Trails in the Sky FC Review! - The Game Collection!
Vložit
- čas přidán 11. 06. 2020
- Welcome back to The Game Collection. I am SuperDerek, and after years of hearing about the Trails series, I finally decided to dive in. I’d heard a lot of things from a lot of people, but never expected that when I played Trails in the Sky, that I might just find a worthy spiritual successor to Grandia. I am SuperDerek, and this is Legend of Heroes, Trails in the Sky FC!
Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky FC, (or First Chapter,) is the first entry in the Trails in the Sky series, which is the first set of games in the larger overarching “Trails” or “Kiseki” series. This series is in itself subset of games in the Legend of Heroes series, a series of games dating back to the 80’s when Nihon Falcom released Dragon Slayer on the PC 8801. I mean, we’re talking about the really old magic here. But despite the overarching series’ of series’ deep roots, Trails in the Sky is a perfect starting point for anyone looking to get into the series. And with the waves the series is making in the more recent Trails of Cold Steel series, I’m betting there are plenty of people who looking for this exact entry point.
Trails in the Sky FC was released originally on PC in 2004. The game later was ported by Falcom over the Sony PSP in 2006. However, in the West we wouldn’t get the game until it’s Western debut in late 2011. The game sold poorly overall so copies can be hard to find. But in Summer of 2014 XSEED published a PC release in the West where the series slowly and gradually started gaining a cult following. Huge emphasis on the “cult” part. And after my playthrough, I may have just become their newest convert. So enough with the history lesson and the hype, what exactly is this thing all about anyway?
#trailsintheskyfc #review #jrpg - Hry
Welcome to the Kiseki Cult Derek. Now you're one of us. One of us.
crossbell arc is so damn good- and while im not a fan of cold steel, cold steel 3 redeemed the serie and made me very hyped for the 4th!
now play tocs 1 2 3 & 4 eventually
One of us! One of us!
@notmy cellphone CS2 is literally the worst trails game
A Cult - thats exactly what are people who paising those HIGHLY OVERRATED games. At the center of that cult is a dogma - All games in the universe are 10/10 with the greatest world building (brazilian telenovel style) in the history of planet Earh. If you think otherwise you clearly didnt play any of three thousand games and spinoffs because only then you understand the meaning of life.
Ofc blinkers are added to every physical copy of those games. Otherwise The Cult could see some DRAWBACKS like all those games are like 3 console generations behind everyone else in everything.
Welcome to the club. FC is definitely a slow game, but all that time is taken to meticulously build out the world and characters so the final arcs and follow up game carry a weight to them quite unlike anything else the genre, or hell, video games as a whole has ever accomplished otherwise. Definitely an experience unlike any other, and one that I feel will be sticking with me a life time. Good luck on the journey! It really just gets better with every game!
Thanks man! :D
I personally feel that Trails in the Sky was the best series in the entire franchise, but I simply love that kind of aesthetic, so I might be a little biased.
Crossover for the AGES
@@Kaytenorg For me the crossbell arc is the greatest, with Ao likely being among the best RPGs ever made haha.
@@TarksGauntlet I actually haven't finished playing Ao yet, since when I first looked it up the translation wasn't along far enough, and when I got wind of the translation being finished I also heard whispering of an official localization, which I'm still waiting and hoping for. Preferably as physical versions. But since they share the same aesthetic that I love I am still very hyped for any info on the games! ;)
My literal reaction when I saw this notification pop up: [gasp] "No way, Super Derek is finally doing it..."
Second Chapter is currently underway on Twitch, that review will hopefully be out before too terribly long. :)
@@SuperDerek Sweet beans can't wait to hear your thoughts!
@@SuperDerek sc takes about more than 60 hours... its still gonna take some time lol.
@notmy cellphone yeah, my playtrough was around 84 hours and i got A rating with 3 points below A+
I picked this game up because I heard you were reviewing it, and god it is so good. Now I'm playing the third game because I just love this world and these characters so much.
I'm currently playing the Second Chapter on Twitch, hope to play the third before too long! :)
the cult grows :)
@@SuperDerek I was there for the first stream of SC (username: jimleko) but I can't make them on Wednesdays. Plan to join tonight though!
