Let's Play 2024 - Chrono Trigger

[Chris Cruz]

Hey, Boo. I was thinking for a few days about what to reply with.

So, in Chrono Trigger I'm at the Mountain of Woe. All of a sudden it hit me like 'this's kinda cool.' The game itself. I was trying to make a big deal about going to Zeal, the home of the Enlightened Ones, and seeing what kind of text the NPC's were gonna deliver. And it was mostly about how they sleep to dream, and your dreams are almost kinda truthful or prophetic in a way and it tells you a lot about yourself, and how all the inhabitants on Zeal just kinda sleep the day away. It kinda makes me think they are kinda 'rich' in a way because the Queen gives them everything they could ever have wanted? And in return they revere the Queen. But it is almost kind of interesting that all they ever do is sleep.. and they kinda record what their dreams tell them? I'm thinking you must have all the time in the world in order to be able to do that you know without having to work or anything. There was this post floating around on the internet I came upon one time about rich/poor people, and poor people describe rich people as "having time to think" you know cause they don't have to work as much. Poor people are always working, working they never have enough time to think about their next move? Whereas rich people have all the time in the world to relax, think about how they're gonna move in life's decisions and most of the time it pays off for them being able to think, and think ahead, and even think as far as retirement? I thought Zeal was gonna let me know more intimately about how Magic was created but they only had brief texts about it, unless I was just more focused on the sleep part. Sometimes I love playing RPGs cause it lets me figure out like 'How are they gonna explain where magic comes from in this world?' Mostly in CT, it's all about the elements. But I think in Zeal they managed to come up with something more powerful like a second-tier above that elements. So all that was really interesting.

The Earthbound Ones just makes me think about another favorite RPG of mine EarthBound, haha. lol It's funny cause all these RPGs pretty much all came out around the same time on the SNES. I LOVE that library of RPGs definitely one of the best!

Uh. Well, I was just thinking like 2-3 days about the cost of living crisis and stuff and it was honestly just like another reminder that I am here! I'm not in the US anymore. It was just like reminding me why I moved in the first place? I'm very "out of sight, out of mind" or my friends have a cruder saying: not my chair not my problem. You know it's not really a problem for me right now and I don't think I should feel bad that I'm doing ok. I try to be as humble as possible about it because obviously I'm still a proud American, and I do care how Americans are doing but I'm kinda like ignorance is bliss!.. right now about everything. I was watching the Tik Tok rants for a few nights while I was working-out, lol and I just had to turn it off eventually because I wasn't watching it and feeling bad for these people it was like I had no empathy I don't know why? lol My Mom's always taught me to save my money and don't buy frivolous things. A lot of the stuff people were ranting about I would probably never buy in my life, like that Trader Joe's stuff I'm thinking make your own food at home using cheap ingredients? Or this one breezy was raving about $50 basket of green grapes, - but, she bought it anyway? O_o

I was talking to a couple of friends who post news in our Discord and they're saying American national pride and morale is pretty low. And not a lot of people are proud anymore these days to live in America. I have a cousin back in S.F. who says he hates it life there now and when his children are 18 he's planning on moving here to The Philippines. I'm just grateful. I'm happy! I'm an American too I just don't happen to be living in the U.S., but I'm making things happen where I am. So

So right now, I'm kinda off the console/or more treating it like a DVD player for Survivor while I game on portables. I LOVE LUNAR: Silver Star Harmony, dude! It's like so cool. And I'm ducking around with my Switch. I saw Harvestella on the Nintendo eShop and I was like, ooh that was the game Boo was talking about and it does look pretty cool. Square-Enix seems to be pumping out a lot of games. Everytime I'm interested in a newer RPG I'm like oh Square-Enix did it. I'm kinda observing myself and playing an older game and see what kinda thoughts I have/then, I play a new-ass game and see if my thoughts like it, or whatever I'm thinking?

With Survivor, I'm kinda playing detox/rehab mode where I try to rest a lot, then work out, do a lot of cleaning-hygiene and just living a simple life. I kinda felt like Survivor was almost challenging me to live outside of the US, and to see if I can do it? On the show you see Americans living out of their comfort zone and without all the amenities that we're so used to back at home, so it's a nice little diversion for me.

Yeah, I was out on my walk this morning thinking about the Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers ver. I keep seeing advertised on the e-store and I'm totally down.

