Trails (series)

Trails is a series of role-playing video games by Nihon Falcom set in a science fantasy universe.{{cite web |last1=Clay |first1=Scott |title=So you want to get into The Trails Series... |url=https://www.rpgfan.com/feature/so-you-want-to-get-into-the-trails-series/ |website=RPGFan |date=June 25, 2021 |accessdate=June 26, 2021 |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626193506/https://www.rpgfan.com/feature/so-you-want-to-get-into-the-trails-series/ |url-status=live}} It began as the sixth entry in Falcom's The Legend of Heroes franchise with the release of The Legend of Heroes VI: Trails in the Sky in 2004. Despite that, it had no narrative connection with prior Legend of Heroes games and is considered its own distinct franchise.{{cite web |last1=Wen |first1=Alan |title=Hot on the Trails of Falcom, Japan's longest-running RPG developer |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-10-06-hot-on-the-trails-of-falcom-japans-longest-running-rpg-developer |website=Eurogamer |date=October 6, 2019 |accessdate=June 10, 2020 |archive-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901163411/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-10-06-hot-on-the-trails-of-falcom-japans-longest-running-rpg-developer |url-status=live}} The Trails games are set within a few years of each other and follow an overarching narrative, with the events of a few entries crossing over into another. The series was conceived by Falcom to have the most ambitious story in video games, with company president and series producer Toshihiro Kondo considering it to be his life's work.{{cite web |last1=Broadwell |first1=Joshua |title=Why Nihon Falcom's 'Trails' series has never cracked the West |url=https://www.inputmag.com/gaming/why-nihon-falcoms-trails-series-has-never-cracked-the-west |website=Input Magazine |access-date=June 12, 2021 |date=June 9, 2021 |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612074349/https://www.inputmag.com/gaming/why-nihon-falcoms-trails-series-has-never-cracked-the-west |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Fillari |first1=Alessandro |last2=Kondo |first2=Toshihiro |title=Falcom President Talks The Future Of Legend Of Heroes, And Localizing Trails Of Cold Steel 3 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/falcom-president-talks-the-future-of-legend-of-her/1100-6468720/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 2, 2022 |quote=It's not an exaggeration to say that this is kind of my life's work. |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702194305/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/falcom-president-talks-the-future-of-legend-of-her/1100-6468720/ |url-status=live}} The games are made using proprietary game engines by Falcom, with the exception being Sony's PhyreEngine used for the Trails of Cold Steel games.{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=Falcom developing proprietary game engine |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2019/12/falcom-developing-proprietary-game-engine |website=Gematsu |date=December 18, 2019 |access-date=June 19, 2022 |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514115334/https://www.gematsu.com/2019/12/falcom-developing-proprietary-game-engine |url-status=live}} The series is heavily influenced by anime and features several archetypes and tropes common to it.{{cite web |last1=Morgan |first1=Benjamin |title=7 Reasons Every JRPG Fan Should Try Trails of Cold Steel (& More) |url=https://www.fanbyte.com/lists/7-reasons-every-jrpg-fan-should-try-trails-of-cold-steel-more/ |website=FanByte |access-date=July 2, 2022 |date=October 7, 2019 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407162115/https://www.fanbyte.com/lists/7-reasons-every-jrpg-fan-should-try-trails-of-cold-steel-more/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Stockdale |first1=Henry |title=Feature: Nihon Falcom's Trails Of Cold Steel Rivals Game Of Thrones In The Worldbuilding Stakes |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/04/feature_nihon_falcoms_trails_of_cold_steel_rivals_game_of_thrones_in_the_worldbuilding_stakes |website=Nintendo Life |date=April 7, 2021 |access-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629084540/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/04/feature_nihon_falcoms_trails_of_cold_steel_rivals_game_of_thrones_in_the_worldbuilding_stakes |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/08/05/review-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-sky-pc/97392/ |title=Review: Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (PC) |date=August 6, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806225530/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/08/05/review-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-sky-pc/97392/ |archive-date=August 6, 2014 |website= Hardcore Gamer}}