Love this review. I’m going to jump in to this game tonight.
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it!
Have fun
Kingdom hearts, star ocean 2, trails of, dude you are just covering my entire childhood here. You'll love this series, it's evolution is extremely satisfying. Great review!
Great review SuperDerek! I absolutely love these games and you're in for an amazing time!!
Always makes me happy when more people join the Trails cult
I finished cold steel 1, 2 and 3 before I got into sky. It’s now my favorite game in the series. I love Estelle and Joshua! ❤️
You can also find the "Crossbell Arc" games (Zero no Kiseki and Ao no Kiseki) with fan made translations. If you want to have the whole picture of the story. I personally loved them and while i was playing Cold Steel 3 i was straight fangirling with all the cameos from the characters of the other games.
@@dimitrisman290 i wont even call them cameos, they are main characters still.
@@ct2651 Yeah bad choice of words :P
Every rpg fan who hasnt played trails is missing out. So happy to hear you came around to it. Enjoy knowing there 9+ more games to enjoy in the series now because unlike FF or dragonquest, they do in fact build off each other.
It's both a blessing and a curse o.o
@@RoninXDarknight I'm only 5 months in and I'm on my fourth trails game. I'd assume it'd take about a year if you really wanted to enter that rabbit hole before the new game
Yeah
Like Suikoden games whose each main game takes place in the same world
Assuming you plan on playing the entire series, the Crossbell arc, Ao No Kiseki in particular, IS FREAKING INCREDIBLE! Ao No Kiseki/Trails to Azure is one of the greatest JRPGs I’ve ever played.
Grandia is my favourite JRPG and the reason why I fell in love in Trails
I enjoy the fact that you're just getting started. The depth of this story that spans across all the trails games, is just outstanding. It'll be interesting to watch more reviews in the future, as you begin to learn all about the twists turns in the story. The story depth is extremely impressive in this series.
I picked this game up about 8 months ago for something different. From the moment I finished FC I jumped into the sequel right away. That has kept going until I finished cold steel 3. I didn't expect to fall so in love with this series but I did. Its a series that absolutely needs to be brought to peoples attention.
Really like these reviews. There are SO many PSP games im newly discovering, and the 12 min (roughly) reviews on this channel are incredibly well done.
I have about 30 PSP games on my 351P and its taking some work to go through each one and figure out whats worth keeping. Thus channel is perfect for it. We done.
What a coincidence, I was looking for reviews for this game the last couple days to see if I should get into the series. Nice review!
This series is really gaining momentum right now. I've recently become a fan and am on Chapter 3 of FC right now just finishing up the bracer assignments and about to help a temp character with a job out of town. Definitely a slow burn but one of the best written games I've ever played. It's almost like reading a novel. Great review, Bud. Keep'em coming.
It may not be for everyone, but the act of talking to the NPCs adding to the world-building cannot be overstated. You have a pair of friends that make recurring appearances throughout the entire Trails series and other characters that show up much later as well. Just as an example there's one NPC you do a quest for in Sky FC who reappears in a town in Cold Steel III. That's seven games later. It's a level of dedication that continues to astound me as I've never encountered anything even remotely close in other series.
The world-building in this game is absolutely unparalleled. Every NPC feels like they have a real life. And the love story is actually my favorite of any JRPG. Virtually every other JRPG I've played has a love story that feels forced. With Trails in the Sky, we really get to watch Estelle figure out her feelings and sort through her confusions. And Joshua grows along with her. I'd call it the best story in JRPG gaming!
I hope to get started on these some day! Thanks for the review. Glad to see that crimson button up again. Classic. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it. I beat it back in may. The more you get into the series, you will enjoy the newer series more.
Thanks for your review Derek, I'm happy you like FC.
I've never heard of this series when it got released on GOG but I gave it a try and instantly fell in love. I don't know why but these games have a lot of 90s JRPGs in their DNA.
Due to its late translation this series became my favourite JRPG series of the last decade.
I'm waiting for the official Crossbell releases, but it's just a matter of time. Still got enough other games until then.
A friend shared this video with me. Great review, can't wait for you to cover the rest of the series!
The video I was waiting for. You're officially back SuperDerek.
