And that's a wrap on Sky SC! Honestly wasn't expecting to be breezing through these games so fast, but the Sky games always get me so invested and it's hard to put down after. Will be taking a few days off before starting 3rd at the very least.

Not really going to go in depth with my thoughts. Despite certain misgivings on certain Enforcers the final chapter does a great job of wrapping everything up and having some really great hype moments. Even with some pacing issues here and there, between FC and this game it just does such a good job of building everything up and giving satisfying end results with various plot points. Even with some lingering questions left unanswered it still gives a feeling of finality for this arc. For this reason when I learned there was a third sky game I wasn't waiting in anticipation for an announcement. Funny how it would become one of my favorites of the series.

Little moment that I never noticed before. The final weapon you find for Kevin is called "Dominion", and that blew my mind seeing that. Also, while not my favorite character I really like Josette as a character, but it is such a shame that she is trash to play as. Even with trying to set her up as best as possible during the section you have to have her, she barely did much. 

After everything, I still put FC over SC, mainly because the pacing is so good and I love the smaller moments of world building in that game. 

Currently on chapter 3 of 3rd. While understandable that some aren't a fan with the change in structure compared to all the other games (at least up until Reverie, though not sure how different that is compared to 3rd), I feel that this only helps the game. My first time playing this I had played FC and SC as well as CS I and II before it. This time just FC and SC but those games can be so dense with information and little downtime once the events start rolling that the sparse content is welcome. 

While some doors can have some huge worldbuilding info or bigger character moments, others are just fun to enjoy with the character interactions. Having small moments like with Julia and Mueller is something that you didn't get in the other two games, and allows you to just enjoy it without waiting for the next huge story beat. Early game stuff nothing super huge outside of how much fun Erika is and that starting section is definitely the most action packed one you get. Overall just nice to have some breathing room and enjoy the little moments that pop up.

Slowly making my way through Sky 3rd, currently on the 6th plane which is the longest chapter of the game. As the game goes further in, the darker stuff slowly starts to creep in, but early on and even late there are still stuff that gives that cozy feeling. Seeing the doors of various characters memories from various points in time can be a lot of fun. Even if it doesn't build towards much world building, just having one last chance to enjoy these characters is what I love about this game. All that said, having finally gone through star door 8, it's time to talk about the buildup to Cold Steel.

Of course, in SC you did get Osborne's name dropped and the standoff with the Erebonian army late game, but here is where Trails first introduced the man himself in the flesh. This is definitely one of those doors that you pick up a lot more subtle things when you have knowledge of the future games. I remember in Zero that they talked about Osborne meeting that one Erebonian Diet member (whose name escapes me), and here Osborne talks about going to Crossbell as Olivert returns home. 

However, the bigger standout is near the end of Olivert's and Osborne's conversation. Olivert talks how Osborne's plans will cause people to grow restless, and a storm to grow that will eventually consume everything, which he responds by saying that is exactly what he wants. There's so much that happens in these games, and knowing what goes down in the 4th Cold Steel game it can be easy to forget that at the very least all of this chaos was planned to go down for quite a while, but the reason for why he would want such a thing is a long way off.

This door does a great job of introducing Osborne and showing just how imposing he truly is, and how small Olivert truly is against such a person. Of course, the most memorable part is the end of the door where Olivert shoots the roses in the air in such a dramatic fashion. Despite everything, Olivert is not going to back down and is only more determined. How everything will play out is a way to go game wise, but it does build hype for when you finally get to experience Erebonia firsthand.

End of Sky

After 137 hours, I finally finish my journey through Liberl. As expected, I loved my time from start to finish, with only a few parts here and there being a bit of a slog. 3rd is a perfect way to wrap finish of the saga, where you get some little world building here and there to help build up the next two arcs, while giving one last time to enjoy the characters I came to love in the saga. That scene at the end with Rufina, Ries and Kevin is such a powerful moment, then the final farewell scene is just a constant hit to the feels. 

