The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. PLAY
    Apr 5, 2023
    70
    Looks and plays like more of the same, but patient fans who have already played Zero and deeply invested in the wider Trails arc will be rewarded. [Issue#26, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Slant Magazine
    Mar 17, 2023
    70
    You’ll be lost in the dark for a few hours, and probably for several more after that, but few JRPGs in recent memory can boast gameplay mechanics this dynamic or storytelling abilities as accomplished.
  3. SpazioGames
    Mar 7, 2023
    70
    This is just the second half of the same game played six months ago on the same platform, and, as such, is a solid and perfectly enjoyable old style JRPG with some rough edges and little courage. If you love the saga overall, it cannot be missed.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

?
  1. Eurogamer
    Mar 7, 2023
    Trails to Azure is an important second entry to the Crossbell saga, adding some neat touches and forming two parts of a whole with Trails From Zero. [Eurogamer Recommended]

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PS4 Game of 2023
8
#8 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2023

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. mpop
    Jun 29, 2023
    10
    This is a great game, Story is great. I really felt for the charcters in this game, as the grow more from Zero Great evolution of the battleThis is a great game, Story is great. I really felt for the charcters in this game, as the grow more from Zero Great evolution of the battle system from prior games. Story is gripping, and emotional. You can really find your self caring for the charcters in this game. It is a great finish to the crossbell arc of the trails series of games. Loved my time with this game.… Full Review »
  2. AdoMobA
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Pros
    - the cast continues to excellent and the new additions are among my favorite characters for this arc
    - well realized motivations for    Pros
    - the cast continues to excellent and the new additions are among my favorite characters for this arc
    - well realized motivations for our heroes and villains that make a lot of this story work without any hitches, plus the ending had me floored
    - side quests build on the mystique of Crossbell and give you additional characters to follow up on from the first game
    - the addition of Master Quartz, the Burst mechanic alongside the added Combination Crafts make this games combat a lot more strategically interesting
    - no chapter of this game feels like it wastes time as there is always something interesting happening

    Cons
    - even more character information is hidden behind the final social events which just does not feel good for a story heavy game like this as some characters get a lot more interesting with the information hidden behind them

    As the fifth game in the amazing Trails series and the second and final game in the Crossbell arc, Trails to Azure leapfrogs most games in this series and stands as a fantastic conclusion to its set up from Zero.

    The two new additions to our beloved SSS feel distinct in story, personality and gameplay, earning them an easy top spot in my book. The old cast is not left behind as they all have things to do and in some cases even have some more growing to do.

    When it comes to pacing, the game keeps itself interesting by continuously upping the stakes and throwing curveballs to the player, forcing them to deal with a wild amount of issues, from politics, frauds, smuggling, violence etc. That is all underlined with the great sidequests that only serve to build off the main issues with situations that enrich the main story.

    All of this culminates in one of my now favorite ending sequences, where even though the stakes seem like they could never be paid off, they somehow exceed my expectations. All of that allowed by the excellent writing for the villains of this game.

    From slobbering brutes, through honorable knights and even sharply intelligent masterminds, the villains have clear motivations that make sense. Every single one of Corssbell's issues was set up to motivate these people in a very real way which just feels fantastic.

    Also, the combat has a few additions that make it way more interesting than ever before. Master quartz is a new way to grow your character beyond leveling them and messing about with the Enigma slots. The Burst mechanic allows for explosive amounts of damage justifying some of the hardest bosses in the series. And the new combination crafts and overall addition of two new permanent party members make this games combat excessively fun and deep to dive in.

    The only blemish on this game is once again the bonding events. I genuinely think it is a disservice for characters like Randy, Wazy and Rixia to have some of the most pertinent information to who they are locked behind a missable cutscene. But that is my only gripe.

    Overall, Azure just like Zero surprised me. I've heard for years how good it is and tempered my expectations accordingly. And this game not only met them but exceeded them. A fantastic end to the Crossbell arc and a fantastic edition to the Trails series.    … Full Review »
  3. GameforGamers
    Apr 17, 2023
    10
    THE LEGEND OF HEROES: TRAILS TO AZURE is one of the most enjoyable RPGs of the year. It has a great story, with a captivating cast ofTHE LEGEND OF HEROES: TRAILS TO AZURE is one of the most enjoyable RPGs of the year. It has a great story, with a captivating cast of characters and a unique setting. The battles are intense and the strategy involved in battles is rewarding. The artwork is gorgeous and the soundtrack is beautiful. The various side quests add to the overall experience and the game is full of secrets to uncover. In addition, the game is incredibly replayable, with new game plus content unlocking after completion. Overall, THE LEGEND OF HEROES: TRAILS TO AZURE is a must-play for any RPG fan and is one of the best RPGs of the year.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »