And it baffles me because this content isn’t DLC – if you already finished the base game, it’s a new journey to embark on. Blame it on the Switch 2, as whatever Falcom wanted to achieve with Proud Nordics simply wasn’t possible on the original. So here we are, starting from the beginning, trying to rationalize what’s a pretty good addition to an otherwise fine base game. Is it worth diving back in for those who already experienced the original? Would the overall package appeal to long-time fans? Let’s find out.

"From a story perspective, they’re actually pretty solid additions with Canute offering an interesting wrinkle to Karja’s character. The Shield Sibling bond between Canute and Astrid is also intriguing as a foil to our leading pair, proving that these partnerships are never quite as cut-and-dry as they seem."

If you played Nordics, the plot and gameplay are virtually the same. Rather than a direct sequel to the more recent titles, it unfolds between Ys 2: Ancient Ys Vanished – The Final Chapter and Ys: Memories of Celceta with a younger Adol and Dogi sailing in the Obelia Gulf. They’re accosted by pirates, later identified as Normans – part of the Balta Seaforce that keeps the peace. Things quickly take a turn in Carnac, the largest settlement in the region, when Adol discovers a mysterious bracelet binding him to Karja, the daughter of the Seaforce’s leader, Grimson.

If that wasn’t enough, mysterious enemies known as Griegr attack Carnac. Using the power of Mana, Adol and Karja work together to repel them while rescuing any survivors whisked away. And in traditional series’ fashion of putting way too much on Adol’s plate, he’s also occasionally transported to an unknown island inhabited by a single old man upon discovering new Mana Actions. Unlike previous games, again, you can execute traversal abilities like grappling, surfing on a Gullinboard, unleashing charged elemental attacks, and even slowing time.

So far, so typical, and many of the pros and cons with the combat system – where Adol and Karja can attack simultaneously and guard against Power Attacks to unleash higher-damaging skills thanks to the Revenge System – remain. What’s new then? Well, first, you need to play all the way through to Chapter 5 to unlock access to Öland Island, the new region. I managed this within four hours or so by skipping all the cutscenes and interactions, but that will only get you through the door, as I’ll explain shortly.

Öland Island is interesting because it’s a place that’s ordinarily unapproachable by ship. Only through landing on a small scrap of land nearby and using Mana Ride can the duo ultimately approach it. What they find is an odd coliseum-style location where monsters are seemingly drawn. It’s not long before they encounter Canute and Astrid, two more Normans with whom Karja has a less-than-positive history. From a story perspective, they’re actually pretty solid additions with Canute offering an interesting wrinkle to Karja’s character. The Shield Sibling bond between Canute and Astrid is also intriguing as a foil to our leading pair, proving that these partnerships are never quite as cut-and-dry as they seem.

We learn even more about Norman history – the purpose of Öland Island and even the origins of “The Red” moniker that was bestowed upon Adol (since Grimson simply giving it to him wasn’t good enough). It’s a genuinely compelling side plot with some notable interactions, even if it remains just that – a side plot.

"Exploration on Öland Island as a whole feels so much better than the base game, even if it still falls short of Ys 9. It once again highlights what could have been, had Falcom not placed so much emphasis on sailing, naval combat, and spreading out its explorable areas."

But while you can treat this as an epilogue, the new content is clearly meant to be played alongside the base game. Tools like Mana Sense, Enhanced Mana String and splitting Adol and Karja via Raven Boundstones are pretty much mandatory. And while it flows naturally with the main plot, as someone who only wants to experience the new stuff, it’s so disruptive to the overall pacing. Almost like Falcom wants you to eat your vegetables before you can have dessert.

And I say that because the new content is actually good. The battles in Bergen Arena are pretty much just challenges against different enemies and bosses, but they offer rewards based on how quickly you can defeat the opponent. There’s also a pretty decent mix of foes, from tackling a single stampeding boar to a gaggle of Grieger who keep attacking without letting up, pushing you to alternate between dodging and deflecting to survive. And for someone who criticized the Duo Style for effectively making solo attacks pointless, there are also solo challenges where you don’t have the benefit of blocking Power Attacks. Individual build crafting and skill mastery is far more important here, though nothing is stopping you from over-leveling and decimating the lower-level challenges.

The new dungeons are also notable because the experience is notably closer to Ys 8 and 9 in terms of pacing, puzzles, and even layout. Then you have the boss battles. I dreaded seeing two of them with the same design, but lo and behold, each had unique patterns and required different tactics, both in deflection and dodging. Even the new Mana Hold ability, finicky as it can be at times, adds a nice new dimension to the exploration. Instead of just pushing a button like Mana Ride and simply going with the flow, there’s at least some thought to the various applications of Mana Hold. Does it feel a little too similar to the UltraHand from Tears of the Kingdom? Well, yes, but if you’re going to steal, then steal from the best.