[Chris Cruz]

Hey, Boo. I have made in-roads with Chrono Trigger. Lemme just say it’s always a treat to boot up everyday I can see why you call it a masterpiece and why everyone here enjoys it so much? I just beat the Mt. of Woe, and I have to sneak into the palace again. I usually always remember just the beginning of all the RPGs I play, so this’s about the point where I forgot everything that happens.

Was just chillin’ on my thoughts today and had more on America, and what’s going on and stuff. So (I’m so far-gone from my old life there but I do remember a few poignant things) I remember I always had a big fear of all the tall buildings in downtown San Francisco, I hated all the traffic and one-way streets so confusing to navigate but I remember anytime I was in the middle of the street downtown with all the big, tall skyscrapers and I happened to look up I felt such a scary feeling everytime cause it made me feel so small in comparison and I would get a little lightheaded. I’m from another country so I believed all the stereotypes about the U.S.: Big, everything’s big. Sex, drugs & rock ‘n roll all that.

To be honest, a few things happened while I was living there that scared me. America was such a scary place. The 90s were really fun. But after say 2000 and the internet got popular I was starting to see what a scary and weird place it was. Most would probably say strange. I almost kinda felt like you had to be a model citizen at all times 24/7, and make no mistakes. Like I said before in past posts I felt unsafe even farting in my own house cause I felt like neighbors were listening to me (why do old people want the neighborhood to be so quiet?) I was scared of what America would do to you should you ever fall from grace and mess up. I just felt kinda like it was this Pleasantville which was really awkward. Sex and violence. Action movies with tons of blood, gore, guns and explosives. The tackles in football look so real to me.

I kinda caught the drift. That America’s a big, bad scary country and you don’t wanna mess with it.

I mean, I caught that. And I got the hell outta there. There’re times when I remember bits & pieces parts of it but I’m here in The Philippines now, my real home (never felt comfortable there) and I love it here. I’m such a simple maybe simple-minded traditional Filipino boy grandparents raised me I just never liked it there but really just so we could make money. I was thinking it doesn’t take a genius to realize when the struggle was gonna get real so it was time to leave? Anyway the point is just wham, bam thank you American ma’am for the school and being able to save up money, and it was like early retirement for me here. I don’t even know what I’m saying anymore.

It was kindof just like my old life left behind, things’re so much more simpler here, the people are (actually) nice, things is way cheaper… I just never really liked the people.

So ANYWAYS,

Been planning a trip with my driver to go to a bigger city, hit up a mall, eat & re-buy the PS4 Pro. I’m still on portables while I multitask either I watch Survivor on the DVD or I’ll watch like YouTube rants or something. Been messin’ arnd. with the Switch more and more. Mostly it’s CT for me first, then I’ll hit up LUNAR: SSH and if I’m feeling spicy I might fire up Octopath Traveler. Anyway das’ it

[Boo the Gentleman Caller]

Hey brother!

First, let's talk Chrono Trigger. I've finished all the main side quests and all I have to do is destroy Lavos. I'll wait for you on that one, and we can finish the game around the same time. I'm ready when you are!

This game really is such a gem. It's still my favorite jRPG for so many reasons - the graphics and art design are stellar, the music is amazing, the gameplay fun and, while simple, rocks. The story is amazing and it's not too short and not too long. This game really did capture lightning in a bottle and I don't think I've played another jRPG that has hit me in quite the same way.

Anyway, back to life...

I LOVE LUNAR: Silver Star Harmony, dude!

So glad you're enjoying LUNAR SSH! I actually thought it was a really good remake. The bonus prologue with the Four Heroes in their adventure was a great way to start things off.

The voice acting, while it won't be the SSSC, is on-par. I think I told you about it back when we were playing EBC, but I like Nall's voice acting better. A few other's as well. I think I liked Ghaleon's better, too, but it's been a long time, so I can't remember.

The biggest complaints I had with it were the lack of a proper world map (I like to walk on the world map, even if there are no encounters), and the changed lyrics in the theme song. I dunno, the OG lyrics will always be better.

The Earthbound Ones just makes me think about another favorite RPG of mine EarthBound, haha. lol It's funny cause all these RPGs pretty much all came out around the same time on the SNES. I LOVE that library of RPGs definitely one of the best!

