Chrono Trigger Retrospective - Your Future Begins With You

[@BoundaryBreak]

Thanks for having me on man! Love the insight you brought to my all time favorite game

[@Phoenixgamer1220]

One of my favorite video essayists talking about my favorite game of all time. This could only mean peak.

[@mylifeisadumpsterfire5194]

Hell yeah brother

[@olavi_liikanen]

🎉

[@iancormier7550]

In the end , 100 years from now. Your videos might not mean much in the grand scheme of the universe, or world as a whole. But right here, and now. You mean the world to a whole lot of people, and we'll be forever grateful to you. Thank you for your continued efforts in these videos, and thanks for making us all feel comfort when some of us have so many reasons not to. Youll always have a special place in my heart

[@kerkerzwerg]

The chances of a 2-5 hours Liam Triforce video about Dragon Quest 11s or 9 ever happening just increased by a lot, which makes me kinda really excited

[@IM_Cmac]

Chrono Trigger is my all time fav game. I saw Vinny Vinesauce stream it a few years ago and his “big brother/cool uncle showing you his old games” vibe added to the watching experience. I stopped watching the playthrough and played the game myself. The music is like nothing else. The themes and arcs characters go through is heartfelt. I even named my cat after Cyrus, Frogs mentor and best friend. I saw the notification for this video and I clicked it IMMEDIATELY. Thanks Liam.

[@LiamFagan-sf7jp]

same

[@maccamachine]

Hell yeah he did a playthrough of it earlier this year again and it was great

[@eddyxc1697]

your first min introduction spoke out to me. ive seen friends die and now i have painful sternum pain at the age of 22. everyday im grateful just to wake up. i usually dont comment on youtube, but as a subscriber of yours for a couple of years, i'd say your videos have had an unconsciousness impact on me and I wanted to let you know that.

[@Molife47]

Sorry for your lost 😢 keep going

[@napoleonfeanor]

I can relate to the beginning. I'm now in my 30s with nothing to show for, being chronically ill and having no friends in real life anymore. I have suffered from clinical depression since my youth, probably earlier, but also from ADD (now also called called ADHD even without any hyperactivity),which I was only diagnosed in my in my mid 20s as my previous psychistrists had just dismissed the symptoms as part of my depression despite them not changing one iota during the periods with only lighter symptoms of depression. They generally refused to diagnose an adult person with it so I had to search for a doctor who would do that and in my German equivalent to an American state, there were two places, of which one didn't even add people to the waiting list anymore and the other telling me in May they will only take new non-emergency patients next year but that eventually worked after all the waiting. Those together are a major reason I failed several important issue such as "failing" at my final exams at school (not slightly missing the necessary grade for a high status foreign university, from which I got a so called conditional offer. It's usually smaller things. I still feel like those things are my fault, I should have forced myself to study harder and whatever I could have done in hindsight. I went to a local university and after a period of big health problems, I am back there to finally really graduate. I do enjoy it mostly but after classes end, I again feel the questions of meaning and loneliness. Video games, audio books, YT and other internet activities are a great distraction to make me feel better for a time. But they are no replacement for real world social interaction. I really hope you (both the video creator and all who read this) have a way to find meaning, real life friendship and love. We have this hobby we all share but it's not everything.

[@Fauntleroy.]

One more comment: the music track you discuss at about 31 minutes in, The Memory of Green. One of my favorites of all time. To me, it recalls setting out on an adventure. Not necessarily being unsafe, but being all alone in the wilderness, or in an unfamiliar place far from home, and missing home even if you're enjoying yourself. Complex, ambivalent, nostalgic, melancholy emotions. It's a masterpiece.

[@kiahnte]

I'm so glad you asked the question "What is Chrono Trigger about?" I hadn't thought of it in those terms before somehow. And hearing the various answers has helped me see the depth in the game that I could never point to before.

[@jasperokker]

i'd never thought if it this way before clicking on the video, but chrono trigger is actually an incredible analogue for the human experience isn't it? hope, despair, longing, regret, knowing that mistakes can be reversed, knowing that in the right contexts, hard work can produce results, striving for the best version of the world not just for the individual but for everyone. while these themes are present in plenty of media, packing all that and a button pressing experience that resonates with joy into 32 megabytes was truly a miracle.