Trails is set across several locations on the continent of Zemuria, such as the Liberl Kingdom, the city-state of Crossbell, the Erebonian Empire, and the Calvard Republic, among others.{{cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Justin |title=How to Get Into the Trails RPGs and What Makes Them So Special |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/how-to-get-into-the-trails-rpgs-and-what-makes-them-so-special |website=IGN |date=July 9, 2021 |access-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709212537/https://www.ign.com/articles/how-to-get-into-the-trails-rpgs-and-what-makes-them-so-special |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Fuller |first1=Alex |title=The Legend of Heroes Series: Where to Start? |url=https://rpgamer.com/2021/12/the-legend-of-heroes-series-where-to-start/ |website=RPGamer |access-date=July 2, 2022 |date=December 22, 2021 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702023652/https://rpgamer.com/2021/12/the-legend-of-heroes-series-where-to-start/ |url-status=live}} Zemuria is home to several groups, factions, and organizations, such as the Bracer's Guild, the Septian Church, and the secret society of Ouroboros. The series is set half a century after the discovery of orbal energy, an analog to electric power. This led to a technological revolution caused by the invention of Orbments, mechanical devices varying greatly in size and scope that run off orbal energy, powering everyday appliances up to mecha and other large machinery. Orbal energy also allowed for the casting of magic-like "arts", which exist in seven elemental forms. Trails also features sociopolitical elements, with subjects such as imperialism, classism, and immigration being a part of the narrative.{{cite web |last1=Garcia |first1=Derek |title=Trails, The Longest-Running JRPG Story, Is Only Halfway Done |url=https://screenrant.com/legend-heroes-trails-cold-steel-games-jrpg-series/ |website=Screen Rant |date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727205831/https://screenrant.com/legend-heroes-trails-cold-steel-games-jrpg-series/ |url-status=live}} In contrast with many other role-playing games, nearly every non-playable character in the series has a name, with several having their own character arcs of varying degrees of importance to the main plot.

{{multiple image

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| image1 = Trails in the Sky FC battle.jpg

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| footer = The combat of Trails is turn-based with tactical elements. Shown here are Trails in the Sky (2004) and Trails Through Daybreak (2021).

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The combat of Trails is turn-based with tactical elements. Unlike most other turn-based games, the series lacks random encounters as most enemies are visible on the overworld.{{cite web |last1=Schreier |first1=Jason |title=The Best JRPG Of The Decade (So Far) |url=https://kotaku.com/the-best-jrpg-of-the-decade-so-far-1743320035 |website=Kotaku |date=November 18, 2015 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417104218/https://kotaku.com/the-best-jrpg-of-the-decade-so-far-1743320035 |url-status=live}} Combat takes place on a large grid, with characters only able to move across a set number of squares or perform a single ability each turn. Turns are listed on a timeline on the screen, which can be manipulated with certain abilities. In addition to basic attacks and item usage, every character has abilities known as Crafts and Arts. Crafts are unique to each character and are usually unlocked or strengthened by leveling up. S-Crafts are a character's ultimate ability fueled by a meter that builds as they deal and take damage. When full, players can use it at any time to bypass the turn order to perform skills such as dealing large amounts of damage or supporting their party with healing and buffs.

Arts are magic-like spells that are powerful but take time to cast. Rather than being unique to any specific character or monster like Crafts, Arts are determined by the type and specific arrangement of Quartz, items similar to Materia from Final Fantasy VII. Each successive game usually introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the addition of Persona-like social events in Trails of Cold Steel or the optional action-based combat system in Trails Through Daybreak.{{cite web |last1=Schreier |first1=Jason |title=Trails of Cold Steel Is Basically Suikoden Meets Persona |url=https://kotaku.com/trails-of-cold-steel-is-basically-suikoden-meets-person-1749278992 |website=Kotaku |date=December 22, 2015 |accessdate=June 10, 2020 |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610221326/https://kotaku.com/trails-of-cold-steel-is-basically-suikoden-meets-person-1749278992 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Stenbuck |first1=Kite |title=Kuro no Kiseki Will Let You Toggle Between Battle Systems |url=https://www.siliconera.com/kuro-no-kiseki-will-let-you-toggle-command-and-action-battles/ |website=Siliconera |date=March 3, 2021 |access-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629094559/https://www.siliconera.com/kuro-no-kiseki-will-let-you-toggle-command-and-action-battles/ |url-status=live}}

{{Timeline of release years

| 2004 = Trails in the Sky

| 2006 = Trails in the Sky SC

| 2007 = Trails in the Sky the 3rd

| 2010 = Trails from Zero

| 2011 = Trails to Azure

| 2013 = Trails of Cold Steel

| 2014 = Trails of Cold Steel II

| 2017 = Trails of Cold Steel III

| 2018 = Trails of Cold Steel IV

| 2020 = Trails into Reverie

| 2021 = Trails Through Daybreak

| 2022 = Trails Through Daybreak II

| 2024 = Trails Beyond the Horizon

| 2025 = Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

}}

Trails is split into four interconnected story arcs: Trails in the Sky,{{efn|Sora no Kiseki in Japan.}} Crossbell, Trails of Cold Steel,{{efn|Sen no Kiseki in Japan.}} and Trails Through Daybreak.{{efn|Kuro no Kiseki in Japan.}} The series also has a few spin-offs, some of which feature other styles of gameplay or are considered non-canonical.