Funny you should mention it... Earthbound really is a great game. I played the original NES game two winters ago. Earthbound is actually one of those RPGs I've started several times but haven't finished, and I've been listening to podcasts and Youtube videos about it the past month or so. I really want to replay it and also play Mother 3. I've never played the GBA game.

I saw Harvestella on the Nintendo eShop and I was like, ooh that was the game Boo was talking about and it does look pretty cool.

I wouldn't call it a great game, but it's actually exceeded my expectations. It's definitely a AA-game and not top-tier, but I've put maybe 30 hours in since Christmas and it's been a good ride. I'm now in the last chapter, but I'm pretty sure there's some post-game content. There's definitely a lot to do, especially around the farming and cooking elements.

The story is cool because it actually ends up taking place in our world/universe, and there's time travel involved. I won't go into spoilers in case you ever play it, but the story is better than I thought it'd be.

Was just chillin’ on my thoughts today and had more on America, and what’s going on and stuff.

It's probably my mood, but I don't really have much more to say on the topic (at least not tonight). Things are tight financially for almost everyone. I just got a 5% pay and I swear that increase is already gone with increased grocery prices and rate increases, my house taxes went up because the home/land value went up, my utilities have all gone up... corporate greed is out of control. It's ridiculous; we're in late-stage capitalism at it's best, and I'm over it.

[Chris Cruz]

Hey, Boo-rother! Haha

So in CT, Crono just died so that’s where I am. So crazy whenever they kill the main character off and the party scrambles. I was also shocked that I had to do the Ocean Palace so early I thought it was way later in the game…

So in other news, I’m just enjoying life and relaxing. One of the workers on the farm got his driver’s license so he’s gonna be a driver that takes me to places all around the Philippines, prob hit up a few malls and electronic stores. Um, in the meantime I’m always watching Survivor so I pop on a ep. and chill relax hydrate myself with water, coffee just whatever liquids. Snack on something. Then I work out a little bit. I’ve lost some weight belly’s becoming flat thanks due to the push-ups I’ve been doing everynight so I’m quite please with myself.

Other than that, not really much else goin’ on just relaxing, doing random stuff online mostly I watch mukbangs of prople eating Idk..why? lol Just hanging out at the farm, kinda planning a future trip with the driver, I wanna re-buy the PS4 Pro but I’m having a good time on portables so. Conundrum. Anyway, das’ it Boo - Enjoy lifes, relax have fun 8D Peeeeeace

Edit: I forgot to tell you about the mangoes! So on the farm we have a couple like 5-6 fully-grown mango trees and they finally bore fruit! The kitchen is spread full of mangoes ready to ripen and I’ve just been stuffing my face with them! I think the in US the mangoes come from Mexico here they’re really super sweet and tastes really good! I’ve been dieting so of course like rice, chicken, whatever vegetable but I just had 2 mangoes for dessert and they were super sweet, sticky, juicy I might sneak out a little later and slice, slurp, toss some more

[Chris Cruz]

Hey, Boo just a small, short little update. I just got the Epoch back I didn’t realize there was so much story involving Dalton either I find him so annoying I put it out of mind or I genuinely don’t remember this deep into the game. Anyway I love RPGs where you can swap out the main character cause you can see what the rest of the party is up to and I hate having to be stuck with one person as the lead no matter how helpful they are.

I’ve been going a little slow I admit cause I’ve been prioritizing my health: I was like in such bad shape a month ago I couldn’t even move my upper half above my torso, plus head/neck pain and I decided to experiment w/my medication and eff’ed up my sleep. But now I believe I have everything situated again so I’m back on the sticks. I was also starting to get really excited to possibly play Chrono Cross I think if you’re having trouble getting through newer RPGs it’s nice to play a oldie but a goodie to kinda of get you in the mood to play again.

Anyway I’ve fucked my brains out with Survivor so I’m- a stop for rn. I’ve wholeheartedly gone back to just concentrating on video games so basically my routine is wake up early get some gametime in, do meals stuff like that and in between seshes do a couple sets of push-ups. I’ve been doing the push-ups regularly and it’s taken all the pain away and I’m like back to regular. I was thinking of how Japanese gamers is more into portables how they have busy work lifes so they play while commuting on the train and was kinda feeling it. Maybe I kinda got tired of the console-T.V. which I’ve -MOSTLY- been doing my whole life and decided to give portables a try. Still doing LUNAR: SSH I’m in Lann the fishing village with the fake Dragonmaster and I’m about to fire up the Switch and see my thoughts on it.