Nice to see you pop up in my browses again! 😁👍🏻
Always look forward to the reviews. Always well done. Keep it up
Thanks man!
Good review! I also recently finished Sky FC, about two weeks ago? I then just finished Sky SC and am now on the Sky 3rd. I love this series and am currently obsessed with it. Glad to be part of it! Hope you enjoy the others! (:
Thank you so much for actually mentioning the Evo mods, I feel like no one ever does, and they’re a huge part of why I love the game
Been waiting for this. Stellar review, as always, even though there was no mention of Teddy Roosevelt. Eh.. win some, lose some.
Nice work man, always a pleasure to hear your perspectives
Thanks man! And thanks for watching! :)
Oh, hell yes. About damn time, my dude, and welcome to the club!
Great review Derek. You always inspire me to make game reviews and improve. Have a great weekend :)
Welcome to the fandom. I've yet to play the sky games since I started with Cold Steel 1 but your in for a treat.
Awesome review, glad you steered clear of any spoilers. I've had the PSP Collector's Edition for close to 10 years now, and your review might just push me into finally giving it a go!
The psp version has an outdated translation which doesn't use the same "words" for things as the later games.
@@luminous3558 Huh, never knew that, thanks for the info!
Glad you enjoyed the game, onwards and upwards to SC!
You already got my respect for not starting from Cold Steel 1.
I'm sure Falcom will remake the sky games in HD and a newer engine sooner or later. Probably the next anniversary when the new game's engine is complete.
I started this year. On coldsteel II currently. Went through the trilogy and crossbell games before cs1 though
I was really on the fence about buying this game and starting the Trails series. This is the best video I’ve watched and really sold me on it. And thanks so much for mentioning the voice acting mod.
Thanks Lena! I hope you've been enjoying it so far!
i just stumbled on this channel cuz of this video. Some amazing content you have on your channel keep it up man
Thanks Hassan! Welcome aboard, and thanks for watching! :)
This game... I played it last year and it made me believe in JRPGs again.
Boy you're in for quite an awesome ride. Right now I'm almost finished Cold Steel 3, the 8th game in the series and some 600 hours of epic stories. Hope you enjoy it
Be prepared for the ride of your life my dear🌹✨ Enjoy your travels through Zemuria!
Of course, your surname is olivier hehe.
You should do a history lesson series. You do a good job telling the history of a series.
Tales series would be a good starter for a series like that :)
I would watch Derrick do that. Would be epic
@@darkrulerbob Tales of Destiny was the first and probably my favorite one.
YESSS! Been waiting for this one!!
I'm really happy seeing this series getting more exposure... Sky SC is possibly my favorite RPG replacing Phantasy Star which I played way back in the Master System days. (I never thought I'd be saying that ever.)
Great Review as always!! Talking about the music I have to mention the first dungeon music! ( Inside the sewers!) What an amazing piece of art!! Sincopated drums entertwined with gorgeus bass lines sets the tone soberbly!! Also is the first demonstration of the light motif that IS going to show even more retumbant in the 3rd game of the séries ( the last Boss battle!!) Falcom nails the meaning of game music with full force and also peculiar personality! Their soundtracks are pretty much recogniseble in miles distance away!!
Oliver is the best. He’s my favorite. He’s damn good with a full list of spells, if you set it up right. That Gehenna though.
White gehenna
Even with her three water slots, Kloe is still a better mage than Olivier is gameplay wise. That being said, as good as a character she is, Olivier is probably the single most important character in the entire series, so there's some give and take.
I never really liked Oliver that much, but I definitely love when he appears. It's a duality I have about him xd
You are in for a treat with SC :)
I started playing this on the PSP ~10years ago and had trouble getting into it. You made me want to take a second look at it though, Derek.
The PC version introduced a turbo speed option that comes in handy :)
More people need to discover this fantastic series and give it a try!
For those of you who don't know also Geofront is finishing the editing of Trails from Azure the 5th game in the series. (currently at 75%) It is going through the same treatment and level of quality that trails from zero did. So fans of trails, look out for that one. We will finally have the ENTIRE series to play in its most "complete" version.
