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The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie
Item: The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableJul 7, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperFalcom

Overview

Three different legends are about to unfold! Determine the fates of Rean Schwarzer, Lloyd Bannings, and the mysterious "C" in this climactic chapter of The Legend of Heroes series.

Elsewhere

8.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie are quite varied. Many critics praise the game for its interconnected storylines and its role as an epilogue to previous games in the series. RPG Fan, Digitally Downloaded, and Pure Nintendo all appreciate the culmination of multiple titles and characters, with Digitally Downloaded specifically mentioning the exploration of geo-political conflict and societal tensions. Eurogamer also commends the story, highlighting its high-stakes plot, critical reflection, and surprising twists. The Mako Reactor goes as far as to say that the story is one of the best that Falcom has done. These positive opinions indicate that the game successfully ties up loose ends and provides closure to character arcs, while also offering intriguing and engaging narratives. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the story of Trails into Reverie. Nintendo Life criticizes certain arcs for feeling like filler, while DualShockers mentions repetitive elements and backtracking on character developments. Game Informer considers the story to be one of the weakest in the series, although it still acknowledges its thematic focus on character development. These criticisms suggest that the game may have pacing issues and may not fully satisfy all players in terms of narrative progression and plot execution. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Trails into Reverie serves as a satisfying epilogue and conclusion to various story arcs from previous games. The game is praised for its interconnected narratives, complex political epic, and the way it brings together characters from different titles. The positive aspects of the story, such as the emotional payoff, surprising twists, and exploration of societal conflicts, are highlighted by multiple critics. However, there are also criticisms regarding certain arcs feeling like filler, repetitive elements, and weaker storytelling compared to previous entries. Despite these negative points, the overall sentiment is that the game successfully provides closure and a celebration of the series, making it a worthwhile experience for fans who are familiar with the narrative context of the series.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie's story. Positive reviews highlight its interconnected narratives and satisfying conclusion to previous games, praising its high-stakes plot and character arcs. However, some critics criticize filler arcs, repetitive elements, and weaker storytelling compared to previous entries, suggesting pacing issues. Overall, the game offers closure and a celebration of the series, making it a worthwhile experience for fans, despite some flaws.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie, considering it to be very good. The turn-based combat system was a highlight for many, with critics such as RPG Fan, God is a Geek, and Pure Nintendo commending its depth and engaging nature. The addition of new mechanics like the United Fronts feature was also appreciated, as it provided strategic options and powerful attacks during battles (NintendoWorldReport, Noisy Pixel). The game offered a variety of combat options, including special attacks, arts, crafts, and S-Crafts, allowing players to experiment with different builds and party compositions (TouchArcade, GamingBolt). The true Reverie Corridor was another aspect that received positive feedback, with critics mentioning its fun dungeon exploration and character customization (Nintendo Life, Eurogamer). However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Trails into Reverie. Character bloat and pacing issues were mentioned as drawbacks by RPG Fan, indicating that the large roster of playable characters might have affected the pacing of the game. PLAY! Zine also noted that the complexity of the gameplay might be overwhelming for inexperienced players. Worth Playing pointed out that the gameplay was almost identical to Trails of Cold Steel IV, suggesting that it lacked innovation and felt formulaic at times. Tech-Gaming mentioned that while the turn-based battles offered enough developments to keep players engaged, the menus and numerous systems could be discombobulating (WellPlayed). Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie is very good. The turn-based combat system, with its depth and engaging mechanics, was highly praised. The addition of new features like the United Fronts and the true Reverie Corridor added strategic options and replay value to the game. While there were some criticisms regarding character bloat, pacing, and complexity, these were overshadowed by the positive feedback from the majority of the critics. The gameplay was considered to be a refined and enjoyable experience, with critics like GameGrin and Hardcore Gamer stating that it was the best it has ever been. Overall, Trails into Reverie's gameplay received high praise and is recommended for fans of the series and turn-based RPG enthusiasts.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praised The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie's gameplay, especially the engaging turn-based combat system and new features like United Fronts. While some mentioned issues like character bloat and pacing, the majority agreed that the game offers a refined and enjoyable experience with strategic depth. Overall, Trails into Reverie's gameplay is highly recommended for fans of the series and turn-based RPG enthusiasts, with critics calling it the best it has ever been.