End of an Era

The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie brings an end to both the Crossbell and Erebonia arcs of the Trails series. What’s unique about this installment is that it’s the first in the series to be released on PlayStation 5. Unlike its predecessor, Trails from Zero, Trails into Reverie features graphical enhancements that come after Trails of Cold Steel 4. This means that players can expect updated graphics and new gameplay mechanics. With over 50 playable characters, this game offers a lot to explore.

The Story

Trails into Reverie takes place after The Great Twilight, so it’s important to avoid spoilers. The game does provide Plot Summaries from past games, so it’s ideal for players who are caught up with the series. However, for those who are new to Trails, there are previous games that offer fantastic character-driven stories to dive into.

The characters from the Crossbell arc, such as Lloyd, Juna, Elie, Tio, and Randy, make a return in Trails into Reverie. The game starts off at a high level, reflecting the growth and development of these characters throughout the past games. Players will have the opportunity to play as all the main characters from both the Crossbell and Erebonia arcs. Each character has their own story arc known as the Crossroad System, offering three narrative arcs to explore. Despite the reputation of the Trails series for having numerous cutscenes and extensive dialogue, Trails into Reverie manages to strike a better balance in its storytelling segments. The game still features plenty of dialogue, but it feels more refined and fuller, thanks to the impactful events that have occurred throughout the series.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Trails into Reverie retains the beloved turn-based gameplay that has made the series popular among JRPG fans. While many other games are adopting new styles of gameplay, this installment stays true to its roots while introducing fresh mechanics. One notable addition is the United Front mechanic, which allows players to perform a team-wide attack with the full force of reserve members, either dealing massive damage or executing a powerful save to heal the party in challenging situations.

Battles are familiar to series veterans but may feel overwhelming to newcomers. However, the game provides tutorials on all its features, making it accessible to everyone. The new mechanics add a refreshing element to the battles, complemented by smooth transitions, stunning details, and faster gameplay. Plus, the game boasts its best visuals yet. In addition to the familiar battle features, players can engage in mini-games, cooking, and character outfit customization. With such a large cast of characters, there’s plenty of room for character building, which can feel overwhelming for some but is an enjoyable aspect for many.

The True Reverie Corridor

A standout feature of Trails into Reverie is the True Reverie Corridor. It offers a breath of fresh air to the series by providing players with the freedom to explore and grind in a randomly generated dungeon. The corridor presents resources and the opportunity to upgrade various abilities and systems in the game. Moreover, it unlocks character-related episodes, quartz, and character costumes, adding depth and rewarding exploration in the game world.

Music and Sound

The music in Trails into Reverie is nothing short of phenomenal. Nihon Falcom, the creators of the series, have always excelled in delivering memorable soundtracks, comparable to some of the best composers in the Final Fantasy series. Whether it’s invigorating, calming, or pumping with euphoria, the music in Trails into Reverie sets the perfect tone and complements the gameplay experience.

Conclusion

Trails into Reverie serves as a satisfying conclusion to the Erebonia and Crossbell arcs. The game brings all the beloved characters together, offering three playable story sections. It truly feels like a grand final party with all the characters players have grown to love throughout the series. It’s hard not to recommend this game to anyone. However, if you haven’t played any of the previous Trails games, it’s highly recommended to start from the beginning to fully appreciate the fantastic story and world-building. By doing so, you won’t miss out on all the rich experiences that Trails has to offer.

A PlayStation 5 Review Code was provided by NIS America