As an avid enthusiast of JRPGs, I’ve explored numerous series and franchises within this captivating genre. However, I often find myself feeling inundated by the multitude of titles, complex naming systems, and the extensive gameplay hours required. When overwhelmed, I have sometimes chosen to step back, having enjoyed the experience but relieved at the thought of not investing hundreds of hours. This has happened with both the Tales series and, subsequently, the Shin Megami series alongside its popular spin-off, Persona.
Nevertheless, there’s one series that has kept me utterly captivated, never compelling me to take a break. This particular JRPG franchise has secured its position as one of my all-time favorites, with several installments often regarded as some of the finest RPGs ever created. The only significant challenge has been the lengthy wait for localizations, which historically have not always been of great quality. Thankfully, this situation appears to be improving, as one of the most exceptional JRPG series is nearing completion in the West.
Trails Beyond The Horizon Completes The Trails Series In English
We’ve Finally Caught Up With Japan
The Legend of Heroes franchise, now primarily associated with the name Trails, represents one of the most intricately designed JRPGs due to its extensive history and longevity. Beginning as a spin-off of the Dragon Slayer series, it has blossomed into a standalone powerhouse, similar to the Persona games. Today, it stands as one of the most unique JRPG franchises, with 21 games spanning various story arcs, culminating in the current Calvard arc.
Although many in the West, including myself, deeply appreciate the Trails series, we have consistently been late to the party with release timelines. For instance, Trails Through Daybreak launched in Japan in 2021, but it wasn’t until 2024 that it was available in our region. Its sequel, Trails Through Daybreak 2, debuted in Japan in 2022 and is only expected to release in the West in 2025. This delayed schedule has often tempted me to learn Japanese just to import copies, but the eventual release has sufficed.
Yet, the frustration of knowing that an installment of such a beloved series is playable elsewhere but not accessible to us can be disheartening. This holds especially true when there’s no announcement regarding English localization dates, leaving us in suspense for years. A similar situation has occurred with the Yokai Watch series, where Level-5’s promised localization of its fourth title has yet to materialize. Luckily, the upcoming title, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon, is set to release in the West in 2025, perhaps just under a year following its debut in Japan. This astonishingly brief wait marks a substantial shift in the release cycle and signals that both regions may finally be synchronized.
The Trails Games Are Standout JRPGs
They’re Seriously Underrated
There is no other series quite like Trails in the realm of video games. While numerous JRPGs and RPGs have stood the test of time, none are as intricate and interconnected, heavily drawing from their extensive past to construct such rich, lore-filled, and emotionally compelling narratives. This deep commitment to a cohesive universe represents both the strength and the potential drawback of the series — making it challenging for newcomers while offering an immeasurable reward for dedicated fans. This duality can be daunting, yet it ultimately pays off significantly.
Initially, as I embarked on my journey through the Trails games, I was understandably confused about where to start — whether to jump into the first title or one from a specific arc like Daybreak or Cold Steel. However, with the support of the welcoming community, I soon grasped the immense appeal of the series. Much like Falcom’s other flagship series, Ys, the Trails games may not showcase the most advanced graphics or combat systems, but their storytelling, character development, and intricate world-building set a remarkable standard.
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Each installment enriches the next, advancing both functionally and visually. The newest game, Beyond the Horizon, stands out as one of my most anticipated RPGs for 2025. Its emergence not only continues a much-loved arc but also appears to showcase significant improvements over previous titles. The earlier games were solid foundations, but it feels like the series is ready to leap even further ahead.
JRPG Localization Has Come A Long Way
The Genre Is Being Taken More Seriously
It brings a sense of relief to see improvements in Falcom’s localization efforts, considering that English localizations were not always a priority for Japanese developers. Historically, JRPGs struggled to gain respect and popularity in the West, making the risk of new releases a gamble. Notably, passionate fans pushed for the localization of titles like Xenoblade Chronicles through the Operation Rainfall movement, setting the stage for all subsequent Xenoblade entries available on the Switch worldwide. This progress is heartening to witness.
In the past, even localized titles often suffered from poor translation quality. At best, the text was grammatically correct but stripped of its charm; at worst, it became a nonsensical riddle that ruined the narrative. Notable titles like Breath of Fire 2, Legend of the Dragoon, and early entries of the Tales and Trails franchises suffered from this inadequacy, forcing fans to endure subpar translations. Thankfully, the landscape is shifting as the genre gains traction and respect in today’s gaming environment, and I couldn’t be more pleased about this evolution.
However, not every Japanese studio recognizes the West’s growing affinity for JRPGs, stemming largely from the complexity of series like Trails. Many developers often choose to remake classic titles, such as the Star Ocean series, reboot franchises like Like a Dragon, or innovate fresh IP, as seen with Square Enix’s impressive lineup. Nonetheless, with Beyond the Horizon bridging the gap in the Trails series’ release schedule, it sincerely feels like even Falcom acknowledges just how important JRPGs are to loyal fans like myself.
Source: NIS America/YouTube