Have a good one! 8P

Edit: Boo you can go ahead and finish while I lag! I’ve just been busy with diet/fitting in my workout! Don’t worry about me, I’ll probably finish in a bit I think I’m at the part where you revive Crono and do sidequests… I’ll for sure finish and leave my thoughts doe!! 8P

[Boo the Gentleman Caller]

Sorry for the lack of response, we had a death in the family, so I've been handling a lot of the family stuff. I'll be traveling for the next few days, actually.

I still haven't finished Chrono Trigger, but I will soon. All I have to do is finish Robo's sidequest and then straight on to Lavos.

Not really much else going on here.

Also, mangoes are legit. They're probably my favorite fruit. I tend to like more tropical fruits like mango, dragonfruit, and pineapple. But mango is definitely the best!

[Chris Cruz]

I’m so sorry to hear that.

Nothing much going on over here neither, been doing push-ups still and the weight seems to just melt off I think if I keep it up I’ll end up with no more belly so I’m excited for that! Messing with my diet more tryna eat stuff I’m craving/actually want to try like today I tried ground beef and couscous,—it was actually really delicious. I saw a Tik Tok of bodybuilders eating just ground beef (stir-fried obvs, not raw) and at first I was like wh..??! But then the ground beef here is really fine and it pairs with the light couscous really well. I was thinking of stuffing a pita w/it. I’m also gonna try not to eat rice as much I’m getting kinda sick of it and I like the couscous a lot better. The maid also likes to experiment in the kitchen so I think she gets a kick out of my inventions and requests.

I’m abt. to fire up CT I do like 15 min sessions because it’s such-a special game I just got Magus. I got confused at the prompt and almost fought him but I’m about to talk to the Nu/Belthasar in the Future and go to Death Peak I think. I love the part about how everybody cherishes Crono and keeps him in their heart, even though he doesn’t talk at all I guess being around someone a lot is enough. I kinda do short story sequences and plot out where I need to go in my head.

I have the day all to myself and I’ve been clamoring to game so I was thinking abt firing up some random games. On the PS3 still, until I can re-buy the PS4 Pro and ditch it. Been also playing Link’s Awakening on Switch it’s such a throwback to the earlier Zelda games and it’s much more my speed. Also L: SSH the music lulls me to sleep since I know the game so well so I might try to avoid it if I can.

[Chris Cruz]

Hey, Boo ofc another dbl.-post from me w/my thoughts. :p Hope you don’t mind.

The game mechanics in Death Peak are so annoying like hiding behind the trees and the wind blowing you off the cliff I had to re-try it so many times! Anyway I loved the scene at the summit when Crono comes back you know him leaving always shocked me when I was younger, and it was touching how the rest of the party cares for him so much even when he doesn’t say a word! Even the Old Man at the End of Time had choice words to say about him. I wanted to mention the anime title screen where Crono’s in his room and picks up a picture of his friends to look at it,—I thought that was really nice. I guess one of the main themes in the game is friendship. I was thinking about it earlier and a lot of the RPGs I played when I was younger really taught me a lot given that a lot of the main protagonists in the games is always a young male. I was a young male, then, too. It kinda-sorta made me feel more appreciated, I dunno by who, but that maybe a lot of people look to me as reliable, and possibly as a good leader. I think RPGs influenced me in a good way moreso than not.

So I’m doing sidequests now and just finished the Sunken Desert as I think it’s the easiest. I was thinking abt. possibly skipping or doing the bare minimum at this end-portion of the game and maybe try to defeat Lavos as fast as possible cause I keep getting the same ending in CT (the one where Mom runs after the cat into the gate) and I want to get another one. Any tips?

Anyway,-Just hanging around the house still doing my push-ups, went for a walk today, basically I sit down to game or browse YouTube then get up and do sets and I do that pretty much the whole day. How’s everything going on with you?

