The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

1. Gwyndolin

   Dec 28, 2015

   10

   Trails of Cold Steel is the 6th game in an ongoing "Story JRPG Series" made by Falcom.
   However due to the fact that the game is somewhatTrails of Cold Steel is the 6th game in an ongoing "Story JRPG Series" made by Falcom.
   However due to the fact that the game is somewhat current gen compared to the earlier games, this game may very well be the very first Trails game for many. That is fine because Cold Steel marks the beginning of the 3rd story arc of the Trails series and it is perfectly fine as a starting point.
   
   For those who are new to the series, think of this series as the JRPG version of a visual novel. The series has mastered the trifecta that many JRPGs this generation lacks: Characters, Setting, Plot.
   The gameplay and combat aims to complement the above strengths, it never gets in the way and takes a backseat but still manages to differentiate the series from visual novels by being very entertaining and somewhat addictive. The bonus here is the music, Team JDK makes great music and Trails series has been very consistent in that aspect. Playing this game with the sound off in public is not a cool thing to do.
   While this narrative-focused approach is not very popular in today's standards (compared to Tales of series that focuses much on combat, and XCX which focuses on exploration and combat), but it doesn't try to be. It has one cute little ambition: to create the most well written, continuous JRPG series. It is doing a bang up job at it so far.
   
   For those who have played Trails in the Sky games, expect the same quality of writing, lovable cast, and the level of depth as those games with a few changes:
   Firstly, this entry is the first "3D Transition" of the series featuring 3D Character models and abundant voice acting. It is nicely done and it will not take you long to get used to it.
   Another difference is strictly limited to this episode, and that's the school setting. While it really wouldn't work any other way for the sake of the story, the school setting can feel too formulaic and repetitive. A large contrast from Sky FC and SC's adventure style where you move from town to town, in Cold Steel 1 it is more like "Campus life -> Visit a town (via Train) -> Campus life -> Visit a town repeat", you will spend about 50% of the game on campus. You can definitely see some, no, a lot of resemblance to Persona in this entry.
   Lastly, Orbment is easier to set up and works slightly differently, trying to figure out what stacks in what ways is also pretty fun.
   
   As someone who has been in love with the series for the past decade and has been importing all of the games, I can say Xseed has done a great job on the localization. It is quite refreshing and worth another play through.… Expand

   • 14 of 15 users found this helpful
2. MasterTiger4

   Aug 21, 2023

   10

   This game is a must play, but you'll have to complete this game on the 2nd game where this particular story of Class 7 will climax, no need toThis game is a must play, but you'll have to complete this game on the 2nd game where this particular story of Class 7 will climax, no need to play 3 or 4 but if you do enjoy the game and series, you have more to play.
   Every single scenario plays out as episodes. Mystery is involved, you are sent out across with locations and towns random classmates, where the story will proceed, mystery will unfold, then a big boss battle, come back to Thor academy, rinse repeat for 5-7 "episodes". Also there's a dungeon to explore that changes by itself in a mystery tower.
   Won't spoil the game, it's best to play.
   The 2nd one is the best of this 2 part game.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
4. GoombaJMR

   Dec 28, 2015

   9

   This game has been an absolute blast so far... (13 hours in, Chapter 2)
   It's been quite a while since I've seen such a massive game reach theThis game has been an absolute blast so far... (13 hours in, Chapter 2)
   It's been quite a while since I've seen such a massive game reach the hands of a portable console. I'd even say that it has the ability to rival with Persona 4 in regards to some areas of refinement and shine found in ToCS. While another fellow user points out that the character events are a bit shallow, I've found some of them to be rather deep, if you go a bit more into the game I guess. Another thing would be that some of the developing events can fly by if you don't spend as much time as possible talking to all the characters you have in your notes... I unlocked an otherwise hidden event with two of the female characters that I could not have gotten if I had not approached them during school time... so take note that obtaining access to these cool little subevents require YOU to pay attention to a lot of different aspects... either way, the game is absolutely brilliant so far, and I can't wait to see what more it has to offer (will update review some day)
   