Exploration on Öland Island as a whole feels so much better than the base game, even if it still falls short of Ys 9. It once again highlights what could have been, had Falcom not placed so much emphasis on sailing, naval combat, and spreading out its explorable areas. Speaking of sailing, there are also new Golden Breezes (Golden Wind was probably trademarked) on the ocean, which unlock new Sea Breezes upon defeating a group of enemies. This is a decent fix to the issues with sailing, especially when you first gain access to it, and provides a neat incentive for engaging in sea battles.

"If you’re a long-time fan and haven’t taken the plunge until now, Ys 10: Proud Nordics is the definitive edition for sure – just be warned that the new content, as fun as it can be, does little to dull the base game’s issues or reach the heights of the series’ best."

Of course, we go back to the main question – is this worth revisiting the base game, especially since you need to play through it all again for unfettered access to the new content? It ultimately comes down to how much you enjoyed Ys 10: Nordics, warts and all, and whether you’d be willing to revisit it.

That doesn’t quite describe me, and a second playthrough highlights all the more just how uninteresting the side characters and antagonists can be, or how mundane the sailing is in the early going. And while some of the later levels, including the occupied cities and forts, have more happening than the earlier stages, it’s still a fairly above-average experience.

Even if its tools were tied into it so inextricably, I would have appreciated the pacing of Proud Nordics if the side content wasn’t so start and stop with the main game. If you’re a long-time fan and haven’t taken the plunge until now, Ys 10: Proud Nordics is the definitive edition for sure – just be warned that the new content, as fun as it can be, does little to dull the base game’s issues or reach the heights of the series’ best.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

Players can catch up with Van Arkride, who ventures to Marduk before inevitably getting caught up in world-ending circumstances. You’ll also play as classic characters like Rean Schwarzer and Kevin Graham, with progress transferring over to the game at launch.

Then there’s the Battle demo, which is only available for PS4 and PS5. It focuses on the new dungeon side activity, Grim Garten, with three party choices led by each protagonist. The dual battle system, which allows for turn-based and real-time battles, remains, but you can now slow enemies with Z.O.C. and execute consecutive attacks with increased power.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon launches on January 15th, 2026. Check out our review for its predecessor, Trails through Daybreak 2, here.

As a remake of The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC, the sequel continues the story of Estelle and Joshua, but the stakes are much higher than before. New Crafts and S-Crafts will be available, and there’s also Brave Rush for Quick Battles. Alongside the main story, you can look forward to mini-games like fishing and cooking.

Of course, full English and Japanese voice-overs are included with English, Japanese, German, French, and Spanish text on PC (though consoles lack Japanese text). Those who cleared Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter can carry over that data in the sequel for some bonus items, which should provide an early advantage.

As announced in the company’s latest financial results, the remake based on 2006’s The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC will launch by the end of September 2026. Considering its launch pattern over the past several years, including the recent 1st Chapter, it makes sense. While it’s yet to confirm platforms, it’s probably safe to say that the sequel will also launch on PS5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.

Falcom has even more on its plate next year with the release of The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon. Launching on January 15th, 2026, for the above platforms and PS4, it follows Trails through Daybreak 2 with Van and Agnès returning. Other notable characters include those from the Cold Steel series, notably Rean Schwarzer, and Trails in the Sky the 3rd’s protagonist, Kevin Graham.

Much as I want to see where it’s going – the so-called endgame to potentially rival all RPG endgames – there’s something to be said about revisiting the past, revisiting one of the greatest entries in the series and where it all truly began: In Liberl with two Junior Bracers who set out to prove themselves and ended up changing their humble nation.

Revisiting The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky FC is easy, but capturing that same feeling – the coziness, the tension, the camaraderie, the characters, even the soundtrack – in a remake might as well be an impossible task. In this day and age, where remakes are dragged through the mud for either changing too much or not changing enough, how do you answer, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter? Quite well, actually, striking a neat balance leaning slightly towards the latter.

Falcom could have easily upgraded the sprites and environments with higher resolution textures and more details. It could have added a bunch of additional content that didn’t exist in the original, and which may or may not stick the landing. It could have also added its latest battle system, warts and all, without much thought or consideration on how it would work lore-wise.

