Chrono Trigger DS

Welcome to the Chrono Trigger DS coverage page! Here, we'll detail in brief the differences between versions. Chrono Trigger DS is a chance to show a ton of support for the Chrono franchise, and that Square is putting it out demonstrates that the franchise has not been relegated to the dust bin. If there are enough sales, it's possible Square will have the incentive to even produce a new Chrono game. Square also apparently felt that Chrono Trigger would sell better on the DS than on the Virtual Console, and this is a good thing as far as the franchise goes. Support it; buy it; convince your friends to buy it. Not only will we show support for the Chrono series, but we'll also help create a new generation of fans!

Breakdown of Changes

New Quests

Lost Sanctum

The Lost Sanctum is a Reptite colony lost to the ages before 65000000 B.C. It becomes available after the Black Omen rises, and it can be visited in both 65000000 B.C. and 600 A.D. Its denizens have a ton of fetch quests an other requests for Crono's team, but the rewards are massive, and running through it will ensure the party's stats are bulked up enough to handle the Dimensional Vortex and Dream's Epilogue ending. To get more in-depth, check these:

Dimensional Vortex and Dream's Epiloguqe

The Dimensional Vortex is a set of three random dungeons that opens up after a player finishes the game once. That's right, no New Game + is needed; you just have to finish the game and reload your save file. Each dungeon is made of random areas and one set dungeon, and ends with a special boss. One has a bonus boss, too, and he's a familiar face from Chrono Trigger. To go more in-depth, check:

Encyclopedia Entry

Upon completing the Dimensional Vortex dungeons, one can access the Darkness Beyond Time from the End of Time for a new plot sequence and very, very difficult boss battle. For the run-down on what happens there:

General Changes

Mitsuda's four new pieces for the CT PSX extras screen appear in the DS version's extras as well.
Dialogue is no longer indented after the first line in any case.
Character magic elemental affinities are displayed before the characters get magic.
Instead of things like "Fire" and "Shadow" in spell names, tiny icons representing elements appear.
Magus is now known as the "Fiendlord" to common citizens, and Mystics are known as Fiends.
A new bug may cause saved games loaded from the End of Time to trap the player in the map's solidity, disallowing movement.

Chapter Listings

5 - The ending of "The Hidden Truth" doesn't play when Crono's knocked out in the dungeon.
6 - Belthasar built the Keeper's Dome to monitor Death Peak according to a guy in the Arris Dome.
6 - Jonny is no longer known as THE MAN. :(
15 - Magus's incantation is changed to "Dal zumal phara-lo Iierra..."
17 - Nizbel refers to Azala as a female.

Name Changes and New Content

Items

Consumables

Potion - Restores 50 HP. (Tonic)
Mid Potion - Restores 200 HP. (Mid Tonic)
Hi-Potion - Restores 500 HP. (Full Tonic)
Ether - Restores 10 MP.
Mid-Ether - Restores 30 MP. (Mid Ether)
Hi-Ether - Restores 60 MP. (Full Ether)
Elixir - Fully restores HP/MP.
Turbo Ether - Fully Restores MP. (Hyper Ether)
Megalixir - Fully restores entire party's HP/MP. (Megaelixir)
Panacea - Removes status ailments. (Heal)
Dried Mushroom - Removes status ailments. (NEW: Dropped by an Exile on the Emerald Mountain path in prehistory when the Nu is hungry)
Athenian Water - Revives a KO'd ally. (Revive)
Shelter - Fully Restores HP/MP at a save point.
Ambrosia - Restores ???. (Power Meal)
Lapis - Restores 200 HP to all party members.
Barrier Sphere - Reduces magical damage by 1/3. (Barrier)
Shield Capsule - Reduces physical damage by 1/3. (Shield)
Strength Capsule - Permanently raises Strength by 1. (Strength Tab)
Magic Capsule - Permanently raises Magic by 1. (Magic Tab)
Speed Capsule - Permanently raises Speed by 1. (Speed Tab)
Smoked Meat - Restores 250 HP. (NEW: Dropped by the Deathcreeper in the eastern cave in prehistory when the Nu is hungry)
Sweet Banana - Restores 20 MP. (NEW: Dropped by the Kingfrogs at battle in the upper right of the southern glade when the Nu is hungry)
Millennia Fruit - Restores 150 HP. (NEW: Dropped by a Slate Imp in the northern forest in prehistory when the Nu is hungry)
Songbird Egg - Restores 40 MP. (NEW: Dropped at battle atop the Emerald Mountain in prehistory when the Nu is hungry)

Arena of the Ages Items

Slops - Restores a small amount of HP.
Flameclaw - Unleashes fire-based monster tech.
Seafang - Unleashes water-based monster tech.
Duskeye - Unleashes shadow-based monster tech.
Luxwing - Unleashes light-based monster tech.
Hawk Talon - Temporarily boosts Strength by 5.
Shield Cloak - Reduces physical damage by 1/3.
Feral Wrath - Boosts critical hit damage to 4x.