{{main|Trails in the Sky|Trails in the Sky SC|Trails in the Sky the 3rd}}

The first arc of the series, Trails in the Sky, consists of three games. They are set within the Liberl Kingdom and primarily follow Estelle Bright and her adopted brother Joshua, members of the Bracer's Guild, a civilian peacekeeping and monster-hunting organization. The first game, Trails in the Sky, was released in Japan in 2004 for Windows and for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/loh/loh6.htm|title=Hardcore Gaming 101: Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky|website=Hardcore Gaming 101|access-date=January 6, 2015|archive-date=December 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228123027/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net:80/loh/loh6.htm|url-status=dead}} The second game, Trails in the Sky SC,{{efn|SC standing for second chapter.}} continues the plot of the first and was released in Japan for Windows in 2006 and the PSP the following year. The third game, Trails in the Sky the 3rd, follows Septian Church agent Kevin Graham, who is sent to an otherworldly dimension known as Phantasma alongside many characters from the previous two games. Sky the 3rd also features vignettes exploring character backstories as well as foreshadowing plot elements explored in later arcs.{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Kat |title=Trails in the Sky the 3rd Closes the Trilogy With the Equivalent of The Lord of the Ring's Appendices |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/trails-in-the-sky-the-3rd-review |website=US Gamer |access-date=September 17, 2022 |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171011/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/trails-in-the-sky-the-3rd-review |url-status=live}} It was released in Japan in 2007 for Windows and the PSP in 2008. A 3D remake of the first game, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, is scheduled for release worldwide for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Windows in late 2025.{{cite web |first=Sal |last=Romano |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/12/trails-in-the-sky-1st-chapter-launches-in-fall-2025-worldwide-for-ps5-switch-and-pc|title=Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter launches in fall 2025 worldwide for PS5, Switch, and PC|publisher=Gematsu|date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=December 19, 2024 }}

In 2010, Xseed Games acquired the rights to localize and publish the trilogy in English.{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-legend-of-the-heroes-trails-in-the-sky-takes-flight-in-march/ |title=The Legend Of The Heroes: Trails In The Sky Takes Flight In March |publisher=Siliconera |date=December 6, 2010 |access-date=September 13, 2013 |archive-date=September 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930092801/https://www.siliconera.com/the-legend-of-the-heroes-trails-in-the-sky-takes-flight-in-march/ |url-status=live}} Despite the first game being finished in 2011, SC and the 3rd were not released until the mid-2010s due to several challenges during the localization process, such as slow communication with Falcom and occupational burnout due to the size of their scripts, with the first game alone having over 1.5 million Japanese characters.{{cite web |author=Spencer |url=http://www.siliconera.com/whats-going-on-with-the-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-sky-second-chapter/ |title=What's Going On With The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky Second Chapter? |publisher=Siliconera |date=October 14, 2011 |access-date=September 13, 2013 |archive-date=April 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403090410/https://www.siliconera.com/whats-going-on-with-the-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-sky-second-chapter/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web|last= Thew |first= Geoff |url= https://hardcoregamer.com/news/carpe-fulgurs-andrew-dice-apologizes-for-trails-in-the-sky-delays/125977/ |title= Carpe Fulgur's Andrew Dice Apologizes for Trails in the Sky Delays |date= December 26, 2014|website= Hardcore Gamer |access-date=April 3, 2024}}{{cite web|first=Ishaan|last=Sahdev |url=http://www.siliconera.com/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-sky-has-1-5-million-japanese-characters/ |title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Has 1.5 Million Japanese Characters |publisher=Siliconera |date=February 12, 2011 |access-date=September 13, 2013}}

{{main|Trails from Zero|Trails to Azure}}

The Crossbell arc consists of two games. They are set in Crossbell, a city-state located between the great powers of Erebonia and Calvard. It follows rookie police investigator Lloyd Bannings and the Special Support Section, consisting of himself, Elie McDowell, Randy Orlando, and Tio Plato, as they protect the city from criminal activity and the geopolitical situation that looms over it. The first game, Trails from Zero, was released in Japan for the PSP in 2010.{{cite news |last1=Rawda |first1=Odel |title=Why Falcom's Trails from Zero & Trails to Azure Deserve a Western Release |url=https://www.cbr.com/falcoms-trails-deserve-western-release/ |accessdate=May 22, 2020 |work=CBR |date=May 6, 2020 |archive-date=June 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602203951/https://www.cbr.com/falcoms-trails-deserve-western-release/ |url-status=live}} The second, Trails to Azure, was released in Japan for the PSP in 2011.

The duology did not see official English release for over a decade until NIS America took over rights to the series' English localization in 2019. They released Trails from Zero in 2022 and Trails to Azure in 2023 for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows.{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero launches September 27 in North America, September 30 in Europe |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/03/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-from-zero-launches-september-27-in-north-america-september-30-in-europe |website=Gematsu |date=March 2, 2022 |access-date=March 14, 2022 |archive-date=March 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314154521/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/03/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-from-zero-launches-september-27-in-north-america-september-30-in-europe |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure coming west in 2023 for PS4, Switch, and PC |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/06/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-to-azure-coming-west-in-2023-for-ps4-switch-and-pc |website=Gematsu |access-date=June 28, 2021 |date=June 25, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629085549/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/06/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-to-azure-coming-west-in-2023-for-ps4-switch-and-pc |url-status=live}}

{{main|Trails of Cold Steel|Trails of Cold Steel II|Trails of Cold Steel III|Trails of Cold Steel IV|Trails into Reverie}}

The Trails of Cold Steel arc follows Rean Schwarzer and Class VII, a specialized group of students attending Thors Military Academy in the Erebonian Empire. The first game, Trails of Cold Steel was released for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita in Japan in 2013. Trails of Cold Steel II is a direct continuation of the first game and was released for the PlayStation 3 and Vita in 2014.

