Opinion: I Hope Trails In The Sky 1st Chapter Doesn’t Make A ‘Big’ Remake Mistake

Among the RPGs I cherish, the Trails series is arguably the most challenging to endorse. A combination of varying platforms, extensive gameplay duration, and an overwhelming number of installments might deter prospective players. Even once someone commits, they’ll likely confront a barrage of queries while trying to comprehend the timeline.

The initial title, in particular, complicates matters. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is exclusively available on PSP and PC in the West. Thankfully, it can perform on low-end devices, yet many individuals prefer not to be tethered to a desktop or may lack a Steam Deck. Additionally, being a 2004 RPG, it feels somewhat basic in various aspects.

Nonetheless, I adore Trails in the Sky. Even in a vast franchise, the inaugural game stands apart. Enormous mystical threats, highly influential factions, and political intrigue are often set aside for a charming, small-town journey of two adopted siblings as they traverse the Kingdom of Liberl, aspiring to become Bracers. While the series is expansive, this entry remains decidedly ‘small’.

A whole new audience will soon have the chance to fall in love with Estelle and Joshua this September via Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Finally, everyone can dive into the series origins with stunning new graphics and significantly enhanced combat.

Yet, I feel a bit apprehensive. Trails in the Sky is indeed a much more contained RPG than almost all subsequent entries. It sets up a structure of exploring towns, undertaking quests, and discovering hidden gems, all wrapped in a delightful tale of growth and camaraderie rather than political upheaval or world-threatening calamities. Will that intimate ‘small-town’ essence be overshadowed by what seems to be a grander version of the original?

For me, Trails in the Sky is ‘an experience’. Strolling along mountainous paths and emerald trails constitutes a major part of the 40-hour journey, and since players travel between locations, they truly immerse in Liberl. This is not a bustling urban center like Crossbell or a vast empire like Erebonia; rather, it’s a charming, soft-steampunk realm rooted in airship innovation. It represents the most quintessential ‘RPG’ backdrop in the series; there’s no necessity for planes, trails, and automobiles here.

The pacing might deter some individuals. Trails in the Sky acts as the initial foundation for the series’ broader themes. Groups that gain significance in later titles barely register here, and while events gradually spiral into a larger, darker narrative, predominantly, it’s a warm, steady tale about two characters’ development.

Trails in the Sky doesn’t necessitate additional drama as it is not focused on grand drama

I don’t require new flavor text or events to heighten the intrigue, nor references to individuals or places not found in the original game to hint at or foreshadow future happenings. Trails in the Sky doesn’t require extra drama since it isn’t centered around significant drama for the majority. Local challenges like monsters destroying crops or missing children lie at the core of this game.

The sprite art from the PC version may seem a bit antiquated to some – a blend of 3D backgrounds with faux-3D sprites for characters and NPCs. Essentially, everyone appears slightly squished, like miniature dolls. This quality resonates with me, yet I also appreciate the direction the remake is pursuing visually. The characters exhibit remarkable expressiveness and the world radiates color, making it hard for me not to feel emotional witnessing locations like Rolent and Manoria appear so stunning.

However, it’s all so expanded. That might actually benefit the remake — two rural teenagers dreaming big and becoming Bracers against all odds — but the older top-down perspectives of towns and closely-knit villages possess their own sort of enchantment. This is a picturesque land filled with vibrant fields and tranquil shores, concealing a dark past, with those revelations hitting even harder as a consequence.

Aiming for a larger scope is entirely anticipated, and based on what we’ve observed and heard from the music — and wow, does the new Rolent theme sound perfect — I am more optimistic than worried. Yet, my concern lies with the localization.

The Western release of Trails in the Sky was managed by XSEED, who held the rights to the series in the West until Cold Steel III’s PS4 debut when NIS America took over. Interestingly, GungHo is overseeing the remake. Why not NIS? They’ve already tackled Daybreak II and we have Trails Beyond the Horizon slated for this year as well. Another title is probably excessive.

One significant reason I treasure the Trails series, especially the Sky trilogy, is due to XSEED’s incredible work on the narrative. The sheer volume of text alone is impressive, but XSEED has infused the game with considerable charm and affection.

Estelle is an absolute dynamo, and the localization perfectly captures her spirited, fiery essence, from lines like “I’ll give YOU a concussion if you don’t be quiet” to “Now, shall I show you how ‘vile’ a woman can be?” I assure you, she doesn’t only brawl; I wish to embody Estelle’s energy each day.

Everything

The localization of the original continues to glow brightly today – although there are certainly some outdated jokes present. Nonetheless, my favorite element is a feature that the team incorporated themselves: treasure chest quotes. Inspecting empty treasure chests presents a humorous line of dialogue, with one of my favorites being “Reduced to searching empty chests? That’s really sad.” This aspect has since been removed from the series, but fundamentally, I want that vibe — that humor — to persist.

On GungHo’s site, the publisher seems to indicate potential changes: the remake will offer “a new localization” that “respects the original Japanese text.” While Estelle retains her spirited nature in the Japanese version, XSEED certainly added more flair. To me, Estelle is much more than that — a vibrant teenager who can stand up for herself and pack a punch, yet also has a deep sense of compassion for others. (DiceKey Games has conducted analysis between the English and Japanese versions of the Sky trilogy, which is a fascinating read.)

Ultimately, I simply wish (to use that overused term again) the ‘atmosphere’ to stay intact. Please don’t overly temper Estelle. Keep it light-hearted and amusing, and perfectly balance seriousness with sentimentality. I still possess the original on PC, but I hope the remake provides the finest experience for everyone.

Because, in the end, this is a remake. What is the purpose of a remake? Is it to satisfy long-time fans and present them with a fresh, polished edition of their beloved game? To welcome new players into the experience? To generate revenue? All of these objectives, in addition to numerous others. Remakes and remasters are plentiful today, often triggering debates about necessity, funding, and whether we even want them.

For Trails in the Sky, accessibility and engagement are the key priorities, I believe. The combat incorporates concepts from Daybreak and contemporary releases, while the visual style appeals to a broader audience. The challenge lies in keeping the essence of the original while embracing the more grandiose look of the remake.

Other adaptations have magically achieved this balance. Final Fantasy VII Remake presents a unique case as it attempts to redefine the ‘remake’ narrative — and if you desire a significant overhaul, this is it — yet, it isn’t merely a polished version of one of the greatest RPGs ever. It preserves all those quirky moments from the PS1 game, like Hell House and its occasionally irreverent humor.

I’m not seeking a carbon-copy remake like the Switch edition of Super Mario RPG, which is nearly identical to the original. However, the tone of that remake aligns perfectly with Square and Nintendo’s vision. The differences are hardly noticeable. Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven serves as an excellent comparison, maintaining its straightforward story while modernizing the elements that rendered the original Romancing SaGa 2 so distinctive. It’s slightly larger, yet never strays from its identity.

Some remake developers opt to significantly deviate from the original material, whereas others completely reconstruct the game while preserving the story, characters, and script. I believe — or perhaps I hope — that 1st Chapter will lean towards the latter approach and maintain its core in the ways that matter most: the charming adventurous spirit, comedic dialogue, endearing characters, and the enchanting, scenic world.

Are you excited for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter? Have you ever played the original game? Share your thoughts on the remake in the comments.