I can't stay away from this shit for more than a few months. I get Trails withdrawals, I start shaking, I get headaches, I try other JRPGs and I go to another village across the map in the middle of a story beat and I expect random NPC #84 to have new dialogue for me. They don't. Why would they? It's an insane thing to do, and yet it's just the standard in Trails. I don't know what kinda psychopath keeps making this. It's like fucking crack. Oh you didn't pay attention to the dilemma of an elderly NPC in the tavern actually overlapping with a solution given by the gardener in a different city that only exists for one single story step? You missed it? That's a sidequest gone. Idiot. You're an idiot for not doing it. I love that. I'm not being ironic. That's peak RPG.
Barely over a week ago I wrote a review for Persona 5 that said that gaming (implicitly referring to the japanese roleplaying kind, might I add) "has yet to find a good way to hide elemental weaknesses and then show them later". Then I play this shit and they immediately solve it. That's fucked up, man. You're fucking with me at this point. I'm pissed off they've done that.
I sit down to play a game. I ask what the story's about. You tell me it's a bunch of misfits in the found family trope. You slap me across the face. I start crying. You say it's framed in a buddy cop universe. You punch me straight between the eyes. I pass out from the pain. And yet all I feel is happiness. At one point a gruff elder police officer who's been "getting too old for this shit" says "I might just have to admit you're a half decent cop" and I got up in my apartment so fast it scared my roomba and started pacing around the entire living room while clapping so hard I lost all feelings in my hands. You might as well have told me these streets aren't what they used to be. I might have had a seizure.
The biggest (arguably only) weakness this has is that it's basically a sidestory and can't really decide how much it wants to commit to that. Bringing back familiar characters in a slightly awkward way. Not awfully so, but in a way where it definitely feels slightly inorganic. Don't get me wrong, I am the fan getting serviced, and I love my little beloved sprites I already played as for 100+ hours, but the game on its own might honestly stand better without it.
Barely over a week ago I wrote a review for Persona 5 that said that gaming (implicitly referring to the japanese roleplaying kind, might I add) "has yet to find a good way to hide elemental weaknesses and then show them later". Then I play this shit and they immediately solve it. That's fucked up, man. You're fucking with me at this point. I'm pissed off they've done that.
I sit down to play a game. I ask what the story's about. You tell me it's a bunch of misfits in the found family trope. You slap me across the face. I start crying. You say it's framed in a buddy cop universe. You punch me straight between the eyes. I pass out from the pain. And yet all I feel is happiness. At one point a gruff elder police officer who's been "getting too old for this shit" says "I might just have to admit you're a half decent cop" and I got up in my apartment so fast it scared my roomba and started pacing around the entire living room while clapping so hard I lost all feelings in my hands. You might as well have told me these streets aren't what they used to be. I might have had a seizure.
The biggest (arguably only) weakness this has is that it's basically a sidestory and can't really decide how much it wants to commit to that. Bringing back familiar characters in a slightly awkward way. Not awfully so, but in a way where it definitely feels slightly inorganic. Don't get me wrong, I am the fan getting serviced, and I love my little beloved sprites I already played as for 100+ hours, but the game on its own might honestly stand better without it.
I played this in my own time. While the gameplay isn't as good as the Cold Steel games I played before this, the story really drew me in with an amazing main cast of characters and the actual plot feeling very well done as well. The soundtrack might be one of the best out there as well. It also makes me excited for the sequel as well.
LETS GET OVER THE BARRIER
(9 might be a little high tbh but we shall see. I think it may depend on how the other games treat this game.)
(9 might be a little high tbh but we shall see. I think it may depend on how the other games treat this game.)
The best set up game so far.
Trails really never misses on their finales.
Really loved the graphical improvements from the original trilogy. Love the new cast of main characters, I think they mesh together well, and I also love many of the supporting characters like Wazy and Lechter (king!).
The mafia plotline was also very interesting and went really deep. The game did have a slow start, as most trails games do, but it was comforting seeing all these characters form bonds with one another and take on challenges together. There were a lot of moving parts that kept things interesting, too.
My only real gripe with the game is not so much the pacing or slow start but how each chapter (except the final) seems like its building up to something, and the last dungeon/mission of each chapter was indeed great, but then following chapter it kind of felt like some of the tension subsided. I wouldve kind of preferred to have the stakes continually raise and to keep the more interesting aspects of the game carry through from chapter to chapter instead of each one being a kind of new buildup.
Overall though, very fun and I love how this ties into and is more of a continuation of the original trilogy.
Can't wait to see where Azure takes this.
Really loved the graphical improvements from the original trilogy. Love the new cast of main characters, I think they mesh together well, and I also love many of the supporting characters like Wazy and Lechter (king!).
The mafia plotline was also very interesting and went really deep. The game did have a slow start, as most trails games do, but it was comforting seeing all these characters form bonds with one another and take on challenges together. There were a lot of moving parts that kept things interesting, too.
My only real gripe with the game is not so much the pacing or slow start but how each chapter (except the final) seems like its building up to something, and the last dungeon/mission of each chapter was indeed great, but then following chapter it kind of felt like some of the tension subsided. I wouldve kind of preferred to have the stakes continually raise and to keep the more interesting aspects of the game carry through from chapter to chapter instead of each one being a kind of new buildup.
Overall though, very fun and I love how this ties into and is more of a continuation of the original trilogy.