Key Items

Petal
Fang
Horn
Feather
Seed
Jetbike Key (Bike Key)
Pendant
Gate Key
Rainbow Shard
Chrono Trigger (C. Trigger)
Carpenter's Tools (Tools)
Spiced Jerky (Jerky)
Dreamstone
Race Recorder (Race Log)
Moon Stone
Sun Stone
Ruby Knife
Yakra's Key (Yakra Key)
Doppel Doll (Clone)
Toma's Spirits (Toma's Pop)
2 Petals
2 Fangs
2 Horns
2 Feathers
Golden Sand (NEW: Found in southern glade of Lost Sanctum; appears as sparkle.)
Golden Hammer (NEW: Sprinkle Golden Sand on the sapling, then defeat the GoldHammer boss in the 600 A.D. forest.)
Prismastone (NEW: Find on top of the Emerald Mountain in prehistory.)
Saintstone (NEW: Place the Prismastone in the prehistoric sanctum, go to 600 A.D. to retrieve it, then place it on the other sanctum pedestal.)
Reptmark (NEW: Find in the northern part of the 600 A.D. Lost Sanctum forest.)
Waystone (NEW: Place the Saintstone on top of Emerald Mountain in prehistory, and pick it up in the Middle Ages.)
Godwood (NEW: Obtain from the Reptite in the entrance of the prehistoric forest.)
Steel Ingot (NEW: Find in the eastern cave in the Middle Ages.)
Sturdy Vines (NEW: Find in the southern glade in the Middle Ages.)
Hearty Lunch (NEW: Obtain from a Middle Ages Reptite.)
Lumicite Shard (NEW: Defeat or charm a Wonder Rock.)

Non-Equip Non-Key

Broken Blade - The shattered blade of a legendary sword. 0 Attack (Non-Equippable) (Bent Sword) Broken Hilt - The useless hilt of a legendary sword. 0 Attack (Non-Equippable) (Bent Hilt) Masamune - A legendary sword wielded by the chosen. 0 Attack (Non-Equippable)

Weapons

Crono Weapons

Wooden Sword - A stury hardwood blade. ~3 Attack~ (Wood Sword)
Bronze Blade - A single-edged bronze sword. ~7 Attack~ (Iron Blade)
Steel Saber - An orthodox steel saber. ~15 Attack~
Silver Sword - A distinctive sword with a lustrous blade. ~20 Attack~ (Lode Sword)
Crimson Blade - A red stone sword imbued with magic. (Magic +2) ~30 Attack~ (Red Katana)
Mammoth Tusk - A sword carved from a mammoth's tusk. ~40 Attack~
Dark Saber - A blade enveloped in darkness. ~50 Attack~
Primeval Blade - A sword steeped in ancient power. ~70 Attack~
Zanmato - A blade forged to pierce demonic armor. (1.5x damage to magical beings) ~90 Attack~
Vajra Sword - A diamond-edged sword. ~110 Attack~ (AlloyBlade)
Empyrean Blade - A heavenly sword gifted to kings of men. ~125 Attack~ (Star Sword)
Yaksha Blade - A sword that draws upon a yaksha's might. ~135 Attack~ (VedicBlade)
Onimaru - A blade with a demon's soul bound inside. ~150 Attack~
Suzaku - A sword imbued with holy power. (4x damage for critical hits) ~170 Attack~
Thunder Blade - A mighty sword that strikes like lightning. ~25 Attack~ (Bolt Sword)
Slasher - Slash's beloved katana. (Speed +2) ~43 Attack~
Mop - A wooden mop made for scrubbing floors. ~1 Attack~
Swallow - A masterwork blade with a fine edge. (Speed +3) ~145 Attack~
Slasher II - Slash's beloved katana. ~155 Attack~
Rainbow - A blade that shimmers in prismatic hues. (Critical Rate: 70%) ~220 Attack~
Icewyrm - A katana engraved with a brilliant blue dragon. ~160 Attack~ (NEW: Take the Rusted Blade found in the Middle Ages tower to the smithy in prehistory.)
Dreamseeker - A mystical blade said to be forged of dreams (Critical Rate: 90%) ~240 Attack~ (NEW: Complete the new ending.) Its name is 夢幻 or "Mugen" in the Japanese version; literally "dreams/fantasy."

