Played on PlayStation 5 ~ 70 hours
I have just finished playing The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel I in 2026, and what a ride this was. This game is an absolute gem for those who look to get into the Trails series.
To be honest, you can start the series with Trails in the Sky First chapter Remake and follow the series in the correct order, as Falcom has announced that they are planning to release the 2nd Chapter in 2026, which will help you stay up to date with the current combat and graphics.
However, if you are looking to get into the Trails series earlier, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel I is a very good entry point.
Story & Characters
The game follows Rean Schwarzer during his Freshman year at Thors Military Academy in the Erebonian Empire. The buildup of the characters in this narrative is slow, but it is so rewarding at the end. All the characters have a story to tell, and let me tell you, their stories are nothing short of amazing. From a writing perspective, this game delivers very good writing and character development.
For a game released in 2013 by Nihon Falcom, this JRPG still stands strong in 2026 as one of the good games to play. The narrative, the story, and the plots are amazing.
in-game screenshot
The gameplay may not offer much, as it is an older title, but it is very straightforward and easy to learn. The game uses turn-based mechanics, where you and your class are sent on missions (field studies) to fight and grow the school.
You will have to manage your ARCUS or ARTS, a name that stands for magic attacks, where you can mix and match your liking, the way you want to play. There is a variety of attacks and support skills to offer to defeat the enemies that you encounter.
This is a timeless JRPG because it follows an amazing series. If you crave story-driven games and adventures, you won’t regret playing it. I played this game for around 70 hours, and holy what a journey this was.
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