Edit: I tried out this new game for PS3 called Puppeteer and it’s SO, REALLY good. The voice acting is in that Renaissance Medieval English so that’s always really nice. It’s a platformer and takes place on a acting stage and each level is like a diff Act 1, Act 2… and it has Chapters. You’re like this doll of a boy and you get to wear different heads, while you control a floating cat at the same time and your weapons are magical scissors. My dad’s a barber so I was like, ohh..??!! Scissors 48! lol (MGS2)

[Boo the Gentleman Caller]

Hey man!

Welp, I finally finished the game! I chose to go to 1999ad, fight Lavos' shell, and then enter the shell for the final battle.

So I’m doing sidequests now and just finished the Sunken Desert as I think it’s the easiest. I was thinking abt. possibly skipping or doing the bare minimum at this end-portion of the game and maybe try to defeat Lavos as fast as possible cause I keep getting the same ending in CT (the one where Mom runs after the cat into the gate) and I want to get another one. Any tips?

For some reason, all the character side quests at the end of the game are probably my favorite parts of the game. Maybe because it gives resolution to the characters I care so much about. Robo's is probably my favorite, then Lucca's (make sure you save before you attempt it so you don't mess it up), then Marle's, and Frog's is my least favorite because of all the jumping back and forth in time to fix up the Hero's Grave. Magus' sidequest with the Black Omen is also excellent.

A little hint -- you can defeat the Black Omen at different time periods; if you start at 2300ad and then work backwards to each time period (2300ad, then 1000ad, then 600ad, then 13000bc) you can fight the panel enemies (I can't remember what they're called) and charm them for Speed Tabs.

My recommendation would be to complete all the sidequests so you can really get the full experience of the game, but you do what you feel you should at this point. If you're not really feeling the game any more, don't force it.

I only wish Ayla had more of an end-game sidequest.

Off topic, but the unused track 'Singer Mountain' (rumored to have been part of her side quest) is a banger of a tune. It's such a mysterious and enigmatic song. I've always liked it and thought it would have been a good fit for Death Peak or something. If you've never heard it, it's here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BynwSnP-F4c

Going back to Magus' quest with the Black Omen -- you can defeat the Black Omen at different time periods; if you start at 2300ad and then work backwards to each time period (2300ad, then 1000ad, then 600ad, then 13000bc) you can fight the panel enemies (I can't remember what they're called) and charm them for Speed Tabs.

Been also playing Link’s Awakening on Switch it’s such a throwback to the earlier Zelda games and it’s much more my speed.

Man, Link's Awakening is one of my favorite Zelda games. In fact, it's one of my favorite games of all time. It's such a fever dream in the best possible way, and everything about it is excellent. I think out of all the Zelda games, it probably has the best soundtrack... Ballad of the Wind Fish... Richard's Villa... Sword's Search... Mabe Village... The Ghost House... I got this game when it first game out on the original GameBoy, and I used to go to some of those locations and just let it sit so I could hear the tunes.

I'm not sure if you've played it before, so I will avoid any spoilers and won't go into details.

One last thing -- when I was on my trip I booted up Yazuka 0 and gave it a try. I love the ambiance and it did a good job capturing the look and feel of Tokyo (or at least I guess Japan as it was in the late 1980's). I think it's fun, but it didn't capture me quite like I had hoped. I didn't get to do much, but I did walk around picking fights so I could get money and upgrade my skills. I'm still on Chapter 1 but not sure I'll continue playing.

[Chris Cruz]

Hey, Boolicious! Man, …

I haven’t had time to put time into the ‘rono, my bad, it’s mostly because I’ve been really into my exercising and dieting. I wake up ea. day and everything seems to revolve arnd. it. Like I said I do my push-ups pretty much around-the-clock all day now instead of just at night it gives me something to do indoors (‘sides games) cause it’s way too fucking hot here I mostly stay in my room w/the dogs and they sleep. Yeah, I don’t have the exact measurements or scale numbers but I’ve been losing slabs of weight the workers on the farm kinda root me on and say John, it’s only a lit’l bit left/or that I look totally un-recognizable now. My parents saw me recently and even they have complimented me on the weight loss and you KNOW that’s legit when the parentals chime in and actual give you a compliment like that. :p So yeah I’ve just been doing that this whole time it’s crazy cause sometimes I feel like I have to kill myself w/exercise to see any loss, but the push-ups have been a Godsend and it’s almost-actually pretty, alotta fun. I can’t wait to keep doing ‘em and see where I end up. Maybe InstaGram thot. :mouthlips

