https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veD_Q9M79bM

Very few games have been so marking to me as Chrono Trigger. It featured one of the most original story line (travelling through time to restore history), some of the best graphics (manga style) of the 16-bit era and one of the best soundtracks ever despite many shortcomings. Composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, Square’s “other genius”, it still features some of the best theme-specific tracks (battles, mostly). Here is my review of the soundtrack (note that it came on three disks).

1. A Premonition

What you hear when you turn on the game (with the pendulum). I never cared for it since I always pressed start as soon as I could. It is a nice arrangement, but I just skip it.

2. Chrono Trigger

The hero’s theme. It is very epic, very fitting for the main male character. After an upbeat drum intro with violins in the background, the core of the loop is played by a muted instrument that adds to the theme’s epicness. The constant drum in the background adds a very nice touch. Unfortunately, the loop goes on for way too long, and the second part’s strings just does not carry the same epicness. I skip that part usually.

3. Morning Glow

The introduction to Crono. You hear the seagulls from the neighboring sea as well as the cannons shooting balloons announcing the start of the Millennial Fair. Then the core of the theme start, with harp and piano that really feel like you just woke up from a long night.

4. Peaceful Days

The peaceful village theme in 1000 AD. It really sounds peaceful, with the main flute in the first part of the loop and the harp in the background. The second part of the loop has strings playing the flute part to higher pitches, making for a very comforting theme of peace.

5. Green Memories

The overworld theme for the present (1000 AD). It has a flute playing kind of sadly while there is a piano with a lot of echo in the background. It does not sound “modern” and much too sad for such a peaceful world. It could have been proper for the future (2300 AD), but not here. Skip it.

6. Guardia's Millennial Fair

Ah, THAT is a much better track and much more appropriate. It really sounds like a carnival, with several string and wind instruments playing a very joyful tune. The tambourine in the background helps increasing the feeling of happiness and dance. There are a few male shouts that were a nice addition too. The second part of the loop sounds like it was made to introduce a solo dancer to the stage, with fewer instruments and hand clapping.

7. Gato's Song

If ever you choose to fight (it is optional) Gato, your friend Lucca’s fighting robot. The track is short, but I thought it added a bit more joy with the loud trumpet and the more playful arrangements in the background.

8. Strange Occurrences

When a drama arises, and it DOES sound highly dramatic. The violins stretch their high notes for a few seconds, while the strings in the main track play in staccato to add to the drama. The second part of the loop adds even more dramatic arrangements with very low-tone piano keys.

9. Yearnings of the Wind

The 600 AD overworld theme. It sounds much better than the one in 1000 AD. The staccato violins make for a very intriguing theme in this familiar yet different world full of fog. The second part sounds more epic with the violins playing their notes in a more continuous manner; finally the last part has the staccato in the background while the main track has the violins playing their longer notes.

10. Good Night

Self-explanatory. It is brief as a sleeping music be and is composed in a decrescendo to show you are going into the world of dreams.

11. Secret of the Forest

The theme inside the forests leading to Guardia Castle, whatever the era. It started well with mysterious harp arrangements followed by a flute that shows the darkness of the forest (the trees are very thick) while a repeating sound in the background reminds us of the creatures lurking at every corner. Unfortunately, the track is stretched too much to my taste after the echo piano notes and organ. The violins are much too loud and the harp goes to higher notes, which takes away the mystery in the first part. And the piano that comes after adds nothing to it. Skip that part.

12. Battle

To this day, this is still one of the best battle themes ever.  The mix of bass and upbeat battery is just too addicting, while the “organ” in the first part of the loop is just perfect. Its use in the second part is more “joyful” and will make you want to whistle with it… if you can go that high!

13. Guardia Castle - Pride & Glory

The theme inside any Guardia Castle. This is one of the few good castle themes that actually sounds “regal” without being annoying like Edgar and Mash in Final Fantasy VI. It starts with a drum roll and cymbals, followed by high-pitch trumpets that give the track the perfect dose of royalty. The second part adds violins that makes the theme sound even grander. The last part has the drum playing more vividly, with violins taking over the main track. An excellent theme.

14. Huh!?

A very short sound when something completely unexpected happens. It was done much better than in Final Fantasy V and VII (What and ??!!) because you feel like you are left completely clueless as to what just happened.

15. The Cathedral

Self-explanatory. It is a nice theme, with a mix of organ and piano making the theme sound very… holy? Anyway Mitsuda did not try to stretch the theme too much (although I find the loop a little short) so it is good as it is.