The third and fourth games, Trails of Cold Steel III and IV, follow Rean in his new role as an instructor of a new Class VII at a branch campus of Thors. Cold Steel III was released for the PlayStation 4 (PS4) in Japan in 2017, while Cold Steel IV was released in the following year. A fifth game, Trails into Reverie, was released in 2020 and acts as an epilogue to both the Crossbell and Erebonia arcs and follows Rean, Lloyd, and a masked character known as C.{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=The Legend of Heroes: Hajimari no Kiseki coming to Switch, PC in summer 2021 in Japan and Asia |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/12/the-legend-of-heroes-hajimari-no-kiseki-coming-to-switch-pc-in-summer-2021-in-japan-and-asia |website=Gematsu |date=December 20, 2020 |accessdate=December 21, 2020 |archive-date=December 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221065742/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/12/the-legend-of-heroes-hajimari-no-kiseki-coming-to-switch-pc-in-summer-2021-in-japan-and-asia |url-status=live}}

English versions of Cold Steel and Cold Steel II were released by Xseed Games in 2015 and 2016, respectively. NIS America released Cold Steel III in 2019, IV in 2020, and Trails into Reverie in 2023. A box set containing all five games was released in Japan for the PS4 in July 2022.{{cite web |last1=Hashimoto |first1=Kazuma |title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel & Trails into Reverie Complete Box Announced |url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-of-cold-steel-trails-into-reverie-complete-box-announced/ |website=Siliconera |date=April 28, 2022 |access-date=July 24, 2022 |archive-date=July 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724093931/https://www.siliconera.com/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-of-cold-steel-trails-into-reverie-complete-box-announced/ |url-status=live}}

{{Main|Trails Through Daybreak|Trails Through Daybreak II|Trails Beyond the Horizon}}

Trails Through Daybreak follows Van Arkride, a mix of a detective and bounty hunter known as a Spriggan, and high schooler Agnes Claudel, who hires Van to search for eight artifacts that hold the key to solving an apocalyptic mystery. The arc is set in Calvard and is considered the start of the second half of the series. The first game, Trails Through Daybreak, was released in Japan for the PlayStation 4 in 2021. It features an action-based battle system as well as updates to the traditional turn-based system.{{cite web |last1=Galizio |first1=James |title=Kuro no Kiseki ushers in a new dawn for the Trails series |url=https://www.rpgsite.net/feature/11948-kuro-no-kiseki-ushers-in-a-new-dawn-for-the-trails-series |website=RPG Site |access-date=February 4, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=February 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204004145/https://www.rpgsite.net/feature/11948-kuro-no-kiseki-ushers-in-a-new-dawn-for-the-trails-series |url-status=live}} An English version was released by NIS America in July 2024 in addition to a Nintendo Switch version.{{Cite web |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/03/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-through-daybreak-launches-july-5-in-the-west |title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak launches July 5 in the west |first=Sal|last=Romano |website=Gematsu |date=March 5, 2024 |access-date=March 5, 2024 |language=en-US}}

A sequel, Trails Through Daybreak II, was released in Japan for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in September 2022 and for the Switch in July 2024.{{Cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|title=The Legend of Heroes: Kuro no Kiseki II -CRIMSON SiN- launches September 29 in Japan|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/06/the-legend-of-heroes-kuro-no-kiseki-ii-crimson-sin-launches-september-29-in-japan|website=Gematsu|date=June 8, 2022|access-date=June 8, 2022|archive-date=June 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608060347/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/06/the-legend-of-heroes-kuro-no-kiseki-ii-crimson-sin-launches-september-29-in-japan|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II coming to Switch on July 25 in Japan |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/04/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-through-daybreak-ii-coming-to-switch-on-july-25-in-japan |website=Gematsu |access-date=May 6, 2024 |date=April 5, 2024}} The English version released in February 2025.{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II launches February 14, 2025 in the west |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/10/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-through-daybreak-ii-launches-february-14-2025-in-the-west |website=Gematsu |access-date=October 22, 2024}} A third game, Trails Beyond the Horizon, was released in Japan in September 2024 and will be released in English in late 2025.{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|title=The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki – Farewell, O Zemuria launches September 26 in Japan for PS5, PS4|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/05/the-legend-of-heroes-kai-no-kiseki-farewell-o-zemuria-launches-september-26-in-japan-for-ps5-ps4|website=Gematsu|date=May 22, 2024|access-date=May 22, 2024}}{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2025 |title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon coming west this fall for PS5, PS4, Switch, and PC |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2025/03/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-beyond-the-horizon-coming-west-this-fall-for-ps5-ps4-switch-and-pc |access-date=March 28, 2025 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}} A sequel to Trails Beyond the Horizon is planned to end the Calvard arc.{{cite web |author1=アツゴロウ |title=『界の軌跡』ネタバレありインタビュー。リィンとシズナの現在の実力差は？ 登場人物たちへのあれこれ＆募集した読者質問の回答を中心にお届け【後編】 |url=https://dengekionline.com/article/202411/23531 |website=Dengeki Online |access-date=November 26, 2024 |date=November 17, 2024|language=Japanese}}