Can't wait to see where Azure takes this.
it escalated very quickly near the end that i was aghast. i feel like they could've escalated the plot earlier bcs the first half were kinda peaceful and lighthearted and then it turned into this nationwide horror. but i guess that's why they made it into duology.
all in all, crossbell arc is my second fav after liberl arc (this is after i completed cold steel i-iv).
too bad this game came out globally after cold steel. bcs by completing cold steel i-ii prior to playing this one, i was spoiled too much. im usually fine being spoiled but this level of spoiler is just.. unfortunate.
all in all, crossbell arc is my second fav after liberl arc (this is after i completed cold steel i-iv).
too bad this game came out globally after cold steel. bcs by completing cold steel i-ii prior to playing this one, i was spoiled too much. im usually fine being spoiled but this level of spoiler is just.. unfortunate.
Will come back to it once I crave for a 2d ish jrpg again
As one story ends another begins. This is what brings us to Crossbell. A city state sandwiched between two political superpowers seemingly hanging on by a thread to stay afloat of outside influences. However not everything is what it seems on the surface. Crossbell is corrupt and is very limited on what it can do to fix its own issues. And only the SSS can change Crossbell's wrongdoings from within.
I love the SSS man. Every member is so fun to see and their interactions are priceless. The squad is so diverse in personality and yet they mesh so well. Even their battle styles are different. Seeing the SSS slowly get the recognition they deserve is such a payoff. They aren't just a copy of the bracer guild and made their own identity.
I find the setting of Crossbell to be very engaging especially since the state is small enough to where you are able to get to know every character including the npcs and really connect with the characters when shit hits the fan. It also isn't small to the point where you get tired of the same locations. This can also be implied due to how well this game uses its map. Like it just makes sense that you have to go all over Crossbell to retrieve an overdue book or partake in a fishing contest at the sandbar.
As always Trails and of course Falcom delivers on its soundtrack. Like every time this track played I was on the edge of my seat because I knew I had to lock in. Another great soundtrack that the music is all it takes to change your mood in an instant.
Can't talk about Zero without a certain character's journey that has spanned over 3 games now. Definetly one of the best character journeys I have seen in a video game. Every time they are on screen I always get emotional. There is just something about how its handled that it's truly special.
From what this game concludes off of, I really wonder how Azure will start off because Zero had a pretty conclusive ending but definetly has questions that needs to be answered. Just like us as the player, the SSS still doesn't know all of the answers on the why of how Crossbell functions but if we just get over the barrier only then we can seek the truth and justice be served.
"But what we need right now is the experience of overcoming these kinds of obstacles. Think about it, clear the small barriers one by one… If we do that, then someday, we’ll have the power to get over the taller barriers, too. "
I love the SSS man. Every member is so fun to see and their interactions are priceless. The squad is so diverse in personality and yet they mesh so well. Even their battle styles are different. Seeing the SSS slowly get the recognition they deserve is such a payoff. They aren't just a copy of the bracer guild and made their own identity.
I find the setting of Crossbell to be very engaging especially since the state is small enough to where you are able to get to know every character including the npcs and really connect with the characters when shit hits the fan. It also isn't small to the point where you get tired of the same locations. This can also be implied due to how well this game uses its map. Like it just makes sense that you have to go all over Crossbell to retrieve an overdue book or partake in a fishing contest at the sandbar.
As always Trails and of course Falcom delivers on its soundtrack. Like every time this track played I was on the edge of my seat because I knew I had to lock in. Another great soundtrack that the music is all it takes to change your mood in an instant.
Can't talk about Zero without a certain character's journey that has spanned over 3 games now. Definetly one of the best character journeys I have seen in a video game. Every time they are on screen I always get emotional. There is just something about how its handled that it's truly special.
From what this game concludes off of, I really wonder how Azure will start off because Zero had a pretty conclusive ending but definetly has questions that needs to be answered. Just like us as the player, the SSS still doesn't know all of the answers on the why of how Crossbell functions but if we just get over the barrier only then we can seek the truth and justice be served.
"But what we need right now is the experience of overcoming these kinds of obstacles. Think about it, clear the small barriers one by one… If we do that, then someday, we’ll have the power to get over the taller barriers, too. "
BEAUTIFUL
I was nervous to move on from the og trilogy but wow - there was nothing to be nervous about. Wonderful gameplay and texture upgrades. A whole new setting that really changes the feel and also cuts out a lot of running around. Solid new characters and plenty of treats to be had from the past. Can't wait to continue the series.
pretty good once I got past the biggest portrait downgrade in the history of sequels
Starting the new arc off with an absolute banger. Crossbell as a setting while smaller in scale is still decently huge and feels a lot more personal to the game than exploring a country like Liberl. The new cast is amazing and Lloyd as a protagonist is great. Music still slaps and the story is peak too. Excited to see what's going to happen in Azure :D
Tio Plato
On it's own this game is decent, the gameplay is kind of mediocre and the story takes a bit of time to pick up. It benefits from providing payoff to a sky arc early on and only being enhanced by it's sequel. Ultimately it's mostly setting up for Azure but the story it presents is still good. Peak goated raw fire.
Edit: NEVERMIND I HAD A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP THIS IS THE BEST SETUP GAME BESIDES UTAWARERUMONO 2, HOLY SHIT SOME OF THE MOMENTS IN THIS WERE EMOTIONAL AND HIT HARD, AND WE EVEN HAVE BETTER DOROTHY
I had no complaints with Zero until the last chapter, which was a bit of an underwhelming payoff, but until that point it was basically a perfect "setup game" with no dull moments. None of my issues from Sky FC are in this.
Aside from the mildly underwhelming finale, the "BRO WE'RE A CINEMATIC UNIVERSE BROOOOO" issue that I've been fearing with this series rears its head. In some aspects, it's really cool, what with the payoff for a character's arc in SC and 3rd (I started crying from it, it was so emotional). In others, you have the corny MCU thing of "heh, looks like I got here just in time!" and "wow [Crossbell character], you remind me of [Sky character]!" happening multiple times. I expect it to get both better with the payoffs, and worse with the corniness. But you take the good with the bad, I guess.