16. A Prayer for the Wayfare

When you play the organ that opens the secret passage where you save Queen Leene. It is quite short too but it sounds very realistic.

17. Light of Silence

A good track for a hidden place. The main track consists of an intriguing piano with organ in the background. The flute that separates the loop in too adds to the mystery, while the flat keys of the piano in the second part of the loop just help with that too. Finally, there is also bass in the background that fits just right.

18. Boss Battle 1

Self-explanatory. After a short organ intro (which goes in the background until the end of the loop), the trumpet helps creating the perfect ambiance for a boss battle. The upbeat battery in the background (even though it is rather quiet) helps building drama.

19. Frog's Theme

Self-explanatory. It is a variation of the Guardia Castle theme, showing a fallen hero turned into a frog. It was introduced well, but the flute in the core of the loop is much too high to be enjoyable (that is usually the part you hear when meeting Frog); I just skip it.

20. Fanfare 1

Lucca’s theme. It is a very triumphant track, fitting of its name. After an organ intro, you can hear triumphant trumpet arrangements and constant cymbals in the background that give the theme a nice quick tempo.

21. The Trial

Self-explanatory. The arrangements show the sense of your being falsely accused of “royal abduction.” The constant staccato in the background adds a very nice touch of mystery while the flute and other instrument represent both lawyers present during the trial. The second part has the violins playing in a much more dramatic fashion (not in staccato), showing the accusation’s determination to jail you.

22. The Hidden Truth

When you are condemned. It sounds both very dramatic and sad, showing that you only have 3 days to live. You hear excerpts from The Trial while there are loud drums and cymbals in the background that create the perfect drama.

23. Critical Moment

When you absolutely need to escape quickly. The organ used sets a very dramatic tone for the track while the drum in the background add drama to the in extremis escape. The loop concludes strangely with a bass solo, but the track is good overall; it even ends with the sound of the “time tunnel” you are projected in after you escape the Guardia forces.

Disk 2

1. A Desolate World

After the time tunnel theme, you start hearing the overworld theme from 2300 AD. “Desolate” here is almost a euphemism, both visually and with the track. You can hear the howling wind across this almost barren land with no sun and the arrangements makes for almost a better theme of desolation than Dark World in FF VI. The constant clinging in the background adds to the feeling of insecurity that surrounds you.

2. Mystery from the Past

When you try (and fail) to open a chest “sealed by a mysterious force”. It is a short piano track (with a lot of echo) that is just perfect for the mystery surrounding these treasure boxes you see all through the eras (except Prehistory).

3. Site 16

Your first dungeon of the future. The organ gives the theme the touch of mystery you need for a dungeon, while the bass in the background gives it a touch of modernity. The drum and cymbals, on their side, helps making you want to hurry outside to escape those annoying rats.

4. Those Without the Will to Live

Another fitting name for this track. The main instrument sounds extremely sad while the organ in the background adds the touch of desolation characteristic of the future. The “jazzy” drum in the background fits your step well among these people who do not look “healthy.”  The second part of the loop, with its few piano notes, builds even more on that feeling of despair.

5. Lavos’ Theme

The big bad guy’s theme. Once again, it started very well with very dramatic organ arrangements (almost as loud as Fugue in D Minor) and violins that show his destructive power. Unfortunately, the second part of the loop almost sounds like a lullaby with the harp. It’s the FINAL BOSS for crying out loud, not the Sandman! I skip the second part.

6. The Last Day of the World

These arrangements are of a better fit HERE (as opposed to Lavos’ theme), when the team comes back from the underground with seeds that might help the inhabitants of the ruined dome. The theme sounds very sad, and yet it seems to have a touch of hope.

7. Johnny of the Robo Gang

The, er, motorcycle man theme? He has integrated wheels that let him ride his motorcycle. After a rather intriguing intro, the trumpet adds a touch of joy – hey you are going to ride a high-speed moto! It was good to have happier tracks in the future.

8. Bike Chase

What you hear if you so choose to ride the motorcycle rather than walk the highway with all the mutants. It is very fitting for a chase, having a very quick tempo and being very upbeat. I would say that it even sounds better than Crazy Motorcycle in Final Fantasy VII. Who could have said that organs can not be used for upbeat tracks?

9. Robo's Theme

Self-explanatory. The “piston” sound is perfect for this modern bucket of bolts, while the main instrument track shows his joy to finally being restored and ready to help you.

10. Derelict Factory

One of my favorite tracks. It starts with a crescendo of bass (and quitter percussion sounds in the background) that is perfect for a modern plant. The core of the loop has a rather slow-playing drum that is a good addition to the track (it closes the loop in an excellent manner). There are also synth effects that both add mystery and modernity to the track.

