Should I fight Magus or recruit him in Chrono Trigger for SNES?

[Richard46]

I just got a copy of Chrono Trigger for my SNES, but I’m stuck on a weird choice. I’m at the part where you can recruit Magus, and I can’t decide if I should fight him or let him join. I know it changes the ending, but I’m worried I’ll miss out on his killer castle theme if I don’t fight him.

[Michael.L]

I actually fought him the first time I got there. The ending did feel different, and yeah Magus’s castle theme is pretty iconic, but I didn’t feel like I missed a beat by not recruiting him.

[Camila_A]

On my second run I let him join. The story felt bigger with him around, and the castle music is memorable no matter what path you take.

[HarperEH]

I’m stuck too. The music is amazing, but I also like the idea of a darker ending. Not sure which path feels right.

[NoraUJ]

I wandered around the era a bit before deciding; delaying the choice didn’t change the music—Magus’s track still hits when you walk into the castle, at least from memory.

[DennisM]

Someone mentioned you can see both endings if you replay, but that felt like a pain in the ass.

[Avery90]

Do you care more about the vibe of having a mage in your party or about the ending you unlock?

[Kenneth39]

I’m not sure this is the real problem, maybe the problem is that the castle is so good you want the path that gives you more of it, but then you lose something else.