I have been playing other games though, just finishing up some PS3 exclusives that I prob won’t go back to once I re-buy the PS4 Pro: ICO, Nier, Lollipop Chainsaw, Eternal Sonata, White Knight Chronicles…. Just making my PS3 PSN account nice & neat with the trophies cause I prob won’t go back to it again. I see my friends online haven’t signed-on PS3 in close to 3 years and here I am still on it. :p O_O

Yeah, been toying around with PSP Go and Switch: still doing LUNAR: SSH it- the voiceacting isn’t as good as the Working Designs version that’s for sure and the songs are off or too wordy longwinded. But it’s nice to play my favorite game in like a different way if that makes sense most of the lines are still all the same and the graphics is nicer esp in battle. thumbsup

Link’s Awakening is pretty cool. I know you’re talking about the really classic GameBoy version but I’m playing the remake on Switch. I was thinking you must really know your games if you’re talking about GameBoy Zelda cause I pretty much just started out on SNES with my RPGs. But yeah this ver of Link’s Awakening is pretty cool I kinda wanna check out the other Zelda games I played OoT 2 years ago and that was cool. I’ve been on PlayStation so much I neglected Nintendo and maybe it’s time to check it out again.

Edit: On Yakuza 0, —I was actually quite into this before my PS4 Pro broke, I had beaten the game and started over to just fuck around and get trophies. There’re mini-games in it that I got WAAAY addicted to like the Cabaret Hostess one in like the latter chapters it’s really fun if you can check out a video of it. I was stuck on this other mini-game and it was taking forever so I had thought to just stop and move onto the next Yakuza game. A couple of my friends online are into it I’m just like at a tepid medium and there are quite a few games in the Yakuza series. It might be worth investing time into cause the 7th or 8th game, Like A Dragon, is a full-blown turnbased RPG. I was going through the games just to play that one. thumbsup

[Chris Cruz]

Hey, Boo another latenight double post from me with my thoughts. lol :p

So I actually have been a little bit busy the recent days mostly just errands running to the bank and such. I've noticed more energy and just a general motivation to go out more even if it's for snacks during my work outs and that's due to all the push-ups I've been doing! All the neckpain I was complaining about is gone and I'm gradually incorporating the push-ups into my daily routine. (My friends would be so proud of me.)

I have been putting time into the Trigger! I'm trying to do a sidequest a day just to finish up the endgame I just beat Ozzie's Fort. I didn't think you had to steal the 3 minions' items but I checked online and it seems you don't even have to worry about them. I'm playing a level per night in Puppeteer, I think there's 21, just to get through the last bit of my PS3 games.

I just beat Link's Awakening for the Switch. It was so refreshing I really needed that. I'm into lengthy JRPGs but I need a break from it all sometimes! ^_^; I think it's like the 3rd Zelda game I've beaten. It was really interesting you kinda have to explore the island on your own, no Zelda in sight and the ending was kind of predictable just only cause they put in so many hints but it was enjoyable seeing the ending credits nonetheless! I was expecting more wizardry like mystic forces and such but it seemed like pure adulterated just exploration & dungeons. Cool, though! I managed to get all the Heart pieces and shells so I'm like proud. First game I beat on the Switch. Can't wait to explore what else the system has to offer!

I've kinda put LUNAR: SSH tucked away, the music and overall vibe puts me to sleep man cause I've played the PS1 ver so many times and a lot of the lines is the same the only that changes is the graphics in battle as well as on the map. I'm just setting it on my bedside for now maybe fire it up if I have trouble sleeping

So met up for lunch and dinner w/ the parentals and they sat me down and told me they thought I haven't been spending money and having fun with my life here in the Philippines so instead of a PS4 Pro I'm thinking about going ahead and just picking up a PS5 Slim. or SOmething And I told them I'll try to hit up the malls more where a lot of restaurants are tucked away.

Yep not too much just same old same old. just incorporating exercise more into my life

[Boo the Gentleman Caller]

I'm back! Sorry for the long absence, real life has just taken it's toll.

Link’s Awakening is pretty cool. I know you’re talking about the really classic GameBoy version but I’m playing the remake on Switch. I was thinking you must really know your games if you’re talking about GameBoy Zelda cause I pretty much just started out on SNES with my RPGs.