[@Tronk_]

Great, now I need to reinstall this game to play it again even though my 1st playthrough was only 2 years ago!! As always, such a treat to hear your perspective on legendary games like this be articulated in your own way. That final portion about working at it to find what makes you happy is easily the biggest thing I'm struggling with in my life right now. A lot of what worries you shared resonated with me in that way. I hope you continue to use your creative voice and that you know, on some level, just how happy it makes people. Thank you for the excellent videos, always.

[@Chris-et2fm]

Chrono Trigger is one of my favourite games! Speaking of favourite games, I'd love to see you cover Secret of Evermore and Terranigma

[@fmsyntheses]

I think there are zoomers who have never heard of this game, so keep talking about it as the years go by. It should never be forgotten. I got it for Christmas 1995, and it was the coolest thing literally ever. See ya, Tori!

[@UnhingedGamer]

Man, your videos inspired me to resurrect my channel. I look forward to each entry from you. When I heard you were planning on making THIS video, I was overwhelmed by how excited it made me. I've been putting off making my own video on Chrono Trigger because the game means so much to me and I want to get even better as a creator before I make it. Your work here MATTERS.

[@johntauren]

Chrono Trigger is just an amazing game all around. Everything from the combat to the sprites to the music had such love and care put into it, that it melded together for an excellent game.

[@kupokinzyt]

This game give me memories of my mom as I used to lay on her knees as a little kid and watch her play the SNES. One of her favorites was this, FF6, Lufia1&2 and Earthbound.

[@napoleonfeanor]

Must have been nice to have parents who pass their love for video games on. Probably not so rare anymore for the younger generation. My parents sometimes played Tetris but that was all.

[@hypnovike]

I haven't seen the video yet, but it's already perfect because it's about Chrono Trigger...the only game I can consider truly perfect.

[@TheDoomKnight]

I am so glad you chose to cover Chrono Trigger. This is my favorite story of all time, the one that made me decide to be a writer. Thanks to this game, I am now a published author. This is, and forever will be, my favorite story. Great video!

[@DekklinOfDeath]

Very few games could ever truly be called "Perfect", this is one of them.

[@matthewbarabas3052]

this game isnt perfect. there are plenty of flaws.

[@Feanor026]

Dear Liam, your introduction made me think I didn't comment on your videos despite the impact they had on me. I'm always surprised and amazed by the fact the same games had the same effect on you and me, despite me being French and you from the US. I was already thinking that way after all your videos on mostly my favorites games and consoles, but also with the music around OOT, while I'm a big fan of OST from Nintendo, I play them on the piano and Nintendo games and the music around it helped me a lot with my life since 1997 when I got the N64 at the age of 7. All my life I felt good while playing games since the 64 and I could only played the SNES (mostly Mario and DK) at my cousins place. That's why, after moving in Japan 12 years ago, where all the things I love were (Nintendo, baseball, manga, Japanese culture, and especially my wife and now my children) I finally bought a SNES on my own, playing games in their original Japanese versions. I played Chrono Trigger 1 year ago, and it quickly became one of my favorites games ever. It didn't get old at all, unlike some other games I played (like for example FF VI, which I'm playing now, still good but not as much as Chrono Trigger). There is so much things to love about this game, it was a wonderful experience to play it even almost 30 years after it was released. So the fact you're now talking about THIS game, made me realize Nintendo games really have the same impact on people and that I needed to share my experience with Nintendo and your video here today. I also loved your video on your trip in Japan, I hope you'll get back soon !

[@Feanor026]

Oh and I have also continued and finished Mirror's edge just because of your video. I played it when it was released but hated the French dub so much that it made me quit on the game and I didn't know at the time you could change the language from the steam menu and not in the game itself. After your video introduction on it, I paused it and went to play the game in its original version and I loved it ! Then I watched your video until the end :D So thank you.

