Proto:Chrono Trigger (SNES)/Music Differences
This is a sub-page of Proto:Chrono Trigger (SNES).
While mostly finished, the prototype version's soundtrack still has a few rough spots, with a few songs entirely removed from the final. A full SPC rip can be found here.
Contents
Early Versions
Battle 1
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
The normal battle theme. Mostly the same as in the final, but more "futuristic"-sounding. (See "Battle 1 Remix" for a possible explanation for this difference.)
Time Vortex Ambience
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
Same idea, but the final's Theremin/radio whistler-style sounds are louder, with a few other small differences.
Wind Scene
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
An almost-complete version of the 600 AD world map theme. The biggest difference is that it lacks the second, lower pizzicato string melody.
Ruined World
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
Another almost-complete world map theme, this one from 2300 AD. The mixing is rougher, the samples are harsher and hissing, and the background clanking sounds - provided by a Korg M1 Pole preset - are higher-pitched in this early version.
Rhythm of Wind, Sky and Earth
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
The 65,000,000 BC world map theme. It begins similarly to the final, but loses quality midway through and uses different, harsher, and hissy instrumentation.
Brink of Time
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
The prototype End of Time theme is played in a higher octave, and with hissing samples.
Delightful Spekkio
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
Yet another song that's almost there, but the panflute has a different timbre.
Primitive Mountain
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
Mostly the same as the final, except the "swishing" strings are at a constant volume in the final. They fade in and out in the prototype.
Corridors of Time
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
The Zeal Kingdom map theme, later the general 12,000 BC map theme after Zeal falls. This version is fairly rough. It's also missing some elements found in the final, most notably the choir, save a thin vocal line in the B part.
Zeal Palace
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
In a very preliminary state at this point: it begins similarly to the final, but about halfway through, the arrangement loses all polish. Adding to its roughness is that it has yet to be looped.
This, coupled with the fact that Zeal Palace is completely empty, gives the impression that this area and other Zeal towns were some of the last things to be worked on in the game.
Mystery of the Past
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
The end is slightly more drawn out, and also includes the choir heard in a few other Zeal-related songs.
Inside Lavos' Shell
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
The ambiance inside Lavos' shell features that same creepy whine/laugh heard in Magus' Castle.
Lavos' Theme
| Proto | Final |
|---|---|
Roughly the same arrangement, but has shriller strings before the loop.
Unused Songs
Battle 1 Remix
A version of the normal battle theme with different instrument samples. While present in the prototype, this isn't actually used anywhere, though a slightly different version did see usage in the 1994 V-Jump presentation. The instrumentation and arrangement give the impression that it may have been intended for battles in 65,000,000 BC.
This and the "futuristic" sound of the main battle theme may indicate that at one point in development each era would contain its own era-appropriate remix of the battle theme, which would have been a neat touch.
Boss Battle 1 Remix/Alternate
An alternate version of "Boss Battle 1". Unlike the battle theme remix, this is an entirely different version and arrangement all its own. This theme is used in the prototype during the Zenan Bridge battle (but not during the Zombor fight), the Masa and Mune battle, and in the Tyrano Lair. The theme used for major boss fights in the final ("Boss Battle 2") had evidently not yet been composed or implemented at this time.
It's unknown if this song was really intended for the Tyrano Lair or if it's just used as a placeholder, as the dungeon's music is not present at this point.
Keeper's Dome
A very mysterious-sounding song played in the Keeper's Dome, and when sealed doors are opened, in the prototype. Unlike most songs from the prototype that were replaced, the song used for these events in the final ("Sealed Door") is present in the ROM but not used anywhere. The presence of both of these tracks in the prototype may indicate that the "Sealed Door" track originally had another purpose before being assigned to the Keeper's Dome and sealed door areas.
Unused Song
A non-looping "angelic choir" song that is never used for anything. Purpose unknown, though it does date from very early in development as it was used in the 1994 V-Jump presentation.
