed up on Steam, so I'm not holding my breath. You're better off emulating it or buying the actual/reproduction cart.

@Yosher You've got to go in for the story and world-building. The combat system is fun, but I will admit it has grown very stale and gets boring quickly. It doesn't fully realize itself until about halfway through the game, where you can finally do useful combos with characters and such.

Yeah every video game ever should magically be available for the Switch, this is outrageous!

Chrono Trigger is a great game, but it's not even the best Square Enix SNES RPG.

@somnambulance FF6 and Chrono Trigger are so damn close. They are both amazing, in both story telling and gameplay, though I'm really not a fan of the late-game grind. I felt that FF6 got it better, in that regard. I'm listening to the Chrono Trigger OST right now and it's got so many great idea, as does FF6's OST. For all the things those games do right, the gripes are minor.

@BloodNinja I had a hunch, yeah. I think maybe I'd be better off watching a Let's Play of it sometime to experience it that way, if I can't get through it myself. It might be more entertaining with such commentary.

Best RPG ever made is Xenoblade Chronicles 2. And it's on Switch.

He's right. Skies of Arcadia isn't on Switch.

@Grandiajet Another strong contender, honestly. I never played it but I heard it is extremely popular.

No Chrono Trigger
No Earthbound
No Super Mario RPG
No Final Fantasy 6

Does Nntendo hate 16 Bit RPGs now

@ViewtifulJohtun not on wiiU and it made me so mad that I didn't buy it on Wii when that was possible because now the only full TV screen options means playing the PS3 port with horrid loading times(it's based on the PS1 version and there are Stories.tm about why that was a hecking bad port) or plugging a whole PC to a TV screen and being okay with jumping through the hoops of the windows+steam environment before you can boot your game .

The only other options than these two is mobile or somehow digging up the nintendo DS port

@Fiyaball what if I told you it wasn't hyped enough?

@enigmaxtreme
Most likely FF6 will come next year if Pixel Remaster come to consoles.
Earthbound Fandom has been highly vocal about Mother 3, maybe they finally listened
Chrono Trigger is latest "rumor" from "leaks"
Super Mario RPG is mystifying though, it was in SNES classic edition so idk why it's missing

Chrono Cross is better.

@Grandiajet I absolutely love Skies of Arcadia but it does have its flaws! The lack of a definitive version is one for sure, Legends was my first taste but the horrible sound compression makes it hard to choose between that and the original. The battles are insanely slow too. Plus you can just buy stat boosters and cheese the endgame. Other than those minor gripes though, it’s one hell of a game!

It's a great game and brings back a lot of nostalgia, but best RPG ever? Okay, but if you haven't heard, euphemisms are now a crime.

Chrono Trigger is definitely a fantastic RPG, but there are plenty of other contenders for the "Best Ever" crown, and it's subject to each individual gamer's personal opinion and experience. I have a list of candidates of my own, in no particular order:

A) Final Fantasy III (VI) SNES
B) Final Fantasy II (IV) SNES
C) LUNAR: Silver Star Story Sega CD, PSX
D) LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Sega CD, PSX
E) Skies of Arcadia Dreamcast, GameCube
F) Panzer Dragoon Saga Saturn
G) Final Fantasy VII PSX
H) Phantasy Star 1-IV Master System, Genesis
I) Magic Knight RayEarth Saturn
J) Dragon Quest XI PS4
K) Tales of Arise PS4, PS5, XBox One, XBox Series X
L) Final Fantasy IX PSX
M) Super Mario RPG SNES
N) The Trails Series (Trails in the Sky, Trails from Zero/Azure, Trails of Cold Steel) PC/Steam, PSP, PS3, PS4, Switch
O) Lufia and the Fortress of Doom SNES
P) Lufia 2 SNES
Q) Suikoden PSX
R) Suikoden II PSX
S) Suikoden III PS2

SPECIAL MENTIONS: SRPGs

A) Shining Force I -III Genesis, Sega CD, Saturn
B) Vandal Hearts PSX
C) Dragon Force Saturn
D) Valkyria Chronicles PS3, PS4, XBox One, Switch
E) Valkyria Chronicles 4 PS4, XBox One, Switch
F) Final Fantasy Tactics PSX, PSP

I'm sure there are plenty of titles/franchises I missed here, but these immediately came to mind for the amazing memories I have from them. Please feel free to add your own below.