Marle Weapons

Bronze Bowgun - A bronzework bowgun. ~3 Attack~ (Bronze Bow)
Iron Bowgun - A small crossbow that fires iron bolts. ~15 Attack~ (Iron Bow)
Silver Bow - A bow crafted of dazzling silver. ~20 Attack~ (Lode Bow)
Bandit's Bow - A type of bow favored by outlaws. ~25 Attack~ (Robin Bow)
Shaman's Bow - A bow employed by ancient occultists. ~40 Attack~ (Sage Bow)
Dreamstone Bow - A cinnabar-hued dreamstone bow. ~60 Attack~ (Dream Bow)
Comet Bow - A bow whose shafts strike like meteorites. ~80 Attack~ (CometArrow)
Sonic Bow - A bow that fires arrows at sonic speed. (Inflicts Slow) ~100 Attack~ (SonicArrow)
Siren's Kiss - A legendary bow with a sonorous string. (Inflicts Stop) ~140 Attack~ (Siren)
Stardust Bow - A bow whose arrows strike like falling stars. (Inflicts confuse) ~150 Attack~ (NEW: Find in the Lost Sanctum.)
Valkyrie Bow - A longbow instilled with a valkyrie's might. ~180 Attack~ (Valkerye)
Venus Bow - A bow crafted in the image of beauty. (Deals 777 Damage) ~0 Attack~ (NEW: Find in the 12,000 B.C. Dimensional Vortex.)

Lucca Weapons

Airgun - A gun whose bullets are propelled by air. ~5 Attack~ (Air Gun)
Pea Shooter - A gun that fires pea-sized bullets. ~7 Attack~ (Dart Gun)
Pocket Blaster - A gun that can be shot with one hand. ~15 Attack~ (Auto Gun)
Picomagnum - A toy-like revolver. ~20 Attack~
Plasma Gun - A gun capable of freezing robots in their tracks. (Inflicts Stop on robots) ~25 Attack~
Ruby Gun - A pistol that focuses light through a ruby. ~40 Attack~
Dreamstone Gun - A dreamstone pistol that fires light beams. ~60 Attack~ (Dream Gun)
Gravitator - A mighty weapon that alters gravity. (Halves enemy HP) ~60 Attack~ (Graedus)
Megablaster - A devastatingly powerful laser blaster. ~80 Attack~ (Megablast)
Shockwave - A handheld electric wave blaster. (Inflicts Confuse) ~110 Attack~
Turboshot - A gun designed to fire rounds at rapid speed. (Speed +3) ~140 Attack~ (NEW: Find in the Lost Sanctum.)
Wondershot - A gun containing the Sun Stone's strenght. (Random Damage) ~250 Attack~
Spellslinger - A fearsome gun that fires spectral energy. (Damaged based on last digit of MP) ~0 Attack~ (NEW: Find in the 1000 A.D. Dimensional Vortex dungeon lava area.)

Robo Weapons

Tin Arm - A robotic arm cosntructed of tin. ~20 Attack~
Hammer Arm - A hammer-shaped arm for pounding. ~25 Attack~
Mirage Hand - A punching arm enhanced for speed. ~30 Attack~ (MirageHand)
Stone Arm - A stone-launching attack arm. ~40 Attack~
Death Claw - An attack arm employing fearsome claws. ~50 Attack~ (Doomfinger)
Magma Hand - An arm containing superheated magma. ~70 Attack~
Megaton Arm - An arm that packs a massive punch. ~90 Attack~
Heavy Hand - An enormously destructive crushing arm. ~105 Attack~ (Big Hand)
Kaiser Arm - A fighting arm tipped with a large blade. ~120 Attack~
Gigaton Arm - An arm capable of dealing a mighty wallop. ~135 Attack~ (Giga Arm)
Teraton Arm - A terribly powerful punching arm. ~150 Attack~ (Tera Arm)
Dragon Arm - An arm with the crushing strength of a dragon. ~170 Attack~ (NEW: Find in the Lost Sanctum.)
Crisis Arm - A fierce arm capable of incredible attacks. (Damage based on last digit of HP) ~1 Attack~
Apocalypse Arm - An arm engineered for sheer destructive force. (May deal 9999 damage) ~0 Attack~ (NEW: Find in the Lost Sanctum forest area within the 2300 A.D. Dimensional Vortex dungeon.)