Otherwise, this is definitely one of the best JRPGs and videogames I've played. The combat system, characters, music, improved visuals from Sky, the Crossbell atmosphere, all of these contributed to a very fun experience. Can't wait for what Azure has in store.
I had no complaints with Zero until the last chapter, which was a bit of an underwhelming payoff, but until that point it was basically a perfect "setup game" with no dull moments. None of my issues from Sky FC are in this.
Aside from the mildly underwhelming finale, the "BRO WE'RE A CINEMATIC UNIVERSE BROOOOO" issue that I've been fearing with this series rears its head. In some aspects, it's really cool, what with the payoff for a character's arc in SC and 3rd (I started crying from it, it was so emotional). In others, you have the corny MCU thing of "heh, looks like I got here just in time!" and "wow [Crossbell character], you remind me of [Sky character]!" happening multiple times. I expect it to get both better with the payoffs, and worse with the corniness. But you take the good with the bad, I guess.
Otherwise, this is definitely one of the best JRPGs and videogames I've played. The combat system, characters, music, improved visuals from Sky, the Crossbell atmosphere, all of these contributed to a very fun experience. Can't wait for what Azure has in store.
Took me a while since i was playing other things. As I now embark on the trails journey, i have come to love the characters and the story of this one. Can't wait to start the others!
Honestly, I understand why people say Crossbell is peak because this duology probably has the best two games overall in the series.
I just love everything about Crossbell. I initially played this game wih the horrid translation, but still enjoyed my time with it. It wasn't until last year where I actually got to play it with a real translation in my Trails marathon, and my opinions on it definitely changed for the better.
Honestly, I think I prefer Crossbell as a setting much more to Liberl, not to say that Liberl is bad per se. Crossbell is just that good. I just love talking to each NPC in each Crossbell District after every story interaction and seeing how their dialogue changes. I also love walking along the highways (or taking the bus) and visiting the more remote locations of Crossbell like Mainz and Armorica. Crossbell is just the perfect setting for this game, especially when they explore the dark sides of Crossbell, like the Mafia. I just found it interesting how after Liberl, we were sent not to Erebonia, but to Crossbell of all places. A highly contested autonomous state between two major superpowers in Erebonia and Calvard. Crossbell is definitely my favourite country worldbuilding wise because of how much it has to even further paint the world of Zemuria. If you couldn't tell already I think Trails is the only game series ever to actually get me interested in its political structure and world.
Now let's actually start this review. From a story standpoint alone, I think this is the best game that the series has to offer (so far). I say that because, yeah, the game does start extremely slow, but I think that's valid because the Special Support Section are a new section of the Crossbell Police Department, and haven't earned the trust of locals, like the Bracer Guild has. The group has only been functioning for a little while and they're already trying to deal with Mafioso's and threat letters to celebrities. The Arc en Ciel part of Chapter 2 got me hooked into the story, exposing Mayor MacDowell's secretary and apprehending him. Chapter 3 was probably the most hype I've ever been. You got the anniversary festival with high highs with Estelle, Joshua, Wald, Wazy, and Randy. You also got the auction where you get more interested in Wazy, Mariebelle, and Lechter as characters. This chapter introduces you to KeA, who's just the ray of sunshine that the SSS needed to feel complete. The boss for Chapter 3 after stealing one of their prized posessions from the auction is probably the highlight for me. It's just so badass. I love the little intermission that gives us a little glimpse into the life of the SSS with KeA being added to their numbers. Also, storming a mafia base is just badass, and mkaes me love Chapter 4 as well.
I think the finale deserves it's own little section. Everything just hits the roof. The army and mafia have been drugged with Gnosis, and we find out one of the doctors at the hospital is the leader of a cult. The raid on the SSS and the IBC was great, but I hate how side characters like Grace and Cao were just commenting on us fighting hordes of enemies, like bro, help us? Anyways, I love the badass driving scene with Sergei and Noel, and we get to use Joshua and Estelle in the final dungeon. The final dungeon was creepy, stupid D:G cult. Honestly, the final dungeon felt rather underwhelming till the Garcia boss, and then the final boss, Joachim. Dude just downed a bunch of pills and became a demon. If not for Renne, it would of been curtains for everyone. The final boss dies, and the Brights finally adopt Renne which made me shed a tear not going to lie, it's been a three game journey for them. Overall, a very epic story, and personally one of my favourites.
Character wise, there's a bunch that stick out to me: Randy, Tio, Wazy, Fran, Jona, etc. Randy is interesting because on the surface he's all silly, but he's actually very serious. I just love and adore Tio and Fran. Jona just makes me laugh with his silly shenanigans, and Wazy is probably my favourite because he's just so mysterious and intrigues me and makes me want to know more. I actually thought Lloyd improved over time, and is a great protagonist. I know people don't really like Lloyd, but I just like how he's supportive of the entire group, and you can really tell that he cares for the entirety of the SSS, even in the little time that they spent together. Elie, I'm a bit iffy on, because I don't know what exactly she brings to the story, but maybe that's just me. Overall, this game has really good characters.
Battling, there's not much that's different from Sky, besides new Arts. At least they kept the orbment system, which I adore. I also enjoyed the addition of Evasion. Evasion Builds are just so fun in any game. Yeah, not much to say with battling, it is mostly the same.
The music. slaps. so. hard. The crossbell main theme, the highway themes, the Mainz theme, the Revache theme, the Stargazer Tower theme, the Ancient Battlefield theme, it's all just such a bop. I actually think I might prefer the Zero battle theme to Sophisticated Fight from Sky, idk it just hits differently. But yeah, the music slaps.