{{main|List of Trails media}}

Trails has seen several spin-offs and works in other types of media, including manga, audio dramas, and anime. Ys vs. Trails in the Sky is a crossover fighting game featuring characters from Trails and Falcom's Ys series. It was released exclusively in Japan in July 2010 but received an English fan translation patch in October 2021.{{cite web |author1=Livi |title=Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga Out Now! |url=https://geofront.esterior.net/2021/10/16/ys-vs-trails-in-the-sky-alternative-saga-is-out-now/ |website=geofront.esterior.net |access-date=August 20, 2024 |date=October 16, 2021}} The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails was released in Japan in July 2012 and worldwide in 2023.{{cite web|last=Vitale|first=Adam|url=https://www.rpgsite.net/news/11399-nis-america-officially-announces-trails-from-zero-trails-to-azure-trails-into-reverie-and-the-legend-of-nayuta-boundless-trails|title=NIS America officially announces Trails from Zero, Trails to Azure, Trails into Reverie, and The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails|date=June 25, 2021|website=RPG Site|access-date=June 25, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103180831/https://www.rpgsite.net/news/11399-nis-america-officially-announces-trails-from-zero-trails-to-azure-trails-into-reverie-and-the-legend-of-nayuta-boundless-trails|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Wallace|first=Kimberly|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/10/25/unfortunate-timing-rpgs-released-late-in-the-psp-s-lifecycle.aspx|title=Unfortunate Timing: RPGs Released Late In The PSP's Life Cycle|magazine=Game Informer|date=October 25, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202153545/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/10/25/unfortunate-timing-rpgs-released-late-in-the-psp-s-lifecycle.aspx?PostPageIndex=2|url-status=live}} It does not take place within Zemuria and also differs from the rest of the series by being an action role-playing game. The Legend of Heroes: Trails at Sunrise is a Japanese-only gacha game developed by UserJoy Technology. It was first released in 2016 as a browser game before being ported to several other platforms.{{cite news|url=https://gematsu.com/2016/12/legend-heroes-akatsuki-no-kiseki-ps-vita-launches-december-26-japan|first=Sal|last=Romano|title=The Legend of Heroes: Akatsuki no Kiseki for PS Vita launches December 26 in Japan|work=Gematsu|date=December 21, 2016|access-date=June 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503090820/https://gematsu.com/2016/12/legend-heroes-akatsuki-no-kiseki-ps-vita-launches-december-26-japan|archive-date=May 3, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web |author1=Sato |title=The Legend of Heroes: Akatsuki no Kiseki Mobile Launches For Switch In Japan On August 27, 2019 |url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-legend-of-heroes-akatsuki-no-kiseki-launches-for-switch-in-japan-on-august-27-2019/ |website=Siliconera |date=August 21, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2022 |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822104736/https://www.siliconera.com/the-legend-of-heroes-akatsuki-no-kiseki-launches-for-switch-in-japan-on-august-27-2019/ |url-status=live}}