@TheOutkast4ever Yes this is a fan-project but the team behind it has done amazing work and the level of quality with these projects are even better then the PS4 remaster ports. For example, the playstation 4 exclusive port for the cross bell duelogy (Zero and Azure) games uses the old graphical resolutions from the psp version. The fan-project increased the visual quality and resolution for both games adding higher scans of background images and sharper sprite images.
We will definitely be getting both games released to america if these japan ports exist. Nis america is probably even working on them as we speak. But i do hope when NIS releases them that they incorporate the higher graphic quality that we got with trails in the sky SC and third and not the psp visuals, cause that is ridiculous. I honestly can't believe falcom went that route with the japan ports.
@TheOutkast4ever the fan versions are higher quality than the ps4 versions and we might not get official english versions till hajimari is out in english.
So better play a fan patch than miss out on the entire coldsteel arc or have crossbell spoiled by cs3 and cs4.
Its not hard to get official jp/chinese versions of zero and ao to apply a patch to.
Finally finished this one! Great game. Looking forward to chapter 2
Welcome to the club! I got my start on Trails of Cold Steel 1 & 2 and then went back to play Trails In The Sky 1-3 (3 is the one you don't absolutely have to play for the over-arching story but I enjoyed it personally as it gives a nice bit of info about the world and other characters). Now if only I could get my copy of Zero no Kiseki to work properly so I can play the Geofront mod XD
You're definitely not wrong about SC being a bit of a darker storyline either. Enjoy!
Great review. I bought this game right around the time it came out on steam and i never played it. I think it may be time for me to start it over
hey super d u finally finished it. Nice.
This game was famous for being the game with the most numerous dialogues lines EVER CREATED. The number of lines that had to be translated was and still is to this day unprecedented. It holds a place in the Guiness book of records (it really does, check it out). Quite a feat for a japanese game that most westerners never even played or heard of.
I'm so excited for Hajimari in August, oh boy.
Man, I just got this a few weeks ago and it also blew me away. Why did I not pick this up sooner? Gonna get SC during the steam summer sale even if it isn't reduced. Can't wait
Just started aging this on steam! As an old school jrpg fan, this is really making me feel nostalgic!
Great review Derek. I am definitely excited to play this series. Although I will have to pursue the psp version as I don't have a gaming pc
if you have a pc that can run any windows released after the year 2004 you can run the sky games. the psp version has a horrible translation and is lacking a lot of the quality of life features so its not something id reccomend playing
It's a 2002 game, you should be able to run it :)
We're talking about trails in the sky, not rdr2, it's not exactly high spec requirement. Anything made in the past 20 years will easily run it.
As others have said, pretty much any PC/Laptop etc will run the game just fine.
I actually just started playing this game for the first time and I'm really enjoying it this far.
Nice intro dude!
I've been playing through this recently, I've taken a few breaks from it but it really is a nice story.
Grandia actually had more diverse environments and more variety in its visual outside world. Where as Trails really had alot of attention to detail in its interiors. That being said, the series evolves quite heavily in the visual department, as you get into later games. Specifically cross-bell was far more distinct, had more dimension to its landscapes and the environments produced more color and variation throughout. So obvously the first game has its more primitive and simplistic elements because its the first game in the series. But many of these things develop and expand over time.
I dont understand the comparison tbh, entirely different games, systems and atmosphere.
@@rickylovesyou it's due to sky feeling like a game arts game at times. with it's focus on world building and character interactions when speaking to npcs.
Back in 2012 when I've played it for the first time, I've also seen all the similarities to Grandia, but it is worth mentioning that this kind of style/approach you see in Sky FC is actually with the series since the first Gagharv game, The Legend of Heroes III: White Witch/Moonlight Witch (1994) which predates Grandia. White Witch was essentially the Blueprint for the entire Trails series (and the reason why current Falcom president Toshihiro Kondo appied for a job at Falcom after creating a White Witch fansite back in the 90s) and is very much "Grandia". I recommend the Gagharv trilogy in general, though the English localization of the PSP ports is... bad.
Awesome Intro! 👏
Ah, nice! I got into the series with Cold Steel first, but then played Sky FC and loved its writing entirely. Can't wait for when I have some free time to start the next one.
Loved this game! It’s probably wise to wait to jump into the next one. I started the second right away and got burnt out quick.