Frog Weapons

Bronze Sword - A simple sword wrought from bronze. ~6 Attack~ (BronzeEdge)
Iron Sword - A standard iron military sword. ~10 Attack~
Masamune - A legendary sword of antiquity. ~75 Attack~
Radiant Blade - A sword that gleams with a hallowed light. ~90 Attack~ (FlashBlade)
Smiter's Blade - A sword forged to slay foul creatures. (1.5x damage to magical beings) ~105 Attack~ (Pearl Edge)
Rune Blade - A blade etched with ensorcelled runes. (Magic +4) ~120 Attack~
Demonslayer - A sword forged to hunt fell creatures. (2x damage to magical beings) ~120 Attack~ (Demon Hit)
Brave Sword - A blade that shares its wielder's courage. ~135 Attack~ (Bravesword)
Dinoblade - A sword of prehistoric make. (Strength +5) ~160 Attack~ (NEW: Find in the Lost Sanctum.)
Masamune - A legendary blade awoken by virtue. ~200 Attack~

Ayla Weapons

Fist - A fist possessing untold strength. ~0 Attack~
Fist - A fist possessing untold strength. ~0 Attack~
Fist - A fist possessing untold strength. ~0 Attack~
Iron Fist - Knuckles capable of pulverizing stone. (Inflicts Confuse) ~0 Attack~
Bronze Fist - Knuckles capable of pulverizing anything. (9999 damage for critical hits) ~0 Attack~

Magus Weapons

Moonfall Scythe - A scythe wielded by dwellers of darkness. ~120 Attack~ (DoomSickle)
Headman's Scythe - A scythe made to sever life's string. ~135 Attack~ (Hurricane)
Hadean Sickle - A weapon of underworld design. ~150 Attack~ (StarScythe)
Judgment Scythe - A scythe that renders but one judgment: guilty. (Inflicts Stop) ~155 Attack~ (NEW: Find in the Lost Sanctum.)
Doom Scythe - A scythe that fills foes with dread. (Damage boost when allies KO'd) ~160 Attack~ (DoomSckle)
Dreamreaper - A scythe that harvest souls. (4x damage for critical hits) ~180 Attack~ (NEW: Find in a chest in the Dimensional Vortex dungeons.) ("Nightmare" in the Japanese version.)

Armor

Male

Bronze Armor - Light armor crafted of bronze. ~16 Defense~ (BronzeMail)
Dark Mail - A suit of mail enchanted by dark magic. (Magic Defense +5) ~45 Defense~
Radiant Plate - Armor that shines with divine light. ~64 Defense~ (Flash Mail)
Nova Armor - Sacred armor vested with stellar power. (Status immunity) ~82 Defense~
Dragon Armor - Resilient armor made of wyrmscale plates. (Strength +10) ~83 Defense~ (NEW: Find or purchase in the Lost Sanctum.)
Moonbeam Armor - Armor forged by the light of the moon. (Magic Defense +10) ~85 Defense~ (Moon Armor)
Regal Plate - Armor crafted for warriors proven in battle. (Stamina +10 Magic Defense +10) ~88 Defense~ (NEW: Find in the 2300 A.D. Dimensional Vortex dungeon.)

Female

Maiden's Suit - Protective wear for women. ~18 Defense~ (MaidenSuit)
Mist Robe - A robe that produces mysterious mist. ~54 Defense~
Luminous Robe - A robe enchanted with divine magic. (Magic defense +5) ~63 Defense~ (Lumin Robe)
Zodiac Cape - A cape ornamented with constellations. (Magic Defense +10) ~80 Defense~ (ZodiacCape)
Reptite Dress - A dress once worn by a reptite princess. (Magic +10) ~82 Defense~ (NEW: Find in the Lost Sanctum.)
Regal Gown - A beautiful ivory-colored gown. (Auto-Protect Auto-Barrier) ~90 Defense~ (NEW: Find in Marle's Dimensional Vortex dungeon.)
Prismatic Dress - A dress that glitters in myriad colors. (Auto-Barrier) ~99 Defense~ (PrismDress)

Unisex

Hide Tunic - A tunic sewn from lightweight hides. ~5 Defense~
Padded Vest - A durable training vest. ~10 Defense~ (Karate Gi)
Iron Suit - Heavy armor crafted of iron. ~25 Defense~
Titanium Vest - A light, strong titanium vest. ~32 Defense~ (Titan Vest)
Golden Suit - A suit of glorious gilded armor. ~39 Defense~ (Gold Suit)
Ruby Vest - A vest studded with rubies. (Halves Fire -Fire Symbol-) ~45 Defense~
White Vest - A fine vest steeped in light energy. (Absorbs 50% of Light -Light Symbol-) ~45 Defense~
Black Vest - A fine vest steeped in shadow energy. (Absorbs 50% of Shadow -Shadow-) ~45 Defense~
Blue Vest - A fine vest steeped in water energy. (Absorbs 50% of Water -Water Symbol-) ~45 Defense~
Red Vest - A fine vest steeped in fire energy. (Absorbs 50% of Fire -Fire Symbol-) ~45 Defense~
Mesozoic Mail - Primitive armor made from dinosaur bones. ~52 Defense~ (Meso Mail)
White Plate - Magical armor anointed by light. (Absorbs Light -Light Symbol-) ~70 Defense~
Black Plate - Magical armor anointed by shadow. (Absorbs Shadow -Shadow Symbol-) ~70 Defense~
Blue Plate - Magical armor anointed by water. (Absorbs Water -Water Symbol-) ~70 Defense~
Red Plate - Magical armor anointed by fire. (Absorbs Fire -Fire Symbol-) ~70 Defense~
Platinum Vest - An extremely tough platinum vest. ~71 Defense~ (Lode Vest)
Aeonian Suit - A battle suit of exceptional quality. ~75 Defense~ (Aeon Suit)
Ruby Armor - A suit of brilliant crimson armor. (Reduces Fire -Fire Symbol- damage to 20%) ~78 Defense~
Saurian Leathers - (Strength +3 Speed +3) ~88 Defense~ (NEW: Receive in the Lost Sanctum for completing a quest.)