The end of 3rd definitely has the most emotional moments and makes it the most memorable ending of the Sky games, but I still put FC above it just because it has the perfect pacing. Still, 3rd is quite the experience and just barely makes second place. With the Sky games behind me, it's time to go from hero to zero.

Crossbell is one of the parts where I don't know what to expect. I have played both games once by myself, and played Zero again with a friend. That said, for all intents and purposes I've only played Zero once since playing with my friend it's hard to catch the small details, and as for Azure, it'll be my first legit playthrough. The only playthrough of Azure was the translation we had before Geofront and the one coming out next month, and while enough to understand what was going on, there are most likely subtle references and build ups that I will only pick up with a complete translation.

My initial impression of the Crossbell arc was good but not as impressed with it as those who think it's the peak of the series. Let's see how I end up feeling at the end of my replay.

It feels surreal booting up Trails from Zero from steam. Trails is no stranger to trouble with localization in the West, but the Crossbell games take the cake on that front. For so long it was unreachable for general audiences and when Geofront released their translation the fact that CS IV was about to come out in the West made it seem like an actual release was never going to happen. Now with Zero easily accessible and Azure to come out next month, the fact that the three completed sagas will be widely available is crazy after 10 years of waiting. 

Also, the game really got me good. Started reading chest messages and right when they make you think this version won't have it, they go "psych!" and everything is right with the world. I remember when playing the Geofront version it took some time to get used to the fixed camera angle, and initially I disliked it. However, having that allows for more dynamic shots so it's worth the trade off. 

Trails from Zero prologue

Unlike the sky games, this game is faster on being upfront on the overall conflict of the story. A booming city of commerce with a dark underbelly and corrupt system that makes it impossible to enact justice on those that need to be taken out. Having the main conflict take place in the worn-out downtown district helps focus on how people are abandoned to the system and left to suffer with no help. Sure, gang activity makes the place more dangerous, but that's the result of people being abandoned. Throw in a lot of distinct characters being introduced you have a recipe for a memorable start to the game.

The prologue also does a great job of introducing the core group, the SSS, and how each one interacts with each other and contributes to the group dynamic. You get small hints that there's more to Randy, Ellie, and Tio, but Lloyd is the main focus of the chapter. Despite acing the detective exam, he is uncertain why he took the path, seeming to only follow in the footsteps of his older brother. You see that he feels like an inferior version, and some people that knew guy point out what he would've done or how great he was. The bigger problem is how stiff Lloyd can be, not being keen on asking help of others to get the job done if it feels like he's dirtying his hands. Sets up the path of his character arc quite well.

Replaying these games, I am reminded that no matter how I feel about the end results of each arc, Falcom does a great job as starting up each arc and setting things up. 

Trails from Zero: chapter 1

It's still crazy to me how the Crossbell games buck the trend of the other games by introducing a vast majority of the places you see in the first part of the game. By end of chapter 1 you've seen all of Crossbell city and the different towns and the hospital, with a few places and roads that are opened up later as you progress. Having played through this game before, the game manages to have enough up its sleeve to introduce enough places each chapter to keep things interesting. The biggest downside with this is how monotonous talking to all the NPCs becomes, since everything is open all the time. This time I'm using a guide to see special conversations and skipping everything else because last time I got burnt out near the end of the game.

Much like last chapter, this one is more about introducing most of the other major areas and some of the other major characters, with some small hint drops here and there on other character story's (such as Harold Haysworth and Tio) and plot points, as well as hints on some major reveals that will occur in Azure. If I would call this chapter anything it's cozy. Outside of the fact you are investigating monster attacks in civilian areas, you get to trek to very different places and just enjoy the various character interactions. 

While I still think Crossbell is a place you can start the series in, it is strange in how much more they connect to the previous games, where Cold Steel only has some references here and there. Just this chapter alone you get the Liberl incident mentioned, Renne, Estelle, and Joshua show up, and you get other names like Cassius Bright and Ouroboros. I can see for a person playing this as their introduction game reacting the same way those of us who played that one section late CSII. Confused at all these names and terms between chapters of a game. Though one could argue the CSII one is the most jarring with no previous references and the rapid fire pace they are given.