I love your scripts, Derek - fine writing. ♥️🌹
Thank you Britta! :D
Just started this game earlier in the week and really like it so far. Just bought the second one last night :P
Personally i think the Trails games are more of a sucessor to the Suikoden games, you're still in the first game so It hard to see, but the fact that you explore different countries in each sub-series after or even at the same time with new and returning characters made me feel that way. I'm playing Cold steel 1 right now and that game has huge Suikoden 3 feels, might be just me though XD. Talking about the combat how the turns works with random modifies reminds me more of the Xenosaga games, but I know you didn't play them yet so I can't really complain. Otherwise great review Derek
Rudi Dellama I also thought it felt like S3
I beat the first chapter a month ago. I felt I needed a small break to digest everything the game had given me. I think I have tortured myself enough with waiting and am going to start the next chapter tonight.
This series is absolutely phenomenal. If you have the patience to play through several hundreds of games, its an unparelled experience in story and world-builing.
'games'? You mean 'hours', right?
It's interesting that you mention that the relationship between the two main characters could be kind of icky, because one of them was adopted into the other's family. Wasn't this also the case in Lunar: Silver Star Story? Luna was adopted into Alex's family. They, too, are not related by blood, but everyone is all for pairing them up - and the whole story is about them getting together. Haha.
Venoix You know it’s things like these that make me realize just how brainwashed towards certain concepts people are.
In the manga Domestic Girlfriend, the main character has sex with this random girl he hooks up with and then a few weeks later finds out their parents have been dating and are getting married. People call this relationship that started out as two strangers hooking up “incest” just because the two technically became step siblings.
Joshua and Estelle meet for the first time when they are 11. At that age It’s normal to have a crush on a girl in your class at that you only met that year.
Yeah, adoptive siblings doesn't really count as incest if you want to look at it techncally.
In this world state, trails series really save my days and bored mood. Already beating the series until right now i am playing the crossbell arc. And trust me, each series playthrough is over 100 hours, but it is a good time to spent. The SC story are awesome and could be a stepping stone for some base story for the other future title, so better paying attention to npc dialogue sir~
This is one of my top series that I would love to have physical releases for ps4 or switch. It’s probably not gonna happen, but I can dream.
Correct, it won't happen.
E M I had another game for my wishlist that I thought would not get a physical release but it is, crosscode is getting a physical release for PC, PS4 and Switch. You can preorder now.
@@rickylovesyou sadly, falcom is still small, and making port plus physical copies of all their games 2010 on ps4 or switch is kinda costly. Still, gog copies works like physical since you can copie the games on hard drive with their installer
honestly I'd rather get those Crossbell games finally in the west. They are missing out on easy money, but physical is not likely
I've been a fan of the Legend of Heroes series since playing the first game on a friend's TG-16 back in the early 90s. I had a lot of fun with the Trails games I've played (All of them released in the US except Cold Steel III which I will get either late this month or early next month). I also had a lot of fun with the Gagharv trilogy which preceded the Trails series but I'm not sure what someone who played the Trails games first would think of them.
Interesting that you should compare it to Grandia. The more serious side is something I don’t really recall coming out in that game. But the lightheartedness and the zest for adventure is definitely there. And the battle systems have plenty in common. I freaking love Olivier. So pleased you finally got to experience this. Hope you get around to the others some day. The series gets pretty intense. Very different games but I’d say only Xenogears matches it in scope and seriousness. Having a continuous world and story that runs through 9+ games is rare in RPGs, maybe even unique.
The serious side of grandia doesn't really show its head until after Sue Leaves the party.
Once justin and feena start traveling alone, the games more serious tone starts to come into play.
I only started playing the Trails series two years ago, and since then I finished all the Trails In The Sky games, the first 3 Trails Of Cold Steel games (with the 4th coming to PC in 2021, which i'm totally stocked to play), and will soon start with the translated Trails From Zero. This series instantly became one of my all time favorites right behind Final Fantasy and Tales series, and for me it tells THE best story of any rpg i've ever played. I really can't recommend this series enough, because it's one of the very few that literally made my jaw drop on multiple occasions, thanks to all the plot twists, the top notch plot and lore, the great cast of characters, the awesome music and battle system, etc...
estelle bestelle?