Lucca

Taban's Vest - A fire-resistant vest sewn by Taban. (Halves Fire -Fire Symbol- Speed +2) ~33 Defense~ (Taban Vest)
Taban's Suit - A tough armored suit made by Taban. (Halves Fire -Fire Symbol- Speed +3) ~79 Defense~ (Taban Suit)
Elemental Aegis - Armor steeped in elemental energies (Elemental immunity) ~92 Defense~ (NEW: Bring Lumicite to the Middle Ages smithy in the Lost Sanctum.)

Magus

Raven Armor - Armor empowered through dark rituals. ~76 Defense~ (RavenArmor)
Gloom Cape - A cape that evokes feelings of despair. ~84 Defense~
Shadowplume Robe - A feathered robe fit for an underworld king. (Magic Defense +20 Auto-Barrier) ~90 Defense~ (NEW: Find in the Dimensional Vortex dungeons.)

Beret -> Porrean Beret
Gold Helm -> Golden Helm
Rock Helm -> Stone Helm
Ceratopper -> Triceratopper
Lode Helm -> Platinum Helm

Flea Vest -> Flea's Bustier

Bandana -> Headband
Defender -> Guardian Bangle
Wall Ring -> Barrier Ring
Berserker -> Berserker Ring
Hero Medal -> Hero's Badge
Silver Rock -> Silver Gemstone
Amulet -> Schala's Amulet

ruTesd blated

Locations

All locations that possessed the name 'Residence' with a '[name] ' prefix have been changed to simply 'Residence'.

65000000 B.C.

Prehistoric -> Prehistory
Mystic Mts -> Mystic Mountains
Meeting Site -> Meeting Grounds
Tyrano Lair -> Tyranno Lair
Lair Ruins -> Tyranno Lair Ruins

12000 B.C.

Dark Ages -> Antiquity
Cave -> Small Cave
Commons -> Village Commons
Village -> Surviving Village

600 A.D.

Cathedral -> Manolia Cathedral

1000 A.D.

Ticket Office -> Ferry Office
Melchior's Hut -> Melchior's Cabin

1999 A.D.

Apocalypse -> Cataclysm

2300 A.D.

Factory -> Derelict Factory
Lab 16 -> Site 16
Lab 32 -> Site 32
Sewer Access -> Abandoned Sewers
Sun Keep -> Sun Temple
Sun Palace -> Sun Shrine

Techs

Slash -> Wind Slash
Spincut -> Cleave
Flame Toss -> Flamethrower
Taunt -> Allure
Spin Kick -> Roundillo Kick
Rocket Roll -> Supersonic Spin
Antipode -> Antipode Bomb
Arc Impulse -> Frost Arc

Enemies

Roly -> Roundillo
Debugger -> Deverminator

Bosses

BlackTyrano -> Black Tyranno
GolemTwins -> Golem Sisters
Golem Boss -> Golem Overlord
Dalton Plus -> King Dalton

News

July 1-2 - Teaser Site and Press Release

On July 1, 2008, someone at 2chan uploaded a scan from a Japanese video game announcing Chrono Trigger DS. That night, people discovered http://www.square-enix.co.jp/ctds/ and its American counterpart, http://na.square-enix.com/ctds/. These websites, with the title COUNTDOWN SITE, depicted a clock synchronized to the viewer's computer time and the ticking sound from A Premonition, the pre-title screen track to Chrono Trigger. Square Enix's Japanese news feed also touted the date July 7. On July 2, a press release appeared on Yahoo Business confirming several things.

A holiday release for Japan and North America
Touch-Screen functionality
"Wireless Play mode"
Dual screen presentation
A new dungeon

On July 4, a countdown to July 7 was added to the sites.