An original video animation adaptation of Trails in the Sky SC was produced by Kinema Citrus; part one was released in November 2011 while the second was released in February 2012.{{cite web|title=Eiyu Densetsu: Sora no Kiseki RPG Gets Anime|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-08/sora-no-kiseki-rpg-gets-anime|work=Anime News Network|accessdate=June 29, 2012|archive-date=June 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614163205/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-08/sora-no-kiseki-rpg-gets-anime|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Anime #2 Teaser Posted|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-12-12/legend-of-heroes/trails-in-the-sky-anime-no.2-teaser-posted|work=Anime News Network|accessdate=March 15, 2012|date=December 12, 2011|archive-date=January 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114054756/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-12-12/legend-of-heroes/trails-in-the-sky-anime-no.2-teaser-posted|url-status=live}} They were licensed by Sentai Filmworks for release in North America that same year.{{cite web|title=Sentai Filmworks Licenses Legend of Heroes ~ Trails in the Sky|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2012-06-29/sentai-filmworks-licenses-legend-of-the-heroes-trails-in-the-sky|work=Anime News Network|accessdate=June 29, 2012|archive-date=July 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701212203/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2012-06-29/sentai-filmworks-licenses-legend-of-the-heroes-trails-in-the-sky|url-status=live}} A 12-episode anime series produced by Tatsunoko Production, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel – Northern War, aired in early 2023.{{cite web|last1=Loo|first1=Egan|title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel Northern War Anime's 2nd Video Unveils Opening Song, January 6 Debut|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-03/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-of-cold-steel-northern-war-anime-2nd-video-unveils-opening-song-january-/.192541|website=Anime News Network|access-date=December 4, 2022|date=December 3, 2022}}{{cite web|last1=Loo|first1=Egan|title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel Northern War Anime's 2nd Video Unveils Opening Song, January 6 Debut|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-03/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-of-cold-steel-northern-war-anime-2nd-video-unveils-opening-song-january-/.192541|website=Anime News Network|access-date=December 4, 2022|date=December 3, 2022|archive-date=January 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116192054/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-03/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-of-cold-steel-northern-war-anime-2nd-video-unveils-opening-song-january-/.192541|url-status=live}} A mobile game based on the anime was released in Japan in December 2023 and worldwide in May 2024.{{Cite web |date=December 25, 2023 |title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel Northern War Mobile Game Slated for December 6 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-11-26/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-of-cold-steel-northern-war-mobile-game-slated-for-december-6/.204807 |access-date=December 26, 2023 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Vitale |first1=Adam |title=Trails of Cold Steel: Northern War mobile RPG launches on May 29 worldwide |url=https://www.rpgsite.net/news/15782-trails-cold-steel-northern-war-mobile-rpg-launches-on-may-29-worldwide |website=RPG Site |access-date=April 29, 2024}}

Several manga adaptations of games in the series have been released.{{cite web |title=英雄伝説 空の軌跡１ |url=https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/bk-0056-00 |website=falcom.co.jp |language=Japanese |access-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006120800/https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/bk-0056-00 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=英雄伝説 空の軌跡 SC 1 |url=https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/bk-0110-00 |website=falcom.co.jp |access-date=August 4, 2022 |language=Japanese |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629012743/https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/bk-0110-00 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=英雄伝説 閃の軌跡（1） |url=https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/bk-0118-00 |website=falcom.co.jp |language=Japanese |access-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006120956/https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/bk-0118-00 |url-status=live}} Trails in the Sky also received a novelization.{{cite web |title=英雄伝説 空の軌跡１ 消えた飛行客船 |url=https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/bk-0101-00 |website=falcom.co.jp |language=Japanese |access-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309050351/https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/bk-0101-00 |url-status=live}} Other manga, such as The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero Pre-Story -The Ring of Judgment- and Trails in the Sky Gaiden: The Tale of Loewe, are original works that provide backstory to certain characters.{{cite web |title=英雄伝説 零の軌跡 プレストーリー-審判の指環- |url=https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/b057 |website=falcom.co.jp |language=Japanese |access-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006120758/https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/b057 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=空の軌跡外伝 レーヴェ物語１ |url=https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/bk-0069-00 |website=falcom.co.jp |language=Japanese |access-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006123640/https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/bk-0069-00 |url-status=live}} Several characters from the series also appeared in Minna Atsumare! Falcom Gakuen, a four-part comedy manga which later saw two short anime adaptations in the mid-2010s.{{cite web |last1=Komatsu |first1=Mikikazu |title=4-panel Manga "Minna Atsumare! Falcom Gakuen" Gets TV Anime Adaptation |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2013/11/30/4-panel-manga-minna-atsumare-falcom-gakuen-gets-tv-anime-adaptation |website=Crunchyroll |access-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726094557/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2013/11/30/4-panel-manga-minna-atsumare-falcom-gakuen-gets-tv-anime-adaptation |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Komatsu |first1=Mikikazu |title="Minna Atsumare! Falcom Gakuen" 2nd Season Set for January 4, 2015 |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2014/10/31-1/minna-atsumare-falcom-gakuen-2nd-season-set-for-january-4-2015 |website=Crunchyroll |access-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726094558/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2014/10/31-1/minna-atsumare-falcom-gakuen-2nd-season-set-for-january-4-2015 |url-status=live}}