I don't think you can objectively say that Chrono Trigger is the best game ever made but it is, in fact, the best game ever made.

I've debated jailbreaking my Switch to play Chrono Trigger and older retro titles. I really don't understand Nintendo's slow rollout this generation

It’s definitely my favorite JRPG of all time.

It’s one of those few games that feels just as fresh and unique today as it did back during its release. It’s expertly crafted, the story is fantastic, the characters are endearing and you grow to care about them as the adventure goes on, and it comes from a time when Square actually injected good humor into its games. The game manages to be both a serious tale about averting the end of the world while keeping the player upbeat with powerful messages of hope and genuinely funny jokes and situations.

The gameplay is superb, the best implementation of the ATB system by far. The mini games aren’t a chore to play. And it’s difficulty balance is just right; challenging enough to make you refight difficult bosses you didn’t prepare while not forcing you to grind until the end of time.

@Ludovsky I happen to have the Wii version and I have a WIi U so I can play it on my tv or handheld.
I also have it on my new 3ds XL which is dank

@KirbysAdventure there's certainly a Squenix Mt Rushmore and it's on it along with FF VI (the GOAT) and Bahamut Lagoon and Dragon Quest V

Can't believe I still haven't played Chrono Trigger yet.

I bought it on android. Never started it. May as well give it a try.

Suikoden, Alundra or Rocket Slime could do with a remaster.

Ah yes a remaster, that's certainly what we "need" more of.

I've tried playing it a few times but usually lose interest around the 6-7 hour mark and never finish it. Characters just never clicked with me enough to care about the rest of their journey.

@-wc- Don't see any haters, just people voicing out their opinion

What do you mean, Paper Mario just got released on the Switch a few weeks ago.

...anyway, Chrono Trigger is awesome as well.

With full hyperbole, I will say that Chrono Trigger's lack of presence on the switch infuriates me. Realistic me says "bummer"

@BloodNinja "FF6 and Chrono Trigger are so damn close. They are both amazing, in both story telling and gameplay, though I'm really not a fan of the late-game grind. I felt that FF6 got it better, in that regard. I'm listening to the Chrono Trigger OST right now and it's got so many great idea, as does FF6's OST. For all the things those games do right, the gripes are minor." - is literally like trying to decide between two children for me.

Missed this when it came out (along with the entire SNES library... My mom was pretty anti video game for a while). I've been playing some of the greats from the SNES (and other consoles that I missed) over the last couple of years. It's kinda hard for me to go into a game knowing it's supposed to be really really good because that messes with my expectations and sometimes diminishes the experience. For example, I played Final Fantasy VI before I knew it was good, and it totally blew me away, but I felt that Final Fantasy VII was just ok (but I remember playing that one at friends' houses and I can appreciate how it helped make RPGs mainstream in the west)
I played Chrono Trigger because it was at the top of soooo many lists of "Best RPGs Ever" and I had to try really hard to keep my expectations in check. Even with the hype though, it was really good and I'd be happy for a remaster or even just a straight port. I might pick it up, but I'm way more likely to be excited about the FFVI pixel remaster if it ever comes to switch.
Either way, Chrono Trigger is a great game and it's definitely well worth the time for any RPG fan (pun intended )

Yeah I agree, terranigma and xenogears aren’t on the switch yet ):

(Chrono trigger is awesome as well)

Never played Chrono Trigger. Turn-based RPGs have never been enjoyable to me.