[@napoleonfeanor]

I think despite the cultural and physiological differences between nation and races all over the world, our emotions and our innate fondness of story telling (yes, really every single culture does it, even the tiny hold outs still living a mesolithic hunter-gatherer life) are the same (probably with the exception of actual sociopaths and some other very rare neurological damage). If you love classical music versions of game music, there are some great youtube channels. Of course, there are the videos of real symphonic concerts playing them, but there are also smaller channels like "RebeccaETripp" making amazing versions of these classic games. PS: Hi, fellow Fëanor

[@matttyree1002]

I just wanna let you know that your videos have really meant a lot to me. You have a great writing style and your thoughtful analysis of so many of my most beloved games has been a source of continuous joy. I'm so glad you decided to make this video 😊

[@Artificialraven]

Liam, 100% agree with your intro. Been in that headspace myself when I uploaded vids.

[@masonarseneau2414]

Woah that clock hand (idk I’ve never played this game lol) swinging in behind the words “just play chrono trigger” was super cool!

[@Megidolaon999]

Play the game.

[@MrPokefan124]

Please play Chrono Trigger

[@Anonymous_Individual]

I’m a firm believer that every rpg battle theme needs a sexy bass line so this game speaks to me

[@LizzieQueen18]

Monsters didn't take over the square in Crono's hometown... that's Medina, on a completely different continent.

[@MACZ2021]

Nearly 2 hour video on Chrono Trigger from Liam Triforce?! Two of my favorites crossing over, cant wait to binge this later today.

[@alexs-mind]

Your content is inspiring and worth the time taken to make it. Im proud of you. We all have our own perspective of purpose in life, making something from unknown and learning as we go. What gives us meaning, what meaning means to us, just feeling that, feeling at all, and understanding or learning. It is a beautiful thing, at least to me and i dont care how simple or complex it is. And your description is how i feel about my music (whether for musical expression or lyrical, or both, dark or light), which is mostly made for myself with how it can affect people being a secondary bonus. Life has been so much easier because of this for my feelings with art. I mean i still go through many issues in life, and have my bad moments and still will, but when i can feel again, i am reminded of beauty, not only outside of myself (others, art, etc.), but within myself. And again, it doesnt matter how simple or complex it is. We were brought into this world with no explanation. How our souls just give us awareness, why we call it souls, and just grasp on to what we understand. It is wild to me, but i dont let it make me go crazy anymore. Im just a mere human that can only comprehend so much, and im ok with what i have, whether i have more years to see more through or die this year, but im gonna keep going no matter what. And im still gonna make poop jokes as i go lol. And tbh i also say all of this with no experience playing chrono trigger (only heard the soundtrack with my brother, which was great). But i want to, and seeing these retrospectives and perspectives are fantastic and seeing how people are affected by things, even beyond chrono. Do again, thank you for making this. Im sorry i cant give more, but thank you for what you have given.

[@Jspider56]

Your favorite team is interesting, my favorite was Chrono, Ayla and Robo because I love robots but also really enjoy Ayla's physical attacks and charm ability.

[@Satirical_Cynic]

All life begins with Nu and ends with Nu. This is the truth! This is my belief!...At least for now.

[@giovanniprovost]

Thank you for all your work! Consider Final Fantasy Tactics for an immersive and seriously insanely written RPG. Nothing like it that i've played thus far, and though being a Final Fantasy, it is not like the main line series.

[@Nel_Annette]

Never clicked on a video so fast. I love Chrono Trigger. I still play my DS copy every few years.

[@Fauntleroy.]

Absolutely wonderful analysis. All I would add is that, *actually*, both Robo AND Frog are super, Super, SUPER cute and soft and tiny and small and adorable and cuddly and little and perfect. But, yeah, that's all I would add... 💛💚😅🥰😍👶🍼

[@callistaknight2354]

All of your videos bring me so much comfort and joy no matter what they are about and no matter how many times I watch them wishing you the best Liam ❤

[@CecilyJisi]

I am completely not surprised that the inspiration to play this game would be Vinny lmao

[@bregowine]

So glad to see one of your essays on my favorite title of all time. Happy Holidays man, cheers!

[@docbaker3333]

Oh My god is this the Day of Based Toriyama videos or something!? First I watch an amazing retrospective of Dragon ball that was Two and a half hours long and now Mr Triforce himself is covering Chrono Trigger I am so happy Right now!!!

