The Super Mario RPG remake could pave the way for a Chrono Trigger remake
The Super Mario RPG remake announcement may have given Chrono Trigger fans hope that the classic RPG game could also get a modern makeover. While it’s largely been ignored since its 1996 release, Super Mario RPG shares a few similarities with the hypothetical Chrono Trigger remake that could potentially solve rights issues.
Since the original Chrono Trigger has only received unaltered ports on 3DS, mobile, and PC, the sequel’s remake was released first due to potential legal hang-ups. Chrono Cross was developed by an outside studio and featured original characters that have yet to appear in other Nintendo games. Chrono Trigger, on the other hand, is largely controlled by Square Enix due to rights issues.
Chrono Trigger DS gives credits to both Square Enix and Armor Project, a production company founded by Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii. The two companies’ legal relationship is unclear, but it’s possible that Chrono Trigger’s three creators – Horii, Noboru Sutō, and Yasuyuki Yoshinaga – may have partial ownership of the IP.
Chrono Trigger’s complicated legal situation may be the only reason it hasn’t seen a proper remake or an appearance in another game. Super Mario RPG, on the other hand, was largely ignored since its release in 1996 despite at least two notable similarities.
Unlike Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG was developed by an outside studio and features original characters that haven’t appeared in other Nintendo games. Despite this, and despite being one of the most revered RPGs ever created, Chrono Trigger has only received unaltered ports on 3DS, mobile, and PC.
The fact that the Super Mario RPG remake announcement took place during a Nintendo Direct, and the fact that Square Enix has a closer relationship with Nintendo now, is a positive sign for Chrono Trigger. That said, Square and Nintendo’s strained relationship in the past could be one of the reasons Super Mario RPG was ignored, especially since the game was largely developed by Square.
The remake is a result of the two companies repairing their business relationship. While this doesn’t mean Chrono, Marle, and Lucca are coming back, it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
If you’re looking for something to play in the meantime, check out the best RPGs on PC. We’ve also got the best PC games for all you potential console converts.