Some extremely minor gripes. I hate how the translators treat Lloyd like a playboy and oblivious, idk it just grates me for some reason. Also, I do not understand Wald as a character at all, he actually might be my least favourite in the series so far. That's about it for the gripes.
Overall, the game is extremely enjoyable, and I would honestly love to redo it all and experience it all again. It was that enjoyable.
I just love everything about Crossbell. I initially played this game wih the horrid translation, but still enjoyed my time with it. It wasn't until last year where I actually got to play it with a real translation in my Trails marathon, and my opinions on it definitely changed for the better.
Honestly, I think I prefer Crossbell as a setting much more to Liberl, not to say that Liberl is bad per se. Crossbell is just that good. I just love talking to each NPC in each Crossbell District after every story interaction and seeing how their dialogue changes. I also love walking along the highways (or taking the bus) and visiting the more remote locations of Crossbell like Mainz and Armorica. Crossbell is just the perfect setting for this game, especially when they explore the dark sides of Crossbell, like the Mafia. I just found it interesting how after Liberl, we were sent not to Erebonia, but to Crossbell of all places. A highly contested autonomous state between two major superpowers in Erebonia and Calvard. Crossbell is definitely my favourite country worldbuilding wise because of how much it has to even further paint the world of Zemuria. If you couldn't tell already I think Trails is the only game series ever to actually get me interested in its political structure and world.
Now let's actually start this review. From a story standpoint alone, I think this is the best game that the series has to offer (so far). I say that because, yeah, the game does start extremely slow, but I think that's valid because the Special Support Section are a new section of the Crossbell Police Department, and haven't earned the trust of locals, like the Bracer Guild has. The group has only been functioning for a little while and they're already trying to deal with Mafioso's and threat letters to celebrities. The Arc en Ciel part of Chapter 2 got me hooked into the story, exposing Mayor MacDowell's secretary and apprehending him. Chapter 3 was probably the most hype I've ever been. You got the anniversary festival with high highs with Estelle, Joshua, Wald, Wazy, and Randy. You also got the auction where you get more interested in Wazy, Mariebelle, and Lechter as characters. This chapter introduces you to KeA, who's just the ray of sunshine that the SSS needed to feel complete. The boss for Chapter 3 after stealing one of their prized posessions from the auction is probably the highlight for me. It's just so badass. I love the little intermission that gives us a little glimpse into the life of the SSS with KeA being added to their numbers. Also, storming a mafia base is just badass, and mkaes me love Chapter 4 as well.
I think the finale deserves it's own little section. Everything just hits the roof. The army and mafia have been drugged with Gnosis, and we find out one of the doctors at the hospital is the leader of a cult. The raid on the SSS and the IBC was great, but I hate how side characters like Grace and Cao were just commenting on us fighting hordes of enemies, like bro, help us? Anyways, I love the badass driving scene with Sergei and Noel, and we get to use Joshua and Estelle in the final dungeon. The final dungeon was creepy, stupid D:G cult. Honestly, the final dungeon felt rather underwhelming till the Garcia boss, and then the final boss, Joachim. Dude just downed a bunch of pills and became a demon. If not for Renne, it would of been curtains for everyone. The final boss dies, and the Brights finally adopt Renne which made me shed a tear not going to lie, it's been a three game journey for them. Overall, a very epic story, and personally one of my favourites.
Character wise, there's a bunch that stick out to me: Randy, Tio, Wazy, Fran, Jona, etc. Randy is interesting because on the surface he's all silly, but he's actually very serious. I just love and adore Tio and Fran. Jona just makes me laugh with his silly shenanigans, and Wazy is probably my favourite because he's just so mysterious and intrigues me and makes me want to know more. I actually thought Lloyd improved over time, and is a great protagonist. I know people don't really like Lloyd, but I just like how he's supportive of the entire group, and you can really tell that he cares for the entirety of the SSS, even in the little time that they spent together. Elie, I'm a bit iffy on, because I don't know what exactly she brings to the story, but maybe that's just me. Overall, this game has really good characters.
Battling, there's not much that's different from Sky, besides new Arts. At least they kept the orbment system, which I adore. I also enjoyed the addition of Evasion. Evasion Builds are just so fun in any game. Yeah, not much to say with battling, it is mostly the same.
The music. slaps. so. hard. The crossbell main theme, the highway themes, the Mainz theme, the Revache theme, the Stargazer Tower theme, the Ancient Battlefield theme, it's all just such a bop. I actually think I might prefer the Zero battle theme to Sophisticated Fight from Sky, idk it just hits differently. But yeah, the music slaps.
Some extremely minor gripes. I hate how the translators treat Lloyd like a playboy and oblivious, idk it just grates me for some reason. Also, I do not understand Wald as a character at all, he actually might be my least favourite in the series so far. That's about it for the gripes.
Overall, the game is extremely enjoyable, and I would honestly love to redo it all and experience it all again. It was that enjoyable.
Primeiramente: eu fico muito feliz de ter jogado Trails from Zero. A saga Trails provavelmente é a minha série de JRPGs favorita em questão de jogabilidade, não tem nenhum outro jogo do gênero que consegue ter um feeling tão bom de pegar e só sair batalhando contra todo bicho que você vê pela frente; pelo menos não que eu tenha jogado nos meus 17 anos de vida aqui no planeta Terra. A única série de JRPG que eu realmente adoro pegar pra sair matando todo mundo pela frente em algum nível parecido é SMT, mas ainda sim eu acho que Trails se sobressai nesse quesito.