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie are quite varied. RPG Fan mentions that the game is one of the better-looking Trails games, but still suffers from graphical hiccups and looks dated compared to other series. This sentiment is echoed by Inverse, who states that the game shows its age and offers little improvement over past games. However, there are positive aspects highlighted by some critics. Pure Nintendo praises the game, stating that it looks great and plays wonderfully on the Nintendo Switch. Worth Playing also commends the game, mentioning that it is the best-looking in the franchise to date, with improved character models and animations. TheSixthAxis adds that the game has improved presentation and production values, with stylish animated cutscenes and a full English dub. These positive opinions indicate that there are aspects of the Graphics and Visual Design that are well-executed and visually appealing. On the other hand, there are several negative aspects mentioned by the critics. God is a Geek mentions that the 3D visuals are a departure from previous games in the series and may lose some charm. NintendoWorldReport criticizes the game for its performance issues on the Nintendo Switch, with frequent loading screens and framerate dips in populated outdoor spaces, particularly in handheld mode. The Games Machine criticizes the visuals, stating that they resemble a PS Vita or PS3 game and that there is not much to be impressed by. WellPlayed also mentions that the game has a dated presentation and lacks graphical detail, with the transition from 2D to 3D resulting in frequent loading screens. These negative opinions highlight issues such as performance problems, outdated visuals, and lack of graphical detail. Overall, the consensus among the critics seems to be mixed regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie. While there are positive aspects such as improved character models, stylish cutscenes, and smooth performance on certain platforms like the PS5, there are also negative aspects such as graphical hiccups, dated visuals, and performance issues on the Nintendo Switch. Some critics appreciate the effort put into the visuals, while others criticize the game for not meeting modern standards. It is clear that the game's Graphics and Visual Design have both strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for improvement in certain areas.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie. Some praise the improved character models and stylish cutscenes, while others criticize the dated visuals and performance issues, especially on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the game's visuals have strengths like smooth performance on certain platforms, but also weaknesses like graphical hiccups and outdated presentation, indicating room for improvement.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the soundtrack, highlighting its excellence and brilliance. RPG Fan, Nintenderos, and GameGrin all commended the music, with Nintenderos specifically mentioning that it enhances the gaming experience and is one of the strongest aspects of the game and the series as a whole. The soundtrack was described as a perfect mix of intense orchestra pieces and tranquil melodies, fitting for a high-stakes return to a fantasy land, according to COGconnected. The use of returning themes and motifs in the soundtrack, as mentioned by RPGamer, added to its top-notch quality. The boss battle and dungeon themes were particularly lauded by RPG Fan for their phenomenal execution. While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few minor criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie. Some critics, such as GamingBolt and Tech-Gaming, felt that the music did not reach the same highs as previous entries in the series. GamingBolt also mentioned that some characters' voices sounded off compared to previous titles, which could be seen as a slight drawback. Additionally, PLAY! Zine pointed out that the voice acting was sporadic and inconsistent, although Worth Playing and Noisy Pixel had positive remarks about the voice acting, praising its excellence and high quality. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie is very good. The positive feedback from multiple critics, such as God is a Geek, Nintendo Life, and GamingTrend, further solidifies this sentiment. The soundtrack was described as top-notch, incredible, and solid, meeting the expectations of fans and enhancing the overall gaming experience. The voice acting, while occasionally sporadic and inconsistent, was generally well-received, with Worth Playing and RPGamer praising its excellence and high quality. The overall sentiment from the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie greatly contributes to the game's immersive and enjoyable atmosphere.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics widely praised the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie, highlighting the soundtrack's excellence and brilliance. Most lauded the perfect mix of intense orchestra pieces and tranquil melodies, noting how it elevated the gaming experience. While some critics felt it didn't surpass previous entries in the series and noted occasional voice acting inconsistencies, the overall consensus is highly positive, with critics like God is a Geek and Nintendo Life affirming the soundtrack's top-notch quality and its contribution to the game's immersive atmosphere.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie are generally positive. RPG Fan, God is a Geek, NintendoWorldReport, PLAY! Zine, GameGrin, RPGamer, TheSixthAxis, Worth Playing, COGconnected, GamingBolt, and Tech-Gaming all express satisfaction with the English voice acting in the game. They mention that the voice acting is well done, with some critics specifically praising the high quality and the ability of the cast to perform their roles ably. Critics like God is a Geek and TheSixthAxis appreciate the addition of a full English dub, which adds excitement to important story scenes. Worth Playing and COGconnected also commend the solid and excellent voice acting, although they note that there are limited and sporadic voice acting moments in the game. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by a few critics. Inverse and Tech-Gaming point out that the game has inconsistencies in the voice acting, with some lines being voiced while others are not. This inconsistency can be jarring and disrupt the immersion for players. GamingBolt also mentions that some characters' voices sound off compared to previous titles, which may be a disappointment for fans of the series. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie is well done and adds value to the game. The majority of the critics appreciate the English voice acting and consider it a welcome addition. They praise the quality of the voice work and the ability of the cast to bring the characters to life. While there are mentions of limited and sporadic voice acting moments, as well as some inconsistencies and discrepancies compared to previous titles, these issues do not seem to significantly impact the overall positive reception of the voice acting in the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics generally praise the English voice acting in The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie, highlighting its high quality and ability to bring characters to life. Some critics note sporadic voice acting and inconsistencies, but overall, the voice work is considered a valuable addition to the game, despite minor drawbacks.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

