5 Reasons You Should Play the Trails Series

[@cozyfeji]

I’m honestly so happy I decided to pick up and play this series back in 2023. The storytelling in this series is nothing I’ve ever experienced before and everyone who is a jrpg fan should experience!

[@JustTheGems]

I'm really glad you started it too! Where are you at in the story at the moment?

[@itkirk]

A cross-channel interaction??!! . . . MAGIC!

[@cozyfeji]

@@JustTheGems I just started chapter 2 in trails of cold steel! Still getting used to and being introduced to the cast and the region.

[@Matthew7772005]

I would love to see you both do a collaborative video. As a subscriber to you both, please make it happen!!!!

[@luxuri]

just started trails from zero a bit ago. 4hours in i genuinely feel the connection towards the characters so far. the world feels alive. their relationship with each other and their own feel so refreshing. i wish i could start with the sky trilogy but atm i cannot and i wanted to dip my toes in. ill look at a summary for sky and eventually go back to play them but atm, im really enjoying my time and i want to catch up someday. this series is exactly what i was looking for

[@JustTheGems]

Zero is a great place to begin! I hope you continue to enjoy it

[@Greenlord075]

Another point I’d like to add is the level of detail in even the NPCs. They by and large have names and distinct ongoing plot lines as each game progresses. They feel like real people living in the world, occasionally intersecting with the main characters via a quest, or just having a life completely separate from the main plot. Not only does this help point 5 in making the world feel richer and more interconnected, especially as some NPCs do appear in multiple arcs, but also adds to point 2 with even more super small scale bits of story or worldbuilding. Not to mention all the other tidbits of information hidden throughout the games in books or news articles etc.

[@SuperSupersoda]

I found this series during the pandemic lock-downs in 2020. Honestly, Trails was one of the big winners of the pandemic: suddenly a lot of JRPG fans had some money and a lot of times on our hands. The time commitment to playing Trails was suddenly no longer an issue, we had nothing better to do. By the way, I will be at anime expo in LA and I will attend your panel on Saturday. Looking forward to it!

[@unclebrian8156]

If there was a Trails game where Rean & Alisa got married & the entirety of class 7 was part of the wedding party this is how I would have it: Elliot would play the music since he's part of the music club, Jusis would handle the food since his uncle runs the restaurant in his hometown, Gaius would be Rean's best man & let them have the wedding at settlement, Laura the maid of honor, Fie the flower girl since she's in the gardening club, Machias would bee a goomsman, Emma a bridesmaid, Altina the ring bearer, Juna & Kurt would be another bridesmaid & groomsman, Ash an usher, Musse would greet people as they arrived, Sharon would help Jusis' uncle prepare the food, Sara, Towa, & Crow would help the bride & groom get ready, & finally the person to marry Rean & Alisa would be Principal Vandyck. Plus the "Just Married" sign would be attached to Valimar as the newlyweds fly off to wherever they decide to go for their honeymoon.

[@sytsma.justin]

Great video! I am planning to go through ALL the Trails games this year. I devoured Sky FC/SC and am half way through the 3rd. I am having major surgery in September, and so I specifically picked few games to sink my teeth into, and I'm hoping by then I'll be working on the TOCS series as I'm planning on doing Zero/Azure over the summer.

[@sebthebadgamer]

Planning to get trails in the sky in a couple days, can’t wait to get absorbed into the series!

[@qrowthebird7496]

1. Tita 2. Story 3. World building 4. Music 5. Fishing

[@borkozdravkovic4746]

You got half the letters right, but you spelled Towa incorrectly

[@JustTheGems]

Agreed.

[@pauls713]

It's taken me a very long time, but I'm currently at Trails of Cold Steel II. I hope you're video persuades others to take the plunge!

[@JustTheGems]

I hope so too! The more people in the Trails community, the better.

[@Eagleknight815]

It’s all of these reasons!! Love this entire series so far and Falcom keeps pumping out banger after banger.

[@JustTheGems]

They're one of the most consistently great developers out there, and they've been doing it for SO LONG.

[@bhuincho3]

My experience with the trails series. I actually bought the trails in cold steel 1 and 2 for psvita out of curiosity due to the academy setting and the character interactions. Never played it until years later. When I kept watching more games of the trail series coming out. I bought each game but I had no idea where to start it. I kept hearing the trails in sky were the best point, so ended up playing the psp version cause I had no pc. I loved the first chapter and now playing through the second chapter.

[@RomanJr316]

I LOVE the Trails series and started it in 2017 with Cold Steel 1 and 2 and then went back to the Sky trilogy, Crossbell, and then wait for Cold Steel 3. I’ve played them all and can’t wait for July 5th to play Daybreak. Despite all that I watched the whole video as if I didn’t know anything because I NEED TRAILS anywhere I can get it until July 5th. As always love your video, brother, and I agree with everything you said.

