The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky

[LunarGriever]

I'm a little disappointed that of all the old school JRPG die-hard fans on this site, I'm the first one to mention this game.

This fantastic gem is a MUST play for anyone who still longs for the days of Grandia, Lunar:SSSC, or even Chrono Trigger.

The story is, like all three of the previously mentioned games, a fantastic adventure, complete with very well developed and fully realized characters.

Apparently this game was known before it's translation, as having a ridiculously long script. Over 1 million Japanese characters to be exact, though that number really didn't mean anything to me. What I will say is that I've never played any, ANY, game where the conversations are so in depth. The interactions and conversations in this game aren't the usual snippets you see in most RPGs. These are fully realized full fledged, albeit at times long winded, conversations which really draw the player in.

Also worth noting is that XSEED did their usual wonderful job translating the game. They also put out a premium edition which has some pretty cool stuff in it as well.

The battle system is quite deep and engaging. Think of it as the missing link between Lunar: SSSC's and Grandia's. It's not quite as fast paced or fancy as Grandia's but it's a clear evolution of the Lunar system non the less.

Bottom line, if you miss late SNES, and PS1, era RPGs, and you own or are looking for a reason to get a PSP, this game is a MUST buy for you. You won't regret it... So go... go now and show XSEED how much we all appreciate them localizing such niche game. And of course prove to them that they need to bring out the 2nd and 3rd installment ASAP.

Ahem... so yeah, anyone playing this or interested?:D

Here's a link to IGN's review and coverage of the game:

http://psp.ign.com/articles/115/1159327p1.html

[CoolOtaku]

I think there are only a handful of people here who have PSP's. That's the impression I get at least. You had me interested with the whole "Lunar: SSSC" thing and then I realized it's for PSP and I was sad. Why would you do this to me?

[Priest4hire]

Yeah, that's the boat I'm in. It's not as though I deliberately avoided the PSP but that I just never got around to buying one. Still, it's about time I pick one up, eh?

[LunarGriever]

I can totally understand. I've had my PSP for probably 3 or 4 years and I've only ever used it sparingly. Still there are some really fantastic games on the system, and it seems that it's been getting a ton of JRPGs lately.

Like I said, if you've been looking for a reason to get the PSP, put Trails in the Sky at the top of your reasons why list.

Or, just go pick up the game and wait to play it until the NGP comes out. I don't think I've heard anything official but Sony usually makes it's stuff backwards compatible.

[CoolOtaku]

I think they said the NGP is going to use a different type of media if I recall correctly, so don't hold your breath for backward compatibility.

I kinda wish I had a PSP, but I can't afford one right now and probably won't be able to until the NGP is already out. And the NGP is sexy as hell, so... Poor PSP :p

[Phakiel]

I was excited but then I read it was for psp. Its really a difficult situation, it appears to me that the psp has loads of great titles to choose from in the rpg market, a lot of developers really like portables for rpgs, I guess its simple to program games and sell them on portables whereas on consoles it would mean a larger investment and an incredible dependence on lady luck as rpgs are not being released as much as past years.

Maybe this is due to the focus on portables or maybe the focus on portables is due to this, I dont know, but fact is I am not a big portable gamer. When i am on the move I am normally occupied with other things. I dont spend time in public transport and dont have loads of time at my disposal when I am not at work and when I am home, I have my consoles. I dont have the need to commit to portables because altogether I hate gaming on a small screen.

That in mind, it pisses me off I am missing out on stuff like this, Atlus releases or TO Let us cling together.

[Sushi_b]

I think they said the NGP is going to use a different type of media if I recall correctly, so don't hold your breath for backward compatibility.


Isn't it supposed to use a sort of SD card for the system? Perhaps it will be possible to convert a UMD game over to the card. It would be in Sony's best interest to be sure that it could. Hopefully they have realized that the PSP Go failed in part because it couldn't transfer existing games for it. They need that PSP backlog of games to fuel the purchase of the NGP at launch. I can't help but wonder if the PSN blackout and disaster in Japan will affect the NGP release time frame.


I bought this game at launch and it looks fantastic. I was really anticipating it for a few months. I just haven't gotten a chance to open and play it. The Special Edition is sure nice to have though.

[Phakiel]

Isn't it supposed to use a sort of SD card for the system? Perhaps it will be possible to convert a UMD game over to the card. It would be in Sony's best interest to be sure that it could. Hopefully they have realized that the PSP Go failed in part because it couldn't transfer existing games for it. They need that PSP backlog of games to fuel the purchase of the NGP at launch. I can't help but wonder if the PSN blackout and disaster in Japan will affect the NGP release time frame.



