Originally released in the U.S. in 1991 asFinal Fantasy II, the groundbreakingFinal Fantasy IVintroduced the "Active Time Battle" combat system that has since become a staple in the series. In addition to new computer animation sequences and minor gameplay enhancements, this reissue sports a new dialogue translation that is more faithful to the Japanese version and fleshes out the previously pared-down story of a conflicted knight and his quest for redemption.

Although not as well known asFinal Fantasy IV--and not even part of theFinal Fantasyseries, for that matter--1995'sChrono Triggeris a nonlinear adventure game where players must travel across time to save a princess (and the world in the process). New Japanese cartoon cutscenes from animator Akira Toriyama (creator ofDragonball Z) grace the updatedChrono Trigger, and an extras mode (filled with game-related goodies that must be unlocked) has been added, increasing the already high replay value of this title with multiple endings.

Admittedly, the games' two-dimensional graphics and simplistic sounds are quite "last generation," which may turn off some younger gamers and recent converts to the genre, but their solid gameplay, deep storyline, and memorable characters are still first-rate by today's standards.--Joe Hon

Pros:

• Brings together two classic Super Nintendo role-playing games
• Retranslated text ofFinal Fantasy IVmore faithful
• Extras mode increasesChrono Trigger's replay value
• New animated "movie" sequences

• In-game graphics and sounds are quite dated

With all the different names for the original 1991 release of the first title in this compilation (Final Fantasy IVin Japan,Final Fantasy IIin the U.S.), role-players new to the game may get confused. Make no mistake, though:Final Fantasy Chroniclesmarks the first time this pivotal installment of the cherished game series has ever been available on the PlayStation. InFinal Fantasy IV, players take on the role of Cecil, a loyal captain who questions the orders of his king, and for it is sent to slay a mysterious beast in a nearby valley.

InChrono Trigger, Chrono must follow princess Marle's teleportation through time and locate her before an intergalactic parasite arrives to destroy the world. The original game, also on the PlayStation for the first time, was one of the first nonlinear role-playing games. The decisions that players make during the game will point them toward one of more than a dozen possible endings.