The biggest strength of this chapter is how there are so many small details to set up each member of the SSS. You have Tio who doesn't like being at the hospital and the head nurse remembering taking care of her. During that hidden side quest Ellie hides when knocking on the door of the one house, and having connections to the IBC big wigs. Then Randy knowing a lot about certain combat stuff that more scrupulous organizations use, and was ready to bust something out before being bailed out by the wolves. 

Trails from Zero: Chapter 2

I don't really know how to explain it, but I just don't have much fondness for this chapter. Overall it's fine and introduces the last of the major characters, and the play at the end does an amazing job at showing how well they can show movement in their scenes. Beyond that though, there's nothing in this chapter that really grabs me.

Ellie's story arc in this chapter is fine, but I just don't have any attachment to her character up to this point. So when she starts having doubts about the path she is taking, I personally don't feel anything towards her struggle. Probably what bothers me is that it feels like everything just pops up suddenly. We knew there was more to her than meets the eye, but her actual aspirations just come up suddenly, and the culprit is introduced and shown for a couple of scenes until the truth is dropped. The story is most likely banking on the player feeling for Ellie knowing how much of an uphill battle changing Crossbell is, but I feel it works better for the group as a whole compared to one character specifically.

One thing that does stand out in this chapter is how you have bigwigs from both major criminal organizations being blatant about their intentions. Being able to talk to police officers like that show just how imbedded into the system they are and how confident they are with getting away with whatever they want to do. The past few chapters showed that the victories of the SSS were small and at best insignificant, and here it shows just how small they are and how everyone still looks down on them, including the 1st division. The ending of the chapter of them having a bit of a more significant victory is a turning point in how the game continues forward from here.

As far as the Rixia/Yin things, while a neat reveal everything banks on how everything plays out the rest of the arc. Rixia herself isn't the most interesting character by herself, but having that double life aspect adds more mystery to her character and at the very least makes me interested in seeing how her character impacts the story going forward. She is mostly in the background for the rest of this game, but I remember Azure is where she gets more focus on her character and gets her arc. 

All in all, the chapter is fine with a few great moments, but most of it I'm just going through the chapter rather than really enjoying it. Thinking about the arc as a whole, this is probably because a lot of the stuff brought up in this chapter is more set up for next game, between the speech Dieter gives and all the stuff with Yin and even Heiyue. 

One small note for the small bit of chapter 3 I have played. I never paid much mind to the fact that Guenter would leave the hospital to go fishing every day. The fact that he participated in tournaments and is part of the fisherman guild is enough to on the surface be like "well, he's just another fishing freak". Knowing how the game plays out, you can see how that is an easy alibi and not make you suspicious why he would be leaving constantly.

Trails from Zero: Chapter 3

Alright, it's replaying this chapter with knowing future events that makes replays so important. That and playing 9 games over 500 hours, one will inevitably miss so many small details. This chapter is the true turning point of the game, where the seemingly impossible barrier that is Revache starts to crack.

In my first playthrough, I wasn't a fan of how the Revache storyline was concluded by the end of the game. While there is a certain aspect that I need to wait until completing the game to see how I feel, at the time it seemed too convenient how quickly Revache fell apart. There are, of course, some revelations in Azure that paint a greater picture, however, this game does give enough context to show that this isn't just convenient.

Up to this point, the game has gone great lengths to show and talk about the unique political situation Crossbell is in. The Diet is tied up in petty squabbles due to two sides representing other countries tying up any possible reforms. Even if they could pass legislation, Calvard and Erebonia could easily strong arm any attempt to bolster Crossbell to become independent, as we see with how careful they have to be when updating weaponry and not being allowed to have a formal military.

Revache was able to form a stronghold in this chaotic mess, but therein lies the problem. Everything is held together in a messy relationship, and if a person or group cause a problem, they are small enough to cut off when they become inconvenient. They are ultimately small in this large power struggle. Even Kilika late in the chapter mentions how one small thing can make everything fall apart. Revache has a strong hold due to a close realtionship with Speaker Hartmann, but after such an embarrassing showing at the Auction and pissing off so many influential people, this is a breaking point. The main connection Revache had is cut off, and they now hang by a thread.