Audio drama adaptations of the games have also been produced, with a few set between the games and filling in details glossed over.{{cite web |title=クローゼのドタバタ学園生活！？『空の軌跡』第6弾ドラマCD収録レポート！皆口裕子さん、森田成一さん、神田朱未さん、斎賀みつきさん達が、人気ゲームの外伝作品を大熱演！ |url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1255061128 |website=Animate Times |access-date=June 30, 2021 |language=ja |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182819/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1255061128 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=英雄伝説 空の軌跡６ |url=https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/b095 |website=falcom.co.jp |language=Japanese |access-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624093056/https://www.falcom.co.jp/book-data/b095 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.falcom.co.jp/archives/goods_type/software/drama_cd|title=ドラマCD | Falcom|website=falcom.co.jp|language=Japanese|access-date=October 20, 2021|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020065838/https://www.falcom.co.jp/archives/goods_type/software/drama_cd|url-status=live}} Transcripts of two Trails of Cold Steel dramas were translated by Xseed Games and published online as promotional material for Trails of Cold Steel II.{{cite web |title=Trails of Cold Steel Drama CD – Returning Home |url=http://www.trailsofcoldsteel.com/cs2/memoirs1.html |website=trailsofcoldsteel.com |access-date=July 1, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182217/http://www.trailsofcoldsteel.com/cs2/memoirs1.html |url-status=live}} A 2.5D musical based on Trails of Cold Steel ran in January 2017.{{cite web |last1=Pineda |first1=Rafael Antonio |title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel Musical's Cast Shown in Rehearsal Video |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-01-05/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-of-cold-steel-musical-cast-shown-in-rehearsal-video/.110609 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=July 1, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190120/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-01-05/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-of-cold-steel-musical-cast-shown-in-rehearsal-video/.110609 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel to Receive Musical Production in January 2017 |url=https://www.otakustudy.com/video-game/2016/09/legend-heroes-trails-cold-steel-receive-musical-production-january-2017/ |website=otakustudy.com |date=September 9, 2016 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181950/https://www.otakustudy.com/video-game/2016/09/legend-heroes-trails-cold-steel-receive-musical-production-january-2017/ |url-status=live}} The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Destiny, a tabletop game designed by Promethium Books, was released in 2024.{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Scott |title=Nihon Falcom partners with Promethium Books to bring The Legend of Heroes and Ys to the tabletop |url=https://www.rpgsite.net/news/14547-nihon-falcom-partners-with-promethium-books-to-bring-the-legend-of-heroes-and-ys-to-the-tabletop |website=RPG Site |access-date=July 30, 2023}} A trading card game by TCG Corporation was released in Japan in November 2024.{{cite web |last1=Stenbuck |first1=Kite |title=Trails Series Trading Card Game Will Launch in November |url=https://www.siliconera.com/trails-series-trading-card-game-will-launch-in-november/ |website=Siliconera |date=June 7, 2024 |access-date=June 18, 2024}}

File:Toshihiro Kondo.jpg

Trails has been praised for its character arcs and worldbuilding, with its scope and sense of continuity being compared to the A Song of Ice and Fire novels by George R. R. Martin, the Forgotten Realms setting for Dungeons & Dragons, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite the series' English localization being praised for their quality, their slow release pace has been criticized, with them tending to lag years behind the original Japanese games.{{cite web |last1=Galizio |first1=James |title=Nihon Falcom hopes to speed up localization for The Legend of Heroes |url=https://www.rpgsite.net/news/12140-nihon-falcom-hopes-to-speed-up-localization-for-the-legend-of-heroes |website=RPG Site |access-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217174332/https://www.rpgsite.net/news/12140-nihon-falcom-hopes-to-speed-up-localization-for-the-legend-of-heroes |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Ramsey |first1=Robert |title=The West's Already Huge Wait for the New Trails Games Just Got Even More Painful |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2022/04/the-wests-already-huge-wait-for-the-new-trails-games-just-got-even-more-painful |website=Push Square |date=April 7, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502150626/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2022/04/the-wests-already-huge-wait-for-the-new-trails-games-just-got-even-more-painful |url-status=live}} The music written for the series by Falcom Sound Team jdk, the company's team of composers, has also been praised.

