The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III

While the previous games' (CS1 and CS2) flaws could be tolerated as both games had a lot of worldbuilding and an entire new setting to introduce, this game doesn't have this luxury. Therefore, not only does it share the same flaws (mostly related to writing, characters and direction) but this time, it doesn't bring anything new on the table to compensate for it, since it builds upon what's been established in both CS1/CS2 and Azure/Zero.. While I quickly went through both previous games and enjoyed, a lot, Azure and Zero, I genuinely struggle to play this one for more than an hour each time.

CS1, but better. Great characters and great plot made better by possibly the best ending in the series. Gameplay is definitely a welcome upgrade from the first two games (previous two weren't bad at all, but CS3 just made the battle system even better). Whatever you do, don't start with this game. You can choose to do so, and possibly still understand the plot even when past events and characters show up, but it's far from ideal when you're robbing yourself of really enjoying the game's story. Even watching story summaries will suffice. Sit back and enjoy the fun ride that is CS3.

Rean Cold Steel returns for the third instalment of underground JRPG hit classic "Trails of Cold Steel", where his harem just keeps growing exponentially. Just like most Trails games, the meat of the story is found in the last 10% of the game. Most, if not all, of the story is either filler or shameless fanservice (which is great BTW, the game contains a little something for every weeb in that regard). Gameplay-wise, it's more of Trails. Nothing special at all. I rate this one a weak 7/10.

Cold Steel III is a great game and the 3rd game in the Cold Steel arc / 8th game in the Trails series as a whole. If you are looking at this game, I assume you have already played at least CS1 and CS2, but if you haven't I would strongly recommend playing all the games before this. CS3 is another strong installment into the Trails series, with the story really upping the ante by the end. CS3 takes place 1.5 years after the events of CS2, and features a new cast still centered around Rean. Instead of being a student this time around, Rean is an instructor for a new Class 7. Similar to CS1, there is a lot of the game that moves slower as the new Class 7 gets character buildup (though the new Class 7 is significantly smaller than the OG one). I liked OG Class 7 better, but the new Class 7 is still good. Most of the game follows the same structure as CS1 as well... free day, combat training, field exercise. If you enjoyed this more structured style of gameplay in CS1, you will really enjoy it again here. The story as a whole once again starts slow, and builds up significantly until it ends in a dramatic climax and egregious cliffhanger (this might be the worst cliffhanger thus far). I personally thought the story was a bit more disjointed as some times vs some prior entries, but it was still very good, and the payoff at the end was well worth it. Gameplay wise, CS3 features a new engine that is a massive step up from CS1/CS2, which was super crusty. Visually CS3 still doesn't look like a AAA game, but it no longer looks like a PSP game from the 2000s. Character models and environments look significantly better. UI also got a massive visual upgrade and looks a lot sleeker. Combat wise, most of the things you are used to in the CS1/CS2 are still there, but there are new additions. Predominately, there is a new mechanic called a brave order, which is extremely broken if used correctly. The boss fights in the game are also pretty entertaining, though I felt like CS3 was just easier in general because of brave orders. The music for CS3 is another high point. Man were some of the soundtracks good in the one. From the general soundtracks, to the battle theme, to the boss battle theme... all of them were bangers. My favorite one was this one jazzy piano boss fight one, which just absolutely incredible. The OST is called Step Ahead if you are interested. Falcom never misses with the music. Overall, CS3 is great. You will have ups and downs, enjoy the journey, and get flabbergasted by the cliffhanger at the very end. I would highly recommend picking this up to continue the Trails journey. On to CS4 now.

Actually so much better than Cold Steel I and II

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I'm in too deep

It all starts with some kids going to school and ends having hit you with every anime trope in the book orchestrated (and translated) in an epic story. Part 3 of 4. Warning: Do not look at any fandom wikis for anything before playing through the series. They can't seem to help but put spoilers all over the place.

ToCS III is akin to Avengers: Infinity War in the sense that it starts bringing together all the characters and stories that took place over the first seven games in the series. If you're playing this game you should already have a general idea of the strengths and weaknesses of the series and whether it's for you. The Cold Steel arc and cast on its own is still my least favorite of the three major countries / casts explored so far, but everything coming together definitely makes up for it.