Chrono Trigger/Gameplay

Chrono Trigger is a real time turn based RPG; this means that during a battle the longer you take the more turns the enemy will recieve. Thus, it is imperative that all actions are thought out before they must be made, and that you know your characters and equipment well.

Like any RPG, grinding (fighting enemies for long periods of time to achieve higher levels) and the overuseage of items are the two simplest tips for beating this game. Be patient and don't be afraid to heal (gold is not hard to come by).

Chrono Trigger is more open than most RPG's, allowing for non-linear progression through the use of multiple endings and open adventuring (flight, and time travel). This means that you can change elements of the game by doing things out of order (although most of the time level restrictions still apply; i.e. difficulty).

Just keep in mind that if you don't follow the walkthrough, focus on exploration rather than the adventure itself to get the most out of this game.

Battle Modes
The first thing you will encounter within Chrono Trigger is a prompt as to whether you would like the battle system to be set to "Active" or "Wait." The difference being turn based compared to real time action. Basically this is for player preference; but if you don't know the difference or would like the more traditional experience of the game, choose active. Wait allows you to take your time in deciding actions without having to worry about your opponent. Active, thus has a higher difficulty, but changes the strategy of the game as well.

Character Overview
Throughout the game, characters will join and leave the party as the story progresses. Only three characters can be used at a time and they cannot be switched within battle. Outside of battle they can be switched via the options menu. Leveling characters, progressing through the plot, equipping equipment and using tabs are the only way to improve a character's strength.

Character Stats

 * HP - Hit points, losing these will cause your character to die.
 * MP - Magic points, allows the use of abilities.
 * Attack - Symbolized by a little sword; the total amount of power from equipment, determines damage dealt by a normal attack, modified by power.
 * Defense - Symbolized by a little shield; the total amount of armor from equipment, determines the reduction of damage from physical attacks.
 * Pwr./Power - Determines damage dealt using a normal attack, modified by attack.
 * Spd./Speed - Determines the delay between turns.
 * Hit/Hit % - Determines chance to hit.
 * Ev./Evasion - Determines chance to dodge.
 * Mag./Magic - Ability power, determines the effectiveness (damage/healing) dealt with a non-physical ability or spell.
 * Stam./Stamina - ??
 * M Def./Magic Defense - Reduces the effectiveness of an enemy's ability on the character.
 * Exp/Experience - The total amount of experience the character has gained.
 * Next - The remaining amount of experience needed to level.