The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
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  1. Metro GameCentral
    Mar 28, 2019
    70
    An ashamedly old school role-player that nevertheless does its best to attract new players and entertain existing fans.
  2. COGconnected
    Mar 27, 2019
    70
    Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel is a major undertaking, one that demands much, and rewards much more. Your enjoyment of Cold Steel hinges heavily on your attitude towards anime storytelling tropes. For me, they turn bitter in large doses. I need a lot of play to break up these dramatic encounters. On the other hand, the mechanical elements are a sumptuous feast. There’s just so much to do at any given moment. Better still, these systems are handed to you at a steady pace, one that allows you to take in so much more than you could otherwise. This game is a lot to take in, but rest assured that Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel is worth your time.

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best PS4 Game of 2019
83
#83 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019
36
#36 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 183 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 159 out of 183
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 183
  3. Negative: 14 out of 183
  1. elitegeek79
    Mar 28, 2019
    10
    I forgot exactly how amazing this game is! Includes all DLC for free, a steelbook, soundtrack and a mira coin! (get the physical copy!). II forgot exactly how amazing this game is! Includes all DLC for free, a steelbook, soundtrack and a mira coin! (get the physical copy!). I can't recommend this game enough. The game is full of rich lore, character development, and a wonderful soundtrack. The combat is engaging and very rewarding. The enemies are challenging but not overly frustrating. There is a very nice crafting/abilities system if you like to tinker. The game is set on a calendar similar to Persona and like Persona you get to partake in activities with your classmates in order to strengthen bonds. The graphics are similar to Tokyo Xanadu and Ys Viii (a little better than those maybe). If you enjoyed those games you will be so psyched to play this! In fact if you like JRPGs period you must buy this game!… Full Review »
  2. tambalyari
    Apr 12, 2019
    9
    One of the best jrpgs I have ever played. The story is pretty well written and main story flows smoothly. Characters have their own distinctOne of the best jrpgs I have ever played. The story is pretty well written and main story flows smoothly. Characters have their own distinct roles and very likeable. Trails series always have the best dialogue and this is no difference. When you play the game you should try to talk to all side characters/npc, because they have some interesting dialogues that evolves over time with the story. The gameplay is well-balanced without being too easy or too hard and the combat system allows and gives player a wide variety of fighting style you can build upon. Music is simple but still gives the effective intended effect to the battle, story, etc. Graphic is old and doesn't look too good, but considering that the game was originally released more than 5 years ago, it can't be helped. Overall, it is an great game with intriguing endearing story and characters that is built carefully. Trails of Cold Steel 1 is really a Trails game at its heart.… Full Review »
  3. adrewtoremember
    Jun 7, 2019
    10
    After reading stellar reviews for this game for years, I was ecstatic when it finally came out on a system I owned, and it lived up to theAfter reading stellar reviews for this game for years, I was ecstatic when it finally came out on a system I owned, and it lived up to the reviews.

    Trails of Cold Steel is a JRPG that fits in the same category as games like Persona 5. Its part turn based JRPG, part social sim, although the social sim aspect is played down more in Cold Steel than it is in Persona. You assume the role of Rean Schwarzer, a new student at Thors Military academy. Without spoiling any parts of the story, you are placed in a special class that mixes the Noble class with Commoners, much to the chagrin of some of your classmates.

    With this being a JRPG, you see the typical tropes filled out. Rean is the typical friendly, Jack-of-all-trades blank slate that you develop in the story, but you also have the other tropes of the aloof noble, the kind-hearted meek friend, mysterious girls A, B, and C, etc.

    One thing I was not expecting, was how well the game subverts your expectations. Being someone who has played a ton of JRPG's, I typically am able to identify the villain, plot points, and major events with a relatively high degree of accuracy. However, Trails of Cold Steel rarely ever follows your expectations. It was very refreshing to be kept on my toes like this again.

    The combat is pretty standard for a modern turn based games. You have attack, move, arts, and crafts as some of the possible options for your turn. The uniqueness come in combat links, modifiers, and S-Breaks. Combat links allow one character to link with another to perform follow up attacks, and other boons as you build a relationship with that character. Modifiers grant different bonuses to whoever acts on that turn, be it friend or foe. Things like guaranteed critical hits, health/mana recovery, or a free art. These become extremely important in late game when a free art could mean the difference between life and death. S-Breaks allow you to break the turn order and act immediately using your characters strongest move. This is particularly useful if you see the boss you have spent 20 minutes chipping away at is slated to get the 50% HP recover modifier. Pop your S-Break. and steal it from them and possibly finish the fight.

    The graphics are nothing of note, however you have to remember that this was a port from the Vita/PS3. The game runs smoothly, and is a blast, so dealing with some weird walking animations, and muddy textures is the trade off.

    The sound, however, is superb. The music in game always conveys a sense of the area you are in. In battle you will have screeching guitar solos and speed metal beats, meanwhile if you are exploring an abandoned schoolhouse, you will have a really mysterious and subdued song that plays behind you. Along with the excellent music, you have top notch voice acting. I heard so many familiar voices in my play through, that it was a little game I played to look up the VA's and see where I knew them from.

    Altogether, if you are looking for a great JRPG series to start, pick up Trails of Cold Steel. If you like it, there are 3 slated sequels coming, two of which are due to be localized by the end of 2019.    … Full Review »
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