July 7 - Trailer Debut

At the break of July 7 in Japan, chronotrigger.jp launched with a trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Au0Vmu8yg

Here's a translation of the trailer and the information card displayed at the end, thanks to Ichiro78:

~

After 13 years have passed...

..."time" once again is set in motion.

CHRONO

MARL

LUCCA

To the unforgettable past...

KAERU (Frog)

EIRA (Ayla)

... the distant future...

ROBO

...and finally, the end of all time.

The curtain opens for a great adventure to save the planet's life, passing time and space again and again.

2008.Winter

After 13 years have passed "time" once again is set in motion. The decade-surpassing, everlasting classic "Chrono Trigger" finally comes to the Nintendo DS!

This is a perfect port of the 1995 Super Famicom exclusive title "Chrono Trigger". It will go on sale in winter 2008 using the hardware's double screens and featuring a new system, as well as new, fun elements.

CHRONO TRIGGER

System: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
Players: 1 (1-4)
Release date: Winter 2008
Price: Not yet fixed
CERO age rating: Inspection pending

July 9 - Weekly Famitsu Coverage

On July 9, four new magazine scans appeared, with the last seeming to have some kind of mini-interview with Yasunori Mitsuda. The scans confirmed that

Mitsuda is on board to keep the music close to the SNES aesthetic
The battle menu may have been moved to the bottom DS screen with a green and blue HP and MP bar beneath each character on the top screen

1UP.com translated Mitsuda's interview; here are his remarks:

"When I first heard about this, my first response was 'Finally!'," he says. "That's partly because it was my debut work, but it's still a very deep, very high-quality game even when you play it today. I'm very interested in seeing what kids today think about it when they play it, so from that perspective, it was a very happy piece of news."

"I couldn't even count all the memories it brings up. I was in a slump because I couldn't compose anything, I was going to the hospital regularly for stomach ulcers while I worked, I had a hard-drive crash and lost nearly 40 in-progress tracks...great, I guess I'm only remembering the negative things! But when the entire staff gathered around to watch the ending, I wound up crying anyway (a lot of other staffers were just as deeply moved). I think all of us put a lot of our emotion into the game."

"I think a lot of [Famitsu] readers were hoping for a Chrono Trigger port, and now we're finally making that wish come true. I had the music for the Nintendo DS version stay as close as possible to the SNES original, so I think you'll like how it turns out. Whether you're playing for the first time or reflecting on the past as you go, I hope all of you enjoy it."

The same day, RPGamer confirmed here that CT DS would be playable at E3.

July 15 - E3 Preview

From E3 and reports 1 and 2, we learned:

A new translation has been done
The first bar is for HP, and the second for ATB
The bottom screen will have status, items, a bestiary, and a map, including maps for dungeons that light up as they are explored
The game is flawlessly done compared to the PSX emulation
The PSX cut scenes will appear
A single-screen version will be available for purists

August 6 - European Release

A press release debuted on August 6 declaring that Chrono Trigger would be released in Europe in early 2009. Find it here.

August 18 - US Release Date: November 25

A new press release revealed several things on August 18:

US release is November 25th
"Wireless play mode" is now "Arena Mode"
More than one bonus dungeon will be included

August 21 - Japanese Site Updated

The Japanese site updated today. Click on characters, and check out Crono, Marle, and Lucca's movies to hear how CT music will sound on the DS.

August 22 - Box Art and Rating Information Revealed

Square Enix members debuted the box art to celebrate Chrono Trigger's 13th US birthday.

Box Art

Gamestop also put out rating information:

Chrono Trigger Rated E10+ for Animated Blood, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes, and Use of Alcohol.

November 18th - Game Leaked

Hong Kong bootleggers leaked the Japanese version of Chrono Trigger on this date. It was found to contain the English script, and thus English-speaking fans began playing through and analyzing it. Hackers made patches and Action Replay codes to circumvent the copyright prevention.

Touch/dual screen controls can be turned off, as well as movies.
The 5 character limit is still there. This is easily explained by the fact that in most Japanese RPGs, five is the limit because Japanese names will usually not extend past this amount in characters. The US version will likely expand the character limit.
Japanese version can switch between Japanese and English in the configuration. The game runs off of English if your DS runs in that.
"Crono, are you still sleeping?"

Funny how the "Good morning, Crono!" line isn't in it, considering the www.goodmorningcrono.com marketing.

Touching the screen when in front of an object/character interacts with them, e.g. Crono closes the curtains.

'Settings' has lots of new options, divided into pages.

