It’s official! Chrono Trigger is headed to the DS, and sooner than you think

Before all the skepticism and rumor could even really take flight, Squeenix has confirmed that the Chrono Trigger remake has indeed been in the works for some time now. The title will include touch screen functionality, a brand spanking new dungeon, and a wireless play mode on top of all the classic goodness.

Squeenix is really pushing the artistic improvements that have been added, especially to the music and art style by adding:

An unprecedented and inspiring musical score created by Yasunori Mitsuda

as well as

Famed character designer Akira Toriyama lends his signature art style to create the vibrant world that has captivated gamers around the world

Best of all, the game is scheduled for release this holiday season in North America. I guess this answers the “where is Chrono Trigger on the Virtual Console?” questions. Personally, I’ll take the updated version any day of the week. Except Saturday. Saturday loves the classic look.

The Timeless Classic Teleports to Nintendo DS This Holiday SeasonJuly 2, 2008 – LOS ANGELES, July 2 /PRNewswire/ — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix(TM) interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that it will release CHRONO TRIGGER(R) in North America this Holiday season. Remastered exclusively for Nintendo DS(TM), this marks the first time that the groundbreaking RPG will be available on a handheld console.

Originally released in 1995 on Super NES(R) and shipping more than 2.5 million copies worldwide, CHRONO TRIGGER has been hailed as one of the greatest games of all time by critics and fans alike. With a unique and multifaceted storyline, the game revolutionized the world of RPGs with never-before-seen features, including an unprecedented soundtrack and multiple endings determined by side quests and the player’s actions.

With artwork by famed manga artist Akira Toriyama and an unprecedented and inspiring musical score created by Yasunori Mitsuda, CHRONO TRIGGER represents the best-in-class of the video game world. This newly revamped edition maintains all of the game’s original elements and spirit while introducing the portability, dual-screen presentation and Touch-Screen functionality of Nintendo DS. Players will soon be able to rediscover the exhilarating RPG experience, breathtaking storyline and innovative gameplay in the palm of their hands.

STORY

When a newly developed teleportation device malfunctions at the Millennial Fair, young Crono must travel through time to rescue his misfortunate companion from an intricate web of past and present perils. The swashbuckling adventure that ensues soon unveils an evil force set to destroy the world, triggering Crono’s race against time to change the course of history and bring about a brighter future.

FEATURES

– A masterpiece with an engaging and unparalleled storyline, leading to the discovery of multiple epic conclusions to a journey that transcends time
– An unprecedented and inspiring musical score created by Yasunori Mitsuda
– Intriguing battle system made possible by the unique combination of the Active Time Battle system and Tech skills
– Famed character designer Akira Toriyama lends his signature art style to create the vibrant world that has captivated gamers around the world
– Taking advantage of the Nintendo DS hardware, CHRONO TRIGGER makes its way onto the portable platform with all-new dual screen presentation and Touch-Screen functionality
– A brand new dungeon and a Wireless Play mode adds exciting new dimensions to this timeless classic

CHRONO TRIGGER has not yet been rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board website at http://www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ctds.