Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

Developer: Nihon Falcom
Release: Sep 19th 2025
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
RPG
Faithful
Engaging Combat
Emotional Story
Localization Issues
Partial Voice Acting
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Poster

" Engaging action-adventure RPG with hybrid combat and rich story, but slow early pacing "

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Review

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Remake is widely celebrated as a faithful and polished reimagining of the beloved 2004 JRPG classic. Players praise its engaging hybrid combat system that blends turn-based and real-time elements, offering both depth and accessibility. The remake features enhanced graphics, smooth animations, and quality-of-life improvements such as fast travel and multiple soundtrack options, making it appealing to both newcomers and longtime fans. The story, while slow-paced initially, is highly regarded for its character development, world-building, and emotional depth, with many reviewers noting the charming dynamics between protagonists Estelle and Joshua. Voice acting adds emotional weight, though some find it inconsistent. The game runs well across platforms including Steam Deck and PC, with stable performance and refined UI. Despite minor localization issues and repetitive NPC models, the remake stands as a definitive entry point into the extensive Trails series and a must-play for JRPG enthusiasts.

Highlights

Players highlight the as a standout feature, combining strategic turn-based mechanics with fluid real-time action. Graphics and animations are praised for bringing the world and characters to life with vibrant visuals and cinematic cutscenes. The receive strong commendations for emotional resonance and immersive world-building. Quality-of-life enhancements like fast travel and adjustable difficulty levels improve accessibility. The soundtrack, including options for original and arranged music, is noted for its memorability and fitting tone. Overall, the game is celebrated as an excellent JRPG remake that respects the original while modernizing gameplay and presentation.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the , where terminology and names differ from previous series entries, causing confusion for longtime fans. Some players find the , with only partial voiceovers in some conversations, which can feel jarring. The are seen as lacking, with repetitive character models and small, sparsely populated towns that reduce immersion. The story's in the early hours may deter new players seeking immediate engagement. Additionally, the DLC content is viewed as limited and lacking creativity, mostly offering consumables and few cosmetics. Lastly, the publisher's handling of DLC release timing and pricing drew some negative attention.

Pros

  • Hybrid combat system balances strategy and action seamlessly for engaging gameplay.
  • Enhanced graphics and smooth animations bring characters and world to life vividly.
  • Quality-of-life improvements like fast travel reduce tedium and improve pacing.
  • Rich, emotional story with deep character development and immersive world-building.
  • Multiple soundtrack options including original and arranged music enhance atmosphere.
  • Runs smoothly on various platforms including Steam Deck and high-end PCs.
  • Voice acting adds emotional depth and personality to key scenes and characters.

Cons

  • Localization inconsistencies cause confusion with terminology and established names.
  • Partial voice acting can feel awkward when only some characters are voiced.
  • Repetitive NPC models and small town designs reduce immersion and variety.
  • Slow story pacing early on may challenge players seeking immediate excitement.
  • DLC content is limited and lacks creativity, mostly consumables over cosmetics.
  • Publisher’s DLC release timing and pricing strategy received negative feedback.
  • Some players find the English voice acting less polished than expected.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter reimagines the first chapter of a beloved series, infusing it with enhanced visuals and refined gameplay. Join Estelle and Joshua, partners bound by fate, as they unravel dark conspiracies threatening the peace of the Liberl Kingdom.

Release Date Sep 19th 2025
Publisher GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc.
Developer Nihon Falcom
Platforms

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (918)
96% Positive 4% Negative