Good game, sad that Square Enix treated the franchise like trash nowadays. The greedy dev once said if you want a new game in the series you should buy more so just keep doing that maybe.

https://www.destructoid.com/want-a-chrono-trigger-sequel-buy-more-remakes/

While it's not my favorite RPG (nor is it in my top 5, though it'd be really close), Chrono Trigger is absolutely an incredible game that should be on the Switch. Square's unfortunately really spotty with how it handles ports and re-releases, but if that Chrono Cross remaster leak is true (which I think it is given how spot-on the Nvidia leak's been, and I'm someone who's generally very skeptical of rumors), I think Trigger will come with it as well. Square knows it has a very loud and dedicated fanbase.

The second best RPG also isn’t on Switch…

Its kind of like with the older FF games, quite a bit of squares legacy content hasnt had a console release in quite a while though it did change somewhat when romancing SaGa 2 went multiplatform.

since then weve been getting quite a bit of remastered legacy content and tbh, im more than okay with that, its nice to see these games widely available with some even being released in europe for the first time.

though outside of SaGa and the mana series there are quite a few games which have been mobile/pc only when it comes to re releases for a while, with FF1-6 and chrono trigger i think the last time we saw them on console was roughly 10 years ago outside of FF1 and 6 on the mini consoles.

with FF having a big anniversery next year i do hope those FF remasters can make it to console especially since they are considered good versions of the games, especially compared to the previous mobile versions of FFV and VI.

also tbh i am happy they are going the remaster/collection route with their games due to the whole NSO issue of not being able to buy the games.

Chrono trigger is nice, played it on the SNES, but the best rpg ever is Golden Sun!

Yeah, bloodborne isn't on switch

@VoidofLight I will admit that I am pleasantly surprised to see you accepting preferences when it comes to games, especially with the whole Skyward Sword discussion the other day. Good on you, mate!

@JustMonika They aren't going to bother with remastering FO3 for other consoles now when its 60fps on Series S/X what for Bethesda/MS that's all what matters.

Best rpg is real life. The mid life bit of work and kids is a bit grindy. I hear no one has ever beaten the boss….

@PanFriedSoup LOL Can't relate, no kids. But I get you.

@somnambulance That was a truly magical time to experience. When there were no other games to play except complete gems. These days you have to really hold out for a long time before something good comes along. In the late 80's, early 90's, it felt like each quarter brought new amazing experiences. It's good to be old-ish.

@timp29 I just became one of the bosses at work, hopefully nobody tries to beat me!

The title is incorrect. Xenoblade Chronicles actually is on the Switch!

@JustMonika couldn't agree more, I'd gladly pay full price to play fallout 3 handheld! Definitely on the top of my most wanted list!

I still don't get SE's logic sometimes. Like Chrono Trigger port from Steam to PS4/Switch would have been fairly easy in a sense and made them some easy money.

And DQ4-6 from mobile (which are based on the DS ones) are still not on console either. And the pixel remakes are supposedly "coming later" to consoles.

Like for every good thing SE makes they nearly just about do 2 dumb things.

@wazlon same but my buddy just gave me a raspberry pi and it's there so I may check it out.

AYN Odin and Steam Deck buyers rubbing their hands together, fiendishly

@Snaplocket lol nice

@iLikeUrAttitude Yeah, they're haters. I see a lot of people here saying crap about this masterpiece called Chrono Trigger.

Chrono Trigger is one of the best games of all time.

*reads article title and ignores the articles itself *

Yes where is Final Fantasy VI

maybe we'll get it soon if they do console ports of the Pixel Remasters

@WallyWest But why they keep doing it with Skyrim? That's even on the Switch. It's available on 3 generations worth of consoles, ffs.

I think about this every day.......