Some months ago I read that the NGP was indeed not gonna play some PSP games nor you will be able to transfer downloaded games from the PSP account to the NGP.

I dont know if this was a temporal issue but to me it didnt make sense.

[Sushi_b]

It seems just unacceptable for Sony to do this again after they tried to do that with the PSP Go. I know that they aren't trying to follow the Nintendo model approach of having backward compatability but that will surely not attract new customers easily.

It would be a good idea to try and bring the already installed fan base on board by giving them some incentive to upgrade to the new device. It took Sony a long time before the PSP became even marginally successful and now this could basically force them to start over completely again.

[CoolOtaku]

Let's keep in mind though, Sush, the PSP Go was simply another version of the same system. This is an entirely new handheld, so it's not all that surprising that it's not backward compatible. I mean, PS3's these days aren't even backward compatible with PS2 games (only PS). Oh, wait. I hate that it can't play PS2 games. Nevermind >_>

But! It does seem like Sony is trying to grab a new audience this time, starting from the basics. Not having backward compatibility at least ensures that they'll have to be on their game if they want the NGP to succeed. They can't rely on past merits, which could be a good thing. The people who have PSP's and enjoy it will likely be the easiest people to convince to buy an NGP because they'll have a good idea of what to expect. Touting a big library of PSP games won't do a whole lot for people who didn't care to buy a PSP in the first place. That's how I see it at least.

[LunarGriever]

Well I agree with Sushi one way or another the system will play PSP games. Now in order to do that you may need to download said games, and pay for them again... But there will be PSP games on the NGP.

That being said, apparently the Trails in the Sky Second Chapter is so big it's actually on two UMDs, which apparently is too large of a file to put up on PSN's PSP section. So, if and when part two comes out here, it will likely be UMD only...

Anyway Sushi, hurry up and play the damn game. =P

Oh, and Phak I generally don't actually play my hand helds on the go. I don't like noise or distractions when I'm playing a game like an RPG, so usually I just play my PSP/DS at home... or at least someone that's quite, like my car, when I'm in public.

[Blue]

I've been curious about the game, but I might wait until the price comes down a bit.

[LunarGriever]

It's definitely worth the full price Blue. But either way, just don't miss this game.

[Priest4hire]

Well, I bit the bullet and bought a PSP and a copy of this game. It looks fun. I've barely gotten into it, but so far it's been a solid and enjoyable RPG. I even like that they did tactical combat for this one. However, being old and crotchety, there is one thing that bugs me.

How exactly can a bonus be attached to a slot in a turn based combat system? The slots are an abstract concept inside an abstract system of time division. How do these bonuses limit themselves to combat? Shouldn't people around town get randomly healed every so often? Or does whatever entity or natural mechanism that provides these bonuses occasional make a mistake? Might someone get in a really loud argument and suddenly discover his sore back has fixed itself?

That gives me a brainwave: Boxing Hospitals! All you need is a couple boxers and a roomful of the injured and sick. Divide them up into 2 teams with a boxer in each and then declare it a battle. The sick can limit their participation to angry glares, taunts, meaningful moans and morale booting as their condition allows. The boxers whack it out but at the same time carefully time their attacks as to make sure bonuses fall on the sick people's turns. Even though not every bonus is healing, with enough time everyone should be right as rain.

[LunarGriever]

....I....think.... you just might.... be over thinking it.... Just possibly..... maybe....sorta....

[Priest4hire]

Maybe? Damn, and I was aiming for definitely. Can't win 'em all I guess.

I wasn't too serious. I do like the game. It might be text heavy, but I'm enjoying it since it allows the characters' personalities to shine through. The characters might feel like classic anime archetypes, but are still interesting.

[LunarGriever]

Yeah I totally agree. The game is proof that you don't need to reinvent the wheel every time in order to be fun and successful.

[Ges]

You know, it really looks like something I'd like. The one problem I have is my PSP backlog is huuuge.

[WOTON]

Trails in the Sky has jumped to the near top of my list. Sounds great. I have a PSP.

[LunarGriever]

So after 74 hours of game play time I finally finished the game, and all I can say is WOW! This game was truly amazing, it has without a doubt, earned itself a place at the top of my favorite JRPGs list along with the likes of; Lunar, Grandia, Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, and Valkyrie Profile, and a few others.

Not only that but along with Valkria Chronicles, LoH:TitS (lol tits) is by far and away the best JRPG of the current generation. Both games are so old school in their pure awesome perfection.

So I say again to you allrpg, go play this game NOW, I don't care if you have to steal a PSP to do, GO PLAY THIS GAME NOW.