[@lucbauer]

Played all games until Trails into Reverie, which I'm finishing right now. Can't wait to start Trails through Daybreak

[@davidalmanza7073]

i just finished up Trails in the sky FC and jumping into SC with full speed. Put 70ish hours eating every morsel of the game

[@Fast_Travel_Gamer]

I'm nearing the end of FC and can't wait to start SC next! I have already finished Zero and Azure. Have you played any others yet or did you start with Sky?

[@brunokingz]

Trails in the Sky is just soooo good

[@vx1363]

My wife is amazed how into Trails I've gotten over this last year. I don't usually get too invested in games. I knew I was hooked when the credits rolled on Sky FC Me: I beat it... Wife: Are you okay? Me scowling at the screen. Wife: Honey? Me: Well now I NEED to know what happens or I'm not going to sleep tonight and I'm going to be mad all day at work tomorrow.

[@davidalmanza7073]

@@Fast_Travel_Gamer started with this one. Working my way up

[@davidalmanza7073]

@vx1363 the ending left me shocked and jumped straight into SC without hesitation. Usually after playing a long game like this I need a super linear game to blow through to avoid burn out. But not with this one

[@enseventealp]

Picked up FC off the back of a recommendation. Finished it. Loved it. And then went on holiday for 2 weeks. I legitimately couldn't stop thinking about Trails in the sky. Picked up SC today. I'm so excited to continue the story

[@JustTheGems]

That cliffhanger is killer!

[@RicochetOcelot]

You’ve sold me on both this series and your channel! You’re described exactly what I’ve been missing from gaming for the past 5-10 years!

[@JustTheGems]

I'm so glad to hear it! I hope you really enjoy the series!

[@infernofoxgaming10]

LOVED this deep dive that you did here! Listened to this video this morning while out running, training for the marathon, and it did an AWESOME job of distracting me. I'm so glad I got into the series; I've completed CS I & II, Sky I, and am nearly done with II. Can't wait to continue this wonderful series!

[@JustTheGems]

It's truly remarkable, can't wait to hear your thoughts as you get further in!

[@ClaytonMorris]

I just started playing the series and I'm sold. Can't wait to go back and play from the beginning.

[@JustTheGems]

Oh heck yes, I hope you love it! Let me know what you think as you go!

[@ClaytonMorris]

@@JustTheGems I just published a short review video as a total newcomer. I think we agreed on the quartz system. I love this game and I'm glad I finally took the plunge now I want to go back and start with PSP games. Did you play the originals on PSP or the PC ports?

[@JustTheGems]

@@ClaytonMorris I played the first two on PSP originally, but I've replayed them all on Steam Deck (and the quality of life enhancements are so nice)

[@bozodluffy1818]

Sky FC has been on my backlog for about a year, but I am finally starting it once I finish harvestella (I’m like 15 hours into harvestella currently) I’m SUPER excited to start and can’t wait to work my way through this seemingly amazing series! Thanks for the video to reaffirm my starting this series!

[@JustTheGems]

Oh man, Harvestella is one of my all-time favorite games. I hope you enjoy that one, too!

[@Akrovak01]

This video was amazing, totally captured my feelings. I've played all but the Sky series (hope they get NA'd soon) and keep checking on the PS store for pre ordering the Daybreak game. I LOVE everything about this incredible series.

[@JustTheGems]

Same here, it just consistently exceeds my expectations, I love it so much.

[@Morraak]

"I hope you dont mind not having a BUTT, because they will rock it off!" This is why I watch this channel lol. And for the good jrpg videos of course! I do like melodic music over cinematic music!

[@Matthew7772005]

This was so hilarious!!!

[@JustTheGems]

Haha sometimes I'm like, am I being TOO weird? But I can't help myself. 😅

[@genefactor007]

I was introduced to the Trails series a couple years ago. My journey was a little scattered but still a very pleasant ride. The first game I played was Cold Steel. I played CS1 and 2 before stopping and doubling back to Trails to Zero which, at the time, had just been released on current consoles. With the Liberl arc not being on current consoles, I didn't think I'd get to play those games but the Steam Deck changed all that. After completing Sky 1 and 2 (I decided to skip the 3rd 😬) I returned to Crossbell for Azure. I'm currently at the very end of Azure and looking forward to my return trip back to Erebonia. What I love most about the Trails series is how connected all of the games are. By the end of Cold Steel 2, I was so invested in what was going on in Crossbell. I simply couldn't wait to start that game! The same goes for Daybreak. After hearing about Calvert in so many Trails games, I'm looking forward to playing in that country. The Trails series has that effect which goes to show just how well the world was realized. Trails has become my absolute favorite series.

[@timseyer6769]

Just a suggestion, do yourself the favor of playing sky the third. It is i think my most beloved of the whole series.