Both, actually! I first played it on the original GameBoy, then bought the DX version for the GameBoy Color (which added a bonus dungeon). The remake is an outstanding remake, though. It has all the charm of the original, it's just that the graphics had a makeover. The gameplay and overall game plays entirely the same, which is awesome. I wish all remakes were this solid! Anyway, glad you're loving it!

One thing I really love about the Zelda series is that, up until Breath of the Wild and it's sequel, the Zelda series were generally games you could pick up and finish in ~20 hours. They are a great break to the grind of jRPGS.

Did the ending catch you off guard at all? I always found the ending pretty sad -- Koholint and all of those on the island were all just a figment of the Wind Fish's dream. It was sad to see them all snuffed out like that.

Speaking of remakes, I hear the Super Mario RPG remake is like that.

So met up for lunch and dinner w/ the parentals and they sat me down and told me they thought I haven't been spending money and having fun with my life here in the Philippines so instead of a PS4 Pro I'm thinking about going ahead and just picking up a PS5 Slim.

Nice! Did you get a PS5 slim? You'll need to pick up Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, if you did!

Yep not too much just same old same old.

Same. I've been swamped with life responsibilities. The weather's warmed up here, so I've put in my garden and we've gotten more animals, including some ducks. It all keeps me very busy, but I enjoy it. I haven't been gaming much, to be honest.

I did decide to rush straight to the ending of Harvestella. It also had some post-game content, so I grinded through that got done as quickly as I could while skipping over most of the optional stuff. It was a pretty solid jRPG and there was a lot I liked about it. The storyline was time-travel oriented, but I'll save spoilers in case you ever play it. In fact, there was one scene where I swear it was intentionally alluding to Lavos...

Since I've wrapped up both of those games, I haven't played any video games in a few weeks. I've not picked Yazuka 0 back up, although it's possible I will sooner or later. I enjoyed the ambience, but the story and gameplay was just so-so.

[Chris Cruz]

Hello!

Link’s Awakening (remake) was great. I managed to find all 32 Pieces of Heart and all 50 secret seashells so I did everything, can put the game on the shelf and not have to look at it again. The ending wasn’t surprising to me at all,—only because the game and its characters (esp. the bosses when you defeat them!) gave so many hints as to what would happen if you wake the Wind Fish from its sleep I wasn’t shocked at all. I do think I managed to get the secret ending and it showed Marin in the sky and if you re-load your completed save the game forces you to make the island is un-touched and you wake up outside the last dungeon & everyone is fine contrary to what the cutscenes show. So, I dunno! 🤷🏼 ((Truth be told,—I did follow a 100% complete walkthrough on YouTube LOL only bec I have soo many games to get, and beat and get-through I just wanted one gimme I can finish in 15 hours have done everything and be proud of myself. Hehe.))

Yeah, after this experience I’m gonna look into trying to play some of the earlier Zelda games I missed out on. Def before Tears of the Kingdom & Breath of the Wild. I do look for those games to play in-between taking breaks from epic JRPG games.

I haven’t secured the PS5 Slim yet but it’s in the works. Been talking to my Dad’s friend (I just call my Uncle?) who stays in Manila, and seeing if he can secure me a brand-new one. I’m still taking my time w/ other games so I’m in no rush…

CT—I just finished another sidequest, I only have 2 more to go. The one about “someone close to you … you should help them fast” I have no idea whose it about I had thought Lucca/and her mom but I already did that one. Been appreciating the Trigger as an amazing JRPG I can see myself re-playing it years down the line and really immersing myself in the experience I wish I wasn’t playing so many games at once but it almost excited me in that way. I’m gonna push tthroguh to the end like you say but I almost don’t want it to end. Loved the scene with Frog at Cyrus’ grave and their friendship they only showed a few scenes of them two together but it seemed like 2 stoic friends and kinda was like big brother-ly. Pretty cool shit.

