As the penultimate and epic finale to the Erebonian saga, the titles see new and old Class 7 working together to oppose the machinations of the Empire. Rean Schwarzer is the protagonist again, but there are also cameos from other heroes, including Estelle Bright (Trails in the Sky) and Lloyd Bannings (Trails from Zero/to Azure). The combat system has also seen changes with the Break meter, Brave Orders and new Master Quartz.

The PS5 versions include improvements to performance and a higher resolution with all of the previously released DLC. Check out our reviews for each title. Fans can look forward to the continuation of the series with The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak launching this Summer for PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch.

It not only caps off the Erebonia saga, the longest-running arc in the series but unites heroes from three arcs (four, if we’re being honest). Estelle and Joshua from Trails in the Sky; Lloyd Bannings and the Special Support Section from Zero/Azure; the old Class 7 from Cold Steel 1 and 2; and the new Class 7 of Cold Steel 3 and 4. When you factor in the sheer number of Thors Military Academy graduates and current students, other Bracers, teachers, royal family members, secret societies, hidden covens, and mercenary units, it can get overwhelming.

"Cold Steel 4 picks up a few weeks later. I won’t go into many details to avoid spoilers, but suffice it to say that Erebonia is in a bad way and ready to go to war with Calvard."

Trails in the Sky: The 3rd managed this by focusing on Kevin Graham and Ries Argent, with the rest of the cast serving as backup. It was a solid epilogue to an excellent duo of RPGs, and even then, it didn’t have as extensive a cast as Cold Steel 4. Trails of Cold Steel 4 is the Avengers: Endgame to a build-up that started in Zero/Azure, which is generous considering Ouroboros has had a role since Trails in the Sky FC.

Before we get to the plot, like with Cold Steel 3, the question remains: Is The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4 worth playing on PS5 when the improvements focus mainly on a higher frame rate and resolution with faster load times? If you’re a fan of the series, the answer is yes. If you’re diving in to see the end of this saga – even if it’s to follow the thunderous conclusion of Trails of Cold Steel 3 – then the answer is also yes, though it’s not perfect.

Cold Steel 4 picks up a few weeks later. I won’t go into many details to avoid spoilers, but suffice it to say that Erebonia is in a bad way and ready to go to war with Calvard. Old Class 7 is in shambles, but after new Class 7 finds its bearings, it embarks on a journey to locate its one true hope and fight back.

Epilogue teasing other characters aside, the first Act is pretty solid. Not only does new Class 7 need to reconnect, but prove itself against almost insurmountable odds, both from the world and within. Juna has to find it in herself to serve as a rock for her allies, continuing her growth in Cold Steel 3. Kurt is more confident but still has a ways to go in skill, and does whatever he can to support his friends.

"Finally, there’s the ending – again, no spoilers, but some elements feel a bit off and wrapped up too conveniently. It also feels like there should have been an epilogue to help tie up the many loose strings."

Altina is closer to being human, but in flux as far as her emotions are concerned. There are also some strong character moments for the likes of Ash and Musse, and as the group acquires clues, works together with the old Class 7 and seeks out their Branch Campus mates, it’s a compelling journey rife with mystery.

Once you make it past the interlude, which is a cathartic moment and feels like the story will kick into high gear, Act 2 acts as a long plateau, as you’re involved with rescuing other key characters. The stakes don’t feel nearly as important (despite these characters being a big deal in the lore), and overall, it borders on unnecessary padding at times. Fortunately, things pick up again near the conclusion and heading into Act 3, it feels like we’re – to use a cliché – in the endgame.

There are plenty of other trials to look forward to en route to the finale, with fun dungeons and boss battles awaiting. If Act 2 were shorter or resolved more succinctly, it would have helped the pacing much more.

Finally, there’s the ending – again, no spoilers, but some elements feel a bit off and wrapped up too conveniently. It also feels like there should have been an epilogue to help tie up the many loose strings. Granted, Trails into Reverie offered that, but it doesn’t feel any less weird in Cold Steel 4. Overall, it’s a good ending – certainly not the best, and fans of Estelle, Joshua and Lloyd will no doubt be left wanting.

"Where Trails of Cold Steel 4 falters at times with the plot, it makes up for it in terms of sheer content. Vantage Masters and fishing return as activities, and many side quests await."

The overall characterization and dialogue remain strong, with Cold Steel 4 relying less on the annoying “defeat a boss, only to find they’re perfectly fine afterwards” trope somewhat. Some great moments abound, backed by some great voice acting once again (with a few noticeable rough spots here and there).