[@brunokingz]

@@timseyer6769 No need, just watch some videos...

[@biblemaneverett6528]

@@timseyer6769I 2nd this. From what I’ve seen in Kai, I feel like some parts will reverence Sky the 3rd.

[@MJ-oi6ul]

@@timseyer6769 You can just watch the important stuff on youtube they are extremely short. The game is more gameplay than actual story unlike all the other games in the series! It's basically just "fanservice the game"

[@TheDreadedZero]

I watched your video on Trails through Daybreak and then this one. So much good information. 👍🏻

[@AzureRoxe]

Started playing the series recently, i finished Sky FC and A DAY LATER they announce its remake.

[@xleaselife]

Instant subscribe. Major Trails fan here. It's easily my favourite RPG series of all time. I've been playing through the series over the past few years. I'm on Trails of Cold Steel 1 now. I cannot wait to get to Daybreak. Also: Estelle is Bestelle.

[@uppernimbus]

It's so coincidental that you uploaded this video just after I've been in discussions with other folks in the JRPG community about getting stuck into the Trails series 🤣 You definitely help with making me feel less intimated by the franchise!

[@JustTheGems]

I'm glad to hear it! It's such a great series, I'd hate for anyone to be scared off from it.

[@alexmccall6471]

30 hours into the first trails in the sky and I have to say it’s truly amazing if the other games are half as good as this one I’ll be happy

[@freedomisntfree7851]

Currently in the middle of Trails of Cold Steel 3. Amazing series so far. I do kind of wish I had started with the earlier ones so when they show up in this series I would know more about them but definitely hope to go back and play them eventually.

[@MoTheGuy]

I started with the Crossbell ark not knowing it is part of a long series and ended up loving it, and i'm going through the Sky Saga and eager to go through the cold steel!!

[@TheNOODLER100]

You forgot the most important plot thread that truly binds all the Trails games together: Anton and Ricky.

[@JustTheGems]

😂 This is 100% correct.

[@jonathanma4206]

I'm a Japanese learner, trying to get into literature and video games. I love JRPGs - you've convinced me! I've played Persona 3, 4 and 5, Triangle Strategy/Octopath Traveler 2, 13 Sentinels/Unicorn Overlord, and AI Somnium Files, all in Japanese. I've been looking to get into something super immersive. I bought Trails into Daybreak, and I love it, but then I bought Cold Steel 1, and thought wow, hearing more and more about this series, I feel like it's the perfect opportunity to real go deep into Japanese, because there are novels and newspapers inside the video games!! It's crazy to me. So now, I just got Trails in the Sky FC (I could only find the PSP version in Japanese), and I've just played the first chapter, and want to play all the Trails games in order. I only understand 70% of what I read but people have said that I will get so much better after going through the series. Thanks!!

[@JustTheGems]

Yeah, I can imagine the Trails series in particular would be a pretty strong and intensive Japanese course!

[@jonathanma4206]

@@JustTheGems It’s definitely been challenging but I’ve been getting through it. There’s a lot of small talk which helps me with imagining in Japanese. Also I see improvement every time I read a chapter of the novel Carnelia. It’s like being a kid again learning to read. It will probably take me 5 years to finish the series lol, but it’s definitely a top notch game and one for learning at that.

[@mitch20003]

Bro play star ocean 2 one of my favorites, the remake is fantastic

[@capnkirk0123]

Don’t know why I’ve been avoiding this series for so long as a JRPG fan and collector. Picked up a Steam Deck just to finish the Sky trilogy. Currently playing the 3rd.

[@JustTheGems]

Heck yes. I did the same, literally bought a Steam Deck just so I'd have an easier way to play Sky again 😅

[@beamstalk6475]

I am in the last part of Trails in the Sky SC, I did get burnt out a little (the sudden grindiness of it) but i do need to go back to it

[@bballwalli]

Love this series. Started last year with trails in the sky after a friend convinced me and I am not disappointed. I am now up to cold steel 2 and loving it.

[@keitwo834]

We're on the same pace. Just finished Steel 2 too

[@bballwalli]

@@keitwo834 yeah I am now in cold steel 4, can’t wait to finish this arc up!

[@femtrooper]

I am wanting to give another arc a try! Sky seems to be the one that looks most appealing to me.

[@JustTheGems]

If you're in for a good, classic adventure, I think you'll dig the Sky arc for sure.

[@femtrooper]

@@JustTheGems That’s exactly what I’m looking for!!!

[@joeyisabsb1]

I finally got my gf to start this series. I had her watch summaries of the Liberl and Crossbell arcs as the idea of playing them all was too overwhelming. I told her she could watch the Erebonia arc so she can just start with the newest game (Daybreak) but she liked the summaries so much that she started playing Cold Steel.

[@JustTheGems]

Nice! Love to hear that!

