If you didn't play the first two games, leave this page now and try those first. Without familiarity with the plot, characters and world introduced in First and Second Chapter, this game will make absolutely no sense. This game is not truly the end of a trilogy. Instead, it's an epilogue to the duology formed by the previous two games as well as a bridge episode into the rest of the series. At the end of the second game, the primary threat was stopped and then the game ended almost immediately. If you thought the ending of the previous game was too short and quick, this game will be right up your alley. The game's structure is very different from the previous ones and somewhat similar to Ys Origin (another Falcom title) where the main cast is dropped in an isolated locale where they have to explore a large dungeon level by level with big bosses half-way and at the end of each tier and plot exposition in between floors. But strewn around the place are also two dozen "memory doors" that lead to often long flash-backs showing glimpses into the past of various characters and places as well as what went on with them after the conclusion of the second game. The game's essentially a lore-bomb in game form. Unlike the first two games, this game's a lot faster paced. You start the game at level 90 and each character has their crafts from the previous game right out of the gate. The opening is more James Bond than the slice-of-life stuff from the first game. You can teleport around the game world to quickly get around and since you can skip all but the first "side content door" and proceed with the main dungeon at your discretion, the player also remains much more in control of the pacing. Combined with a roster of 16 playable characters in total, this makes the gameplay a lot more interesting. Trails the 3rd is a fitting and engaging closure to the Trails in the Sky games and brings the gang together for one final adventure before the series turns to other countries...
Let me start out by saying that you shouldn't even consider playing this game if you haven't played the first Trails in the Sky game. It's a direct sequel that starts the morning after the first game ends and it and its prequel were originally meant to be one game before they were split because the resulting game would have been too large. Most of the pros and cons of the first game also apply to this one, so whether you'll enjoy this one really depends on how you experienced that game. All characters, not just the playable ones and major NPCs, but also all the random townsfolk from the first game return in the sequel and have their stories continue. It's still possible to spend hours walking around, talking to townsfolk and putting together their mini-storylines. If you thought the first game was an overly verbose and poorly paced word salad that took forever to pick up steam, chances are the sequel won't be your cup of tea either. If you thought the first game was an enjoyable and heartfelt experience with great world-building and characterisation, you'll love the sequel even more. - Mix of both new locations to explore and old locations to catch up with. - Better soundtrack than the first game. - Battle pace picks up sooner than the first game since characters start with all the moves they had at the end of the prequel, giving you more options right off the bat. - More challenging than the prequel. Difficulty arc picks up where it left off. - Twice as large as the first game. About 60 to 70 hours of JRPG experience. - With the general world-building out of the way, this game spends much more time on characterisation and exploring the bonds between protagonist Estelle and her companions. If you're looking for an enjoyable and deep JRPG in the spirit of Chrono Trigger, Lunar or Grandia, try the first Trails in the Sky. If you enjoyed that game, this sequel is a must-play.
Trails is a game a JRPG-lover will either find boring or fall in unconditional love with. On the surface, it's nothing special. The graphics are colorful, but not top-of-the-bill. The combat system is initially bare-bones until you get more spells and moves, though offers some nice strategical challenge later on. The story takes a while to get going and remains a bit slow until near the end of the second chapter where things start building up until the fast-paced final chapter. What makes Trails special is its meticulous attention to detail regarding every part of its game world. It's the epitome of world-building. Every NPC in every town has a name and a personality. Their dialogue changes after every major plot event and while playing through a chapter, you can find several mini-stories going on on the side. Every town has a history and economy there's just tons of little tidbits to find. Even every treasure chest is unique when you check its contents twice. If you take the time to truly explore and discover the game world, you'll probably grow to love this game to death and will be in physical need of its sequel. (which comes out later this year and was originally supposed to be part of this game) If you value instant gratification then this game is not for you. If you like JRPG's and aren't afraid to spend your time talking to every NPC and exploring a living, breathing game world with characters who'll almost certainly grow on you, get this game RIGHT NOW!