However, the script tends to rely a bit too much on the heroes stuck in what could be a hopeless position, only to be rescued again and again. It’s not a deal-breaker and certainly won’t annoy as much as characters using titles or unofficial names repeatedly, becoming all the more annoying when so many major heroes and villains gather together.

Where Trails of Cold Steel 4 falters at times with the plot, it makes up for it in terms of sheer content. Vantage Masters and fishing return as activities, and many side quests await. Many see the cast resolving conflicts that have arisen through Erebonia, reconnecting with old friends, and even hearing some familiar tunes.

There are also Bonding Events, which can range from heart-warming to awkward given the characters involved. There are also more mini-games, like Puyo Puyo-esque Pom! Pom! Party, which is playable on the go. The Horror Coaster also provides a shoot ’em-up activity, even if it’s only available much later. Lost Arts and Trial Chests from Cold Steel 2 also return, the former gated behind some tough optional boss fights, and the latter requiring specific party members to grant upgrades to Brave Orders.

"As for the visuals, some scenes are impressive with the sheer number of characters present, but they’re about the same quality as the previous game."

Speaking of which, Brave Orders received numerous balance changes, and while not as overwhelmingly broken as in Cold Steel 3, some are still very good and trivialize a good chunk of the content (looking at you, White Decoration). Other new features include an increased Battle Point cap, higher-level EX Orbs, etc. Bosses can also use Brave Orders to mix things up, and some of the mech battles are the saga’s best yet, providing a solid challenge.

It doesn’t hurt that the various dungeons are also good – they’re straightforward in terms of puzzles and layouts but paced relatively well and full of things to discover. Beware, though – this is the largest playable roster yet, which can be somewhat daunting the further you get along (though it pays off in a big way at the end).

The soundtrack is somewhat of a step down from Cold Steel 3. Composers Hayato Sonoda, Mitsuo Singa, Takahiro Unisuga and Yukihiro Jindo still deliver some good tracks, whether it’s battle themes like “Burning Throb” or “Deep Carnival” or the opening theme. Still, it feels like the weakest overall offering in the series, which, like Cold Steel 3, maybe more of a testament to how good the previous games are. If nothing else, it’s probably the least well-rounded in the series.

As for the visuals, some scenes are impressive with the sheer number of characters present, but they’re about the same quality as the previous game. Considering the budget and overall size of the development team, it’s somewhat understandable but temper your expectations accordingly. Still, if the PS5 port improved on a few other minor aspects, it would have been appreciated.

"When I first completed the game on PS4, I recognized its issues, especially in the plot and technical limitations. Outright ignoring the former became tougher over time."

When I first completed the game on PS4, I recognized its issues, especially in the plot and technical limitations. Outright ignoring the former became tougher over time. They don’t ruin what is a pretty good role-playing game or even the Erebonia saga, which remains one of my favorites in the series, but you have to wonder what could have been.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4 still offers a fun battle system, many well-written characters, a hefty amount of side content and mini-games, a good (but not great) soundtrack and an epic storyline that delivers in many ways while falling short in others. As mixed as the reception was back in the day, its many strengths are easier to appreciate after all these years.

This game was reviewed on PlayStation 5.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake

Unexpected but welcome all the same, Avantgarden’s remake of Starbreeze Studios’ Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons still features the same story of two brothers, Naiee and Naia, on a journey to cure their father’s illness. Controlling both characters at once, players must solve puzzles, utilizing their unique skill sets to progress.

The original is acclaimed for its gameplay and story-telling, which the remake modernizes thanks to a graphical overhaul and re-recorded soundtrack. It also touts new secrets and local co-op, which was added to the original in its 2019 Nintendo Switch version. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake launches on February 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden

After the critically acclaimed Jusant, DON’T NOD is back with a somewhat more traditional action RPG in Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. It focuses on two Banishers, Antea and Red, who help spirits move on. Tragedy quickly strikes in New Eden when Antea dies and remains with Red as a ghost. They must now face a tough decision – sacrifice other people to revive her or continue their work, potentially losing her forever.

As players meet other characters and resolve their crises, their decisions will affect the overall narrative, with five different endings to unlock. Combat is also intriguing since you use Red to unleash bullets and slashes or switch to Antea at any time for her supernatural abilities (which are also good for dealing with crowds). Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden arrives on February 13th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.