11. Battle 2 (unreleased track)

My guess is, this was meant to be the battle theme in the future. It sounds good, but not as good as the regular battle theme. I prefer having bass (and organ) rather than trumpet and violins. This is not Final Fantasy, after all.

12. Fanfare 2

After a major triumph (say, Marle comes back from the Netherworld). It is short and sounds even more triumphant than the FF fanfare in FF V.

13. At the End of Time

The end of times, where all the time tunnels eventually lead. This tracks has to be in the top-3 of the most relaxing tracks of all time. It starts with harp, with piano and then staccato violins kicking in. After they are done, the waltz kicks in with piano nicely played in front while violins in the background add a great feeling of magic in this unusual place.

14. Jolly Ol' Spekkio

Spekkio, the last remaining magic user after the fall of Zeal’s Kingdom in 12,000 BC. It does not sound like the theme of a magical being with a lot of wisdom; instead it does sound very jolly with the wooden sticks and tambourine in the intro. The main flute also adds a touch of joy to the Magic Master’s theme. Very fitting for his first appearance (providing you first see him around level 20) of a fluffy white creature.

15. Fanfare 3

When you obtain a major item (or your first magic spells). Very short and triumphant as it should be.

16. Creeping through the Sewers

The theme when you walk through the sewers in the future (you can hear the water flowing). The loop starts with staccato violins that alternate with louder strings that add an interesting touch of mystery. The core of the loop has a flute and a “snake charmer” flute that both keep the tone low and mysterious.

17. Boss Battle 2

The “major boss battle” theme, and in the top-3 of all time with the one in FF IV (The Dreadful Fight) and Final Fantasy X (Challenge). The intro has very loud (and almost scary!) trumpets and drums in the background. The core of the loop has that trumpet keeping the loud notes playing. It is cut in 2 by the trumpet playing the same few notes, followed by somewhat more joyful notes. However the constant drum and cymbals keep the drama going, and usually translate the sheer size and strength of the boss pretty well.

18. Primeval Mountain

The theme when exploring mountains from Prehistory. The arrangements do sound primitive, consisting mostly of percussions. However the middle of the loop has some piano and violin arrangements that still fit well.

19. Ayla's Theme

Self-explanatory. Although it does not sound like the theme of a cavewoman, it is nevertheless the best character theme. The trumpet is very joyful and the drum reveals her superhuman force. The second part is played by a flute on the main track instead but the joy can still be felt.

20. Rhythm of Earth, Wind, and Sky

The overworld theme from Prehistory. These are the best arrangements from that era as they reveal the limited technology from 65 million years BC. You can only hear drums, tambourine and wooden sticks hit together.

21. Burn! Bobonga! Burn!

Unbeknownst to many, they played rock music during that time! But despite that “rocking” rhythm, you can still hear the primitive drums in the background so it still “seems” credible .

22. The Fiendlord's Keep

When you first enter Magus’s Castle and see how huge and creepy it is. It is short, and the violins are played perfectly for this creepy sight while the drum in the background add the perfect dramatic touch.

23. Strains of Insanity

Inside Magus’ Castle. The violins playing, although they are merely holding their note all through the track, create the perfect creepy atmosphere for this very long and confusing dungeon. You can hear cries of anguish in the background and occasional string notes to add to the spookiness of the castle.

24. Magus Confronted

Your battle against Magus. Since this is not ordinary battle, the theme is different and perfectly so. It starts with very low-tone strings and the “black wind howling”; after which violins kick in. The core of the loop starts with a creepy-sounding flute, and then the core of the theme explodes with loud trumpet and violins in the background. Towards the end of the loop you can hear the same anguished cries you heard inside the castle, which were a great addition. The theme ends with the time tunnel sound, since that battle created quite a distortion in the time-space continuum.

Disk 3

1. Singing Mountain (unreleased track)

After starting with the time tunnel (you end up back in Prehistory after the fight with Magus) you hear the track. I believe this was meant to be the theme of the mountain where you get the dactyls. The howling wind would have been perfect, but the main track with harp, piano and organ sounds too modern for Prehistory.

2. Tyran Castle

Where the King Lizard resides. The organ intro sounds very creepy and scary, showing the lizards’ determination NOT to be vanquished by apes. The core of the loop has loud trumpets and even electric guitar. It still sounds appropriate since the lizards seem to be more intelligent than humans at that stage. It would have been a good track for a Final dungeon theme too.