Dito isso, apesar de ter gostado do meu tempo com o Zero, talvez eu tenha ido com as expectativas altas demais em questão de história. Eu fui já ciente que esse daqui não ia ser uma puta experiência foda igual o SC ou o 3rd, mas eu ainda fiquei meio decepcionado porque apesar de ter gostado de Crosbell e os personagens, eu não me senti tão ligado a eles quanto eu me senti depois de ter terminado o FC, que é o jogo de introdução pros Sky. De forma alguma eu acho a história desse jogo ruim, ela flui muito bem e talvez tenha até um sentimento de consequência entre capítulos maior que o FC, porque querendo ou não sempre você tá indo em direção a uma história que explode no final, que apesar de ser bem filler, constrói todo o caminho pro jogo brilhar mais pro final (mesmo que pra mim não tenha brilhando tanto) e também, acredito eu, pavimentar a estrada pro Azure. Num grande esquema das coisas, estruturalmente ele funciona melhor que o FC, só que eu não me sinto tão conectado ao universo e todo o ecossistema das coisas igual eu me senti com Liberl.
Muito dos elogios que eu posso fazer ao Zero eu também posso fazer à trilogia Sky, porque eu sinto que muito do que me faz gostar desse jogo é porque ele toma muito das coisas já estabelecidas nos três primeiros jogos. Talvez seja uma crítica meio idiota, porque ele é um jogo introdutório de uma saga que faz parte de uma franquia, então faz sentido eu elogiar ele pela base dele, só que sei lá, eu tava esperando um pouquinho mais, porque o final do FC pra mim é uma das melhores coisas da série inteira até agora... só que não tem muito disso nesse jogo. Ele é um puta jogo consistente, de fato, só que eu sinto que é apenas isso. A consistência dele não tem pontos tão altos assim. Tirando a KeA. Só ela vale o jogo inteiro e qualquer cena que tem ela é o auge da escrita do jogo inteiro, puta merda que personagem interessante.
Uma coisa que eu quero destacar, é que apesar de não gostar muito quando uma história não se contém nela mesma e serve apenas pra criar uma sensação de maior magnitude, eu gosto de como a Falcom trata o ecossistema da história. Os personagens que voltam não são só um fanservice idiota pra agradar quem jogou os antigos; toda a história da Renne é muito foda e eu genuinamente me emocionei na cena de reencontro dela com a Estelle e o Joshua, e eu tô muito curioso pra ver como que o Lechter vai ser desenvolvido em Erebonia. Não acho que esse sentimento de engrandecimento é igual, sei lá, um Utawarerumono (beleza que essa é uma comparação MUITO injusta, mas tudo bem), mas eu fico extremamente curioso pra ver o resto da série e ver se algum destrona o SC dos meus jogos favoritos. Spoiler pra mim mesmo: nenhum vai.
Dito isso, apesar de ter gostado do meu tempo com o Zero, talvez eu tenha ido com as expectativas altas demais em questão de história. Eu fui já ciente que esse daqui não ia ser uma puta experiência foda igual o SC ou o 3rd, mas eu ainda fiquei meio decepcionado porque apesar de ter gostado de Crosbell e os personagens, eu não me senti tão ligado a eles quanto eu me senti depois de ter terminado o FC, que é o jogo de introdução pros Sky. De forma alguma eu acho a história desse jogo ruim, ela flui muito bem e talvez tenha até um sentimento de consequência entre capítulos maior que o FC, porque querendo ou não sempre você tá indo em direção a uma história que explode no final, que apesar de ser bem filler, constrói todo o caminho pro jogo brilhar mais pro final (mesmo que pra mim não tenha brilhando tanto) e também, acredito eu, pavimentar a estrada pro Azure. Num grande esquema das coisas, estruturalmente ele funciona melhor que o FC, só que eu não me sinto tão conectado ao universo e todo o ecossistema das coisas igual eu me senti com Liberl.
Muito dos elogios que eu posso fazer ao Zero eu também posso fazer à trilogia Sky, porque eu sinto que muito do que me faz gostar desse jogo é porque ele toma muito das coisas já estabelecidas nos três primeiros jogos. Talvez seja uma crítica meio idiota, porque ele é um jogo introdutório de uma saga que faz parte de uma franquia, então faz sentido eu elogiar ele pela base dele, só que sei lá, eu tava esperando um pouquinho mais, porque o final do FC pra mim é uma das melhores coisas da série inteira até agora... só que não tem muito disso nesse jogo. Ele é um puta jogo consistente, de fato, só que eu sinto que é apenas isso. A consistência dele não tem pontos tão altos assim. Tirando a KeA. Só ela vale o jogo inteiro e qualquer cena que tem ela é o auge da escrita do jogo inteiro, puta merda que personagem interessante.
Uma coisa que eu quero destacar, é que apesar de não gostar muito quando uma história não se contém nela mesma e serve apenas pra criar uma sensação de maior magnitude, eu gosto de como a Falcom trata o ecossistema da história. Os personagens que voltam não são só um fanservice idiota pra agradar quem jogou os antigos; toda a história da Renne é muito foda e eu genuinamente me emocionei na cena de reencontro dela com a Estelle e o Joshua, e eu tô muito curioso pra ver como que o Lechter vai ser desenvolvido em Erebonia. Não acho que esse sentimento de engrandecimento é igual, sei lá, um Utawarerumono (beleza que essa é uma comparação MUITO injusta, mas tudo bem), mas eu fico extremamente curioso pra ver o resto da série e ver se algum destrona o SC dos meus jogos favoritos. Spoiler pra mim mesmo: nenhum vai.
Holy shit, trails finally hooked me. This game is easily the best one in the series so far imo with its incredibly entertaining cast and tight pacing. Very emotional at points too with Renne's arc and Lloyd's desire to protect KeA being the highlights. I really loved Lloyd and Randy's dynamic a lot too. Really hyped for azure now.
The weak link of the game sadly are its villains which aren't that great with the main villain in particular being laughable at points.
It took a long ass while but trails has finally clicked for me, and it took the barrier man Lloyd Bannings to do it.
The weak link of the game sadly are its villains which aren't that great with the main villain in particular being laughable at points.
It took a long ass while but trails has finally clicked for me, and it took the barrier man Lloyd Bannings to do it.
First Crossbell game did not disappoint, the Crossbell cast is great and the plot in this game is crazy in a good way
A big improvement gameplay wise from the very archaic sky trilogy games, was super smooth and fun the whole way through
The ending screwed me up hard.....
A big improvement gameplay wise from the very archaic sky trilogy games, was super smooth and fun the whole way through
The ending screwed me up hard.....
The Crossbell duology might be the strongest part of the entire Trails series so far - the characters are interesting, and have personalities beyond anime tropes, and the Sky-style combat is improved even farther. As was true in the Sky series, Zero starts out focusing on realism / political conflict, before introducing some more mystical elements towards the end (setting up Azure). Like most of the games in this series, there are some frustrations where a lot is missable if you don't know where and when to look for it and/or use a guide, but whether or not you try and see all the content, the game is fantastic to play.
*Played Trails from Zero twice back in 2023 (first on PS4 then on Switch). Now making a review of it since it's still fresh in my mind and I just finished the Liberl arc not long ago in 2024.
Trails From Zero (or Zero for simple sakes) is a solid game through and the second Trails game I ever played.
As the start of a new arc known as the Crossbell arc, Zero had the job to establish a new cast of characters as well as develop the city-state of Crossbell as a setting. From the two playthroughs I did, I can confidently say it did it's job well as I loved the settings of Crossbell in general and the new cast of characters from the Special Support Section (SSS). The main cast of characters were fun to watch as the game greatly builds on their dynamic with each other over the course of the game. It doesn't help that the amazing jp voices from the Evo version elevated them into some of my favorite characters (ex. Randy and Tio). Crossbell, while small in comparison to Liberl, is still a rich setting filled with some of the best named NPCS in the series. Due to the settings contained in one city with a few small towns, bases, and a hospital, the stories of the named NPCs develop through out the whole game and it makes me care for them more than Liberl NPCs due to the smaller setting.
The story is pretty good for what it is, even if its pretty small in context to the larger narrative of the series. However, I do like the fact the story is really self - contained with a start and an end that doesn't force the direct sequel baiting that most other Trails kind of fall into.
As for gameplay, it still follow the quartz system from the Sky games, though there are minor modifications such as changing some specific spells into a different element or adding new spells all together. The battles are still the same from the Sky games, though you are mostly sticking with the four SSS members for most the game. You do get the usual extra characters, though they are only temporary.
Finally, music is simply excellent whichs make walking through Crossbell a joy and battles pretty hype.
As for the negatives, the game starts off slow though thankfully not as slow as Sky FC. There is unfortunately no English voice acting though I could understand the fact that trying to record it would delayed the game and thus delayed future Trails games that need to be localized. Finally, the PC and Switch ports invalidate the PS4 version due to the simple fact that there are no chat logs to check.
Other than those nitpicks, Trails from Zero is just a pretty great game in general and a solid start of the Crossbell game. And shouts out for the Geofront Team for making this happen! 4.5/5.
Trails From Zero (or Zero for simple sakes) is a solid game through and the second Trails game I ever played.
As the start of a new arc known as the Crossbell arc, Zero had the job to establish a new cast of characters as well as develop the city-state of Crossbell as a setting. From the two playthroughs I did, I can confidently say it did it's job well as I loved the settings of Crossbell in general and the new cast of characters from the Special Support Section (SSS). The main cast of characters were fun to watch as the game greatly builds on their dynamic with each other over the course of the game. It doesn't help that the amazing jp voices from the Evo version elevated them into some of my favorite characters (ex. Randy and Tio). Crossbell, while small in comparison to Liberl, is still a rich setting filled with some of the best named NPCS in the series. Due to the settings contained in one city with a few small towns, bases, and a hospital, the stories of the named NPCs develop through out the whole game and it makes me care for them more than Liberl NPCs due to the smaller setting.
The story is pretty good for what it is, even if its pretty small in context to the larger narrative of the series. However, I do like the fact the story is really self - contained with a start and an end that doesn't force the direct sequel baiting that most other Trails kind of fall into.
As for gameplay, it still follow the quartz system from the Sky games, though there are minor modifications such as changing some specific spells into a different element or adding new spells all together. The battles are still the same from the Sky games, though you are mostly sticking with the four SSS members for most the game. You do get the usual extra characters, though they are only temporary.
Finally, music is simply excellent whichs make walking through Crossbell a joy and battles pretty hype.
As for the negatives, the game starts off slow though thankfully not as slow as Sky FC. There is unfortunately no English voice acting though I could understand the fact that trying to record it would delayed the game and thus delayed future Trails games that need to be localized. Finally, the PC and Switch ports invalidate the PS4 version due to the simple fact that there are no chat logs to check.
Other than those nitpicks, Trails from Zero is just a pretty great game in general and a solid start of the Crossbell game. And shouts out for the Geofront Team for making this happen! 4.5/5.
IT'S PEAK
Coming off of Sky I was very worried about a whole new cast in a whole new setting but by the end I was completely invested. SSS and Crossbell had a very strong introduction. The way they all complement each other in combat and in dialogue was perfect.