While certainly Revache was shown to be the starting antagonist, they are by no means the final barrier to be overcome, just the first one of many to come, and certainly one of the easier ones. Looking at the story in this perspective, I understand better what they story is trying to achieve here, and that the fall of Revache as it was makes perfect sense. All the more so as you can easily gather that someone planted Kea in order to break Revache's hold. 

Looking at the games in this perspective, I can definitely appreciate the story a bit more. The chaotic nature of the setting means that changes can happen at a moments notice, and that no one in power is truly safe. That said, sudden changes in who the focal antagonist can make it harder to be completely invested, especially if it feels out of left field. Knowing the final antagonist of the game, I have picked up on some small things, but how I will ultimately feel about it will be seen.

And that's a wrap on Trails from Zero, using turbo mode a lot and skipping most of the NPC dialogue it was 39 hours to finish this one. Now to take a bit of a break, since it's a little under a month until the official Azure release, plus have some other games I want to play first. 

As for my closing thoughts on the game, it's pretty much the same as before. It's a solid game but it just doesn't hit me as much as it does other people. The core group of the SSS works really well together, bringing some very excellent moments of triumph and emotional catharsis. Individually thought, half of them are just there (Lloyd and Ellie), and Randy and Tio are a lot of fun but don't measure up to my favorites of the Sky games. At the end of the day, there's nothing specific that is a problem, it's just personal taste. I do have to admit huge personal bias, as I just have a huge bias towards the Sky games compared to the other sagas.

I'm still a little split on how the game ends. I am much more open to how Revache and many of the corrupt politicians get their comeuppance very quickly. The game does a good job how fragile the power structure is, in that while hard for outsiders to break it, one sudden incident can lead to the downfall of the current situation. Even without knowledge of the second game, the first game also hints quite a bit that all of this was designed by another unknown force to be revealed in the next game.

The final antagonist is the main area where I just don't feel it. While I feel Sky did a little bit better with the twist villain, both games for the most part keep their cards pretty close to the chest before the reveal. For me, the main problem is in Zero, the twist villain is revealed late, and gets taken down shortly after, whereas in the Sky games the twist villain looms over for the entire second game. Also, only the Audience and Joshua know about the Weissman twist, while Estelle goes a huge chunk of the game blind on the fact. Guenter on the other hand, everyone finds out about and there's not much manipulation after the reveal. The whole part with Crossbell getting overrun by brainwashed CGF members and the Mafia is a pretty well-done section.

Then there's the ending, which of course the whole thing with Renne still gets me to shed tears. The scene is so well done, especially with the character motions and wrapping up this arc that started in Sky SC coming to a close. The main problem for me is it overshadows the SSS with how emotionally satisfying it is.

While not my favorite game, Zero is still a really solid game with many great moments. I can see why many regard it as one of the best. Looking forward to playing Azure with a solid translation here soon.

Imma read this all and reply to every post carefully later, just saying so because I want you to know, despite me not even reading this yet, I appreciate the gush, am looking forward to it, and intend to  participate before you possibly worry you wasted your time (I see there were minimal responses). I know I'm not the greatest, but I'm some guy who appreciates and looks forward to this (just not now, I'ts 6am, and uhh.. not cuz I got up early, but  cuz I should be in bed now, derp).

I know I already mentioned it before, but it bears repeating how crazy it is to me that in a few days we will have the first three major Trails arcs readily available. How far we have come 10 years ago where Sky SC just felt like a pipe dream. 

As for Azure itself, this is the first game in the replay where I am a little mixed on my anticipation. I am mostly extremely excited, as the game really hits you hard constantly and consistently. It has some of the most hype moments and has some extremely dark scenes. Even knowing about the big twist near the end of the game, it still hits you hard and is really effective.

