The Legends of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel is one of the most played sagas of all time, and with a story worthy of appearing in the best books. Is about a JRPG that currently has four installments for the PS3 and PS4 consoles. On February 16, the company released its last two chapters for the PS5, something that drove its fans crazy, who quickly revived the saga.
Since 2013, the company Nihon Falcom has been investing resources in the creation of this saga and nothing has been in vain. It currently has more than 400 hours of history distributed among its four chapters, something that seems like a lot, but it is not like that at all. In this article I am going to show you a small review of the last two installments, which are now available for the PS5.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III
game lore
This game starts a year and a half after everything that happened during the previous game, Trails of Cold Steel II. In this, the great Rean Shcwarzer has changed his story somewhat and has become Professor of Class VII: Special Operations.
In the background of the story, the Ereborian empire can be seen growing in size, thanks to the annexation of Crossbell and North Ambria. Ouroboros' plans begin to put into motion.
In this installment, we will be able to learn a little more about the origin of Rean, Emma's family, even the masked man's true face. The narrative of the game is one of its strong points, if not its strongest point, you can be sure that the story will always keep you focused.
This time, its protagonists will be smaller, so that the story becomes a little easier to follow.
Fighting System
The combat system changes small details, but in essence, it remains the same as the previous game. You know what they say, "if something works, don't change it," and Trails of Cold Steel III follows this philosophy to the letter, we are talking about the most dynamic and agile RPG that exists right now.
The combat takes place on a plane where we can move our character and look for button shortcuts to kill our enemies.
Another interesting mechanic is the break, this is a type of barrier that enemies use in combat. When it breaks, it causes the enemy to delay their attack, obtain more damage and leave objects behind, something that will be useful in battle.
This mechanic is irrelevant if you play on the most affordable difficulty. However, if you like challenges, the hardest difficulty is the best to exploit the Break, and enjoy the game better.
Small graphical improvements
The graphics section is nothing remarkable, but it is not that bad either. It is true that its graphics look like they are from the previous generation of consoles, but Falcom always prioritizes history above the artistic.
Even knowing this, there are improvements in this section, the textures have higher quality, the hair moves more, there is more lighting and The image remains fluid and sharp throughout the game.
Some animations look unnatural during sequences, and the scenes barely show life, all being a product of the little budget that the industry can have. This can be a bit disappointing, because all the characters are very well done, and they all have their own story, something that other games with better graphics do not have.
Its soundtrack is spectacular
The soundtrack of this game is a work of art, something that the company has already accustomed us to. This time, they give more intensity to the combat scenes or twists in the story. It has the ability to make you nervous or excited, depending on what scenario you're playing.
Also, it should be noted that all the characters (main and secondary) have translations in English and also in Japanese.
Summary
Trails of Cold Steel III is a narrative-focused JRPG, currently featuring one of the best turn-based combat systems in the entire industry. It is true that Falcom does not try to do much in the graphic section of this installment, but it is not a priority either. The saga seeks to continue its story and does so in a way that is difficult to improve, so you should try the game without a doubt. Its soundtrack is pure magic.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV
Game Lore
This game seeks continue with the story of the previous one, something to which the saga has already accustomed us. This time, it is extremely continuous, so it may even affect your gaming experience if you have not played its previous installments. We continue the story of the game shortly after the events of the previous chapter.
A new war is approaching and this time it is bloodier than ever. There is only a small glimmer of hope for the people of Erebonia, so our characters will have to collaborate with each other to erase all traces of this conflict. They will also have to try to save Rean Schwarzer, the eternal protagonist of the series, from his captivity.
Almost imperceptible graphical improvements
This time, you won't find a graphical revolution from Falcom either. They know that the fans are here for the history and personality of its protagonists. However, he did not forget to retouch the appearance of his characters, which come out more original than ever.
You will also find small improvements in the sequence of attacks, the scenarios, but it is clear that they do not work with this in mind. The This time the saga gives us a greater variety of characters and landscapes, as well as a fantastic design of each setting.
Gameplay and Combat
As for its gameplay, the game has not improved many things, however, there is a change in the narrative structure of this installment. If in other times the game is based on a linear path through the scenarios, with no room to explore, this time It feels much more natural in its development.
Its combat system hasn't changed much either, beyond balance some mechanics that in the previous installment suffered a little. The game has one of the best turn-based combat systems you can try.
It is aware of the great variety of characters, and how complex its battle system is, which is why it rewards us from the beginning with all the available tools. From the beginning you have the possibility of improving your strategies, with each character.
The soundtrack never disappoints
The sound section never disappoints, and this time is no exception. You won't try a JRPG with a more exciting soundtrack than Trails of Cold Steel IV. And I say this literally, music is capable of bringing out your nerves, and many times the opposite, you will feel relaxed when walking through its stages.
Like its previous installment, all the main characters in the game will have voices in English and Japanese.
Summary
The saga could not have a better ending, positioning itself as one of the best classic JRPGs of all time. Its soundtrack and turn-based combat system are everything we could ask for in a game of this style. Its story is brilliant, its graphics not so much, but still, if you are a video game lover, you will love this saga.
And that was it, let me know in the comments if you plan to give the saga a try.