A Classic Reborn: Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Captivates Critics
Nihon Falcom recently launched Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, a highly anticipated remake of The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky. This title originally kicked off the iconic JRPG series, and its modern re-imagining has already garnered significant praise from both players and gaming journalists. The PlayStation 5 version currently boasts an impressive 91 on Metacritic, while OpenCritic echoes this sentiment with a 91 score and a 100% recommendation rate.
Critics and long-time fans are calling the remake an ideal entry point, not just for the expansive The Legend of Heroes franchise, but for the JRPG genre as a whole. While its deliberately paced narrative, a hallmark of classic JRPGs, is noted as a minor drawback, the overall reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s a look at what some reviewers are saying:
Review Highlights:
RPG Site (100/100): Junior Miyai from RPG Site declared Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter a must-play JRPG, placing it alongside titles like Dragon Quest XI as a fantastic entry point for newcomers and a masterclass in RPG design for veterans. Miyai lauded the world, characters, and progression system as simply perfect, expressing delight as a new player and eagerly anticipating future remakes in the series.
DualShockers (95/100): Murillo Zerbinatto highlighted that the remake not only brings back everything that made the original a classic—its story and world-building—but also stands strong against any modern JRPG. Praising the beautiful visuals, the impressive hybrid turn-based and real-time combat, and the crucial quality-of-life improvements, Zerbinatto called it the quintessential JRPG. The review specifically noted the faithful adaptation, system modernizations, and additions like fast travel to minimize backtracking, all wrapped in a stunning presentation, making it the perfect time for new players to dive into the Trails franchise.
Noisy Pixel (90/100): Orpheus Joshua praised Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter as a lovingly crafted remake that modernizes a beloved JRPG while preserving its emotional core. Joshua highlighted the vibrant journey through Liberl, featuring voice acting, engaging characters, balanced combat, and much-needed quality-of-life upgrades. The updated UI, revamped combat, vivid graphics, and meticulous story make it a compulsory JRPG and one of the most significant games of its generation.
Push Square (90/100): Robert Ramsey lauded Falcom’s achievement, calling the game an incredibly heartfelt re-imagining of a classic RPG. Ramsey felt the remake retained all the original’s charm while becoming one of the best and most polished adventures in the entire franchise, making it essential for both veterans and curious newcomers. The only noted downside was the slow narrative pace, an inherent trait of the original, which might test the patience of some players. However, Ramsey concluded that embracing its deliberate storytelling reveals the remake’s sincere charm.
Video Chums (85/100): A.J. Maciejewski expressed disbelief at how much better Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter looks, sounds, and plays compared to the original. While perhaps not as epic as later entries, its charm and quality are undeniable. Maciejewski particularly enjoyed the memorable characters and locations, from the protagonists' humble hometown to the expansive continent, finding beauty not just in the epic battles but also in the quieter moments of guild quests and local interactions.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is currently available on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. The PC version has already received over 200 reviews, with 97% being positive. A demo is also available for players to try before purchasing.
In a delightful surprise for fans, a teaser for a remake of The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC, titled Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, was discovered within the game's files. While no release window has been announced, this hints at more classic Trails adventures getting the modern remake treatment in the future.
This remake offers a fantastic opportunity for new players to experience the genesis of a renowned JRPG series with modern sensibilities, while long-time fans can revisit a beloved classic with significant enhancements.
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