[@ReikuYin]

Just a quick correction. The monsters in present day village have not taken over the hometown and area. They are what are left of the ancestors of those from the past that have settled off the mainland, and hate humans for winning the war. It just looks like the same area, bit of a bait and switch. Which is great cause there's no way you could see that, and giving the game has already taught you, you can change things. After events near the end game you can even settle that anti-human feelings. This game is a masterpiece. I remember playing it as a kid, talking with friends and sharing discoveries. I loved Frog, so imagine my shock exploring and him catching a thrown rock... That gives a triple tech of all things. So many things, small and large. Things to see on a replay.... Just glorious.

[@scottshanbom]

1:34:26 does anybody know the song that starts around here? EDIT: Found it, it’s “Song of Memories” from Final Fantasy IX

[@FerrySenjaya-w5o]

My dad's childhood game that he ever played. When I tried this it was awesome but also difficult it was great and fun to play with it. Wish my friend's know this game to...

[@Flarban]

finally took the time out of my days to experience this game and it lived up to the hype. Liked the characters, gave a fuck about what was going on. Frog and Robo were rad. Liked the side quests a lot too totally sick

[@KingdomHeart556]

Wow i just started playing through the ds version again, great timing!

[@Khrono_03]

I love chrono trigger so much I named my channel after the MC, LIAM!!! MAKE A CHRONO CROSS RETROSPECTIVE, AND MY LIFE, WILL BE YOURS!!! (Rip Akita toriyama❤)

[@g.l.vstudios3104]

What's so great about a indirect sequel without the original characters and traveling through alternate universes?

[@captainhakob814]

These videos are my favorite online. I look forward to them. I can tell that it takes a toll on you, so I appreciate everything you do. I get way too introspective when I play games and no one really understands why I think so deep. I feel that you also understand the long reaching effects on gaming. Cross code was a new game that brought me back to my old roots, no other game has ever done that.

[@joshuadenaux3620]

One thing I'd like to mention. Marle wasn't kidnapped by a mysterious force. She was erased from existence because the queen was never saved since Marle was impersonating her, leading Crono to have to rescue the real queen so Marle's existence existence can be restored

[@stealst]

That intro was so heartbreaking for me (particularly with the FFX music in the background- my favorite game ever). Your video essays have meant so much to me for such a long time, and have kept me company for years even in my darkest hours. Thank you for not giving up.

[@stealst]

(Also Chrono Trigger is great obviously.)

[@spookykabuki879]

Your videos have meant everything to me. It's hard when you have to look at your own art but in the end it has changed people. For myself, times where I feel alone and isolated these videos have reminded me that people are out there with the same love for stories in gaming as I have. Thank you Liam, thank you so damn much.

[@MoonSpiritChannel]

Yes! My favorite game of all time, being looked at by one of my favorite video essayists out there. This gon' be a good Saturday!

[@alanherbethe7338]

This game is one of the few turn-based RPGs that I still replay frequently, the other examples being RPGs from the Mario franchise and Pokemon HG/B/B2. 30:06 Funny that you mentioned this music, as I consider it one of the most iconic forest songs in video games. The other two are Forest Interlude from DKC2 and A Slow and Deep Breath from Ys 8. 1:38:58 You can skip the Black Omen with the Epoch? Since when?

[@Bigbrazy400]

I’m so glad you got into dragon quest, I had similar opinions about turned based rpgs but there is something about dragon quest games that are so magical

[@slumpytony2941]

Bro just cant stop releasing movies, great vid son :3

[@MrFF-nb1tp]

I am in the first two minutes of this Video and man, I need to scream this into the Void. Liam, your videos mean a lot to me. They brought me to tears, they made me laugh and most importantly: No matter how bad my depression gets, your videos give me solace.

[@ponyote]

I'll give Octopath Traveler high praise. It reminded me a lot of games like Chrono Trigger.

[@ponyote]

Dragon Quest XI is just so good. Haven't finished it, but I have enjoyed my time with it. Thanks for the video.

[@brainmuffins6052]

Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet… Trigger. All the greats.

[@MythDivine]

Hey Liam, this is a HUGE ask but a Xenogears video would be amazing. I know it's certainly not an easy game to cover considering its length and depth but it seriously is such an amazing story that I think would resonate with you.