Pacific Drive

A drive through an abandoned zone at night may sound creepy, but as Ironwood Studios’ Pacific Drive reveals, things can be worse. Players start out traveling the Pacific Northwest before randomly being teleported into the Olympic Exclusion Zone, once a site for various experiments and now home to dangerous Anomalies. Upon discovering an aged station wagon, they brief the corrosion and storms to find a garage and characters who could help them escape.

It’s easier said than done, as they must venture into the Zone to gather supplies and materials, acquiring Stable Energy and braving the storm to make it back alive. They must then repair and outfit their vehicle, unlock new items via the Fabrication Station, and eventually unravel the mystery of the Zone to escape. With a rogue-lite structure, quirks that can alter your vehicle’s performance (for better or worse) and Anomalies that spice up runs in various harrowing ways, Pacific Drive is truly unique. It’s out on February 22nd for PS5 and PC.

Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League

When the Justice League goes rogue, you call Batman. When Batman also goes rogue (kind of), then you call the Suicide Squad, probably. Regardless, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, King Shark and Captain Boomerang – along with a host of supporting characters – are the only ones who can save Metropolis after Brainiac invades and brainwashes the League. Touted as Rocksteady’s “biggest cinematic experience”, and easily its biggest story, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League also seems to have some multiverse shenanigans going on with Brainiac’s Elseworlds.

Gameplay-wise, it’s a looter shooter with co-op support, skill trees, mods, gear sets (known as Infamy Sets), an end-game and live-service elements like seasons, a Battle Pass and microtransactions. Players can control one of the Squad, while the AI handles the rest, in single-player, kitting out their character with different guns and exploring the vast city with unique traversal skills. For all the mixed receptions, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has generated some interest. We’ll see if it can deliver a worthwhile experience when it launches on February 1st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.

Skull and Bones

What’s better than one live-service title rumored to have been in development for years and seen multiple reboots? How about two? Skull and Bones has had a long journey, reportedly starting development in 2013 and officially announced in 2017. It’s an action-adventure focused on naval combat, set in the Indian Ocean during the Golden Age of Piracy, as players seek to establish themselves as legendary pirates. Before that, they must take on contracts for Pirate Kingpins, raiding convoys and transporting goods while contending with opposing forces.

There are multiple ships, each designed for specific purposes with several weapon and damage types. Even furniture can affect your ship’s performance in various ways. Those not keen on PvE can indulge in PvP modes, from the high-risk, high-reward Helm Wagers to the player bounty-focused Cutthroat Cargo, with leaderboards, Kingpin Ranks and whatnot. Skull and Bones is out on February 16th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC, with a year of post-launch content planned. Whether it saves past that point is anyone’s guess, but we’re relieved it’s coming out.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

The developer is going all out with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the second part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake saga. A massive map with seamless exploration and near-instant fast-travelling, tons of mini-games, new cities and areas not present in the original setting, tons of side quests, new Summons, combat improvements and Synergy Abilities – the list goes on. That’s not even getting into the story side of things, with all kinds of potential revelations teased and characters like Cid and Vincent Valentine making their debut.

It’s almost too much, with 100 hours of gameplay promised, but also oddly fitting for such an iconic part of Cloud and party’s journey, as they venture outside of Midgar to locate Sephiroth. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launches on February 29th for PS5, shipping on two Blu-ray discs, and already looks like a shoo-in for Game of the Year.

Helldivers 2

Helldivers is back, and despite the third-person perspective, the war to protect the democracy of Super-Earth remains as perilous as ever. If it’s not the massive Bugs and Automations that are out to get you, it’s friendly fire and a poorly placed Stratagem.

Nevertheless, with procedural generation, terrain deformation, stunning visuals and cross-platform play between PS5 and PC, Helldivers 2 promises a much larger scale than the original when it launches on February 8th. That extends to the new Galactic War, as players liberate planets and complete objectives, with the community as a whole progressing the storyline. You can even earn unlocks to outfit and upgrade your destroyer.

Sons of the Forest (1.0 Release)

Almost a year since launching into early access, Endnight Games’ Sons of the Forest is finally set to launch in full on February 22nd for PC. Version 1.0 will expand on the story, with Shawn Ashmore of Quantum Break fame playing a key role, but it’s already grown significantly during its time in early access.