Game Mode - Switch between DS and Classic (toggles screen layout).
Battle Mode - Active and Wait.
Battle Speed - 1-8, same as before.
Battle Message Speed - 1-8, same as before.
Battle Cursor Memory - Set cursor memory level (Full, Actions, Commands, Off).
Status Bars - On or Off.
Battle Gauges - Same as before ("Cannot be used in DS Mode.").
Help Messages - Same as before? ("Cannot be used in DS Mode.").
Control Scheme - Edit the controls for A, B, X, Y.
Movement - Walk or Run.
Shortcut Assignments - "Via this screen, you can arrange the icons that are shown at the bottom of the screen as you wander about the world." Allows you quick access to different parts of the menu. Very neat!
Menu Cursor Memory - On or Off. 'Toggle cursor position memory.' Same as before.
Movies - On or Off. SNES purists rejoice!
Window Design - Nothing new here.
Language - JPN or ENG.
Mayor's Manor contains a document on a bed upstairs and new NPCs that tell you about DS and Classic modes.
Upon saving the Arena mode became available. From the title menu, I think.

November 19th - More information, Arena and Extras

Chrono Trigger DS contains a series of new features; among these are:

The anime opening from the PSX version of the game plays when the game is loaded; this can be skipped by touching the bottom screen.
The game can be played in either of two modes - 'DS Mode' and 'Classic Mode'. DS Mode allows for dual screen and touch screen gameplay (although the directional pad and buttons can still be used instead), while Classic Mode allows the game to be played in the style of the original SNES version. This setting is chosen at the beginning of a new game and can be altered later in the menu's settings.
The game's settings have been expanded to allow for choosing between 'Walk' and 'Run' as an example, as well as containing several options exclusive to both DS and Classic modes.
The game contains several new dungeons, including 'Dragon's Sanctuary' and 'Lost Sanctum'.
Upon completion of the game, a new ending referred to as the 'Dimensional Distortion' is unlocked. This is supposedly an entirely new dungeon that contains a new final boss.
The anime sequences return from the PSX version (note that the load times are gone). These can be switched off in the settings.
The Japanese version of the game includes the English script as a selectable option in the settings. The game will automatically start in English if the DS console is set to that language. Note that no languages besides Japanese and English are included.
The element 'Lightning' has become 'Light', to reflect the original name 'Heaven'.
Party members' elements are now displayed with nameless icons (e.g. Water has a blue droplet) on the menu screen rather than an image with the element's name on it.
Item name changes have been made to reflect the original Japanese version of Chrono Trigger - e.g. 'Tonic' has become 'Potion', and the various stat-enhancing 'Tab' items of the game have become 'Capsule' items (for example, 'Strength Capsule').
The game's sprites and music have been noticably improved, although not vastly changed from the original. In some instances, different (albeit not new) sprite animations are used. An example of this is Robo and Frog's stances when entering a Gate.
The character Magus, originally referred to as a 'dark wizard', is now referred to as the 'Fiendlord'; the race of creatures known as Mystics are now known as Fiends.
The 'Arena' and 'Extras' features become unlocked upon saving the game once. These are accessed from the title screen.
Johnny is referred to as 'Bro' instead of 'The Man'. The jetbike race with him also seems to have taken a graphical improvement.
The note in the Sewers 2300 A.D. now says "I'm through. I can't take any more of this. The fishmen attack if I make even the slightest noise. If I knew things would be like this, I'd have taken the guillotine any day of the week. Think I'll go out with a good, loud scream- see how the soggy freaks like that!"

Arena
The Arena feature included in the DS port of the game is unlocked upon saving the game; it is accessed from the title screen menu. The location uses the Factory theme from 2300 AD as its music. Once the player enters, a man will greet them and explain that this 'Arena of the Ages' allows you to raise creatures that each correspond to one of the game's four elements (Light, Fire, Water, Shadow). After the man offers an explanation, the player is given a choice between four default basic creatures called 'Smidges'; each of them possess one of the four elements. The player can send their creature to any of the periods in time that they have visited for training; this will alter the creature's growth. Items can be bought from a Nu merchant in the Arena that enhance the training or battling aspects of a creature, as such unique items for each element exist. The player can also battle their creature against NPC character creatures.

"If you came from the End of Time, that old man can probably keep things straight for you. But if you came from anywhere else, everything that happened here will be washed away the second you leave. If you don't want that to happen, you'd best save your progress over there before you go."

Extras
The 'Extras' option appears on the title screen after saving the game once. It contains six accessible options and two hidden ones:

Theater ('View in-game movies')
Art Gallery ('View concept artwork')
Music Box ('Listen to music tracks')
Dojo ('View character tech skill information')
Bestiary ('View detailed enemy information')
Item Encyclopedia ('View item information')

These features are in the same vein as the extra options unlocked in the PSX version of the game.

The menu for the Extras also uses several new music tracks not found in the music box.

