It is hard to overstate just how important The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is to the JRPG genre. When it first released, fans were still stuck in the dark days of waiting and hoping that a JRPG might eventually get localized. The English release took quite a while, and even then, it came in pieces. The series began with the PS Vita version, which only saw the first two entries localized, while the third was left to release solely on PC. That still stings a little, if I am being honest, but I eventually picked up all three games on PC to finally complete the trilogy.
It is just as hard to overstate how important this remake is, and how ambitious it feels for a Trails game. Falcom has done an impressive job bringing this cult classic back, not only improving the visuals but also making key changes that will satisfy veterans and diehard fans while also welcoming newcomers to the series. I was genuinely blown away by the presentation, from the stunning cutscenes and polished gameplay to the excellent soundtrack. It all gives the impression of a big-budget JRPG, something on the same level as Bandai Namco’s Tales of series. That is something I never thought would be possible, yet here we are.
For the new remake, GungHo has taken charge of the English localization, and in my opinion, they have done an excellent job. The original story remains intact, but this version adds voice acting and beautifully animated cutscenes. The story begins with Estelle Bright, one of the main protagonists, whose father brings home a mysterious boy named Joshua. Joshua soon becomes part of their family, and together with Estelle, they set out to become senior bracers in the Kingdom of Liberl. What starts out simple quickly evolves into something much bigger, with shocking twists, conspiracies of a coup, shadowy villains lurking in the background, and a finale that sets the stage for the sequel. It is all told brilliantly.
The first thing that stood out to me was how enjoyable the combat system is, blending traditional turn-based mechanics with more action-driven attacks. There are many layers working together to make battles engaging. Characters can use crafts, arts, and elemental skills, while systems like S-Crafts, S-Breaks, and chain attacks add further depth. At first, it may feel overwhelming, but the game gradually introduces each mechanic, making it easier to grasp. To ease newcomers in, the game also offers multiple difficulty levels, from Normal for those mainly interested in the story to Hard for players who want to dive deeper into the combat systems.
There are multiple party members available during battle, and the ability to switch between turn-based and action-focused combat with a single button press feels refreshing. This flexibility makes encounters more dynamic and keeps the pacing engaging. I also appreciated the attention to detail from the developers, as beyond the main story there is a wealth of side content to explore. Even NPCs encountered during the narrative will alter their dialogue based on unfolding events, which helps the world feel more alive and responsive.
The Quartz system is reminiscent of the Materia system from the Final Fantasy series. It is enjoyable to experiment with and allows for creative strategies by unlocking unique abilities during combat. Boss battles are particularly well suited for the turn-based mode, as it gives players the freedom to reposition and identify enemy weak points. Regular enemies, on the other hand, can be dispatched more quickly through the real-time combat option. Features such as chain attacks, follow-ups, and even something as simple as dodging at the right moment all add meaningful layers of depth, making battles both strategic and satisfying.
The new voice acting is not exactly praiseworthy, but it gets the job done. Not every line is delivered perfectly, and a few awkward moments are to be expected. Most of the game has been voiced, though there are still some unvoiced lines that can break immersion. Some players may also find the story leaning too heavily into anime-style tropes. The character expressions, their behavior, and the way they interact all gave me strong Tales of vibes. On the brighter side, the soundtrack has been beautifully rearranged while staying close to the original roots. There are three different arrangements available, and you can switch between them at any time, which is a great option for players with varying musical tastes.
As for performance, the PC version impressed me, especially on the Steam Deck. Straight out of the box, the game held close to 50 FPS on default settings, which is more than playable. The visuals are still appealing, with vivid colors and sharp presentation. The game is also quite lengthy. While playtime will vary, it took me over 50 hours to finish the main story, though I did not complete everything.
The story itself was engaging, though it does take time to build momentum, which makes the pacing feel slow at first. There are also minor nitpicks about the newer translation, but I personally did not find them distracting. The addition of quality-of-life features, like a quest marker, was especially welcome for someone who does not want to waste time searching aimlessly. Aside from the average voice acting, slower pacing, and anime-inspired tone, I found the game excellent overall, particularly the combat system.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Game Information
- Price: $59.99
- Publisher: Gungho
- Developer: Nihon Falcom
- Platform: PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
