Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Review — A Lovingly Modern JRPG Remake
This remake reimagines the classic Liberl saga with polished HD visuals, new voiceovers and a hybrid action/turn-based combat that eventually hooks you — and then punches you in the feelings with one hell of an ending.
I jumped into Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter expecting a pleasant nostalgia trip — what I got was a full-blown modern JRPG remake that keeps the original heart. Think classic slow-burn storytelling like old-school Falcom, now with cinematic presentation and options that make the game approachable for newcomers.
The core is still a story-first JRPG: you stroll through Liberl as Estelle and Joshua, pick up guild jobs, chat with NPCs and slowly watch little threads connect into a much bigger conspiracy. Combat is the headline change — a hybrid system that lets you clear trash with real-time action and switch into the deeper, tactical turn-based mode for tougher fights. The orbment/customization system remains rewarding: it takes time to grok but makes builds meaningful, especially on harder difficulties where buffs, statuses and positioning actually matter. The remake adds modern QoL — clear map markers for formerly missable quests, fast travel, speed-up options and a readable UI that makes 60+ hour runs less of a slog. Visually it’s a huge step up: vivid HD character models, cutscene staging and expressive faces bring moments to life (and yes, the ending hits harder because of it). New English and Japanese voiceovers add personality — sometimes uneven for minor roles, but mostly excellent for key scenes. A few players will grumble about translation choices and the slow opening chapters, and the game does end on a cliff that screams “play the sequel,” but if you’re patient the narrative payoff is massive. Deluxe edition bundles the Season Pass and extras, and on Windows the technical performance is generally solid.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a lovingly made remake that turns a classic into a modern JRPG experience — slow to start but hugely rewarding. On Windows it’s easily one of 2025’s best story-driven RPGs if you’re willing to invest the time.
Pros
- Beautiful HD remake that preserves the original’s soul while modernizing presentation.
- Hybrid combat — snappy action for roaming, satisfying turn-based tactics for bosses.
- Exceptional worldbuilding and characters; the slow burn leads to an emotional payoff.
Cons
- Slow-paced opening — patience is required before the plot pays off.
- Some localization choices and uneven minor voice work may rub longtime fans the wrong way.
Player Opinion
Players praise the story, memorable characters and how the remake makes the original shine again — many teared up at the ending. Combat and QoL improvements get consistently positive mentions, though a minority miss the old-school difficulty or chibi aesthetic. Translation/localization sparks debate, and the slow, chapter-by-chapter pacing won’t be for everyone. If you love story-driven JRPGs like Persona or later Falcom titles, this is a great entry point.