Well at least Knights in the Nightmare Remaster is coming to Switch (in Japan for now), it just got a bit of delay that's all.

https://nintendoeverything.com/knights-in-the-nightmare-remaster-delayed
https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/06/knights_in_the_nightmare_ds

@Poodlestargenerica A majority of us who loves playing Chrono Trigger plays it because of these reasons:

We are anime fans.
We are Dragon Ball fans
We are Dragon Quest fans.
We are Akira Toriyama fans.
We are Final Fantasy fans.
We are SquareSoft fans.
We are Enix fans.
We love JRPGs.
We love the soundtracks.
We love turn based battles.
We love a Back to the Future storyline.
We hate random encounters.
It's on the Super NES.

@RubyDevilNine zion, jon, and kevin's--the entire point of writing an article is that it is implicit it is the author/website crew's opinion and they are the ones saying it, I don't know why that is hard to understand

@RubyDevilNine uh dude I never played the game so I can’t form a opinion on it but people heap tons of praise on the game so they might be a bit offended.
Again not offended by your remark but fanbase’s can be a bit rabid if you know what I mean.

@anoyonmus The article is not wrong, just incomplete. There are still many RPGs that deserve to be ported or remade for Switch. For example I have most DQ-games on my 3ds but I would love a decent DQ collection for the Switch. How about a remake of Phantasy Star 1-4 ? How about Panzer Dragoon Saga, Dragon Force, Shining Force (1-3), Lunar, Skies of Arcadia, Super Mario RPG, Pier Solar HD, Blood Omen - Legacy of Kain, even Soul Reaver, the list a good RPGs that could be brought back on Switch is long and varied.

I am interested to play it for the perspective of trying to see what elements were meant to form part of Secret of Mana.

@HIGHscores85
SNAP!
#GENESISDOESWHATNINTENDONT
🤣

@RubyDevilNine it's just SOP for articles and essays, i don't really know if you're going to upturn the standard in the comment section of a nintendo article

Deus Ex: Human Revolution would be a good RPG fit on Switch. Not forgetting the best RPG series - Mass Effect.

@Poodlestargenerica No offense taken. Everyone has different tastes and opinions, and folks can love the same game for different reasons. As you said, it's what "clicks" for you personally.

@JustMonika Fallout 3 on the Series X with FPS boost is smooth as butter.

I could list 50 turn-based RPGs that are better than Chrono Trigger.

I remember as a kid just obsessing over the Nintendo Power articles and screen shots of Chrono Trigger before it came out and being incredibly excited, and then when I finally got it I knew it was something special. It's been a long time since I have gotten that engrossed in a game and loved it so much.

@somnambulance ‘Yes’ to everything said in this comment.

I've just found out that I've got covid so in isolation I'm going to play this on the snes mini.

@Zoda_Fett wasn't xenogears on playstation?

@Matiascs Nope no one called it crap people said they liked the game but just didn't think it was all that.
Thats not hating that is just displaying their opinion.

@HIGHscores85

With you on this one, and I actually grew up playing the SNES RPGs. Imo Phantasy Star IV and Shining Force are just as good as anything on SNES, and I've come back to replay those more times...I didn't even play those until my late 20's, so no nostalgia goggles here. Phantasy Star IV also has a much larger, better fleshed-out world, and better-developed characters. There were some things that Chrono Trigger did better, like multiple endings and high replay value.

Chrono Trigger was definitely an influential game, and a top-tier RPG, but anyone who was actually there and played most of the stories out back then, knew very well that calling it "the best" was entirely subjective.

But yeah, if I was forced to pick a "best" - again, subjective opinion for anyone - it would be PS IV or maybe Shining Force 2. Earthbound trailing behind those just a little.

You are correct. Final Fantasy 6 is not on the Switch 😉

Ya'll need to stop taking this so personally.

I never played Chrono Trigger as a child yet I'd put it up there with ocarina of time as one the best experiences videogames can offer. In terms of rpgs, nothing comes close.

The undertones are deep. Games like Chrono Trigger are the reason I play videogames.

