We’ve seen so many remakes in the last 10 years that fatigue definitely settled in. Especially since, in many cases, these mark returns of games that are still relatively easily to access on current platforms are are recent enough that it isn’t necessary. The JRPG The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky first showed up in 2004 on PCs as a sprite-based game, only making a worldwide debut for the first time via its PSP port in 2011. With all of the ensuing rereleases on platforms like the PS3 and Vita, it only showed up again everywhere in 2014 on PCs. Simply put, 2025 ended up being the perfect time for a revival via Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, a remake that is so robust, well-executed, and heartfelt that it should be used as an example to other developers when it comes to determining if, when, and what should be done when renewing a game.
When Estelle was 11, her renowned Bracer (mercenary) father came home with a young, mysterious boy the same age named Joshua. Why? How? He happened upon him on a mission. Now that both of them are grown, they’re about to become Junior Bracers and follow in his footsteps. However, not long after graduating the exam and being welcomed into the organization and work toward a promotion by taking on missions and visiting guilds around the country, they get involved in assignments that hint at a greater mystery and an opportunity to help stop political upheaval.
It’s honestly the start of an incredible story, and one filled with lots of characters growing as individuals and showcasing their fantastic personalities. There’s a perfect balance of genres here! Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter isn’t just a coming of age story for Estelle and Joshua, a “friendship is magic” adventure as they join up with allies, or an overly heavy drama where political intrigue and subterfuge constantly bombards you with surprises and thrills. As for the localization, it feels more subdued in a good and realistic way. There is still a ton of personality infused in it and Estelle’s attitude comes through. I would say the original English adaptation from XSEED sometimes felt punched up in a way to allow for more exaggerated comedic moments. Here, things still are compelling, captivating, poignant, and of course funny, but without relying on extremes. The Japanese voice acting is fantastic and there are some really great English performances here from folks like Johnny Yong Bosch (Joshua), Michelle Ruff (Schera), and Matthew Mercer (Olivier). The localization also features these fantastic notes in the in-game Bracer Notebook with descriptions and commentary in Estelle’s voice, adding extra personality and fun to a feature that many might ignore.
Falcom also maintained the same ambiance and tone of the original Trails in the Sky with the 1st Chapter remake, and I’m so glad about that. What I always loved about this installment is how much sense it made in terms of pacing. At the outset, Estelle and Joshua are complete newcomers. Yes, they’ve been training for years and live with a renowned hero and famous Bracer. But so much about this is about their own development. Falcom took the time to establish not only both of them, but characters like Olivier and Kloe here. That remains unchanged. I guess this first installment in this trilogy almost reminded me of the Studio Ghibli approach to storytelling, which is that the creators aren’t afraid of there sometimes being a slower moment in the name of showing who people are as characters or offering a little extra development for characters and their world. That’s maintained here without feeling like the storytelling suffers. Are there some side quests that do feel a little rudimentary and like they aren’t starting to build up relationships we’ll also see reflected in the sequel? Of course. It’s a reality in any JRPG like Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter. But the ones that do appear don’t detract from the experience.
But what really makes this Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter remake special is how Falcom handled the artistic direction and gameplay design depicted throughout the JRPG. It feels both entirely new and fresh while still in some ways identical and paying tribute to the original game. It is immediately, at a glance, a gorgeous game. I played the Switch 2 version, and it seemed to be hitting 60fps without too much of an issue. Loading times were minimal and only took a few seconds in most situations. I did notice performance seemed a bit better when docked, but it runs well in handheld mode.
As for the combat system, I adore the approach. The original Trails in the Sky relied upon a strategic type of turn-based, JRPG system not unlike other entries in this series, but Falcom offers both active and turn-based options in 1st Chapter. When in the field, it is possible to attack and swap characters and use different types of assaults to take down enemies with Quick Battles. However, it’s also possible to use these initial hits to gain the initiative in turn-based fights called Command Battles. When shifting to that, you actually arrange positioning of characters on the field, determine AOE effects of possible Orbal Arts and Crafts skills. Both of these are satisfying in different ways, and I loved the opportunity to quickly shift from one to the other in encounters. The Command Battles feel especially well-suited for major fights against bosses. But when I’m just exploring an area, I loved using the Quick Battle option to swiftly smack down so I could keep looking for items or points of interest.
The Tactical Orbments system also ensures the Command Battle system feels meaningful even when there’s the Quick Battle option. We can create Quartz with collected Sepith to offer stat boosts and increase the range of Orbal Arts we can perform in a fight. While there are some limitations for character builds due to the nature of their Orbments and what can be placed in certain slots, it allows for some diversity and personalization that allows you to ensure each person could be useful even if you think you’d normally never work with someone like that. Also, due to the general pacing when it comes to Main and Sub Quests, it doesn’t feel like it takes too long to unlock slots and create new Quartz so we can further diversify.
But most important is the way in which Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter builds things up, and how this JRPG remake feels like the cohesive first part of an expertly told two-part story. I love the Cold Steel games. Truly. But it’s a little exhausting when some The Legend of Heroes entries end up being three or four game epics. The first two parts of this trilogy completely tell a fantastic story that pulls everything together perfectly, with the third acting as a supplement. This version still feels like it’s doing a fantastic job of establishing a region, a world, and characters who we later know from games like Cold Steel and Daybreak.
I love Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, feel like it is one of the best Falcom JRPGs, and am certain it will be counted among the most ambitious remakes ever made. The combat systems are excellent. The recreation of the world is fantastic. The script and new localization is great. The story is an absolutely fantastic one filled with incredible moments and well-rounded characters who truly develop as individuals as time goes on. It is a wonderful story and perfect starting point for The Legend of heroes.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is available on the Switch, Switch 2, PS5, and PC.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
Much like Estelle does to Joshua in the game’s opening moments, Nihon Falcom kicks you in the face with Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter’s excellence.