[@rhettmitchell]

Honestly might be what I do

[@heartofShinRa]

As a massive Ys simp and JRPG lover myself, I've always wanted to get into the Trails series. Started TitS FC on PSP many years ago, but got sidetracked and never went back. Trails through Daybreak has me interested in finally giving the series a proper try again.

[@HalfpennyTerwilliger]

I started with the Crossbell duology when it was ported to Switch. I'm now playing Cold Steel 1 and still enjoying every minute. This series is just excellent for anyone interested in games with strong lore, narrative and characters.

[@JustTheGems]

Absolutely correct!

[@notimetogame]

So far I have only finished Trails in the Sky - but I think your slowly convincing me to play more

[@JustTheGems]

I hope you do!

[@Matthew7772005]

I appreciate your videos. I am loving these games. I am so excited that Falcon is finally going to put 1st 3 games on modern consoles etc.

[@JustTheGems]

It'll be a great way to pull in even more fans!

[@sigmaraskardian2657]

I happened to play Trails of Cold Steel without even knowing anything about the series (got on sale on GoG), and only about part way through realised there was a connected series, with several games before it. Got and played Trails in the Sky, and got about a third of the way through Trails in the Sky SC. Unfortunately my situation changed and I do not really have a set up the encourages me to play long hours on PC (I am on it for much of my time at work) and so for ages I was stuck in limbo. Recently I decided rather than miss out and not play any, I would read a synopsis of what I missed in the remaining Trails in the Sky arc (I know, not ideal) and have started playing Trails from Zero. Really enjoying it, and have Azure, the 4 Cold Steel games, and Reverie all on my shelf on console to play through. Have Daybreak on pre-order too. (Although that was problematic as Australian release was ditched. Apparently Bandai Namco AU has handled distribution for the games in Australia, and they have cancelled the game's physical release because it "contains content not in line with their social responsibility policies"). Anyhow, long story short ("Too late" I hear you think), I agree 100%.

[@JustTheGems]

That's commitment! Maybe they'll actually remake the Sky arc for modern platforms one day and you can finish playing through them all (maybe with some new additions, too)

[@iridmeilien]

I finished the Sky trilogy last week!! I’ll jump to Trails from Zero soon 🎉

[@Thuxo]

1. Renne 2. Olivier 3. Osborne 4. Games with major recurring characters and plot arcs that don’t spoon feed 5. Extreme depth of npc’s 6. Awesome atmospheric music 7. Super detailed worldbuilding 8. Insane plot twists 9. Epic climaxes

[@JustTheGems]

These are all absolutely correct.

[@bilditup1]

Having just finished SC a few weeks ago and just gotten up to chapter seven in Sky the 3rd…I didn’t think anything would be nearly emotionally impactful as the end of that game, especially not the very very end, but now I’m basically primed

[@bilditup1]

Just thinking about it gets me teary again ngl (ok im a huge sap but still)

[@bilditup1]

And the music. Silver Will and Where the Stars Are (aka The Whereabouts of Light aka Hoshi no Arika) *chef’s kiss* I don’t think I’ve hit upon a similarly incredible piece for the 3rd, but it has good reprises of the best of the first two games at least, which lent those sections of the game a very cozy “ah, home!” feel to them

[@bilditup1]

(I finally managed to beat it a couple of weeks ago, the announcement of the Sky FC remaster was the last push. The whole ending sequence afterward was quite something. I’m gonna miss everyone!)

[@Raphtor13]

Well, I finally decided to try the Trails series. I have been a Tales fan for years but now it's time to see if I like Trails too. I am starting with Trails From Zero.

[@drakenstoc4885]

An excellent place to start. I hope you enjoy it, because I certainly did! =)

[@keitwo834]

Na gotta start with sky. Starting with zero you'll miss great stuff and get a lot of sky content spoiled. People are telling a lot of bull...t, maybe to convince themself that they didn't screw up by starting with steel or zero

[@drakenstoc4885]

@@keitwo834 I started with Sky FC, and I'll acknowledge that it is the best place to start. Even excluding the plot threads that carry over from one game/arc to the next, the Sky trilogy is just a good set of RPGs in general, and are definitely worth giving a try. But telling people that it is the "only" place they should start is what causes them to never give these games a try at all. >_> I'll also mention that while I started with Sky FC, I sadly didn't play them all in the best (release) order. My order of play was: Sky FC > Sky SC > Cold Steel 1 > Cold Steel 2 > Cold Steel 3 > Sky 3rd > Cold Steel 4 > Zero > Azure > Reverie > Daybreak (I'm currently still playing Daybreak) And I still liked all of them a lot. I would have enjoyed Azure more if I'd played it first before the Cold Steel games (because it is completely spoiled by the Cold Steel games), but I still consider it to be a top tier RPG. The same goes for Zero (although Zero isn't really spoiled by those games). Speaking of Zero... yes, there are plot threads that carry over from the Sky trilogy that enhance the experience. But there are only a couple. Zero has a LOT more going on than just those plot threads. If you could only define how good Zero is based on those, then it wouldn't be a good game at all (and it is, in fact, a good game). As for what it spoils for the Sky trilogy... I'd argue that it may actually make certain events from the Sky trilogy that much more surprising/fun. Something like that happened to me with Azure, and I feel like the Cold Steel games spoiled a LOT more of Azure's plot than Zero/Azure spoiled the Sky games. >_>

[@reign0ffire88]

Awesome video!