Nice on Harvestella! I’m just playing whatever comes to mind when I can. This week it’s been Atelier Escha & Logy and Puppeteer for PS3. I’m also interested in starting up Luigi’s Mansion 3 for Switch since I got it. I think I’m just excited to pick up the PS5 and pick up where I left off on the PS4 before it died (since it’s backwards-compatible). I was on such a good trip too: I left off on Dragon Quest Builders cause it reminded me of Survivor and you had to build a shelter and forage for food, and build a little community. I’m also looking forward to catching up with the times and playing games like Horizon and Yakuza Kiwami and just feeling like I’m in modern-gaming? I’ve been stuck on the PS3 for way too, long…

Aside from gaming: Been doing push-ups everyday. Been noticing I need to up my food just noticing whenever I eat just rice and vegetables (I get my workout in/notice progress) but I feel a little weak and my workout wasn’t like URRRGH!!!! I got some burgers a few days ago and 2 pizzas which’s lasted me these last 3 days… and the work outs have been AMAZIN’!!! I want to feel stronger instead of getting weaker. I’ve been bugging the workers on the farm to make me dumbbells too. But anyway yeah, just taking more time to exercise everyday and my fixation is just on staying consistent and everyday doing the push-ups.

Have a good one, Boo!!!

[Chris Cruz]

Hey, Booster!

I know it seems I’m takin’ HELLA long w/Trigger but I just have the Rainbow Shell left to do and it’s off to the Ocean Palace. I have to pick up sommore sealed chests too. I was thinkin’ abt it today and I know it seems like I’m playing a lot of games at the same time but this playthrough of Chrono has been really meaningful to me I dunno if it’s bec of all our talks in this thread too but: it’s helped me become a better me. It reminded me of a time where I was careless as a child is but everything seemed to always just work out for me. I just needed that carefree feeling or thinking back. I’ve started to do the push-ups everynight now and all the pain I had in my neck is now gone and upper shoulders, it was really all due to me just being I dunno maybe still depressed and being a lifer just laying about not taking care of myself. This might seem random but CT helped me do stretches on my bed that eventually got that knot out of the leftside of my neck, I rem one night I didn’t crack but I crunched and WRENCHED!!! my neck to the right and that spot finally disappeared so I’ll always remember CT and our talks about exercise, getting older, etc. I don’t want to talk to other guys abt it. You’re a really cool guy and you remind me to take care of myself now that I’m living all alone by myself. Namaste ::bows::

I’m tryna finish Atelier Escha & Logy, tbh I just wanna go back and platinum the first game Rorona cause I want a PS3 plat lol. I’m tryna get thru Steins;gate VNs are easy I just click X really fast through it half-reading just getting the gist. And on-for Switch I tried out Luigi’s Mansion 3- I wanted to get your thoughts on it cause my friends on Discord don’t really play Switch too much and you seem to be versed in’it. The vacuum is so much fun to play with just sucking everything on the screen. I’ve kinda put away LUNAR: SSH cause the music lulls me to sleep like a siren …

He secured the goods. My Dad and his friend got a PS5 Slim wDiscdrive in Manila today I can’t wait to try it out. I foresee myself getting super obsessed about video games from now on I just feel that excitement in my veins again. I’d love to know what titles you’re into, esp NON-JRPG since I’m so curious

Anyway Have a good one!

[Chris Cruz]

Hi-ho! Boo, I was afraid of triple posting but since I cleared the game just now this afternoon might as well. First of all, I know it took me an ungodly long time to finish and for that I bow gracefully to you for at least sticking around long enough to wait for me! I’ll forever remember this rendition of CT (the PS1 version) as this’s when I got really serious about my body and started to do the push ups. I’m still doing it now, and it’s only because I got so terrified there for a sec about how out of control I let my body get to that I wound up concentrating on exercise/diet than the game. But I’ll always remember our talks about getting older and trading work out secrets, etc. I actually got a diff ending this time the one where Crono and Marle float up with balloons. Before I used to get Epoch/Crono’s mom going thru the gate. I wound up just fighting Lavos via Epoch bec last time I went thru the Black Omen and got the same ending twice in a row.

I love you so much Boo for another well-sounded dual-play, thanks for hanging in there w/ me, buddy. If you have any ideas on what we can do next I’m all ears. Hit me up whenever wherever via Discord or whatever.

Thanks a lot Boo seriously I’m in a whole better place physically and mentally too. You’re Da Man!!

The PS1 version had an anime ending and it ended up that Crono and Marle get married—that went over my head. And another part about Lucca finding a baby in the woods with a pendant. Is this a clue to Chrono Cross/Kidd? o_O