[@rominaaluia2680]

Everything in this game is alive❤️

[@bradendubois3661]

I love Chrono Trigger so much. I played it earlier this year, and it honestly ruined RPGs for me. There will never be another game like it that is so unique, so enjoyable, and so masterful in its genre. A group of super humans called the Dream Team came together, and we will never see anything like it. Other RPGs simply can't compete.

[@amerimangaka]

Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross are two of the best games ever made

[@Ruckus707]

I’m locking in to beat Chrono Trigger and then watching this

[@Bellomancer]

I'll kick your butt if you don't

[@Ruckus707]

@ I’m in immense danger luckily I can save myself by playing one of the best games ever made so it’s alright

[@scarletrose1993]

I truly appreciate your channel and videos. Your insightful commentary enriches my understanding and enjoyment of the games I cherish. Your analyses of others' work are valuable contributions in themselves; you build upon the work of others, illuminating and celebrating many beloved franchises. You inspire thoughtful reflection and deeper appreciation for the games we all hold dear.

[@minianji2257]

Your intro paired with that track from ffx really hit. Brought back lots of memories.from that game.. feels heavy. You're an inspiration. Thank you.

[@miguel480ac]

It makes me really happy seeing you mention Dragon Quest since it’s my favorite video game series of all time. It doesn’t get enough recognition

[@BreetonBoi]

oh snap, i cant wait to dive into this one lets goooo

[@thediamonddust]

Just what I needed! Thank you dude.

[@KaraMooMoo]

I've started this game so many times. As a absolute lover of Breath of Fire 3, I know I would love this. I started this with my spouse because I knew it would be easier for her to watch a two hour video rather than watch me play 25 hours. But after the first 15 months, I know I have to go play it first. Experience it correctly. 💜 I'll stop by Patreon on the way out though. I am excited for this next journey in your career. Many of the ways you explain things reminds me of how I appreciate and analyze art, themes and everything surrounding it. I look forward to what is to come.

[@tgr3423]

It's so funny that Vinny of all people convinced you to play Chrono Trigger, because he plays it every few years and it's always a treat.

[@HiCountryGC]

Son, you are the reason I bought a Wii and am playing Zelda games I never did before. Go play them JRPGs and show the world!

[@DafyddBrooks]

This to me shows youve really elevated your reviews and videos up to the next level!! Well done and keep up with the great work mate :)

[@Jspider56]

you pronounce Epoch a bit strangely but still liking your video lol. Looking it up I'm finding several different ways to prounce it in English so I suppose it's whatever since at least you didn't say it like "Epic" XD

[@Joel97_]

"Shortly after finishing the Persona video, I got to work on seeking out my next adventure, something with unique mechanics and a great story but not something that I would have to play for a long time, then my friend Vinny mentioned something that caught my attention...." Because of course it's Vinny, he has to mention it every time he has an opportunity

[@serpentsaurus7969]

It's my last night at work for the week, a rainy lonely shift where normally I would be listening to Chrono Trigger music to pass the time... but tonight I have something better~

[@handlesshouldntdefaulttonames]

Without fail, every upload that you have done has absolutely made a part of my life better. You're making my work more bearable with your work.

[@ChuckyMarks]

Absolutely stoked to see your rpg arc! Been diving deep into dragon quest after the DQ3 remake and I’m excited to hear your take on the series

[@PhillipClearman]

When Liam Triforce uploads its like that delicious taste of water when you've been outside for a long time on a hot summer day with nothing to drink.

[@jorymil]

Art is all about making you feel something, and though it doesn't tell you what to feel, somehow we all end up feeling similarly. By that standard, Chrono Trigger is a masterpiece, bringing us together to make the world a better place.

[@RetroVideoGamer23]

2025, Chrono Trigger will be 30 years old, new Nintendo console coming out in 2025, it’s a perfect storm for this to come out whether a pixel remastered or hd2d remake, it will…it has to come out

[@ThwipThwipBoom]

If you're going to be getting into RPGs from now on, I highly recommend you check out the 3 Baldur's Gate games and the Divinity games by Larian Studio! They are all amazing games that put player choice, story, and characters first before anything else yet all still have super in depth and flexible gameplay that allow you to approach things in a variety of ways. Oh and also check out Dragon Age Origins, Disco Elysium, and Pillars of Eternity.