[@JustTheGems]

Thank you!

[@brightmamba889]

Im playing the 1st games of each arc at the same time. I figure its seeing the world through different perspectives. Ive never did that in a series before.

[@JustTheGems]

That’s a really interesting way to play them, I’d be really curious to hear more about what your experience is like.

[@ScorpioCesarcade]

You guys can't keep doing this to me! I don't have the time to play all these amazing JRPGs and get sucked into these worlds and fall in love with the characters! 😭

[@JustTheGems]

If content creators can't peer pressure other content creators into playing their favorite games, then what are we even doing, right? 😂

[@timseyer6769]

I'll watch later and comment now because I know why I need to play the trails series. Because I played it only once thus far.

[@TheSteelers4190]

Nailed it!

[@jonvallee4573]

I slapped that like button and subscribed. I love your videos. I just watched KillScottKill play the Trails in the Sky Trilogy only to find out they are remaking them on console lol.

[@JustTheGems]

Thank you so much! I'm really hoping we get those Sky games remade soon

[@jclosed2516]

I want to say that you specifically have to point out that all the battle you show is in TURBO mode. Otherwise people would get scared off, thinking the game is only for ADHD people with neurotic flash-reflexes. I would like to point out to all viewers that the battle can be a LOT more relaxed and has some nice animations, in stead of mere flashes. Also walking in normal mode is real walking, in stead of imitating a ramped-up hare on high octane fuel. So if you are the type that want to take your time and do not want to rush, then rest assured - You absolutely are able to do so! 😉 You are right that you can start the game anywhere, as long as you start at the beginning of an arc. That said - Maybe you should play the Sky games before the Crosbell games, just for a very important story around a certain little girl. That said - I personally am VERY happy I started with the very first Trails In The Sky games, because I love how the story evolves from small at that very humble start, to a massive one at the end. Anyway - I certainly think that the upcoming Trails Through Daybreak will also be a very good starting point. Although people have pointed out (I have not played the game yet, so I can't confirm) that you WILL meet some, and get references to, a few characters from the previous games.

[@JustTheGems]

In screenshots I've seen, I can say there are DEFINITELY some familiar faces, but that won't matter to newcomers. So hopefully we'll all just be able to enjoy it!

[@jclosed2516]

@@JustTheGems All I personally hope for, is that it makes people curious about the previous games. I love to see them enjoy this big saga. Previously people where turned off by the more "old school" graphics of the first games, but since there are now far more pixelated games around, chances are big this barrier is at least a bit lowered.

[@mechaswool]

I finished Cold Steel 1 a couple of days ago (yes, I've already played through the Sky trilogy and the Crossbell duology) and about to start Cold Steel 2, so I think Falcom has their hands on my wallet already

[@RimuMagica]

Trails is my favourite series period, i've played every game and have well over 1k hours into the franchise. My top 3 are Azure, Sky SC and Kuro 1. Also Renne is best girl.

[@JustTheGems]

Renne = best girl, confirmed.

[@fitzokami3920]

I wouldn't say I'm a diehard JRPG fan, but I've played my fair share. I actually just started playing Trails in the Sky FC two days ago, because of your videos, and I'm loving it! I do have a question though. Do the later entries in the series have a lot of fan service? I just wondered if it stuck to emphasis on story, world building, and gamplay?

[@MJ-oi6ul]

3rd game is all fanservice actually but you can skip it also, the new games bring back alot of characters from the older ones so you will see estelle in all of them probably lol

[@FletchMo7]

Brandon!! I just completed trails in the sky FC.. loved it! Like you say the story is amazing. I have a quick question.. are enemies having arts cancelling moves a constant throughout the series as I was pulling my hair out in parts of the final boss haha… maybe I’m still not use to the battle system and missed a way to make this easier perhaps? Any info or tips would be greatly appreciated as going to play SC soon

[@JustTheGems]

Yeah, both you and the enemies have certain moves that can cancel any art that's being cast. Best bet is to increase the speed that you cast to minimize it.

[@themanboycave122]

I swear I’m going to try a trails game next year. I don’t know which one yet. But I will give them a try.

