Why a Novel?
Synopsis: An overview of the Chrono Trigger Novel Project, told through the perspective of Committee member John Stanifer.
The first question one may ask upon visiting this site is: Why? Why would someone go to the trouble of writing a full-length novel based on a video game? It is one thing for companies such as Microsoft to hire someone to do a Halo novel (which, by the way, has happened twice), but it is quite another for a lone fan to take it upon themselves to spend countless hours developing a complex, well-written fiction when there is no absolute surety of publication involved.
First, before establishing the grounds for why this project has a genuine base and a very good chance of success, I would like to flesh out just what it is trying to accomplish by calling attention to The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. New Line Cinema and its big-budget filming aside, think of the success of the extended edition of “The Fellowship of the Ring.” What it did was to take an already great film and seamlessly integrate additional scenes and concepts that enhanced the story. This principle is precisely what Wayne Kramer is fulfilling with the novelization of Chrono Trigger! Though so many issues and factors accompany this principle, it is a vivid example of one of the greatest positive aspects of the CTNP.
Now, one may also be inclined to ask how the dauntingly intricate storyline and saga that is Chrono Trigger can be effectively translated into the world of literature. Well, to say the least, this project is anything but a one-man effort. It may have started out that way, but it is a well-known fact that few novels are completed without the help of an outside source. For a project that is based on an established franchise, this truth is all the more imperative. Concerned fans of Chrono Trigger will be glad to know that their suggestions and ideas are important to the author; indeed, they are a vital part of making this novel the best that it can be. Without the collective efforts of committee members, editors, and individual fans, we would never have gotten as far as we are today.
As for the corporate aspect, which is easily the most difficult obstacle this project faces, no one could ever force Square-Enix to approve such a venture as this. But let me assure you that just because the odds are high, it does not mean that the effort is wasted. Companies do listen to the outcry of their fans and customers; there are many examples to prove this.
Take the release of Final Fantasy Chronicles, for instance. If not for the many petitions and phone calls, and the generally high demand for a re-release of Chrono Trigger (including exorbitant prices on eBay for original SNES carts), it is unlikely that such would ever have occurred. Take also the more recent preorder offer for Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. In Japan, Nintendo had decided to release a remake of Ocarina of Time, available only to those who bought TWW ahead of time. At first, there were no plans to host this same offer in the United States. But when Nintendo received over five hundred phone calls within a week, asking them to bring the offer overseas, they responded. In short, there is no reason why a similar circumstance could not occur for the CTNP.
“Its power, which was beyond human comprehension, cultivated dreams. Only time will tell how it all ends...” This quote describes the CTNP quite well. Better yet, however, are the words of Proverbs 16:1. “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.” Only time will tell of this project’s success, but it is because of the hard work, efforts, and dedication of all involved that the CTNP has the highest chance of success that any similar project could ever hope to achieve.
Thanks to all those who have visited this site, contributing and lending their time and effort to the success of the CTNP. Every last signature, suggestion, and iota of influence is appreciated. Here’s to the fulfillment of many a fan’s dream!
God Bless!
~John Stanifer