New areas and caves, bosses, items, vehicles, points of interest, and more have been added, along with improvements to building and electricity systems. That’s only scratching the surface, with Cannibals having a wider range of behaviors (and new types); Kelvin having more commands and emotes; and survival gameplay being made tougher (with Hard survival available for those who crave a challenge).

Mario vs. Donkey Kong

The King of Kong is back in the antagonistic role, giving into his consumer urges and swiping a bunch of Mini-Mario toys. As the president of the toy factory, Mario ventures to get them back, traversing multiple stages and eventually defeating Donkey Kong. As a remake of the 2004 Game Boy Advance classic with gorgeous new visuals and cinematics, Mario vs. Donkey Kong incorporates more puzzle solving, as players bypass traps and other hazards to gather keys, progress to the next part of the stage and rescue a Mini-Mario.

There are multiple worlds to explore, with Plus and Expert Levels to overcome, but the remake adds two more for over 130 levels, a new Time Attack Mode, local co-op and Casual Style for less punishing gameplay. Mario vs. Donkey Kong launches on February 16th for Nintendo Switch.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink

Yet another title years in the making and finally primed to launch, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is based on Cygames’ successful free-to-play gacha RPG. Unlike the original, it’s an action RPG that ventures to new lands in the Zegagrande Kingdom. It’s not long before Gran/Djeeta, Lyria and the Grandcypher crew run afoul of trouble involving the Primal Beasts.

Along with Gran and Djeeta, players can play as other characters like Narmaya, Lancelot, Percival, Katalina, Rackam and many more, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Combat is fast-paced, whether building up to Link Time or activating Skybound Arts in tandem to deal massive damage with a Full Burst attack.

Along with an extensive campaign, there are 100 quests in Quest Mode and support for up to four players in co-op. Time will tell if Granblue Fantasy: Relink lives up to the hype, but thankfully, we won’t have to wait long, as it launches on February 1st for PS4, PS5 and PC.

Tomb Raider 1–3 Remastered

Though we’re not anywhere closer to a launch for Aspyr’s Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake, it does have Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered coming up on February 14th for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Utilizing the original’s source code and engine, the remasters feature revamped character models and environments with baked and real-time lighting (though you can switch back to the original look).

Modern controls are available in addition to the Classic option, with boss health bars and Photo Mode also available. Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered could be the blast from the past that we need.

Open Roads

A narrative-focused adventure title with gorgeous animated characters set against 3D environments, Annapurna Interactive’s Open Roads is about Tess and her mother Opal. Venturing on a road trip to learn more about the past, they venture to abandoned properties to uncover long-buried secrets. There are extensive conversations and more than a few emotional moments, with actors Keri Russell and Kaitlyn Dever bringing the duo to life. Open Roads launches on February 22nd for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch, while also available on day one for Game Pass.

Nightingale (Early Access)

Following its announcement in December 2021, Inflexion Games’ Nightingale will finally enter early access for PC on February 22nd. As an open-world survival crafting title, players control the Realmwalker, who ventures to different Fae realms to find the city of Nightingale. It’s easier said than done, with threats like the Bound and Apex creatures out to ruin your fun.

While players can settle down in a realm, building a base and recruiting NPCs, they can also use Realm Cards to shape their next destination, making it more or less dangerous. The early access version will feature three biome types, a progression system “spanning all aspects of gameplay”, various creatures and “comprehensive building and crafting tools, alongside estate management,” as per the Steam listing. Nightingale will remain in early access for nine to 12 months, adding biomes, story and even the city itself, but it should be interesting to see how the base game fares.

Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance

Originally set to launch in December, Slitherine Ltd.’s Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance is now out on February 7th for PC. Based on the Dark Fate timeline, the real-time strategy sees humanity going up against the killer robots of Legion and fighting for survival. Commanding the Founders, players navigate the war torn world of the future, recruiting and training new units for battles.

Other factions can join or oppose you during these conflicts, with different missions opening up depending on your actions. Several unit types, from drones to armored vehicles, are available, and players can control the other factions – the Resistance and Legion – in Skirmish and Multiplayer. As far as Terminator titles are concerned, it’s intriguing and could be the best thing to result from Dark Fate.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3 and 4

A new age of Falcom’s Kiseki series is due this Summer, with The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak finally launching in the West. Until then, fans can re-experience The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3 and 4 on PS5 when both titles launch on February 16th. Originally available in Japan for the PS4 in 2017, Cold Steel 3 follows Rean Schwarzer, now a teacher in Thors Branch Campus, training a new Class VII – composed of Kurt Vander, Juna Crawford and Altina Orion – to conduct Special Operations for the Erebonian Empire.