We also got the conclusion of Sky's last remaining plot line with the Bright family which had me tearing up. I finished it in like a week but I'll never forget it.
We also got the conclusion of Sky's last remaining plot line with the Bright family which had me tearing up. I finished it in like a week but I'll never forget it.
This review contains spoilers
Hoo boy. Easily my favorite Trails game yet. I loved the characters of the Sky trilogy but damn something about the Special Support Section really just hit for me. The characters are great and everything feels a bit more tailored to them perhaps because they're the only main characters to play as, so there's no half-assing a bunch of different combinations of dialogue lines. Crossbell itself is a great setting. Liberl is cool and really does a good job of nailing the "JRPG adventure" feeling, but getting to know Crossbell and the people who live there for the entirety of the game reminded me a bit of Persona 4 Golden with Inaba. It helps that the SSS is varied in their backgrounds (with only two of the four even being from Crossbell) so there's always a different take on a situation or place. I also like how Crossbell is a front runner for showing us how technology is advancing in Zemuria, with cellphone capabilities, cars, and even a very local (for now) internet.
The combat is slightly improved with the ability to hit enemies in the overworld in an attempt to daze them and get a maximum advantage or even just bump into them from behind for a slight advantage. Other games have done this before and many have done it since, but it's still a welcome addition. We also have "Team Rush" now which is basically an all-out attack from Persona except you actually get to see them attack the enemy instead of just silhouettes or a dust cloud. Besides these new additions and the new orbments (always a new orbment. The Epstein Foundation never stops making money by coming out with a new model, I swear), the combat is essentially the same. Not bad, not amazing, just there.
The music is fantastic, my god. I don't get how they keep just making better and better tracks but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. It IS Falcom after all, one of the biggest names in pushing the boundaries of video game OSTs. On top of this, we finally have game settings INSIDE of the game and not in a launcher. It shows that this is the latest game to be released (being a remaster and western localization) with both this small mercy as well as some fantastic looking visuals on any size display.
I loved this story, it was great. It definitely benefited from the fan localization team, Geofront, working on this game in my opinion. Joshua and Estelle came back, doing their own thing on the side to find Renne, which I loved. But I didn't love the game because they were back (with new snazzy art); they were just the icing on top. The SSS and the lower stakes story (until the end maybe) really got me. I'm always a sucker for street level stuff and I ate all of it up here. Some twists were expected but some actually got me. The Japanese voice acting being retained for this release was also a plus. I obviously don't understand any of it, but I get the feeling for who people are and how they feel and that's just as important (when I have the English text to know what's going on too of course).
This game made me want to jump straight into Trails into Azure just a couple of hours after rolling credits, and I don't even regret it. It's gonna be tight though, finishing it before Persona 3 Reload in February. No regrets. I can't end with the open-ended questions now. I must finish this duology so that when I come back, I can jump right into Trails of Cold Steel.
The combat is slightly improved with the ability to hit enemies in the overworld in an attempt to daze them and get a maximum advantage or even just bump into them from behind for a slight advantage. Other games have done this before and many have done it since, but it's still a welcome addition. We also have "Team Rush" now which is basically an all-out attack from Persona except you actually get to see them attack the enemy instead of just silhouettes or a dust cloud. Besides these new additions and the new orbments (always a new orbment. The Epstein Foundation never stops making money by coming out with a new model, I swear), the combat is essentially the same. Not bad, not amazing, just there.
The music is fantastic, my god. I don't get how they keep just making better and better tracks but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. It IS Falcom after all, one of the biggest names in pushing the boundaries of video game OSTs. On top of this, we finally have game settings INSIDE of the game and not in a launcher. It shows that this is the latest game to be released (being a remaster and western localization) with both this small mercy as well as some fantastic looking visuals on any size display.
I loved this story, it was great. It definitely benefited from the fan localization team, Geofront, working on this game in my opinion. Joshua and Estelle came back, doing their own thing on the side to find Renne, which I loved. But I didn't love the game because they were back (with new snazzy art); they were just the icing on top. The SSS and the lower stakes story (until the end maybe) really got me. I'm always a sucker for street level stuff and I ate all of it up here. Some twists were expected but some actually got me. The Japanese voice acting being retained for this release was also a plus. I obviously don't understand any of it, but I get the feeling for who people are and how they feel and that's just as important (when I have the English text to know what's going on too of course).
This game made me want to jump straight into Trails into Azure just a couple of hours after rolling credits, and I don't even regret it. It's gonna be tight though, finishing it before Persona 3 Reload in February. No regrets. I can't end with the open-ended questions now. I must finish this duology so that when I come back, I can jump right into Trails of Cold Steel.
This review contains spoilers
Man fuck the D&G cult, all my homies hate the D&G Cult
While I prefer the refined gameplay of CS, Zero provides a fun jrpg experience with far less fluff.
Looking forward to playing Azure soon!
Looking forward to playing Azure soon!
what if we made trails but the characters had zero soul, except for tia
It's Trails but with a new cast of characters and now you're playing as police officers instead of bracers.
The police in this game have a sort of friendly rivalry with the bracers. This is a fun way of incorporating characters from previous games without their presence overshadowing the main cast, but it does help point out that classic Trails characters overshadowing the main cast is a potential issue. In the story, the main cast of Trails From Zero don't want to be outdone by Estelle and Joshua. And even though they address that problem narratively, I do think there was a part of the game where Estelle and Joshua being present could potentially overshadow the main cast. I'd prefer that classic characters have a smaller role in a game that's establishing a new cast of characters. Otherwise the new characters never get their moment to shine. Luckily there were many moments in this game that let the new characters shine, but I do think they could have dialed back Estelle and Joshua's involvement for this particular game.