Instead, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a ground-up remake that stays faithful to the original while presenting iconic scenes, conversations and battles with a new presentation. While a much longer journey, estimated at over twice the length of the original FC, it’s almost everything I could have wanted, despite some noticeable hiccups along the way.

The story begins exactly how you’d remember it – overseeing a young Estelle as she waits for her father, Cassius Bright, to return home. Except this time, the perspective shifts closer to ground level, and her fervent personality is on full, admittedly awkward display, in full 3D. When Cassius returns, bringing a mysterious boy named Joshua, their interaction feels more over-the-top and anime-like. Given some of the iffy English voice-acting and lip synching, I was almost worried that this new presentation style wouldn’t quite hook me.

Thankfully, that’s not the case, and whether it’s the music, which offers three different arrangements, including the classic score, or the easy-breezy atmosphere, this is Trails in the Sky, through and through. “The Whereabouts of Light” echoes effortlessly through the breeze. The classic banter between Joshua and Estelle holds up. The walk through Rolent to speak with its people en route to the final exam to become Junior Bracers is as endearing as ever. Everything feels just right, capturing the original’s nostalgia and presenting it in a whole new light.

Suffice it to say that it’s worth the price of admission alone, but make no mistake – the pacing is also the same. It takes time to work your way through the beginnings, learning about each mechanic, kingdom of Liberl, Orbments, and so on, before the journey proper. Thankfully, Stephanie Sheh as Estelle and Johnny Yong Bosch as Joshua execute their roles well enough. Despite my concerns with the opening, their dynamic is still a treat to watch develop, even if the dialogue can somewhat awkwardly shift between voiced and unvoiced at a moment’s notice.

"Even if Falcom isn’t typically known for its graphical fidelity, the 1st Chapter looks great in every way that it should. Characters are almost one-to-one with their concept art, and the environments capture every single detail that I remember from the originals."

Of course, other characters still retain their appeal, whether it’s Scherazard’s ever-so-slight slyness or Kloe’s almost-too-dignified stature. And to this day, it still amazes me how Falcom handles its regular NPCs, who all have new lines and stories to offer if you take the time to interact with them throughout.

Fortunately, there’s much more to look forward to in terms of gameplay. Adopting the combat system from Daybreak, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter provides the option between real-time and command-based battles. You’ll lean into both eventually – the latter is a must during boss battles – but being able to swiftly take out regular enemies with hack and slash mechanics while seamlessly transitioning to turn-based combat helps break the monotony. It also features follow-up attacks and Chain Attacks, unlike the original, while also allowing each character to freely move around within a limited space, taking advantage of bonuses to back and side attacks.

The turn-based sequences remain with the option to impede opponents, potentially netting useful, limited buffs like zero-cost Arts and guaranteed crits. Thankfully, Falcom doesn’t try to over-stuff the combat system with too many new elements, keeping it streamlined while offering enough depth to outfit your characters. And it all feels very smooth to execute, especially when you’re dodging an enemy’s attack at the last moment to unleash a counter or transition into a command battle. The new UI takes little time to become accustomed to as well, even if swapping out Orbments had me pining for the good ol’ days. There’s still the chance for combat to become repetitive (Daybreak 2 pushed the limits with this), but the narrative focus means more time spent developing and mastering Arts and Crafts (no pun intended) for success.

One aspect that I will happily embrace is the visuals. Even if Falcom isn’t typically known for its graphical fidelity, the 1st Chapter looks great in every way that it should. Characters are almost one-to-one with their concept art, and the environments capture every single detail that I remember from the originals. And as contentious as the music has always felt in some of the latter entries in the series, especially when it mattered the most (cough, Cold Steel 4, cough), the soundtrack here is simply sublime. Everything – the opening refrain, the signature theme, the battle themes – is excellent. The rearrangements have been handled masterfully, not overshadowing the original tunes at all, while ensuring they sound fresh.

"Opinions may vary on the direction of certain things, but whether you’re a new or longtime fan, it’s a story well worth diving into with characters that go from typical to beloved before you know it."

“Not messing with the original” is a common theme throughout, and that extends to the new content…of which there really isn’t much. For all intents and purposes, 1st Chapter is a means for older fans to re-experience the classic from a new perspective while introducing it to a new generation of players. If you’re expecting anything beyond that in terms of new activities or such, then there will be some disappointment. There’s also the matter of the localization, which is brand new and touted as much closer to the original Japanese version. You either like it because of that or don’t because the chest messages and fan favorite lines are outright gone.