People are moaning about the game? Let them. I actually want the game to stay niche. Plus I just found the Japanese ds version has english language support. It's so much cheaper than the EU or US here in the UK.

Here's an article I wrote a few years ago on Chrono Trigger;

https://thenerdstash.com/chrono-trigger-a-retrospective/

@JustMonika Because Skyrim sells more then Fallout.

No Xenogears either.

It'd be awesome to get one of those "2D HD" remakes like Dragon Quest 3 is getting. That'd for perfectly on the switch

But until then, I still have the DS version as the best version to date for when I need to re-play it.

Bought the DS version sealed for $5 at a Hollywood video (or blockbuster? Can't remember) closing sale. Still have one copy sealed. Played that game right after a hard breakup, and it got me through those few days. Sucks that it has those emotions attached permanently now though. Or maybe it's better because of it.

@Cheez yeah, it probably is

Never heard of it

I will never understand this illogical love over Chrono Trigger in gaming communities. Yes, it has great gameplay and enjoyable characters, but it also has huge plot holes (there's an entire plot line around Schala just completely forgotten about!), and the lauded multiple endings aren't quite really that special because it's not that you can alter the game that much with your choices.

It's more that once you finish it for the first time, you can choose to finish it at any point on another playthrough. What happens if you beat the baddie before visiting the past for the first time? Right after getting Frog? Before beating Magus? I mean, I had fun with it back in the day, but it's hardly the most amazing SNES RPG.

I love chrono trigger, but FF VI is the best RPG ever made. Props to the SNES love though.

@trajan xenogears is so great.

@WallyWest They're both equally popular though. In fact I know more people into Fallout than The Elder Scrolls.

@JustMonika It doesn't really matter how many people you know who prefer FO as it doesn't change that sales wise Skyrim is bigger then every FO game. Not only that but Fallout 76 is the only FO game right now that Bethesda care about. FO3 and NV run at 60fps on Series S/X so they have no reason to do anything more.

Games like this were loved by my generation....but I'm 36 and most younger gamers just don't understand vintage or vintage style games. The ones that do appreciate them still don't really understand it in the same way. I am happy about Metroid dread being so well received, it's a vintage style game imo. But why has the 3ds Metroid return of Samus not seen the same appreciation? They are almost the exact same gameplay. Maybe Nintendo will release it on switch eventually and it will...who knows. I know RN I'm playing 2 vintage style games "ambition of the slimes" and an unknown indie game "Elliot quest" and I'm more excited About the new indie 3ds game "automaton lung" than I am about any mainstream games for switch or PS.

Everyone can have their opinions, but at least personally I'm so effing tired of CT being annointed "the best RPG ever". By now it's just a comical narrative.

I played it last year finally and it's a great game. I personally wasn't enamored with it. Actually seemed rushed in a few places and the story and characters are not revolutionary. (if you disagree, that's cool!)

It's a GREAT, well-put together game! But there are SO MANY other RPGs of the era equally worth talking about.

There are A TON of great classic games that have their strengths and weaknesses. CT does too.

I played Terranigma 2 years ago and WAS blown away. IMO the best RPG ever.

I play new old games all the time and I'm sure you all do too. It's fine if most people think I'm crazy or something because I don't want to ***** myself over CT.

But Jesus, there doesn't even have to be "the best RPG for everyone" anyway because that's impossible. It's like arguing whether Star Wars is better than Citizen Kane.

@TheWingedAvenger

Damn...I'd like to see that list...for the goodness of humanity.

16 bit was definitely highlight of jrpgs. I even played them and um not a big fan of RPGs. After that most jrpgs became weeb simulators. Now if you don't like chrono trigger and think its OVERRATED....idk I think you might have caught covid or something else.

@Sladey69 yeah PlayStation one but I don’t know what u mean by that. Monolith is under Nintendo now, only issue would be square

@Fiyaball games from this era were during the childhood of the ppl from said era. I think kids who play this game today can't understand the hype behind it which is probably nostalgia