1999 AD has a full mini-map. See it in the images at the bottom of the page.

The new final boss has been revealed. Click here, but keep in mind this contains HUGE SPOILERS: http://www.chronocompendium.com/Forums/index.php?topic=6254.msg117639#msg117639 Credit for the person who screened this would be great, if anyone can provide their name.

The storyline involved with the Dimensional Vortex has also been revealed, check out the thread for links: http://www.chronocompendium.com/Forums/index.php?topic=6260.msg117743#new

Golem Twins = Golem Sisters

There may be a new anime ending after defeating the new boss.

The music tracks that play on the Extras screen featured in the PSX version and are unlocked in the Music Box after battling in the Arena. Bestiary, Techs, etc. in Extras are updated as you encounter each in the game. Thanks to Shinrin.

Thanks to Dark Serge for extra information. Thanks to justin3009 for the 1999 AD screenshot.

November 20th - More Information

The arena items given to you in the monster trainer's starter kit are:

Slops
Flameclaw
Seafang
Duskeye
Luxwing
Hawk Talon
Shield Cloak
Feral Wrath

From Dark Serge: Btw they made Dalton more awesome.

Quote from: Dalton after grabbing Schala Oh, let's not be hasty. It would please me to take the life of this little pearl. I do not fear the queen.

Magus' attempt to finish off Lavos in Ocean Palace has slightly increased in coolness. Now it's not "What?!! It doesn't work!", but "What? No effect at all?". And it actually looks like he's attacking, instead of hitting him with a stick.

Update: When the Black Omen rises, two green gates appear. One on the 65,000,000 BC world map and one on the 600 AD world map. I checked the 65,000,000 one out, it's a Reptite cave, with a pseudo Guardia forest and a marsh. When you defeat all the monsters in the forest the Reptites in the cave part come out of hiding and will keep asking you favors. The second one was to retrieve a golden hammer or whatever. I also briefly checked the 600 AD one, but it seems to be the same concept as the 65,000,000 one. It's not the same place, but it looks identical and has the same concept. Anyway, I found this part too boring to check it out further. I don't think it has anything to do whatsoever with canon. Just a little extra to gain experience, items, and money. I found only one thing intriguing: There's also a mountain part, but at the very beginning a dark colored Nu is blocking it, so it's impossible to say what's there for now.

Number of times you've saved is no longer displayed on the save screen.
There's an accessory called Dragon's Tear in the game. It boosts critical hit rate when equipped.
When the rat tells you about the L+R+A code, it remarks that if you've changed your control scheme it'll obviously be different.
When a party member is shocked by electricity by the Debuggers/Deverminators in 2300 A.D., a new split image effect distorts the character's sprite. It's rather cool. A similar effect occurs when using Ayla's Roundillo Kick.
The R-6 series robots in the Derelict Factory now make a deeper robotic noise from Robo.
The animation for when Zombor is formed on Zenan Bridge is improved with glowing effects and Zombor roars at the screen before engaging the party in battle. Zombor itself now also has a noticably greenish-tinted sprite.
The above animation changes apply to Masamune as well.
Lightning II became a more golden shade of yellow.

"My name's Spekkio, I'm a Master of War! I watch all kinds of battles from up here!" No longer 'God' of War.

More from Dark Serge: Went through the Omen at 1000 AD, defeated Zeal as normal as well as Lavos form 1 and 2. Fighting the final Lavos Core now. I think the Vortex or whatever with that evolved TD Lavos really is New Game+, or it's coming after this.

Quote from: Lucca after 2nd Lavos form "Now I understand. It lives on a planet for as long as possible, selecting the most desirable life forms, allowing them to advance and then harvesting their DNA. The young it gave birth to on Death Peak must have all of that DNA. Eventually they'll migrate to other planets, and repeat the cycle. It's a parasite! Sleeping within the Earth all this time, stealing all our progress! Impossible... You can't toy with an entire world and think I'll let you get away with it!"

So I owned Lavos Then the ending came in. Moonfair Parade, everyone goes home, Mom disappears, they take off in the Epoch and you see the awesome Mode7 movie while the credits roll. Then the image of the Earth comes in with even more credits, then the wedding FMV plays. After that, yet more credits while in the top screen various CT artworks are displayed.

After that... A purple gate opens in 1000 A.D., 2300 A.D., and 12,000 B.C.

Then the message: You can now access the Dimensional Vortex.

You've completed the game! Clear count: 01 Ending No. 01 Beyond Time

New option added to Extras menu: Ending Log

Then you get to save the game and return to the title screen. The "Ending Log" apparently displays all Endings, how you get them, and what's in them. You only see 1 image though, you can't watch the ending all over again or something like that. Also the NewGame+ option is now available. I'm gonna check out this Vortex now, I suspect the Lavos-TD boss thing is there. More updates soon.