The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC

A slow-paced but charismatic RPG with an incredibly well-crafted world and characters.

Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is one of the finest JRPGs in the history of the genre, and that still holds true for its Steam debut. Even as it revels in nostalgia for its forebears, it forges ahead on its own path.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is a fantastic example of starting a long-running series off right, with lovable characters and an intricate world tied together with an intriguing political narrative. While it takes a while to get going and is very long-winded, it's incredibly enjoyable and leaves you wanting more.

A superb second chapter with a fantastic storyline, great characters and compelling combat system.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky isn't just a wholly brilliant example of the genre done justice – it goes the extra mile in crafting a lengthy game that also maintains its initial entertainment value right through to its end. Steam is slowly nurturing a credible lineup of JRPGs, but this one easily gets my vote for finest yet.

...but for those who give it a chance, you'll find what I believe to be one of the best stories in video games of recent memory. Even if you have to seek it out on PSP, it is most definitely a game worth your time.

Through it all though, Trails is a great example of why the PC needs JRPGs and why the genre doesn't deserve the negative connotation it often gets stuck with. Buy it, support the genre, and hope this convinces other Japanese companies to release their games on digital services like Steam and GOG as well.

With a healthy mix of challenging battles, easy-to-learn gameplay, and in-depth customization, Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is one worth looking into, and one I'll certainly keep coming back for more from.

If the more traditional style doesn't bother you, the game is absolutely worth the bang for the dollar.