Arena of the Ages Explained and Advertisement

[ZeaLitY]

Square's North American member's unit dropped new information and screenshots on the "Arena of the Ages" today, where players can train and battle monsters against each other. At the Arena, one can talk to the Stable Master to receive a "Smidge", or a base level monster that looks like a hairless Nu with an elemental affinity. Players can begin battling right away or can simply leave the monster to train while you continue your quest against Lavos. Monster training depends on eras you've visited, and later eras give better benefits. You can battle monsters with a computer opponent or a friend, and use special arena-only items to help your monster. Both players receive items after a fight, but the winner receives better items (including rare items not found anywhere else in Chrono Trigger). Thanks to Vehek and the person who told Vehek.

By the way, this page inadvertently confirms that Lightning has been changed to Light.



nightmare975 also reports that advertisements for Chrono Trigger DS have appeared in November game magazines. His copy of Game Informer comes with a black page with this text:

Good morning, Chrono!

November 25, 2008 A.D.

www.goodmorningcrono.com

[ONSLAUGHT]

So far, this is looking to be the best monster arena I've seen!

[Mixmasta_K]

Sky --> Lightning --> Light?

Muh. I shouldn't complain, but I really want to...

[Boo the Gentleman Caller]

I think Light is quite fitting, in all honesty...  More fitting than Lightning for sure, and as good - if not better - than Heaven/Sky.

[The Time Controller]

Well the arena looks quite interresting.
hmmm I'm excited right now. 
so you have to choose between those hairless color nu's and then you have to
train them based on which time area you are?
well I hope the rewards are usefull
I look forward to this game.. man I almost lost my patient..

[Molotov]

You know, this is kind of sad. This feature looks like a really bad attempt at a Pokémon clone, but people probably look past that simply because "OH MY GOODNESS! It's Chrono Trigger!" Hopefully I'm wrong about this feature, but seriously dude, it just looks and sounds freaking stupid at this point. If they could add something more unique to it or make the thing not sound gimmicky, then it would probably be ok.

_{Then again, I don't plan to touch another version of this game (or the original, unless I want to watch a TAS) with a ten foot pole, so take this with a pound of salt.}

[satchel_dawg]

yeah the yellow nu looks like a low budget version of pikachu. i would have rather had an a extra mini game that was an rpg radical dreamers remake, i mean that would at least be something newer.

[Boo the Gentleman Caller]

Well I think it looks fun...  But, if you're gonna think that a "raise your own monster" game is a Pokemon rip-off, think again, my friend (although Pokemon was the first truly franchised, main stream game). 

I would rather have more storyline and dungeons than a mini-game.

[Molotov]

But, if you're gonna think that a "raise your own monster" game is a Pokemon rip-off, think again, my friend (although Pokemon was the first truly franchised, main stream game).

For the record, I'm well aware that there have been more (and older) monster raising games. That doesn't change the fact that it looks quite a bit like a Pokémon clone. For example, compare the "Dark Strike" screenshot to something from the Diamond or Pearl to clearly see what I mean.

Sorry if this is slightly off-topic.

[V_Translanka]

Yeah, but instead of an entire game of that mess, this is just a side quest...for what sounds like a few new items...Sounds pretty neat to me regardless of its originality or lack there-of.

[Ashtear]

Lightning always seemed like a weird choice to me, but changing it to the more appropriate "light" is bothering me for some reason. I think I'll get over it though, because that's what it was always sort of meant to be anyway i suppose..

But the monster arena looks fun, I loved messing around in the Grand Slam for sure.

[Kharaen]

I don't understand why people complain about aspects of a game that's optional. If you don't want to try, it isn't an integral part of the game, so don't?

Both of the new dungeons look like they will be optional as well, and there's even an SNES mode for true purists. There's really no reason to complain. Just skip what you don't want to try.

I for one look forward to the new features of the game. The arena looks interesting (a bit like pokemon, but not completely. I've played a ton of games where monsters could be raised as a teammate or battle fodder. Hell, Neofio could be considered such, as well as Pip, from CC.)

With a collector type personality, I will likely want to grab any items that will be unique to the arena.

[jessmanboo22]

.

[Eternal Myst]

Sounds awesome.I so can't wait for this game now.

[DarioEMeloD]

I don't really like the Pokémon: Trigger Version
anyway, I'll give it a try...