Three decades have passed since the iconic RPG Chrono Trigger was released on the SNES in Japan, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming world. The game’s exceptional reputation has endured, and its mechanical, narrative, and graphical elements have consistently impressed players across generations. A significant factor contributing to this success is the vision of the legendary mangaka Akira Toriyama, who brought the game’s world to life with his distinctive style.

Akira Toriyama’s involvement in Chrono Trigger was not his first foray into game design; he had previously worked on the Dragon Quest series in the mid-1980s alongside other developers who would later collaborate with him on Chrono Trigger, including producer Yuji Horii. Although Toriyama’s visual style would not gain widespread recognition in the West until the syndicated release of Dragon Ball Z the following year, his work on Chrono Trigger served as an introduction to his aesthetic for many fans. This introduction was significant, as it showcased his trademark style, which would become a hallmark of his career.

Building upon the initial ideas and sketches for the main cast by story planner Masato Kato, Toriyama infused the world of Chrono Trigger with a bold and vibrant identity. This was reflected in the game’s cross-time adventure, which transported players from ancient history to apocalyptic futures. The distinctive characteristics of Toriyama’s style, which would later become synonymous with Dragon Ball, were already evident in Chrono Trigger‘s unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements. The game’s characters, including Crono, Aayla, Marle, and Lucca, embodied archetypes that would become familiar to fans of Toriyama’s work, while Robo could have easily fit into the Capsule Corp lineup. Even the character of Frog aligned with the legacy of anthropomorphized animals like Puar and Oolong. These characters were not derivative of Toriyama’s previous work but rather an evolution of his visual design, capturing a sense of joy and exaggerated stylization that oozed charm.

The charm of Toriyama’s design extended beyond the characters to the game’s overall visual aesthetic. Despite being a 16-bit, sprite-based RPG, Chrono Trigger showcased Toriyama’s influence in its character animations, both in the overworld and during battles. The distinctive characteristics of his style, such as the sheen on Lucca’s glasses, Crono’s spiky hair, and the rounded edges of Robo’s armor plates, all contributed to a lighthearted and bold sensibility that Toriyama championed. This sensibility was reflected in the game’s adventurous tone and sense of humor, making Chrono Trigger a standout title in the RPG genre.

Toriyama’s promotional artwork for Chrono Trigger, which adorned posters, box art, and game guides, also showcased his kinetic and joyful style. Whether depicting the party at rest or ready for battle, his artwork evoked a sense of wanderlust and adventure, drawing players into the world of Chrono Trigger. This artwork was quintessential RPG art, embodying the perfect blend of excitement and charm that defines the genre. As Chrono Trigger celebrates its 30th anniversary, it is clear that Akira Toriyama’s vision for its characters and world has been a crucial factor in its enduring success.

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