The Trails series, also known as Kiseki, has been a long-running RPG saga renowned for its intricate world-building and compelling characters. For newcomers, the sheer volume of games can be intimidating, but with recent remakes of early titles, now is an opportune moment to explore this acclaimed franchise.
The Erebonia Arc
Trails of Cold Steel 4
The final installment in the Erebonia storyline, Trails of Cold Steel 4, offers some of the series' best character moments and resolves numerous personal conflicts. However, it falters in its grander narrative elements, with global war and giant robot rivalries feeling less impactful than they should. The opening hours, focusing on Juna Crawford, are exceptionally strong, generating significant tension. Unfortunately, the latter half of the game simplifies stakes, resulting in a conclusion that struggles to find its unique voice.
Trails of Cold Steel 2
Cold Steel II centers on war and its effect on protagonist Rean. Despite its setting of civil conflict, the game often fails to convey the gravity of the situation, with a moody tone and strong soundtrack feeling somewhat underserved. The writing rarely commits to the grim realities of war, leading to a less impactful experience than its potential suggested. However, it features a compelling ending and a strong contender for the series' best final boss.
Trails of Cold Steel 3
A significant improvement for the Erebonia arc, Trails of Cold Steel III stands as a world-class RPG. The shift to Rean teaching at a new academy streamlines the cast, focusing on new and returning characters navigating political intrigue. The transition to more powerful hardware allows for enhanced cutscenes, battle animations, and environments, complementing a faster-paced story that delivers on prior setups.
Trails of Cold Steel
The inaugural game of the Erebonia arc, Trails of Cold Steel, is a slow burn that grows on players. Its focus on a school academy setting, reminiscent of Persona, means much of the game is setup for future installments. While characters can feel underdeveloped and the plot meanders, the charm of the school days and the classic combat system are enjoyable. The social link system, while offering deeper character insight, also presents a challenge in managing relationships and can create narrative limitations.
The Crossbell Arc
Trails from Zero
Kicking off the Crossbell duology, Trails from Zero offers some of the series' most impressive world-building and NPC writing, making the city of Crossbell feel alive. While the initial hours are dedicated to smaller tasks, the game escalates into thrilling action sequences. The primary drawback is its slow burn, taking time to reveal the main narrative. The sequel, Trails to Azure, builds significantly on its foundation, and Zero's smaller party size and sometimes finicky magic system lead to minor stumbles.
Trails to Azure
Trails to Azure is a standout entry, serving as a triumphant culmination of the Crossbell arc. With two excellent additions to the main cast, the game expertly blends the magical and mundane in a story of teamwork. The detailed exploration of Crossbell from the previous game amplifies the electric stakes. The final act is particularly strong, rivaling elements of Final Fantasy VI in its dramatic turn and pacing. The memorable characters, including Randy Orlando, Wazy Hemisphere, Tio Plato, and Lloyd Bannings, solidify its status as a fan favorite.
The Liberl Arc
Trails in the Sky the 3rd
Trails in the Sky the 3rd shifts the series' focus to a more dungeon-crawler-like experience, centering on Kevin Graham. The dynamic between Kevin and his companion Ries is a highlight, showcasing some of the series' best relationship writing. While this game pioneers a formula that later entries refine, its dungeon-focused approach might be a departure for some players accustomed to more traditional narratives. It remains an essential, albeit sometimes misunderstood, part of the series.
Trails in the Sky
The game that started it all, Trails in the Sky, gambled on a unique structure: a peaceful beginning focused on exploration and character building, culminating in a significant plot twist. The protagonists, Joshua and Estelle Bright, complement each other perfectly, bringing an earnest energy that elevates the experience. Whether playing the original with its charming sprites or the modern remake, the game's magic and its introduction to the detailed world remain potent. It is a foundational RPG with a classic adventure feel.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter solidifies the series' formula, coming together after the setup of the first game. This installment, considered inseparable from its predecessor, recontextualizes the world of Liberl with a greater awareness of the dark forces at play. The story is deeply personal for Estelle while maintaining high stakes. The game delivers on the series' promise of character growth, demonstrating how individuals evolve over time and reappear in later titles. It is the defining game for the franchise, showcasing its unique approach to world-building and character development with enduring beauty.
The Calvard Arc
Trails through Daybreak
Representing the current story arc in the Republic of Calvard, Trails through Daybreak brings a grittier edge and sharp scene writing that brings its modern setting to life. Protagonist Van Arkride, a private investigator with a flexible moral code, allows for more insightful side quests that delve into social commentary. The ensemble cast, including characters like Celis Ortesia and Quatre Salision, are vivid and likable. A more active, positionally focused combat system keeps gameplay fresh, with the "carnival" chapter standing out as a particularly exciting segment.
Trails through Daybreak 2
Daybreak II acts as a bridge between Daybreak I and Trails Beyond the Horizon, utilizing a visual novel-like structure where characters rewind time to overcome bad endings. While this gimmick can be engaging, its frequent occurrence may frustrate some players. The game's episodic structure and a disappointing mastermind reveal detract from its overall satisfaction. Despite personal arcs feeling flatter and a lack of new areas making the world feel small, the game retains engaging gameplay and enjoyable character interactions.
Trails Beyond the Horizon
The most recent entry, Trails Beyond the Horizon (or "Farewell, O Zemuria" in Japan), is a confident game focused on humanity's first spaceflight and the mysteries it uncovers. This melancholic adventure follows three generations of protagonists unraveling a grand mystery, culminating in a cliffhanger of monumental stakes that rewards the series' decades of world-building. Its refined combat system and fast pace, combined with vibrant characterizations, make it a compelling experience for long-time fans. It stands as a testament to modern RPGs and the enduring appeal of classic adventures.
Special Entries
Trails into Reverie
Trails into Reverie uniquely merges the casts of the Erebonia and Crossbell arcs for a grand finale, incorporating extensive dungeon-crawling content. Despite its bloat—featuring three protagonists and over 50 playable characters—it successfully provides closure for Crossbell and celebrates the series' world-building. The narrative of a mysterious terrorist known as "C" offers a deeply personal and well-written emotional core that balances the fan service. Its expanded, procedurally generated dungeons offer a highly customizable and replayable combat experience.