The cult classic RPGTrails in the Skyis getting a complete makeover after more than 21 years, and you should seriously consider putting it on your radar if you’re a fan of the JRPG genre and tactical RPGs likeFinal Fantasy Tactics, for example.Officially known asThe Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, the RPG was initially released for PC in 2004, exclusively in Japan. Thefirst installment in the longest-running JRPG story,Trails, only arrived in Western markets in 2011, after it was ported and localized for a PlayStation Portable version.
Trailsis considered the longest-running JRPG story because, unlike franchises such asFinal Fantasy, it tells the same story rather than separate tales, which is what happens in Square Enix’s series. For now,it seems like theTrailsfranchise is only halfway done, narratively speaking, so players can expect a lot more moving forward. Although there’s still a lot to be seen in the future of the series, with theTrailsfranchise catching up with the Japanese releases, you will be able to look back on the original game with a remake that will make it more available than ever.
Trails In The Sky 1st Chapter Releases Soon
The Game Will Be A Full Remake Of The Original Title
After a period of speculation, the remake of the originalTrails in the Skywas confirmed in 2024, with its release set to occur soon.CalledTrails in the Sky 1st Chapter, the remake of the original 2004 title will be released on September 19 this year. The game will be made available for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game can currently be wishlisted on Steam and PlayStation Store. This will be a complete remake of the original game and will use the same engine used in 2021’sTrails Through Daybreakgame for the series.
As such, you can expect a new approach to the 3D graphics with renewed character sprites and animations. Furthermore,it will be possible to experience combat with two different modes: you can either engage in real-time battles or turn-based combat, based on your own preferences. Story-wise, the remake is expected to tell the same story as the original, so once you playTrails in the Sky 1st Chapter, you’ll be able to continue going through the franchise and witnessing the story that develops right after the event of this first installment.
This Classic RPG Is Well Worth Your Time
The Trails Franchise Has Great Scores
The remake of this classic RPG should be on your radar if you’re a fan of the genre. While it does not boast the popularity of larger series likeFinal Fantasy,Trailsis one of the most beloved JRPG franchises, and its entries hold great scores. OnMetacritic, the originalTrails in the Skygame for PC has an 85 Metascore out of 100. Starting off withTrails in the Sky 1st Chaptercould lead you to experience more games in the franchise that are just as good as it.
The PSP review ofTrails in the Skyhas a 79 Metascore onMetacritic, slightly lower than its original PC version.
Screen Rant’sreview ofTrails of Cold Steel II, a remaster for PlayStation 4 released in 2019, for example, gives it a score of 8 out of 10 points.The review praises its narrative twists and scope, saying that it is unlikely to disappoint fans.Screen Rant’s review ofTrails From Zeroin 2022 also praises it, with a 9 out of 10 score. Our evaluation of the game says that it “is fantastic and continues Trails' trend of setting the bar incredibly high for character-driven narratives” and that the wait for its English localization was worth it.
Not only is the classic game itself worth your time, but the entire franchise is a great delve into the possibilities offered by JRPG stories. This is a tale that sets itself apart from other JRPG franchises, too, because of its long-lasting story that spans over multiple games rather than being contained to a single title. If you want to dive into it, you should check outTrails in the Sky 1st Chapterin September and start your journey there
