Hands On: Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Feels Like a Huge Step Forward for Falcom’s RPG Series

For several months now, we’ve consistently maintained that Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter could well emerge as one of the top RPGs of this year, and it’s looking more promising every day.

For those unfamiliar, this game is a brand new version of the initial title in Falcom’s extended Trails series. A game that was previously pixel-based has been transformed into a stunning 3D reboot, surpassing the graphic quality of Falcom’s latest works such as Trails from Zero.

Although the first chapter may not be the most visually impressive game compared to other high-end titles, it represents a significant advancement when considered within Falcom’s esteemed collection of games. The RPG boasts an attractive visual style, with noticeable improvements in cutscenes, character animations, and various aspects of its user interface as well.

In simpler terms, this is currently the most visually appealing game in the Trail series, and we genuinely hope the developers intend to use this upgraded engine for their upcoming games.

Rediscovering Trails in the Sky once more, albeit revamped, feels almost unreal. To clarify, this isn’t a drastic overhaul like the Final Fantasy 7 Remake; instead, it’s an accurate recreation of the original. However, witnessing the breathtaking 3D reimagining of the nation Liberl is absolutely mind-blowing in the most delightful manner.

In this preview, we were fortunate enough to receive early access to the PS5 demo version of the game. This allows us to start playing and continue until a significant point in the main narrative. To give you an idea, it offers around five or six hours of gameplay. However, it’s important to note that certain limitations prevent us from going into extensive detail about the experience.

So far, from what we’ve observed, this game aligns perfectly with the image Falcom and western publisher GungHo have been promoting. In the initial stages, you’ll find many fully animated cutscenes, while text-based dialogue scenes are given a fresh twist through innovative camera angles. The English voice acting is also commendable.

In addition to being smitten with the fight mechanism, we appreciate that it incorporates significant aspects from recent Trails installments. Similar to Daybreak and Daybreak 2, there are two modes for battles: one requires you to engage enemies in real-time combat, while the other switches to a more traditional turn-based approach.

The initial chapter simplifies the intricacies found in the Daybreak series; it features fewer mechanics to grasp, resulting in a well-balanced combat system that offers a blend of familiarity and novelty.

In simpler terms, while there’s a lot more to explore as more party members join in, we’re absolutely thrilled with how swift and refined the battle system currently feels.

Indeed, our anticipation has been fulfilled! Ever since the 1st Chapter was unexpectedly introduced during the peculiar Nintendo Direct, we’ve had lofty expectations. Now, with confidence, we can say that those expectations are being met. The 1st Chapter promises to be the triumphant revival of a cherished RPG series.

Are you excited about playing the first chapter of Trails in the Sky? Would you like to try out the demo? Be careful with your big stick when commenting down below!

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2025-08-21 05:06