Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Review
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, released on September 25, 2025, for PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, is a remastered version of Falcom’s 2004 JRPG classic, kicking off the beloved Trails series. Developed by Nihon Falcom with porting support from PH3 Games, this remake polishes the original’s rich narrative and tactical combat for modern audiences, adding updated visuals and quality-of-life tweaks. Earning a stellar 90/100 (Universal Acclaim), Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter delivers a masterclass in storytelling and gameplay, captivating both series veterans and newcomers. While minor technical hiccups and a slow start may test patience, its depth and heart make it one of 2025’s finest JRPGs.
A Heartfelt Saga of Adventure and Bonds Set in the vibrant Liberl Kingdom, the game follows Estelle Bright and her adoptive brother Joshua, junior Bracers (adventurer-mercenaries), as they unravel a conspiracy threatening their homeland. The 40–50-hour campaign is a slow-burn epic, weaving political intrigue, personal growth, and heartfelt character moments across bustling towns and lush countryside. Estelle’s plucky optimism and Joshua’s quiet resolve anchor a sprawling cast, with every NPC boasting unique dialogue that evolves with the story. The writing, fully voiced in English and Japanese, is a standout, balancing humor and drama with unmatched depth for its era. Compared to 2025’s Atelier Resleriana, Trails’ narrative is denser and more rewarding, though its leisurely pace may deter players seeking instant action. X posts rave about the story: “Estelle and Joshua feel like real people!” but note, “It takes hours to get going.” Multiple endings and New Game+ add replayability, cementing its legacy.
Tactical Combat with Strategic Depth Gameplay blends turn-based combat with exploration and quest-driven progression. Battles unfold on a grid, with characters using physical attacks, magical “Arts,” and combo “Crafts” tied to a turn-order system. The revamped “Orbment” system lets players slot quartz to customize abilities, offering near-endless build variety. Encounters, from bandits to mythical beasts, demand strategy, with positioning and elemental weaknesses key to victory. Exploration rewards thoroughness, with hidden chests and side quests fleshing out Liberl’s world. Quality-of-life updates, like a turbo mode for battles and skippable animations, modernize the experience, though the high encounter rate feels dated. Accessibility options, including adjustable difficulty and subtitles, make it welcoming, but the lack of multiplayer limits social play. X users praise the depth: “Combat is so satisfying!” but critique the grind: “Too many random battles.” Compared to 2025’s Hades II, Trails is slower but more strategic, appealing to tactical RPG fans.
A Visual Glow-Up with Retro Charm Visually, the remake transforms the original’s 2D sprites into vibrant 3D models, running at 4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Switch version, at 1080p/30 FPS, retains charm but sacrifices detail. Liberl’s towns, forests, and dungeons burst with color, with updated lighting and particle effects enhancing the atmosphere. Character designs, especially Estelle’s iconic cap, are expressive, though animations can feel stiff in cutscenes. Yuzo Koshiro’s remastered soundtrack, blending orchestral and chiptune, is a masterpiece, with new tracks adding flair. PS5’s DualSense haptics amplify spell casts and environmental interactions. Performance is mostly smooth, with minor Switch frame drops and PC crashes during transitions, patched post-launch. Compared to 2025’s Silent Hill f, Trails’ visuals are less haunting but more vibrant, fitting its optimistic tone.
A Must-Play Remake with Minor Flaws Priced at $50, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter offers immense value, with extras like a digital artbook and soundtrack. Cross-progression across platforms and planned DLC side stories enhance longevity. X feedback is glowing: “This is JRPG perfection!” though some note, “Early pacing is slow.” Compared to Persona 5’s flash, Trails is more methodical but equally immersive. Its polish and depth make it a triumph, though a faster start could have perfected it.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter earns its 90/100 for its rich narrative, strategic combat, and polished remake, making it a must-play for JRPG fans. Minor pacing and technical issues don’t dim its brilliance. Falcom’s classic shines anew—here’s to the next chapter.