   Gameplay: 10/10
   Story: 8.5/10
   Music: 9/10
   Presentation: 9.5/10
   Length: 10/10
   Overall: 9.5/10… Expand

   • 8 of 9 users found this helpful
5. Arnum

   Oct 31, 2017

   8

   Despite The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel series being some of my most favorite video game series of all time, the first of theDespite The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel series being some of my most favorite video game series of all time, the first of the trilogy does have some quirks that may turn off some players. While ToCS's excellent battle system and gripping story (of which I wished more RPGs would follow suit) are its greatest strengths, the intermissions that take place between the main missions is where it can fall short. These intermissions put the game's pace to a screeching halt, and is unfortunately used a little too often. However, if you are the type of gamer that loves to delve in to each character's stories, these intermissions can be a worthy distraction from the main focus of the game. Do note that these character interactions are optional, but does have some bearing when it comes to battles. Added, fully exploring these intermissions grant additional items which would not have otherwise been found if skipped. Nonetheless, if you enjoy these types of interactions or don't mind skipping these altogether, you will find ToCS to be an emotional experience that you wouldn't want to miss.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
6. Kiseki

   Dec 27, 2015

   8

   Good game overall however most character events are a bit shallow. It leaves a lot to be desired in terms of real bonding and significance. ItGood game overall however most character events are a bit shallow. It leaves a lot to be desired in terms of real bonding and significance. It feels alot better than every other jrpg I have played.
   
   One interesting note is that the game both looks and sound better on a vita than a ps3.
   Im using the original vita with an OLED and a basic 24" monitor. The picture dont look as clear, as sharp, as bright. But it still does feel good playing on a bigger screen. There is also an adjustment option to change the width, height and brightness of the picture. I found the lowest brightness setting to be the best, but thats just personal preference.
   
   For sound, I used the same headphone - Creative Aurvana Live. Its a bit hard to explain but vita sounded better. its definitely not the volume, the sound was slightly sharper, more crystal and felt better. The PS3 sounded a bit hallow in comparison.… Expand

   • 6 of 10 users found this helpful
7. eefeef

   Aug 31, 2023

   8

   The game attempted to mix more anime-esque elements into the existing series, which resulted in some rather cheesy parts, but succeeded inThe game attempted to mix more anime-esque elements into the existing series, which resulted in some rather cheesy parts, but succeeded in making the main character more appealing. Of course, that's not all, the combat and systems were also vastly improved.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. jcboyer515

   Jun 20, 2020

   1

   I was convinced to buy this game since it's apparently one of the more highly revered JRPG's on a system that's well known for mostly being aI was convinced to buy this game since it's apparently one of the more highly revered JRPG's on a system that's well known for mostly being a JRPG machine. From what I gathered, this is apparently the 9th entry to "The Legend of Heroes" series. I've heard that while it's better to play these games in order, it's ultimately not legally possible to play them all in English. I was also convinced by other reviewers that it wouldn't be THAT confusing to use the newer, easier to access titles as an entry point... This was inaccurate. Another reason I was initially interested in jumping into a new-to-me Japanese series was that I was under the impression, due to the raving reviews users have given it, that these games lacked "anime tropes" that several Japanese-heavy influenced games have. I jumped into the prologue with high but cautious expectations, for them to basically be immediately shattered. One of the very first things that happened was the protagonist had a "tripping & falling" moment with a blonde girl, where your face ends up nestled between her breasts. Other than that, every single character introduced is the most absolute cringey animoo stereotype that you could possibly think of. This is coming from a big anime & JRPG fan. Most of the dialogue was very boring exposition, the combat was fine I suppose, but nothing a turn based battle system hasn't done before. Perhaps I will return to this review to update it & I'll admit how wrong I was. In fact, I hope that happens. But all I can say is don't always trust other peoples opinions, sometimes you just gotta see for yourself if you like something.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful

See all 19 User Reviews