[@MJ-oi6ul]

Start with sky but rumors say it will be remastered into modern day HD style like cold steel so maybe wait for that first

[@Doogie2110]

I really want to get into this series and I've tried at least 5 times, but if there's one thing I can't stand in anime and anime-style games, and I am absolutely not kidding about this, it's when characters talk with their eyes closed And for gods sake THEY WILL NOT STOP CLOSING THEIR EYES WHEN THEY TALK

[@ogun6464]

Nice vid, I want to jump into the series with Daybreak, I just need to find the time

[@chorustrilogy]

For anyone who wants it, I'd be happy to buy a copy of Trails in the Sky FC or Trails of Cold Steel for yall since the summer sale is up on Steam. Play Trails, such a brilliant series :D

[@JustTheGems]

That is so generous! Yes, people, grab one of these games and give them a try!

[@tenaciousrodent6251]

It's the definitive "I know lots of people!"- simulator: Most members of the VAST cast are not extremely well developed, but they are all fleshed out enough for you to care. Trails is not about a party. It's about an ever growing movement!

[@JustTheGems]

Totally! All of these people feel like PEOPLE in the end, and that's what matters.

[@thequeeng2282]

I keep hearing a lot about the trails series...and yes, you did mention you can jump right in to the latest game, but which game would you recommend to start with? Also, you said Ouroboros?? This game is related to Xenoblades Chronicles? Because I adore Xenoblade Chronicles series. Lol. :)

[@JustTheGems]

Good question... If you have a good feeling that you're going to want to play them ALL, then starting with Trails in the Sky FC is the best way to go. If you're not sure about the series, then I think jumping in with Daybreak is a great idea. As for Ouroboros, it's unrelated to Xeno, but I feel like a lot of Japanese developers like to pull from a lot of the same myths! 😅 I can't think of it now, but I'm pretty sure I've heard it come up in a THIRD series outside of Xeno and Trails, too.

[@ColinLack]

It's literally my favourite franchise and it got me through a REALLY bad time in my life. I'd say start with whichever arc catches your fancy.

[@JustTheGems]

Absolutely - it's a powerful story and it can be different things for different people.

[@ColinLack]

@@JustTheGems Exactly and it's just going to be easier to play from here on out

[@niles8576]

trails is my favorite series of all time. i am so glad there are so many people helping others to get into trails. but im gonna be honest starting with daybreak is probably the worst starting point if we are only talking about start of the acts. daybreak would be so confusing with all of the characters that are from previous games and the game expects you to know what happened previously in every other acts.

[@dizzyd4205]

Wish they'd bring the Trails in the sky trilogy to ps5 in North America.

[@JustTheGems]

Same, my friend. Same.

[@chuckhaynes9166]

I came for the gameplay and music...stayed for the world building and story. There were series like trails among western RPG's, which is why I really love trails, nowadays they just slap a number on a game and call it a sequel,but it really isnt. But the wrpgs that inspired the creation of legend of heroes in the first place were, such as Ultima and the more recent Mass Effect. If I were to add anything, I kind of like the blatant positivity of the games. It does kind of becomes a joke that few people die, but this makes the very few deaths extremely consequential. Its a great counter to the sad sack death marathons I usually prefer in my rpgs. I do think as the series goes on I miss protags like Estelle and l-took-her-with-me-anyway Josette, i prefer tomboys (my wife hunts and fishes...while im a city boy), and it seems every consequential female character is more...typical. even Laura and Fie, who I really like are not as much spunky as they are "hot girls that fight good". I dont hate it, I just think a bit of variety here would be good other than just a slight personality quirk.

[@RetroNerdyGamer]

Yeah, i've played this since Sky FC on PSP and uh this really is the best JRPG series I've played and honestly? I'll jusut come out and say it. For how small Falcom is... DAYBREAK LOOKS AMAZING Like How They really nail the art style which is super important for graphics

[@JustTheGems]

Yeah, they've really come a long way in the graphics department. I think (don't quote me on this) that they are using a new engine starting with Daybreak, maybe one they developed themselves? But either way, it's looking NICE

[@adrianty7410]

Im at the finale of trails to azure and im so glad i started playing this game series last year

[@JustTheGems]

The finale of Azure is SO intense!

[@Karryu1995]

Finishing Daybreak and waiting for official translation for Daybreak 2 feels like having withdrawal syndrome

[@KeitaroE37]

Was confused by the boy between Estelle and Rean, have yet to play Nayuta!

[@JDHutchison]

Come for more Trails content. Stay for the beard.

[@JustTheGems]

The beard draws its power from Trails, little-known fact.

