Final Fantasy Chronicles (Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy IV)

Originally released in the U.S. in 1991 as Final Fantasy II, the groundbreaking Final Fantasy IV introduced the "Active Time Battle" combat system that has since become a staple in the series. In addition to new computer animation sequences and minor gameplay enhancements, this reissue sports a new dialogue translation that is more faithful to the Japanese version and fleshes out the previously pared-down story of a conflicted knight and his quest for redemption.

Although not as well known as Final Fantasy IV--and not even part of the Final Fantasy series, for that matter--1995's Chrono Trigger is a nonlinear adventure game where players must travel across time to save a princess (and the world in the process). New Japanese cartoon cutscenes from animator Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragonball Z) grace the updated Chrono Trigger, and an extras mode (filled with game-related goodies that must be unlocked) has been added, increasing the already high replay value of this title with multiple endings.

Admittedly, the games' two-dimensional graphics and simplistic sounds are quite "last generation," which may turn off some younger gamers and recent converts to the genre, but their solid gameplay, deep storyline, and memorable characters are still first-rate by today's standards. --Joe Hon

Pros:

• Brings together two classic Super Nintendo role-playing games
• Retranslated text of Final Fantasy IV more faithful
• Extras mode increases Chrono Trigger's replay value
• New animated "movie" sequences

• In-game graphics and sounds are quite dated

With all the different names for the original 1991 release of the first title in this compilation (Final Fantasy IV in Japan, Final Fantasy II in the U.S.), role-players new to the game may get confused. Make no mistake, though: Final Fantasy Chronicles marks the first time this pivotal installment of the cherished game series has ever been available on the PlayStation. In Final Fantasy IV, players take on the role of Cecil, a loyal captain who questions the orders of his king, and for it is sent to slay a mysterious beast in a nearby valley.

In Chrono Trigger, Chrono must follow princess Marle's teleportation through time and locate her before an intergalactic parasite arrives to destroy the world. The original game, also on the PlayStation for the first time, was one of the first nonlinear role-playing games. The decisions that players make during the game will point them toward one of more than a dozen possible endings.

These new versions retain the authentic Japanese SNES stories and characters while updating their graphics and adding new full-motion video sequences and other features.