all games are not created equal

This is a tough comparison and will need lots of justification to avoid the inevitable flaming. Let me start by saying both of these games are amazing in their own right and both are classics. That being said, Chrono Trigger is comparatively better.

While replay-ability is high with both games, Chrono Trigger is the only one that offers a different experience with each play through. Zelda is linear.

Chrono Trigger gives depth to its characters. By the end of the game, we still know very little about Link.

Both games have excellent music plots and challenges. Zelda has better puzzles but Chrono Trigger has better interactions/dialogue. Chrono Trigger keeps a sense of humor that Zelda misses out on.

Lastly Chrono Trigger feels like you’re a part of a world. I can’t help but feel bored when playing Zelda. If I’m going to play games for hours, I prefer to at least feel like there is some story unfolding.