Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Reviews
The lack of chatty treasure chests continues to be a missed opportunity in this otherwise immaculate remake of the Trails saga debut. Falcom is on fire.
As an entry point into a long running and interconnected series, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is an excellent game. Beyond just being a gateway into a larger whole, it is also a JRPG done right. A cast of charming characters anchored by two leads who you want to spend as much time with as possible, a twisty narrative and a combat system that is easy to pick up yet reveals plenty of depth, all the components here shine. With news that the sequel is also receiving the remake treatment, there has never been a better time to dive into the Trails series.
I pray more games take the initiative to follow Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter’s example in not only preserving difficulty and challenge, but everything else it promises. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is an unforgettable experience with great characters, an engaging story, and enjoyable gameplay.
If you can overlook the minor localization issues, what we're left with is a near-perfect JRPG. And if you've been hesitant to start due to the sheer size of the Trails series, this is your chance.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is the gold standard for a remake of a good game. It expands and improves upon the original without losing any of the charm that made the original game shine. Its flaws are more with the original work than anything the remake did incorrectly. In terms of basic gameplay, it's probably the most enjoyable and well-designed Trails game to date. It also marks the perfect entry point to the Trails franchise, and there's no better way to figure out if this series is for you.
A classic JRPG revamped with an oustanding full remake on Nintendo Switch 2
Whether you're a long-time fan of the franchise or a complete newcomer, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a must-play for fans of RPGs.
Trails in the Sky First Chapter is the perfect entry point for newcomers, offering an experience that feels fresh for everyone. In fact, this remake allows the game to stand toe-to-toe with many modern JRPGs and show the magic of the Trails series to a bigger audience
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Trying to remake a masterpiece is never easy, but with Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, Falcom manages to not only deliver something on par with the original, but surpass it in several key areas. Every inch exudes the charm and care that made the series so beloved, delivering a finished product of excellence.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Barring my qualms with the localisation, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is still going to be the best way for most new players to experience the start of the Trails saga. Its story remains faithful to the original, with gameplay tweaks offering a more modernised experience. I just hope that, even if it doesn’t happen for 1st Chapter post-launch, 2nd Chapter gets a more consistent localisation that doesn’t clash with future games.
A faithful and polished remake that stands out as one of the year’s best JRPGs
A remake that improves every aspect of the original title, bringing it up to date with an excellent dual combat system and an engaging story. The perfect starting point for anyone who wants to get into The Legend of Heroes saga.
Review in Italian | Read full review
I can't believe how much better Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter looks, sounds, and plays compared to the original. It may not be as epic as some of the more recent games but what's here is certainly charming and satisfying enough for any RPG fan to easily fall in love with it.
Players entering Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter without any experience with these games should note that this is only the first part of a larger story. While there is some resolution to certain plot points, others are wide open even upon finishing the game, with a few new ones even being presented in the final hours. Still, based on what the development team has said and a few hints present within the game, I don’t expect we’ll have a terribly long wait for the rest of this incredible journey. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter may be missing a bit of the charm of the original English translation, but it makes up for it with a deeper and more fully realized combat system, a ton of style, and the most fully realized version of an incredible game. New players couldn’t ask for a better place to start, and returning players will be thrilled to find the developers nailed this reimagined take on a classic.
Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter is the perfect example of what a remake should be, plus more. It goes above and beyond the expectations set by the original title, while also keeping things fresh. The incredible world development and amazing cast of characters make this a universe you will never want to leave, and seeing it brought to life in full 3D is a wonderful experience.
Much like Estelle does to Joshua in the game’s opening moments, Nihon Falcom kicks you in the face with Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter’s excellence.
The game, which was already excellent, has become even better in this new generation, and truly deserves to be appreciated. I highly recommend it.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is an excellent remake, offering voice-acted cutscenes, an overhauled battle system, and a newly rendered world that helps build a sense of place in a larger universe. So much of the Trails series revolves around the interconnected politics of the world, highlighting how each region contributes to the larger picture. This remake reinforces this notion and provides players with a clearer visual identity for Liberl and its towns.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is everything the historic Nihon Falcom series needed. A remake that gives a sparkling new look to the first chapter of a legendary saga, capable of captivating millions of fans around the world thanks to the strength of its characters and a sublime narrative universe. If you've never tried the series for fear of having missed too many titles over the years, now there are no more excuses. With revolutionary graphics and modern gameplay, 1st Chapter is easily one of the best JRPGs of 2025.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Trails in the Sky: First Chapter Remake captures what made the original beloved while making it easier to fall in love with all over again. The voice acting breathes new life into its classic storytelling, and hearing the familiar English cast return feels like a heartfelt reunion for longtime fans. The new dual combat system lets players choose their rhythm, while upgraded visuals, sound, and smoother pacing make every emotional beat land more naturally. Quality-of-life improvements iron out much of the grind that once slowed the experience. While it isn’t flawless. A few voice deliveries miss the mark, real-time combat can get messy in larger encounters, and minor technical hiccups persist, none of that diminishes what this remake achieves. This is the most complete, accessible, and emotionally resonant way to experience where the Trails saga began.