Experience the Marvel Cinematic Universe of RPGs with The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie
If you’ve ever wanted to immerse yourself in the world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe through a captivating RPG, look no further than The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie. This game is the Avengers: Endgame of RPGs, bringing together three different subseries within the Trails series and over two decades’ worth of meticulous storytelling. With over 100 hours of gameplay time, including an engaging story, strategic turn-based combat, and post-game activities, Trails into Reverie is easily one of the best RPGs of 2023.
Three Routes, Three Perspectives
Trails into Reverie divides its overarching story into three routes, each with a different main character. This unique approach keeps the plot twists and revelations fresh, preventing players from lingering on one route for too long before progressing to another. The first protagonist, Rean Schwarzer, makes a return from the previous Trails games, but his storyline in Reverie is more focused and cleverly expands on his arc from Cold Steel IV. The second protagonist, Lloyd Bannings, originates from the Crossbell duology, but his route is considered the weakest of the three as it retreads familiar territory. However, the standout route in Reverie belongs to a new character named C, providing the best storytelling and chemistry among the cast.
A Cleverly Connected Narrative
The Trails series always excels at interconnecting its narratives, and Reverie is no exception. While players can switch between the three main characters at any time, certain story points remain locked until progress is made in another character’s route. This mechanic enhances the interconnectedness of the three stories while allowing each character’s individual arc to shine.
A Bloated Cast Done Right
One challenge Trails into Reverie faces is its massive cast of over 50 playable characters from previous Trails games. However, the game manages to give each character their moment to shine, allowing them to interact with each other in ways that were previously impossible. These interactions not only provide fan-service but also contribute to the overall depth and enjoyment of the story. It’s fanfiction done right.
A Game for Fans
Trails into Reverie is not designed for newcomers to the Trails series. The game assumes players are familiar with the previous games, including the Crossbell duology and the Cold Steel saga. While this might deter new players, for fans of the series, the overwhelming familiarity and nostalgia make the game a worthwhile experience.
Meticulously Designed Battles
The battle system in the Trails series is renowned for its meticulous design, and Reverie continues this trend. With up to four party members on the field and the ability to switch characters in and out, players have a high degree of freedom in approaching battles. Positioning, turn-order management, and crafting strategic attacks all play a crucial role in achieving victory. The game rewards players who capitalize on opportunities to delay enemy turns and unleash devastating attacks.
The Power of Teamwork
Trails into Reverie emphasizes the theme of teamwork, and its battle system reflects this. By exploiting enemy weaknesses, players can trigger assist attacks and launch powerful dual and burst attacks with their allies. The introduction of United Front attacks further reinforces the sense of camaraderie, as the entire party rushes in from off-screen to unleash a devastating assault. These mechanics deepen the connection between gameplay and story, enhancing the overall experience.
Welcome to the Marvel Cinematic Universe of RPGs
The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie offers a captivating RPG experience that rivals the grandeur of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With its meticulously crafted storytelling, strategic gameplay, and memorable cast of characters, it’s a must-play for fans of the Trails series and RPG enthusiasts alike.