[@beamstalk6475]

I thought Trails in the Sky FC explained Orbments very well

[@Ronald-vv4ms]

I started with trails of cold steel and i didn't know about the other games at the time and i can say u cant start in any ark ciz i was confused on certain things that got brought up till i went back and played trails fc

[@veespa_]

“I’m going to list my top five reasons to play the Trails games, if that’s okay.” NO IT’S NOT OKAY! 😂 the only character that took me a whole game to like was Machias. I hated him throughout all of CS1… but then he grows up and stops being so close-minded, which opens his character up majorly. I feel like we’ve been getting a bit of conflicting news from Falcom on how many games are left - I really am hoping that Daybreak is the start of the second half (although I’ve heard Farewell is 90% of the way done?) and we really do get 20 games in total, not counting spinoffs. That would make my life.

[@drakenstoc4885]

The first time I played through CS1, I was like, "Whoa, they made this dude Machias into a real jerk!" The second time I played it years later in preparation for CS3, I was like, "He's even worse than I remembered!" They do an excellent job of making him thoroughly unlikeable in the beginning, and then expanding on his character growth throughout the first and second games. He actually became one of my favorite Class VII members, despite my initial impressions of him. XD Also, I have a theory on the whole "90% done" thing. And it all has to do with the overarching plot. I believe that whenever the plot surrounding the "secret" behind the Zemurian continent, the remaining Sept-Terrions and Ouroboros advances in any significant way, the percentage goes up. Apparently, we're going from 70% (Daybreak 2) to 90% (Kai no Kiseki). I think a large part of that increase will be thanks to the "secret" behind the Zemurian continent being expanded on even further. Of course, I can't be sure. I'm only on Daybreak 1, after all. Anyways, if the percentage IS based on those things, then we could still have several more games to cover the remaining 10%. Although something tells me that it'll be closer to 2 or 3 more games left after Kai. But... hey, we'll see. I just hope that Falcom does the series ending justice, however they end up doing things. >_>

[@yggdrasil5225]

This is a must play before you die!

[@JustTheGems]

It really is.

[@faidou9954]

I'll wait for a sale.

[@JustTheGems]

They happen pretty often!

[@nierfarron2668]

I have only finished cold steel and started Reverie cause it was easier to get compared to the other entries

[@JustTheGems]

That's totally valid. I hope you had a good time with them!

[@ShiroShura]

>Trails is the only JRPG series with an interconnected story throughout the whole series. My guy, Rance series exists.

[@toiletpaper3394]

I mean technically they aren't really medieval before they discovered orbal technology. They're kinda reaching industrial revolution level since there's already gunpowder weapons and steam engines before they completely abandoned it for orbal technology.

[@JustTheGems]

Well, true. I'm throwin' around terms here like I'm an expert, but I'm just a doof. 😅

[@unclebrian8156]

I started Trails of Cold steel 1 & I fell in love with it. When I found out how much going on there was between with Rean & Alisa I wish the game developers made a game where you had options to depending on your bond with everyone you got to pick Rean's best Man, Alisa's maid of Honor, where they got married, how their vows went, & other things like that. Plus after they told each other they loved each other I wish they called each other sweetheart, honey, etc. as your bond grew with them in cold steel 2-4

[@JustTheGems]

I feel the same way, I wish there was a bit more on the romance side in general in CS.

[@unclebrian8156]

@@JustTheGems I couldn’t agree more

[@unclebrian8156]

@@JustTheGems in cold steel 2 when rean & alisa are in the class 7 dorm & are reminiscing about crow plus telling each other they love each other it sounds like they are reciting their wedding vows

[@travisbplank]

If they would just port them all to Switch I'd already be playing them

[@artminusme]

Would you say Brandon good sir, That if you played just the Trails series and not the Legend of Heroes series would one be missing out? As I’ve mentioned before I’m just so intimidated by the amount of titles are in The Legends of Heroes series I hear so many good things, I’m just worried like… Is a series that massive new comer friendly? As you know, Big KH guy myself but I feel really bad for folks just jumping into the KH series cuz man there is a lot to take in. Hope your doing well mate 🍻🍻

[@JustTheGems]

Oh, the Legend of Heroes games before Trails in the Sky aren't related, so you don't have to worry about those. Grab any of the first entries in any arc and you'll be good to go! Hope things are good with you too!

[@mitch20003]

I dont have time to play all if them, i was thinking about atarting from cold steel 1 abd catch up to the current one

[@JustTheGems]

That's totally valid!

[@mitch20003]

@@JustTheGems or should I start with from zero?

[@zrixie7695]

Kingdom Hearts would be a better example of an interconnected story

[@JustTheGems]

Interesting - how so?

[@dragonmaster1500]

I first picked up Trails in the Sky back in 2022, just coming off the end of playing Xenoblade Chronicles 3. And now, after playing almost exclusively Trails for the last 2 years, with some small breaks for other games when I started to get burned out, I think that Trails has actually ruined other JRPGs for me. After I finished Reverie, I picked up Sea of Stars, and was disappointed by the shallow characters (except Garl), the NPCs most of whom weren't even at the level of cardboard cut outs, and the extremely underwhelming endgame. The only interesting thing about that game was its world and setting. Not to use this comment to dunk on Sea of Stars, but I wanted to highlight the things that Trails does so well, but that other JRPGs just don't even bother with, and why I just can't play them the same way after finishing Reverie.