All that said, I don't look forward to how dragged out the final chapter is. You have such a fast pace for the first two thirds of the game, that the final third, while starting and ending strong, the other good moments are stretched far in between those. The final dungeon especially felt way too long and got tedious for me. Since I have been more liberal with using the speed up button, perhaps that will alleviate some of those issues.

Another thing is this will be the game I skip attempting to get full points to attain the highest rank. I remember in my initial playthrough, some of the battles you had to win to get max rank where extremely brutal. At least here it doesn't matter since it doesn't translate into higher rewards into Cold Steel, and I believe for Reverie you just need a save file for the small bonus.

Ok, before getting into the actual story stuff, I really need to talk about some major gripe right off the bat. This game really likes to play off sexual harassment for laughs a lot. I know they did that in Zero, but in one chapter they did it multiple times and it is just absolutely disgusting. The Shirley moment is the one that is the worst, and is much worse compared to the Cold Steel one. There is just happened and moved on. Here, you have Ellie in tears, multiple characters amused at the situation, and then one of the characters try to "help" by saying since it was from a girl that should hopefully make is less bad. It boggles my mind that these types of scenes need to be inserted into these games. Add on the Sully part where Lloyd gets congratulated on groping her, while overall a small part of a huge game, is enough to sour the experience more than it needs to.

For the actual game story, starting it out it is quite apparent why this game easily grabs people so quickly compared to past and even future games. Start the game out where you get to control Crossbell's strongest bracer, have Kevin show up last minute to prevent the Ernest having the same fate as Guenter, then showing that the SSS having two new members to shake things up all in the first few hours grabs your attention. 

As for the first chapter, things start out simple enough, reintroducing you to Crossbell, but it is very apparent that many groups are moving in the shadows, soon to make their appearance. Meeting Lechter and Shirley makes for an odd pairing, then you meet Sigmund, a man with an imposing appearance which shortly after encountering the slaughter of his prey shows just how dangerous he is. Knowing the context of who Ries is shows that the Gralsritter is making their moves, and seeing Campanella makes the Society's involvement known as well. Everything culminates well with Randy seeing his Uncle and Cousin making a foothold in the city, and with the rain falling gives an ominous glimpse into the storm forming over the city.

Falcom does a great job setting up here, which wouldn't have been possible if not for the groundwork that Zero laid down. The transitory peace has passed, and you are seeing various powers hoping to take hold over the city which Revache once held. It becomes very apparent that Revache was small time, and that this power struggle is going to be very nasty. This hurdle will be massive compared to what came before, but with the allies that were made before, it may not be as unsurmountable as it first appears.

In my first playthrough, I didn't care too much for Noel. Part of that may have come from how the translation I played made me perceive Noel in certain ways. With the scene with Shirley groping Ellie, it made me think Noel was saying that it isn't that bad since a girl did it. Here, I see it was more a poor attempt at Noel trying to help by saying maybe thinking about it in that way makes it less bad. Still not great, but I don't see Noel trying to intentionally downplay the severity of the situation. Also, whether it was a translation issue or my attention not noticing things, seeing her have to tone down her professionalism, along with her car enthusiasm, definitely makes her a livelier character than I remember. Currently not enough to be a favorite, but she is definitely much better than I remember.

Last, and most importantly, this game starts out strong by Wazy being a permanent member right at the start of chapter 1. His personality really brings a new dynamic to the group, especially as a stark contrast to Noel. His insights as well are quite valuable as well. While I know his secret which is revealed much later, the game is quite subtle about it, though the hints are there. Much like Olivier from Sky, he is quite deft at deflecting attention and making certain hints less obvious by making the player not focus on certain clues. Also, while I do not like how both Azure and late Cold Steel games go about making the main characters adored by so many women, I will give Azure one thing over Cold Steel. I feel like if you are going to do a power fantasy, have any gender fawn over the characters. In this game, you at least get Wazy teasing the main character and playing at the idea of it being a potential pairing, even if not nearly as outright with the women in the game.

Also, come on Lloyd, give Wazy that piggyback ride, you know you want to.

