The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel
" Engaging JRPG with rich storytelling and strategic combat but slow start and heavy reading "
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel Review
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel is widely praised as a standout JRPG with deep storytelling, engaging characters, and a richly developed world. Players appreciate the game's steady pacing and well-organized chapter structure, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the narrative and the world. The game features a blend of traditional JRPG elements with modern quality-of-life improvements, making it accessible yet rewarding. While it starts with a somewhat typical anime high school setting, the story quickly expands into a complex and engrossing experience.
Combat is considered fun and strategic, and the game is noted for its extensive reading and character interactions, which deepen player attachment. Although some parts are voiced, much of the story is delivered through text, which some players find immersive. The game’s length and replayability with achievements add to its lasting appeal. However, a few players mention the ending and certain mechanics as weaker points.
Highlights
Gameplay mechanics are praised for being fun, strategic, and improved with quality-of-life features like speed-up and dialogue skip.
Graphics are well-regarded for their solid 3D presentation, though not groundbreaking.
Storyline receives high marks for its engaging characters, steady pacing, and rich world-building, with many players becoming emotionally invested.
Criticisms
Some players find the beginning too rooted in anime high school tropes, which may not appeal to everyone.
The ending, particularly involving mech battles, is seen as a weak point, with criticism of its execution and abruptness.
Heavy reliance on text and reading may deter those preferring more voice acting or faster pacing.
Newcomers to the series might find it less satisfying without prior knowledge of earlier titles, despite attempts at accessibility.
Pros
- • Engaging and well-paced storytelling with rich character development.
- • Strategic and enjoyable combat system with useful quality-of-life features.
- • Strong world-building that immerses players deeply in the game universe.
- • Solid 3D graphics that effectively present the game’s environments and characters.
- • Extensive dialogue and reading enrich character relationships and plot depth.
- • Good replayability with achievements and hidden quests to discover.
- • Balanced pacing that allows players to absorb the story comfortably.
Cons
- • Beginning relies heavily on anime high school tropes which may feel clichéd.
- • Ending and mech battle mechanics criticized for poor execution.
- • Large amount of reading may be overwhelming for some players.
- • Limited voice acting reduces immersion for those preferring full audio.
- • Some players feel prior series knowledge improves enjoyment significantly.
- • Certain story elements might feel slow or uneventful initially.
- • Cliffhanger ending leaves some players unsatisfied.
Rating Criteria
At Thors Military Academy, Erebonia’s best learn everything from the art of war to liberal arts. First year Rean Schwarzer learns he’s been selected to join the controversial Class VII, and they’ll need to deal with more than just class warfare--they’ll need to safeguard their country from chaos.
