The Legend of the SSS
Before I begin this review in earnest, I must note that this is a direct continuation of the game “The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero” and if you have not played that game, I do not recommend reading this review as it will contain spoilers from the original. You can read my review of that entry here. Also note that I have completed the Geofront localized version of the game previously before reviewing this official one as well.
Welcome back to Crossbell.
Directly following the events of the ending of Trails from Zero, most of the SSS have gone their separate ways for a time, seeking to improve themselves. As they begin to gather back together, a great conspiracy begins to unfold that threatens not only their beloved home of Crossbell, but their very way of life and it’s up to the SSS to put a stop to this new threat.
As is typical for Legend of Heroes titles, the story, characters and world building is one of the best in the genre and all the meticulous set up that took place in Trails from Zero gets paid off in spades here. The new additions to the team, Noel and Wazy have their own crosses to bear and fit in wonderfully with the original squad as the team is pushed to overcome their traumas, reaffirm their ideals and come out all the better for it on the other side.
As the future entries have a bit of an issue with oversaturating the character roster, I feel Trails to Azure hits the perfect balance so that there is enough time for everyone to shine without feeling as though they were left behind. The same goes for most of the antagonists, where I could sympathize with their motivations just as much as I could the protagonist’s and during the moments where the stakes were high and ideals clashed with each other, epic moments were born.
The story also dishes out some serious twists and shocking revelations that made me appreciate its predecessor even more once I understood the full scope of what was unfolding. However, in order to not go into any details, I’ll simply say that it’s an engaging story that is expertly told.
Combat remains mostly the same with some notable improvement.
MSRP: $39.99 (PC) $49.99 (Consoles)
Price I’d Pay: $49.99
Platform: PC, PS4, NSW
Voice Acting Selection: JPN Only
Steam Deck: Currently “Unknown” but works flawlessly
Length: 40~ hours
As for the combat, there have been additions which add a bit of spice and extra customization to the tried and true formula.
First is the introduction of the Master Quartz system where each character is allowed one master quartz which not only increases their stats in a major way, it also allows for notable automatic buffs in combat. For example, Lloyd starts with a “Force” MQ which focuses on increasing physical damage by giving a major boost to STR, it also gives an auto buff to STR for a few turns at the beginning of battle. This combination of STR stats+buffs meant that he would often hit the hardest in my team despite not having the highest native STR value. The MQs could also gain experience and level up through battle and improve even further.
The Master Quartz system would go on to become a staple of the series going forward and expanded even further as the series continues.
There were many different MQs to collect in the game with their own specialty and as I was free to swap them around in the team to fit a strategy in mind, it expanded the possibilities in customizing my party more than ever before.
During the combat itself, there was a “Burst” mechanic which would be available during specific points in the story that allowed me take immediate turns for the whole party and regenerate SP extremely fast which made playing through the sections that allowed the use of Burst to feel special and added another layer to combat which I appreciated.
The balancing of combat also felt well tuned and despite my excessive preparations, the last boss still posed a suitably epic and welcome challenge.
Dual S-Breaks return as well with even more options. This is an element I would love to see return in modern Legend of Heroes games.
As for the localization effort itself, the Geofront script NISA used as a basis was good to begin with and I didn’t expect any noticeable errors in the writing and I feel they did a great job of letting each character’s unique personalities shine through their dialogue. From a technical side, I had no doubt that Durante and his team wouldn’t let us down with their track record and once again, this is an excellent PC port with all the visual touches and various QoL features from the previous entry. Native 21:9 (UW) support is an easy way to get into my good graces as well and if my screenshots weren’t enough proof, this is the best Trails to Azure has ever looked.
My singular complaint once again is that there is no english voice over option and the songs/quests that were added for the Vita release weren’t added to this version to make a truly uncontested definitive version of the game.
You’re not dreaming Randy, this game is really that good.
With an unforgettable cast of characters, enthralling story and a deep, enjoyable combat system, Trails to Azure is truly the full package. It’s not just one of my favorite games in the long running Legend of Heroes series, but one of the finest that the JRPG genre has to offer.
Fun Tidbit: I can’t finish a review for a Falcom game without sharing at least one song from its excellent OST.
When you’re facing down a true legend, you need a theme that can do them justice.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
