Nihon Falcom is set to release Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter, a fully remade version of the beloved 2004 RPG, on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam) in autumn 2025. This marks a significant step for Falcom as it's their first simultaneous global release.
The remake offers several updates:
- Fully 3D Visuals: The game reimagines the iconic settings of Liberl Kingdom with 3D environments and refined character models.
- Hybrid Combat System: Players can switch between real-time Field Action and turn-based Command Battles.
- Enhanced Storytelling: Retaining the original's intricate world-building while adding new English voiceovers and improved localization. Dual audio (English and Japanese) with subtitles in multiple languages is provided.
The narrative follows Estelle Bright and Joshua as they train to become Bracers in an aid organization, embarking on a journey that uncovers political conspiracies threatening their homeland. A collector's edition of the game will also be released by Limited Run Games.
What do you think about the Trails in the Sky series?
I played the trails first chapter during the first weeks of COVID. And a few months later I had completed the other 8 80+ hour games in their entirety. The plot in each game really is interesting, they revamp the combat enough in each game to keep things interesting, and the reactivity of in game characters is awesome. One reason it took me so long to beat each game is because after almost any plot point in the story happens, every single NPC on the map gets new dialogue reacting to it. Running back and forth talking to everyone gets you more insight to the story and you might pick up some hidden quests too.
These games really are incredible and the fact that they all tie into each other makes everyone feel alive and important to the story. Definitely check them out!
It's funny how often I hear of Trails being COVID games. I honestly didn't like most of FC and SC and wouldn't have finished them if they weren't pandemic companion games. Glad I did, though; Sky the 3rd hooked me in a big way and I've been devouring the series ever since, all the way through Daybreak.
Zero and Azure are some of my favorite all-time games, too.
Yeah, kinda makes sense right? I first played FC in like 2015 but when I realized how long the series was I dropped it. Then in covid with all the time in the world it was a great time to pick it back up. Tbh I actually started with cold steel 1 and when SPOILER happened at the end of it, it blew my mind and I knew I had to start from the beginning. Such a good series...