3. Depths of the Night

After the King of Lizards die, but also during a few sad situations through the game. This is one of the best sad themes ever. The first part of the loop has the arrangements nearly weeping, while the second part, with its violins and flute, add a slight touch of hope to the sorrow.

4. Corridors of Time

The overworld theme for 12,000 BC in Zeal’s Queendom and after its fall. This is the perfect theme for that magical place; you have to listen to it to know. The arrangements are hard to describe; they are like Far East drums mixed (at the end of the loop) with voice samples. It is also very relaxing.

5. Zeal Palace

Self-explanatory. The theme is very dark and mysterious, very fitting for this Queen who wants to control too much with magic and the Mammon Machine. The violins in the intro remind me of Magus’ Castle (for a reason ) while the ore of the loop also plays violin in a mysterious manner. The end of the loop has trumpets, probably to show that not everything is terrible in that place.

6. Schala's Theme

Self-explanatory. The lightness of the theme is in sharp contrast with her mother’s (Zeal). The intro sounds very delicate and magical while the second part has a clarinet that also shows the strength of her character and her determination to protect her son Janus (nothing to do with my nickname on this forum).

7. Sealed Door

In the future, where you can your time-traveling machine. You can hear the piano notes from the mysterious seal which you have finally broken. The piano has a heavy echo and is very mysterious, very fitting for a hangar holding your only hope at saving the world. You do get to learn a lot about the world in that hangar, so the mysterious tone is perfect.

8. Ocean Palace

Self-explanatory. The intro has synth beats that are perfect for this very high-tech dungeon, while the low piano notes in the intro set the mood straight. The core of the loop features high violin notes that add a good touch of drama, which gets reinforced when the flute kicks in. Towards the end of the loop, the flute introduces short bursts of trumpet that concludes the loop well.

9. Crono & Marle - A Distant Promise

When Marle thinks of her prince charming after he disappears in Lavos’ time distortion. It does not sound sad enough; it sounds more like a lullaby. I usually skip it.

10. The Epoch - Wings of Time

Your time machine (and later, your flying machine too). It does not have the usual epicness of airships, but it sounds very good nonetheless. The background beat that can be heard in the intro reminds me of the Calgary Olympic Game official theme. The loop is long; however the “piano” that makes the intro and the background beat is played very well here (albeit with flat notes, which makes it sound sad).

11. Black Omen

The “eternal” (and optional) dungeon Zeal created. It starts with synth arrangements and harp that create a very mysterious mood. Then a very calm piano with bass in the background create a sharp contrast; as if we were suddenly sitting at a bar. The theme then changes directions again with the piano and the bass getting more upbeat (there are also drums). The loop then concludes with the synth to add back the touch of mystery for this huge dungeon.

12. Determination

A variation of Crono’s theme. I can not even remember when this is played, and since the theme is quite annoying (with very loud distortion sounds in the background) I recommend skipping it.

13. World Revolution

The first part of the Final boss fight. The intro is sublime with its low-tone brass and flute that set the dramatic tone of such a fight perfectly. Then the core of the loop has an organ playing to heighten the drama – the trumpet takes all the place a times, which is excellent. The second part of the loop has violins playing in an equally dramatic manner. They conclude the loop by playing very loud, in an explosive manner.

14. The Final Battle

The Final part of the fight. I honestly preferred the first part; I can not feel that this is the Final fight to finally restore balance to the world. The synth is much too heavy (like a bad 1980s New Wave song) and loud that we can barely hear the rest of the arrangements. The only good thing in this track is the drums and cymbals that add a touch of drama. Otherwise, just skip it, sadly enough.

15. Festival of Stars

The first part of the ending, when Guardia is celebrating you team’s triumph. It is inspired from the Millennial Fair theme, but sounds more triumphant thanks to the drum track. You can really feel the ambient joy around you; after all you just saved the world!

16. Epilogue - To My Dear Friends

When your friends all return to their original eras. This is the same music box as in Crono & Marle, but fortunately the loop is prolonged to add a bit of sorrow from the separation with your good friends with whom you shared so much. The violins and piano are the main instruments and are a perfect fit.

17. Outskirts of Time

The end credits. The harp intro sounds kind of sad for an ending theme. But when the violins kick it, they add epicness, while the piano notes seem to want to keep it sad (the flute, too). The track is decent, but there are better ending themes like Final Fantasy IV and VIII.

Final diagnosis: despite many shortcomings (mostly from loops that were uselessly prolonged) this remains one of the best soundtracks ever. From the epicness of the “major boss battle theme” to the soothing relaxation of the End of Times, you will find tracks that please you I am sure.