[@Beeyo176]

1:25:44 After all these years of it feeling weird that Ayla doesn't get as fleshed out as the rest of the cast, I just realized that she doesn't need one. She crushed all her self-doubt and personal demons under her dirty cavewoman foot long ago. She's just there to be awesome

[@LiamFagan-sf7jp]

I have never been more excited for a youtube video in my life.

[@ThatMetalheadMan]

any chance on doing a video on this games follow up, Chrono Cross? I am one of those that like Cross even more than Trigger and think it should be appreciated more. EDIT: the curse of commenting before finishing (but hey its 2 hours long lol) but you did mention Cross. Hope you get to it soon haha.

[@RobeezyLoudenProud]

AYLA STRONG! 💪🏻 Now that I got that out of my system, I’m so happy you got to experience this miracle of a game that has stood the test of time as one of the greats of all time! Even though I didn’t get to play it on original hardware as a kid, my first experience with it was also from the Wii VC as a teenager. Now I own the DS and steam versions too. I also wanted to touch on the fact that starting with the rerelease on PS1, they added an anime intro and cutscenes, which I feel added so much to the experience, and reminded me so much of an episode of Dragonball. I wish there was an animated series for Chrono Trigger!

[@jamesschindler8925]

Babe wake up, peak dropped

[@fmsyntheses]

It's sad that with Sugi and Tori both dead, there can now no longer ever really be another Dragon Quest game. I'm not optimistic about the new one, since it's supposed to be a 'dark' Dragon Quest.

[@Motley-Croo]

your team ico video made me rethink game design as i knew it, instead of mashing together ideas and tweaking them into a cohesive game, i started over. progress is slow. but it will have a soul ❤

[@zzz43344]

One of my favorite RPGs ever!

[@laggianput]

I do wonder if you'd like pokemon mystery dungeon at all, its very much got similar vibes to chrono trigger, particularly pmd 2

[@inukazega]

It is resonating Liam. Thank you for your work

[@charliehunt6336]

Every video you make is a creation man keep it up

[@ssaiyyrissssuzzuyyaa]

ive been waiting for a video like this on Chrono trigger you're the man Liam!❤️

[@GingerbreadMan-r6p]

if you want another not too long rpg that has an amazing story and good gameplay, you should play the mother games (especially earthbound) but i wouldn't recommend mother 1. it has it's fans it's just an acquired taste if that makes sense

[@therickeffect]

Yes! *sees Liam confuse Truce and Medina in the return trip to 1000 AD* Dangit Liam!

[@eric.waffles]

I've been waiting for this video from you Mr. Triforce

[@WinspearUltima]

Hey another video on my favourite video game of all time. Chrono Trigger is a masterpiece. Glad you experienced it Also RIP Toriyama sensei

[@CRITique7777]

Just finished watching the Persona video the other day. Excited to see a video on one of my favorite games.

[@luccasrpz]

Vinny: "... And Chrono Trigger is about 20-25h" Liam: "WHAT???????"

[@Nigel222]

FFX music 👍

[@RaheemTheDream]

✝️I truly love playing Chrono Trigger on Nintendo Wii Virtual Console & hopefully I need to play the remake on Nintendo DS in my 🔮future’s ⏳timeline⌛️ sakes🙏🏾!

[@maccamachine]

Hell yeah a new video and it’s about Chrono trigger this is awesone. I love Chrono trigger man. I remember the first time I played this game when I was younger and I almost immediately loved it. I still have a complete copy for the DS and the snes cartridge. This game also has some of the best music from any video game so many iconic tracks. Idk if they’ll ever remake this game but part of me doesn’t want them to so they can’t mess it up. I would maybe like the see it remade in the HD-2D style. I replayed Chrono cross again for the first time in years a few months ago but it can’t touch the original.

[@ZaneStarmann]

Oh shit, Liam doing Chrono Trigger? I'm so here for it

[@Luvthexmen]

I think by tommorow I should be able to finish my first playthrough of chrono trigger. I will return to this video once I am done