Square Enix Just Revealed New HD-2D Game, But Japanese Fans Are Still Asking For A Chrono Trigger Remake

This week, Square Enix finally gave JRPG and Final Fantasy fans something to celebrate after the lukewarm responses to Final Fantasy XVI. During the June Nintendo Direct showcase, it revealed Final Fantasy Resonance, a brand-new entry to the series that ditches action gameplay and embraces the iconic turn-based combat — along with gorgeous HD-2D visuals. For many, it felt like Square Enix was finally listening after being beaten on their own game by Expedition 33. Unfortunately for the company, Japanese gamers apparently have another request they would like answered first: Chrono Trigger.

Weekly Famitsu magazine Issue No. 1951 revealed the results of a variety of gaming-related polls, including “Game Series You Want to Be Remade/Remastered.” Taking the No. 1 spot was none other than Chrono Trigger; the beloved 1995 RPG created by the legendary ‘dream team’ of Yuji Horii, Akira Toriyama, and Hironobu Sakaguchi. The game also ranked second in the “Games You Want To Play Again If You Lose Your Memory” and third in the “Most Favorite Game You Would Recommend” polls.

If we look at X (formerly Twitter), we can see that Japanese fans continue to ask for a remake — or at the very least, a remaster — to this day. “I wonder if they could make a Pixel Remaster of Chrono Trigger…” wrote one user. Another admitted they had hoped the game’s milestone anniversary last year would finally bring an announcement, “I thought [Chrono Trigger HD-2D] might’ve come for the 30th anniversary, but it didn’t.” Others simply want the classic to be available on modern hardware: “I thought Chrono Trigger was something you could play on PS or Switch, but it’s not available.” More than 30 years after its original release, the time-travelling RPG clearly still holds a special place in the hearts of Japanese gamers.

What makes this even more interesting is that signs are showing Square Enix might be gouging fans on what they are asking for. Earlier this year, the team behind Octopath Traveler launched an official poll asking fans, “Is There a Square Enix Work You Would Like to See Remade in the Future?” Meanwhile, Square Enix’s FORM-ISM toy line is set to release Crono and Marle figures in September 2026 that faithfully recreate Akira Toriyama’s concept art. For die-hard fans, that’s probably enough fresh dose of hopium. After all, the game’s 30th anniversary ultimately came and went with a musical concert rather than a surprise reveal of a long-awaited remake. Perhaps this could be the year their wish came true.

For those curious, below is the full list of Famitsu’s latest “Game Series You Want to Be Remade/Remastered” ranking:

1. Chrono Trigger.
2. Xenogears.
3. Pokémon Black and White.
4. Final Fantasy 8.
5. Tales of the Abyss.
6. Persona 2.
7. Sakura Wars.
8. Final Fantasy 9.
9. Dragon Quest 9.
10. Final Fantasy 6.
11. Bloodborne.
12. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona.
13. Tales of Eternia.
14. Dragon Quest 5.
15. Shadow Hearts.
16. Sengoku Basara.

What do you think? Should Square Enix bow to fan demands and tackle Chrono Trigger as its next HD-2D project? Stay tuned to GameObserver for more JRPG news, and if Chrono Trigger ever does get the remake treatment.