After four years with no updates in between, a 27-year-oldSquare EnixJRPG is getting a surprise new update out of the blue. For Square Enix, it is particularly unusual thatChrono Triggeron PC received an update, despite the game seemingly ending any major updates in August of 2018. Initially, Square Enix worked on several updates for the Steam version ofChrono Triggerafter multiple fans complained to the publisher regarding the state of the PC port. After the fifth and previously “final major update” patch forChrono Triggerreleased, many figured that over three years later, another patch wasn’t coming. However, this new update brings a host of new features and compatibility.
What’s interesting about the Steam version ofChrono Triggeris that, in many ways, it’s indirectly led toSquare Enixoffering greater support to the PC platform. Games like the “Windows Edition” ofFinal Fantasy 15helped get the ball rolling, but the critical and fan reception ofChrono Trigger’s PC port enhanced the 1995 game beyond its SNES beginnings. A similar thing is happening now with theFinal Fantasy Pixel Remaster, which wouldn’t have happened without the reception toChrono Trigger’s Steam release. Square Enix should use its retroactive support ofChrono Trigger’s PC release as a benchmark for supporting the PC platform in the future.
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Chrono Trigger’s History On PC
Chrono Trigger’s initial release on Steam was marred by “mostly negative” reviewson the platform. Players were citing issues like limited resolution/graphics options, the inability to remap controls or keybinds, as well as a filter or veneer over the original art style that made things like blurry and unoriginal. For a surprise port that was not announced or given any fanfare beforehand,Chrono Triggergot plenty of traction among fans, but not for the right reasons. In an opportunity where the Steam port could become the definitive version of the game (which hardcore fans previously thought the 3DS re-release was), Square Enix had released a controversial port instead.
Post-release, rather than leave the game’s status alone like the originalFinal FantasyPC ports (which saw similar criticism),Square Enix supported and updatedChrono Triggermultiple times. With five updates between March and August of 2018, reviews steadily rose from previously negative sentiment to the current “Very Positive” average. Nowadays, plenty of fans are satisfied with the status of theChrono TriggerPC release on Steam, especially in comparison to the game’s surprise release in February of 2018. Given fan satisfaction, and several years without an additionally substantial update until this year, many likely didn’t expect anything further updates.
Now,Chrono Triggeron PC (and mobile) is receiving a new update that brings several new features to the enhanced port. The game can now be run on ultrawide aspect ratios of up to 21:9, the mobile version of the game has received “improved operability” (greater precision with touch controls), sped up auto-combat to 1.5x speed to help hasten battles, as well as increased the amount of save slots to 20. It’s an unexpected and welcome update from Square Enix that’s proactive, rather than reactive, which is an encouraging sign given Square Enix’s previous experience with supporting the PC platform.
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Square Enix’s PC Support is Mixed, But Improving
Square Enix’s track record with the PC platform and its IP is mixed, even in the wake of this surprisingChrono Triggerupdate. Ports of several classicFinal Fantasygames to Steam were adapted from mobile ports on Android/iOS, which led to similar criticisms weighed against theChrono Triggerport just a few years prior. Even more recent ports, like theFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeport on Epic Games Store suffered from similar criticisms of lackluster graphics features, as well as performance issues.Nier Automata’s Steam port in particular was the subject of severe criticismas well, with performance issues necessitating fan mods to fix compatibility issues.
However, there has been some improvement with Square Enix’s support of the PC platform in recent time,Final Fantasy 7 Remakeaside. TheFinal Fantasy Pixel Remasterin particular seems to be a direct and preemptive answer to fan criticisms of theChrono TriggerandFinal FantasyPC ports in the years prior. These versions offer faithful graphics in higher resolution, greater keybind customization, as well as additional fanfare like re-orchestrated music, and even expansive overhauls of gameplay.The opera scene inFinal Fantasy 6is the prime example, as it’s entirely overhauled to feature 3D environments and perspective changes, along with fully voice-acted lyrics and performance alongside re-orchestrated music. These enhanced re-releases have all released to a “Very Positive” reception on Steam.
Many of the games, as part of thePixel Remaster, also retain many of the enhancements inChrono Trigger’s PC port, indicating that fan’s concerns were heard and recognized by Square Enix. EvenAutomata, which had to be ported to PC again by a completely separate development team, was able tosolve many of the issues with the Steam release ofNier Automatathrough a free update for players who owned the game, especially after players voiced their criticisms. WhileFinal Fantasy 7 Remakehasn’t received the same treatment just yet, Square Enix is clearly listening to fan concerns.
Square Enix should look at the success ofChrono Trigger’s updates, as well as the success of games from thePixel Remaster, as a jumping off point for better support on the PC platform. Even to this day, it isn’t fair forFinal Fantasyfans having tocomplain to Square Enix again over a lackluster port ofFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeon PC, especially after the success of legacy titles.
