Trails Beyond the Horizon Review – JRPG at its Best

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Elevating JRPGs with Depth and Innovation: Trails Beyond the Horizon Review

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon distinguishes itself as an exceptional JRPG through its intricate, multi-perspective narrative and innovative combat system, alongside a wealth of mechanics that add depth without overwhelming the player. Arriving in the West approximately a year after The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II, this game concludes the latest trilogy in Falcom’s long-running series, maintaining the quality the series is known for. Spanning over 100 hours, Trails Beyond the Horizon elevates nearly every aspect of previous games. The refined battle system incorporates Shard Commands, the Awakening system, Zone of Control mechanics, Dual Arts, and the B.L.T.Z. system. These features offer increased support actions during turn-based battles, making it one of the most enjoyable JRPGs in recent years. As a conclusion to the current phase of the series, Trails Beyond the Horizon follows the perspectives of Van Arkride, Rean Schwarzer (from Cold Steel), and Kevin Graham. The game’s systems—Crafts, Arts, Boost Charges, SCLM Chains, Holo Cores, Skill Stones, and Quartz—are seamlessly integrated. A unique multilevel dungeon, Grim Garten, enhances the gameplay experience. In Japanese, the game is titled The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki Farewell, O Zemuria.

According to the reviewer, the game is hard to fault. The intricate narrative is told with great detail and depth through three distinct viewpoints, as Falcom employs a multilayered approach. In addition to an extensive cast that unfolds over many hours of gameplay, there is a central plot with implications for humanity’s future, complemented by everyday moments and smaller narrative arcs focusing on specific events or characters. Trails Beyond the Horizon is available on PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo Switch. The game was played and reviewed on Switch 2, clocking around 130 hours of gameplay. In docked mode, it defaults to a variable performance that stays at 60 FPS, while handheld mode pushes up to 120 FPS. A locked 30 FPS mode is also available for better graphics and clarity, although the reviewer preferred the higher frame rate. Compared to the Switch 1 ports of Cold Steel III and IV, Trails Beyond the Horizon on Switch 2 shows a notable improvement in performance.

Epic Combat and Strategy in Trails Beyond the Horizon – JRPG Mastery Redefined

The game’s narrative is epic in scale, presenting numerous storylines and events without becoming difficult to follow, due in part to its highly engaging gameplay and combat mechanics. Players familiar with the series and Falcom know their knack for crafting great gameplay, especially combat systems, but the evolutions and refinements in Trails Beyond the Horizon elevate this system to one of the reviewer’s favorites in the past five years. Whether engaging in real-time or turn-based combat, the game offers both fun and challenge. When traversing locations or dungeons, real-time combat (which can be sped up by activating High-Speed Mode) is fast, simple, and enjoyable. With perfect dodges slowing the pace for counterattacks, quick spells, and the stun system helping achieve an almost hypnotic rhythm, it feels like a hack-and-slash game. Moreover, the Awakening mechanic can be activated in real-time combat. When facing the greatest threats, or when activated manually, battles transition to a turn-based format, emphasizing strategy.

Mastering Trails Beyond the Horizon’s Layered Combat Mechanics and Dungeon Exploration

Trails Beyond the Horizon is interesting in that it’s not just about using team members’ spells to exploit boss or enemy weaknesses, but about correctly employing various mechanics to achieve victory. There are enemies with immense HP right from the early game, both inside and outside Grim Garten, so learning each mechanic and system is essential. Equipping the best gear, weapons, shards, and improving characters in all possible ways is crucial for combat success, as even a minor error can derail a well-executed fight. Systems like BLTZ, with constant extra attacks, supreme abilities, and timing fine-tuning to use powerful moves against stunned enemies, make Trails Beyond the Horizon worthy of respect. Trails Beyond the Horizon is packed with content, both in the main storyline and optional activities. Aside from the social system that encourages spending time with allies for buffs, side missions allow access to new dungeon challenges and introduce Grim Garten, a special multilevel dungeon where you can use various characters to complete objectives and earn great rewards. The reviewer spent much more time in Grim Garten than expected, which was directly linked to the combat system.

Layered Combat and Ambitious Narrative in Trails Beyond the Horizon’s JRPG Adventure

In conclusion, despite basic landscapes and stiff character animations, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon is an incredibly content-rich JRPG, boasting one of the best combat systems in recent years and an ambitious narrative. It goes beyond the skies while also paying attention to small details and addressing human issues in interesting ways, making it a highly rewarding game.

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