Personally, I don’t mind it, since the new localization doesn’t hinder the experience – the personalities of the cast are still very much intact and events still play out faithfully. The only real problem is that some characters’ names have been changed – Armand and Ellie are now Areum and Aria, and they appear in future titles. Maybe this will be fixed in a post-launch patch, or maybe the remakes are treated as separate, but unless the eventual plan is to remake all the games in the franchise with the new localization, it feels odd in the grander scheme of things.

Either way, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is still a great remake, showcasing the appeal of the original, the world as a whole and why Estelle is indeed best-elle. Opinions may vary on the direction of certain things, but whether you’re a new or longtime fan, it’s a story well worth diving into with characters that go from typical to beloved before you know it.

This game was reviewed on PS5.

As the starting point for the long-running Kiseki series, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter follows Estelle and Joshua as they join the Bracer Guild and venture through Liberl. What initially starts as a journey to become Senior Bracers results in the discovery of a conspiracy that could threaten the kingdom. Overall, it’s estimated to last 80 hours, which is more than double the original.

Alongside fully 3D visuals, it offers the same battle system as Trails through Daybreak. Players can choose between command battles and real-time combat, switching between them as required. Follow-Ups and Chain Attacks have also been added alongside the Overdrive mechanic.

As for the future, the next entry in the series, Trails Beyond the Horizon, launches on January 15th, 2026, for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.

Speaking to The Gamer (translation via Automaton-Media), studio CEO Toshihiro Kondo revealed that the team’s main programmer completed it in about 80 hours. The reason for the nearly-doubled playtime is “more map exploration” and the additional voice acting.

“There’s more map exploration compared to previous games, and we found that if you explore those areas, listen to the voiced lines, and complete all the quests, it takes twice as long as the original. Maybe it’s also because you spend more time watching the events. Back in the day, we really did tend to scroll through text at the speed it appeared, and that gave the original a kind of snappy feel in its own way.”

While there are a few story additions, more voice lines are available, especially between Estelle and Joshua, since a large part of the story focuses on them alone. “For example, in scenes where the two travel together and cross checkpoints, we’ve added quite a lot of detailed dialogue, increasing the total number of lines. There’s also some casual dialogue during battle, which is more detailed than in previous games.” The result is the largest number of voice lines in the series yet.

Falcom has also included instant fast travel and “high-speed movement” to make traversing the world much quicker, not unlike in the improved versions of the original. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter launches on September 19th for PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch. Check out the opening cutscene, remade in glorious 3D, here.

In a press release, Falcom president Toshihiro Kondo said, “I’m excited to announce that the latest entry in Nihon Falcom‘s Trails series, The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon, will also be released on Nintendo Switch 2. With the power of the Nintendo Switch 2, we expect players to have an even more enjoyable experience. In fact, this will mark the debut of the Trails series on the Nintendo Switch 2, and I personally have high expectations for it. Please continue to look forward to the release!”

Digital prices have yet to be announced, but you can pre-order the limited physical edition on each platform. The Nintendo Switch 2 version costs $109.99, while the PS4, PS5, and Switch 1 versions retail for $99.99 on NIS America’s online store.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon directly follows the events of Trails through Daybreak 2 with Van Arkride and his allies returning. Rean Schwarzer from Cold Steel and Kevin Graham from Trails in the Sky the 3rd also return alongside other familiar heroes and villains.

Of course, for those worried about the lack of Trails this year, Falcom’s Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, a remake of Trails in the Sky FC, is available this September.

Joshua, who was recovered by Cassius Bright and brought home for treatment, is the focus. After he awakens, Estelle, Cassius’s daughter, barges in to check on him. Joshua isn’t too keen on the care, but Estelle is (aggressively) stubborn. Hijinx thus ensue, though this is the first of many beginnings for the story.

We won’t dive into spoilers, but the 3D visuals excellently portray the emotions inherent in the scene. It should be interesting to see how Falcom approaches other notable events later in the story.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter launches on September 19th for PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Head here for details on the English cast, featuring several returning actors from the original.

Based on The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky FC, the first title in the long-running Trails/Kiseki series, the story follows Estelle and Joshua Bright. After becoming Bracers, they embark on a journey throughout Liberl to effectively earn their stripes, meeting allies like Kloe Rinz, Olivier Lenheim, Agate Crosner and Tita Russell.

As a remake, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter features similar combat to The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak with the option to switch between real-time hack-and-slash mechanics and turn-based commands. It also overhauls the visuals and features a new localization, though much of the English cast remains the same. Stay tuned for more details, including more extensive gameplay, before its release.