Around the halfway point of chapter 2, nearing the end of the second day before you do the meet up at the airport. This chapter is definitely the definition of slow start to build up to a heck of a payoff. 

At the end of the first day you get Randy talking to his uncle with some subtle clues about what they are up to. With such a huge gathering about to occur, their contract with such a huge amount of money attached to it raises concerns on what it going to occur in the near future. You also really start to see Randy breaking down, as his usual lackadaisical self crumbles and you get hints on his past self. All in all some solid stuff.

With Shirley, we have a situation where you have a character introduced badly with a terrible quirk, but as you go further into the game you have a character that I would like a lot if not for the baggage. Her nonchalantly chowing down on parfait in the club is just a mood, and the quest where she joins you to find the cat shows a very different side of her, while still showing that wild side. If not for her extremely horny and sexual assault tendencies, she could be a character I really like.

Then you have a number of returning characters from the Sky games making their appearance. Azure and Zero I feel do the best in having returning characters come in, where there is a purpose to it and doesn't feel like it's just there for fan service. Only problem is that the portraits of the game really smooths over all their features, and makes them look off and less interesting. That said, I can easily overlook all of that when you have that side quest hunting down Olivier. Once again, he shows why he's one of the best characters in this franchise. His shenanigans and seeing Mueller in a suite and sunglasses just has me cracking up. 

There is a reason this is considered the best chapter of the game, and one of the best of the franchise. So much subtle build up and sense of unease leading up to the conference, with so many shadows in the background making their moves. I am excited to see the finale of the chapter again.

Lastly, since I played the original version a few years ago, it is strange seeing the added NPCs in this game. Juna at this point was an out of the way small conversation, and Towa so far was a quick glimpse. Honestly wasn't expecting her to be added in the scene with everyone coming out of the train. Thought she would be added in the little breakroom and that would be it.

So recently just finished the start of chapter 4, and it's interesting to compare that section to the end of chapter 2. Both are where the story takes dramatic and dark turns, though the start of chapter 4 definitely takes the cake on how dark and intense it gets. While the chapter 4 section is definitely a shock and pretty effective, overall I feel chapter 2 is executed much better.

The whole things with the two terrorist factions coming together to take down Rocksmith and Osborne, with it being a set up as both a way to show each respective faction to not mess with them, as well as use that situation to pressure Crossbell for their own gains works so well. This all builds from everything we learned from Zero as a natural build up to this moment. With the chapter ending with the declaration of independence it signals a drastic change for a much more turbulent future.

As for the attack on Crossbell, it is indeed effective as it is a much more bloody event compared to the cult incident. Arc en Ciel being attacked and Illya being crushed by the stage chandelier is a image burned vividly into the mind. Add on the IBC bank being destroyed and Fran being attacked by a grenade at the station it's a barrage of emotional gut punches. All that said, there really isn't a huge build up, as chapter 3 leading up to it is a mix of various elements that don't all add up to this moment, but more for later.

You have the Cryptids which that is there to show something unnatural is brewing in the country, with the Plemora grass being a bad premonition of the future. Then you have Wald becoming a Demon, which honestly at best I just don't care about the guy so that section I just wanted to be done with. You then get the hype moment of meeting the Steel Maiden for the first time and everyone finding out Yin's identity, with a hint of the turbulence that is to come. Finally the last day is where you see the Red Constellation make their move, with everything escalating pretty fast.

While there wasn't as much build up, finally getting into the heart of Randy's past and his inability to make amends with it is really good before getting into the attack on Crossbell. All in all there isn't anything wrong with how the game paced the story and how it built it up. I mainly just feel that the events with the trade conference was much more impactful due to how it was built up for so long with so many moving pieces that converged towards it. With the attack on Crossbell, it's definitely a very shocking event, but it happens very quickly and doesn't hit as hard narratively for me. Also, knowing the truth on why this attack occured, it makes me question some stuff which I will get to in the future.

Lastly, this is where I stop trying to get the max number of points. The fight against Sigmund is brutal and I'll take getting him down to 25% health in stride. That and a couple other optional wins are too much for me to bash my head against the wall trying to win.