My biggest takeaway is man, I would love to play Dragon Slayer. Looks like one of those early computer games I would have enjoyed.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who got major Grandia vibes from this game.
So glad to see you finally experienced this gem! When I played back in the day, I was blown away by the character driven story and the incredible relationship between Estelle and Joshua. It is the only game in the series I have played though, so I might need to fix that.
Welcome to the Trails Universe
The trails in the sky trilogy is absolutely brilliant if the player can look past its aged visuals. One recommendation I have for anyone new to the series is to use Turbo mode on PC to make the grind faster and prevent burning out before fully experiencing the amazing things the series has to offer
Umm the graphics aren't that bad
I love this channel
Thanks for watching man! :)
This is only the beginning, welcome to the trails series, the best JRPG ever created . The scale of the story is a behemoth yet very rich that it will suck your life (yeah I'm still recovering from cold steel 3 cliffhanger...)
Grandia is my favorite game of all time and I felt the exact same way when I started playing these games a month ago .
I'm currently on Trails in the sky the 3rd and I just love it . I really wish the Grandia series kept going like this series .
PS. If you're playing on PC get the voice mods,it really brings these games to life.
This video is 13:37 long! It's l33t, aka Leet aka Elite :P Great job, Derek!
T.I.T.S was super underrated. I'd never even heard of the game before a year ago, but it was my entry point into LoH. Currently made my way through t.i.t.s 1-3, CS 1-3, and am currently playing through the fan translation of Zero. You're right, it is a slow burn, and with FC, I had considered taking a break since it took so long to pick up, but every game in LoH is like this, lol. All slow burns, but the payoff is always worth it. You're in for a treat with SC. Basically the same game as FC, but ramps up the narrative. The 3rd is different, but still really good despite what you may have heard.
"Grandia's Worthy successor" is a great way of putting it. I beat the trilogy over the last couple of years and when I started FC my immediate thought was that this really reminded me of Grandia and when I recommend it to friends I tell them it's a lot like Grandia. They share the same charm and that the graphics style is the same doesn't hurt. I've only actually beat 2 and 3, though. I got about 90% through through FC with 60+ hours and my fucking goddamn vita memory card corrupted and I lost my save. I just couldn't do it again, so I just looked up what happened in the last 10% and then I jumped into SC with a new memory card.
For getting into the mood and appreciating the second game Trails in the Sky SC and its excellent localization more I recommend the Kotaku article ""The Curse of Kiseki: How One Of Japan's Biggest RPGs Barely Made It To America" (just google for this) from 2015. It talks about the arduous 4 year long localization process of SC and how hard it was to get the localization done. The English SC script ended up being longer than the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy or Tolstoy's War and Peace and one of the translators almost ended up commiting suicide. It's a very humbling article to be honest.
Really wish this was on the PS4... but great stuff man
I'm currently playing through Trails in The Sky on my vita after having finished Cold Steel 3. Kiseki is a wonderful series. I even made sure to grab some of the soundtracks from the games I own.
Love the title! I've GOT to play this lol.... I hear it's VERY..... grindea.
I got In the Sky on PSP and did not regret any of it! It's still one of my favorite RPGs alongside the Golden Sun, Disgaea, Persona, and Chrono series!
Awesome Stuff Derek. The game is incredibly hard to get a English copy in PAL region managed to get one set me back quite bit more than any other PSP game did. I prefer the PC version of game that’s my personal preference having only recently started playing though the PC version.
I just finished this game yesterday. THAT ENDING. those sly bastards. the lore building is so mind-boggling that after 9-10 games you can see the through-line among all the games. that level of dedication is something other companies only dream of.
Yes, please, review the sequels!
Gosh, I put down this game a few years ago because it's so long and I got bored. Hearing the music right now made me want tp pick it up again!
This is a series I've really been wanting to get in to. I just wish the full collection was ported to the Switch. Being bedridden, it's really the only practical way for me to play video games.
I played it when the Chinese release was out. Wow...... it was fantastic. When I got a PSP and when i heard it was being release there for English, I got it there. Now on Steam, I also got both chapters, and considering for the 3rd since there's a sale going on.