Musse Egret and Ash Carbide eventually join, but rampant conspiracies could shake the very foundation of the empire. As for Cold Steel 4, well, that’s just getting into spoiler territory. The PS5 versions of both titles feature high-definition visuals and all previously released cosmetic DLC. While it’s far from the most graphically impressive pair of RPGs, they make up for it with their story-telling, world-building and excellent combat.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3 is set roughly two years after the previous game, with Rean Schwarzer as an instructor in Thors Military Academy’s Branch Campus. He teaches a new Class 7 while investigating a conspiracy in Erebonia. Trails of Cold Steel 4 picks up immediately after, and without going into spoilers, it’s the epic conclusion to the saga.

Along with the Standard Edition, there’s also a Collector’s Edition, which includes the Deluxe Edition, digital OST, mini and hardcover art books, a cloth map, an art card set, a Collector’s Box and postcard set for $99.99. It’s available to pre-order via the NIS America Online Store.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3 and 4 are already available for PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC. Check out our review of the former here and the latter here.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3 takes place two years after Cold Steel 2 and sees protagonist Rean Schwarzer as an instructor at Thors Military Academy’s branch campus. He assembles a new Class VII with Juna Crawford, Altina Orion and Kurt Vandar, with Ash Carbide and Musse Egret joining later. Together, they undertake missions and uncover a new conspiracy taking root in Erebonia.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4 is a direct follow-up and concludes the Erebonian Saga. We’ll avoid too many spoilers, but it sees Estelle Bright from Trails in the Sky and Lloyd Bannings from the Crossbell saga joining the fight. Both titles seem to run in 4K on PS5, with 60 FPS support pretty much a given. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

Both titles are available for PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC and would mark the next wave of titles in the series to release on PS5. Currently, Trails into Reverie is the franchise’s only game to be available on PS5 in the West. In Japan, The Legend of Heroes: Kuro no Kiseki and Kuro no Kiseki 2 -CRIMSON SiN – are also playable on the current-gen console.

An official announcement could be coming soon, so stay tuned. As for when the Kuro no Kiseki will be released in the West, Falcom assures that news is coming “as soon as possible.” Stay tuned in the meantime, and check out our review for Trails into Reverie.

Arthur Morgan – Red Dead Redemption 2

Arthur Morgan has it pretty rough. With the Wild West simmering down, his leader Dutch Van der Linde taking great risks, and various forces plotting the gang’s downfall, he’s constantly on his guard. Nevertheless, Arthur is a warm presence in the gang, keeping things together even when later discovered to be dying from tuberculosis.

In the end, after finding out that Micah has been an informant for the Pinkertons, Arthur tries to convince Dutch of the betrayal (besides also helping John Marston make his escape). Even when the latter doesn’t believe him and Arthur is riddled with sickness while fighting off Micah, he still works to protect his friends. Eventually, he dies in peace, watching the sunrise, assuming the player has high honor.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

The scale of Rift Apart’s story stretches across multiple dimensions, some which our heroes traverse in the blink of an eye. When breaking it all down into different planets – the mines on Blizar Prime, the sweeping greenery of Sargasso and the sleekness of Nefarious City on Corson V – there’s a lot to take in. From quirky NPCs and wildlife to Pocket Dimensions, Rift Apart is Insomniac’s biggest platforming adventure and yet, it’s excellently paced – never too slow but also taking time to breathe and establish its characters.

Yami – Okami

The battle with Amaterasu’s archenemy Yami plays out over five different phases. Yami’s first form is akin to a sphere with an intricate glowing red design that can lash out with tendrils and launch missiles. Its second form takes on a greenish appearance which segregates into platforms and can use fire to attack. Hilariously, it becomes a kind of slot machine for its third phase while its fourth form is a yellow sphere that has legs and arms. All of this culminates in a giant claw extending from the sphere while the arena is covered in darkness, missiles and lasers.

Mass Effect 3

Amid all the controversy that Mass Effect 3’s endings caused, fans still wondered: Had Shepard survived or not? If you had a high enough Effective Military Strength in Extended Cut and went with the Destroy option, then the Earth would be saved, the Reapers eradicated and your squadmates would survive. Just when Shepard’s fate is sealed, a post-credits scene shows an N7 tag amidst some rubble. It slightly moves, hinting at the Commander’s survival.