The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure

I just need to get over this barrier I just need to get over this barrier I just need to get over this barrier I just need to get over this barrier I just need to get over this barrier I just need to get over this barrier I just need to get over this barrier I just need to get over this barrier

I cannot believe just how attached I am with not only the main cast, but all of the portraitless NPCs all across Crossbell by the end of the game. This might be the most solid Trails game in the series.

good.

Trails to Azure is one of my favorite games of all time, and I do strongly recommend it. I'm giving a negative review for THIS release based on principle. Just like its predecessor, nearly all of Azure's visuals have unnecessary and sloppy AI upscaling. Even though the textures are a higher resolution than previous releases, most, if not every single visual in the game lacks the detail, consistency, and character that was present originally. Everything functions, but looks distractingly ugly and lazy. The best experience for playing Azure is probably the old Geofront patch, but that's such a pain to set up, and the console releases either have the same AI problems or lack features, so the most painless way to properly play this game is probably to just suck it up with this version. If you can get past the AI visuals by just tolerating them or modding in untainted PS Vita / PSP ones, then Azure is an amazing game that I highly recommend. As for the game itself, despite all of my problems with the visuals, it is probably my 2nd favorite game of all time, right behind Trails in the Sky SC, and I would (subjectively) rate it a 10/10 with fixed visuals. Everything set up in the first game is utilized amazingly, and there's tons of new gameplay additions to keep things fresh. The main cast of characters is very well written and extremely likeable, and ended up replacing the Sky trilogy's cast as my favorite. The story of Azure helps to elevate Zero even higher, and puts the pair together as one of the greatest JRPG stories ever made (minus the small caveat below.) Despite my subjective 10/10 rating, I do have a few problems with the game, which would probably put the score at an objective 8.5/10: - The volume of side content in the middle third of the game makes the storys pacing slow down significantly, and can make progressing a slog - and I say that as a mega Trails fan with tons of patience. - The game ends very abruptly and leaves you wanting for a proper conclusion, which wont come for multiple games. I would imagine the experience to be better knowing this going in, so you dont come out disappointed.

Very good, it dragged on just a little bit too much at the end, but that may be me hitting burn out with the game. Bitter sweet at the end, but I enjoyed the game. I really hope I get to see more of the SSS in the future games.

A journey to protect one girl's smile. It's become one of my favorite little things to see how this series iterates between games, even those of the same arc. This entry is no exception with the premier of Master Quartz and related systems as well as new and returning standard quartz adding to the combat depth! Quality of Life improvements carry over from Zero with the addition of the team finally getting their own car! While that might not seem like a big addition, you quickly not only get used to being able to skip several loading screens and quick travel menus but there are even a few locations that the civilian-faring bus system does not go to. Not only is it customizable, after a few upgrades it becomes your own portable recovery station! As you start the game, the familiar crew is off on post-Zero adventures so you join up with a new pair of roommates: Wazy and Noel! Fret not though, the gang filters back as the chapters go on and the newbies mesh seamlessly with the SSS family and give you additional combat options. Like other arcs in the series, you visit many familiar places as well as visit some new ones once again fitting an impressive number of places inside of Crossbell and most importantly Mishelam Wonderland is open for business. Don't not worry, Tio did not threaten me to type that lol. It's also worth noting the events in Azure start overlapping with events happening in Erebonia so if you're like me and played Cold Steel 1 first you'll recognize a few and have an additional perspective. Overall the Crossbell Arc is a truly wonderful pair of games.

chapter 4 and beyond... so epic.............. best out of the first 5 games