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Interview: Chrono Trigger Lead Programmer on Directing His Own Time Travel JRPG, Eternal Anima
Anime News Network • • technology
Key Points:
- Eternal Anima is a time travel JRPG inspired by classics like Chrono Trigger and early Final Fantasy games, developed by industry veterans including director Katsuhisa Higuchi, who was lead programmer on Chrono Trigger.
- The game explores the theme of legacy through time travel, where players change the past to save continents from extinction and see the impact of past generations on the present.
- The development team reunited former Square colleagues and talented creators, emphasizing creative freedom despite challenges, with Higuchi drawing on his 40 years of JRPG experience to guide the project.
- A key feature distinguishing Eternal Anima is its Future Sight Battle system, which innovates on traditional turn-based combat to honor and progress the JRPG genre.
- The creators hope players reflect on legacy and connection across generations, with protagonist Wade offering a relatable, mature perspective uncommon in JRPGs, while overcoming visual design challenges to finalize the game's aesthetic.