Characters or other elements from Trails have been featured in crossover promotions with other games, including Monster Hunter Frontier G,{{cite web |title=『MHF-G』の新モンスター・金塵龍（きんじんりゅう）"ガルバダオラ"が公開！ 『閃の軌跡II』とのコラボも決定 |url=https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/888/888156/ |website=Dengeki Online |access-date=June 27, 2022 |language=Japanese |date=July 18, 2014 |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627091412/https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/888/888156/ |url-status=live}} Chain Chronicle V,{{cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Joshua |title=Trails In The Sky Characters Are Powerhouses In Chain Chronicle V |url=https://www.siliconera.com/trails-in-the-sky-characters-are-powerhouses-in-chain-chronicle-v/ |website=Siliconera |date=July 22, 2015 |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618143355/https://www.siliconera.com/trails-in-the-sky-characters-are-powerhouses-in-chain-chronicle-v/ |url-status=live}} Dead or Alive 5,{{cite web |last1=Ramsey |first1=Robert |title=Dead or Alive 5: Last Round Plays Dress-Up with Falcom JRPG Costumes This Week |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2015/09/dead_or_alive_5_last_round_plays_dress-up_with_falcom_jrpg_costumes_this_week |website=Push Square |date=September 14, 2015 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |archive-date=December 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228003248/http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2015/09/dead_or_alive_5_last_round_plays_dress-up_with_falcom_jrpg_costumes_this_week |url-status=live}} Fantasy Earth Zero,{{cite web |author1=Sato |title=Square Enix's Fantasy Earth Zero Stays Alive With A Trails Series Collaboration |url=https://www.siliconera.com/square-enixs-fantasy-earth-zero-stays-alive-trails-series-collaboration/ |website=Siliconera |date=March 5, 2018 |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618143354/https://www.siliconera.com/square-enixs-fantasy-earth-zero-stays-alive-trails-series-collaboration/ |url-status=live}} Langrisser Mobile,{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Alistair |title=Langrisser Mobile Adds Renne, Leonhardt, Olivier In Second Trails In The Sky Crossover |url=https://www.siliconera.com/langrisser-mobile-adds-renne-leonhardt-olivier-in-second-trails-in-the-sky-crossover/ |website=Siliconera |access-date=August 20, 2024 |date=March 19, 2019}} Utawarerumono: Zan,{{cite web |author1=Sato |title=Trails of Cold Steel IV And Utawarerumono Zan Are Getting Collaboration Costumes On October 25 |url=https://www.siliconera.com/trails-of-cold-steel-iv-and-utawarerumono-zan-are-getting-collaboration-costumes-on-october-25/ |website=Siliconera |date=October 11, 2018 |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618143358/https://www.siliconera.com/trails-of-cold-steel-iv-and-utawarerumono-zan-are-getting-collaboration-costumes-on-october-25/ |url-status=live}} Valkyrie Anatomia,{{cite web |title=『空の軌跡SC』コラボ『謎の結社の暗躍』予告 |url=https://cache.sqex-bridge.jp/api/information/detail/63745 |website=sqex-bridge.jp |access-date=June 28, 2022 |language=Japanese |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628122247/https://cache.sqex-bridge.jp/api/information/detail/63745 |url-status=live}} and a few Japanese mobile games.{{cite web |title=『碧空のグレイス』と『英雄伝説 空の軌跡』のコラボ企画が本日よりスタート！ヨシュアやエステルの限定アバターを公開 |url=https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/639/639409/ |website=Dengeki Online |access-date=June 27, 2022 |language=Japanese |date=April 16, 2013 |archive-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205080609/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/639/639409/ |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |title=『ロードラ』×『閃の軌跡』のコラボスタート！限定ユニットを入手しよう |url=https://app.famitsu.com/20130917_233712/ |magazine=Famitsu |access-date=June 27, 2022 |language=Japanese |date=September 17, 2013 |archive-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621043739/https://app.famitsu.com/20130917_233712/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Lada |first1=Jenni |title=The Legend of Heroes Brave Nine Event Begins |url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-legend-of-heroes-brave-nine-event-begins/ |website=Siliconera |date=March 11, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-date=March 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316110640/https://www.siliconera.com/the-legend-of-heroes-brave-nine-event-begins/ |url-status=live}} Characters from the series were also featured in a 2019 collaboration event with VREX, a virtual reality game arcade and café in Japan.{{cite web |author1=Sato |title=Here's A First Look At The Trails Series' Wacky Café Bar VREX Collaboration VR Party Game |url=https://www.siliconera.com/heres-a-first-look-at-the-trails-series-wacky-caf-bar-vrex-collaboration-vr-party-game/ |website=Siliconera |date=February 28, 2019 |access-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627013525/https://www.siliconera.com/heres-a-first-look-at-the-trails-series-wacky-caf-bar-vrex-collaboration-vr-party-game/ |url-status=live}} {{As of|2021}}, a list of Trails characters was the largest article on the Japanese Wikipedia at over 440,000 characters.{{cite web |last1=Renadette |first1=Brian |title=Trails Series Characters Represent Japan's Longest Wikipedia Article |url=https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/trails-series-characters-represent-japans-longest-wikipedia-article |website=Tech Raptor |date=January 19, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131193104/https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/trails-series-characters-represent-japans-longest-wikipedia-article |url-status=live}} {{As of|2024}}, the series had sold 8.5 million copies worldwide.{{cite web |last1=Hashimoto |first1=Kazuma |title=Trails Games Hit New Sales Milestone |url=https://www.siliconera.com/trails-games-hit-new-sales-milestone/ |website=Siliconera |access-date=September 20, 2024 |date=September 19, 2024}}

{{Noteslist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.thelegendofheroes.com/|NIS America portal}}
• {{Official website|http://trailsinthesky.com/|Xseed Games portal}}
• {{Official website|https://www.falcom.co.jp/kiseki/|Falcom portal}} {{in lang|ja}}

{{The Legend of Heroes series}}

Category:Japanese brands

Category:Science fantasy franchises

Category:The Legend of Heroes

Category:Role-playing video games by series

Category:Video game franchises introduced in 2004

Category:Video games set in fictional countries