Trails from Zero is only half of a story, so I don't have the full picture on the main cast yet. But I enjoyed the seeing characters' stories so far. I do think that the main cast gets along together too well though. It may have been more interesting to have their friendships develop over the course of the game than have them become friends immediately.
The plot of this game is a bit on the insane side, but I enjoyed it the whole way through. It's neat that this is a JRPG that is initially about policemen taking on the mafia within a crime-infested city. That's not something you see often, so it's enjoyable even just for the novelty. And while the story takes a wild left turn toward the end, I enjoyed the direction the story ultimately took. But there's a part of me that wishes that the story continued to be about the mafia instead of changing course when all the setup for the mafia story had been done.
My biggest issue with Trails From Zero is that the main villain of the game is kind of lame. This is a game with a bunch of interesting and well developed characters, so when the villain was revealed my reaction was "THAT'S who it is??" There's not even anything necessarily wrong with how the character was written. It was just a weird-ass choice to make the character a villain. I think the villain being a character who fits the role better would have made for a more compelling finale.
The combat is Trails combat. I pretty much know the drill by now, but I enjoyed it a lot more this time because there was a built-in speed up function. Granted, the game shouldn't have needed a speed up button to be fun. The biggest flaw with Trails combat is how slow it is and that remains true, because it's actually pretty enjoyable when sped up beyond what was originally intended. I played through most of the game on speed up mode. I feel like this game is easier than the previous ones, but that's probably because I know what I'm doing with the combat system now, as well as the fact that attack animations don't take 2 years to complete when sped up.
The music is good, although Trails in the Sky the 3rd is still the highpoint of Trails music from what I've played. This game takes second place for music. There are some nice non-combat tracks here but some of the combat tracks sound a bit generic or low energy. They delivered on the boss themes though, as they tend to do.
The last thing I'll bring up is that the support requests are a pretty sizable step down from the side stories in Trails in the Sky the 3rd. The support requests can occasionally lead to some amusing scenarios, but I'd much much rather learn more about the extended cast of characters than do a bunch of fetch-quests. But narratively it makes sense for the main characters to do fetch quests, so I ended up completing a good amount anyway.
I like this game. It's my second favorite behind Trails in the Sky the 3rd so far. The story isn't over after beating Trails from Zero so I can't make my full judgement on the Crossbell arc yet. But what I really appreciate about Trails from Zero is that even though it's a new story it still follows up on unresolved plot points from the previous games. And I think for that reason alone it's worth sticking with this series even if not every game ends up being a winner.
The police in this game have a sort of friendly rivalry with the bracers. This is a fun way of incorporating characters from previous games without their presence overshadowing the main cast, but it does help point out that classic Trails characters overshadowing the main cast is a potential issue. In the story, the main cast of Trails From Zero don't want to be outdone by Estelle and Joshua. And even though they address that problem narratively, I do think there was a part of the game where Estelle and Joshua being present could potentially overshadow the main cast. I'd prefer that classic characters have a smaller role in a game that's establishing a new cast of characters. Otherwise the new characters never get their moment to shine. Luckily there were many moments in this game that let the new characters shine, but I do think they could have dialed back Estelle and Joshua's involvement for this particular game.
Trails from Zero is only half of a story, so I don't have the full picture on the main cast yet. But I enjoyed the seeing characters' stories so far. I do think that the main cast gets along together too well though. It may have been more interesting to have their friendships develop over the course of the game than have them become friends immediately.
The plot of this game is a bit on the insane side, but I enjoyed it the whole way through. It's neat that this is a JRPG that is initially about policemen taking on the mafia within a crime-infested city. That's not something you see often, so it's enjoyable even just for the novelty. And while the story takes a wild left turn toward the end, I enjoyed the direction the story ultimately took. But there's a part of me that wishes that the story continued to be about the mafia instead of changing course when all the setup for the mafia story had been done.
My biggest issue with Trails From Zero is that the main villain of the game is kind of lame. This is a game with a bunch of interesting and well developed characters, so when the villain was revealed my reaction was "THAT'S who it is??" There's not even anything necessarily wrong with how the character was written. It was just a weird-ass choice to make the character a villain. I think the villain being a character who fits the role better would have made for a more compelling finale.
The combat is Trails combat. I pretty much know the drill by now, but I enjoyed it a lot more this time because there was a built-in speed up function. Granted, the game shouldn't have needed a speed up button to be fun. The biggest flaw with Trails combat is how slow it is and that remains true, because it's actually pretty enjoyable when sped up beyond what was originally intended. I played through most of the game on speed up mode. I feel like this game is easier than the previous ones, but that's probably because I know what I'm doing with the combat system now, as well as the fact that attack animations don't take 2 years to complete when sped up.
The music is good, although Trails in the Sky the 3rd is still the highpoint of Trails music from what I've played. This game takes second place for music. There are some nice non-combat tracks here but some of the combat tracks sound a bit generic or low energy. They delivered on the boss themes though, as they tend to do.
The last thing I'll bring up is that the support requests are a pretty sizable step down from the side stories in Trails in the Sky the 3rd. The support requests can occasionally lead to some amusing scenarios, but I'd much much rather learn more about the extended cast of characters than do a bunch of fetch-quests. But narratively it makes sense for the main characters to do fetch quests, so I ended up completing a good amount anyway.
I like this game. It's my second favorite behind Trails in the Sky the 3rd so far. The story isn't over after beating Trails from Zero so I can't make my full judgement on the Crossbell arc yet. But what I really appreciate about Trails from Zero is that even though it's a new story it still follows up on unresolved plot points from the previous games. And I think for that reason alone it's worth sticking with this series even if not every game ends up being a winner.
carefree dumb guys are my weakness