[@JustTheGems]

It's true, Trails does the things it does SO WELL that it makes you wish every game had this level of care put into those elements.

[@engineerofthemachine]

I once had to have my butt surgically reattached. Not fun.

[@NebukNez]

Minor spoilers for fc 2:17

[@McrChemical]

Is it cool to start with cold steel. I want to play them all but, but the first 5 games were just graphically aged

[@JustTheGems]

Absolutely. Jump in with Cold Steel, and if you enjoy, keep going!

[@Morraak]

Is Trails through Daybreak the beginning of an arc?

[@ArtFenixAsordis]

Yes, it is. Kuro no Kiseki II: Crimson Sin is the second game of that arc and the upcoming Kai no Kiseki continues from where Crimson Sin ended. Both are not yet translated.

[@ztune3945]

Daybreak is the first game in the Calvard arc but also marks the second half of it's overarching narrative.

[@vorpal22]

LOL I was going to subscribe until you said that you talk about things other than Trails. (j/k... I subscribed anyway... Trails is my first love... it used to be ATLUS until they became the Persona 5 Company.)

[@JustTheGems]

Trails Trails Trails! I'll probably talk about it more than even I intend to...😅

[@questcontentj871]

Dude I have never heard of the trails series. I've heard of the tales series... but never this and I'm sitting here like wtf is this? Why have I never even heard of this?

[@ztune3945]

Trails is a very niche series compared to Tales.

[@JustTheGems]

You should really look into them, the Trails games are SO good.

[@Mclucasrv]

I stopped on Trails of cold steel it just did not clicked with me.

[@JustTheGems]

Totally fair, it definitely won't be for everyone.

[@Mclucasrv]

@@JustTheGems Kinda sad because I loved Trails in the sky, zero/aoi started to get on my nerves with somethings but it was good but cold steel just made me drop.

[@owlyus]

You should go on Super Marcato Bros

[@madkaiser4887]

nailed it to a T........rails *okay I'll leave now haha*

[@JustTheGems]

Haha no, come back! More jokes!

[@trollingisasport]

Like the gameplay and music, but I hate Falcom's story for the most part. I don't enjoy stories where characters talk about how they feel or things irrelevant outside of the main plot. Now I just hit skip without a second thought and just enjoy the game aspect of Falcom games.

[@timidalchemist8475]

So you pretty much hate majority of JRPGs then? Because a lot of what you are saying is exactly the type of story japanese game developers do. Character driven narratives.

[@JustTheGems]

Yeah, I think in the JRPG space you're going to see a lot of character stories and the like. But if you enjoy the combat, then hey, that's cool too! As long as you're having a good time.

[@jrpgaddict7726]

SIMP!!!!!!!!!!! 😂 But i am too, i love Trails!!!! 😅

[@JustTheGems]

Simpin' every day for Trails.

[@Katana314]

I REALLY enjoyed Trails in the Sky 1 + SC! They're some of my favorite JRPGs out there. Everything after that.........eh. They made a number of moves at once reminiscent of the rest of the anime industry. VR wish fulfillment fantasies (Sky 3), harems full of tsunderes (everything), quiet blue haired self-insert sword boys that blend in with half the new Super Smash Brothers cast, escalating power contests, and constant constant hints of higher villains so the lore can keep going. Even when Sky had a little of each of these issues, they didn't dominate the issue, and were relatively well-written. I'm keeping some ear out for Daybreak news, but even from the marketing I see most of these issues appearing front and center. They really seem to have one crowd they want to cater to that allows for no surprises in the writing.

[@PAINNN666]

Looks like too early make video lol. Heard about Sky Trilogy?

[@JustTheGems]

I know there's talk of them being remade. However, they've been basically saying that for a long time now, so I'm holding back my enthusiasm until I see something solid.

[@deatheater6222]

2:16 i just started FC,did you say boyfriend,wtf?

[@JustTheGems]

You know JRPGs and their weird sorta-sibling-sorta-not sexual tension. It's a weird trope.

[@KeiBrightwing]

I've only played Cold Steel 1 and 2 and unfortunately they put me off the series. I enjoyed the world-building and following the NPCs' little stories, but everything else... urgh, filled with threadbare and worn Japanese tropes and well as way too much chuuni bullcrap.

[@Gazeta2nd]

Highly suggest you give the series a second chance with the Sky trilogy! A lot of the complaints you have about CS are not there in Sky and it might even give you some newfound appreciation for the CS arc.

[@JustTheGems]

Cold Steel does have more tropey content than the rest of the series, but I'm so immune to that I barely even notice it anymore 😅