26%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the PlayStation platforms, the critics generally had positive feedback. RPG Fan mentioned minimal grammatical or text box errors, indicating a well-polished game. GameGrin and GamingTrend both praised the smooth performance on the PS5, with stable frame rates and speedy load times. However, Worth Playing pointed out significant QA issues, including a shoddy translation and major bugs that impact the game, which hindered the enjoyment of the game on PS5. Overall, the PlayStation versions of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie seem to offer a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience, with occasional issues that may affect some players. On the Nintendo Switch, the critics had mixed opinions regarding the technical performance. God is a Geek and Siliconera both mentioned framerate issues and noticeable slowdown, particularly in busier areas. Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport highlighted performance issues, including lag, frequent loading screens, and frame rate dips. Nintenderos mentioned occasional frame rate drops. Pure Nintendo even reported a game crash after catching a fish, indicating a technical issue. While TouchArcade mentioned framerate dips and bugs, they expressed optimism that these issues would be resolved soon. The technical performance on the Nintendo Switch appears to be a concern, with various performance issues affecting the gameplay experience. For the PC version, the critics generally had positive feedback. Tech-Gaming mentioned that the game performs fine on aging GPUs and the Steam Deck, with occasional medium-resolution texturing being the only noticeable issue. The Mako Reactor praised the PC version for looking and running well, even on the Steam Deck, and having a higher frame rate cap compared to the console versions. ZTGD reported a stable PC port with no crashes or glitches. Overall, the PC version seems to offer a stable and enjoyable gaming experience, with few technical issues mentioned. In terms of the overall consensus, the PlayStation versions of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie received positive feedback from critics, with smooth performance and speedy load times being highlighted. However, Worth Playing's critique of significant QA issues on PS5 indicates that there are some technical flaws present. The Nintendo Switch version, on the other hand, received mixed feedback, with various performance issues mentioned, including framerate drops, lag, and crashes. The PC version generally received positive feedback, with stable performance and minimal issues reported. Overall, while the PlayStation and PC versions seem to offer a satisfactory technical performance, the Nintendo Switch version appears to have more noticeable technical issues that may impact the gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised the PlayStation versions of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie for smooth performance, but noted significant QA issues. The Nintendo Switch version faced mixed feedback due to framerate issues and crashes. The PC version received positive reviews for stable performance. Overall, PlayStation and PC versions offer a good experience, while the Nintendo Switch version has more technical concerns.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie are largely positive. Many critics highlight the game's abundance of optional content and activities that provide extended playtime. RPG Fan mentions the game's optional episodic content and mini-games that can be devoted hours to, while NintendoWorldReport praises the game's extra content, including mini-games, special cutscenes, in-game items, and new characters. Digitally Downloaded also mentions the multiple character arcs and fan service that cater to long-term fans of the series. The Reverie Corridor is consistently praised by critics such as DualShockers and TheSixthAxis for its infinite replayability, offering side content, challenges, and randomly generated dungeons. Eurogamer mentions the various activities available in the true Reverie Corridor, such as fishing, combat trials, and minigames, which add to the game's replay value. These positive aspects contribute to the game's overall replayability, providing players with a wealth of content to explore and enjoy. However, there are some criticisms regarding the replay value of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie. Some critics, such as RPGamer and The Games Machine, mention that the additional content in the Reverie Corridor feels somewhat disconnected from the main narrative. This may impact the overall experience for players who prefer a more cohesive storyline. Worth Playing also notes that the main plot heavily relies on knowledge of previous games in the series, making it less accessible for newcomers. GamingBolt echoes this sentiment, stating that while the game can be played by newcomers, it heavily relies on knowledge of the Cold Steel series. These criticisms suggest that the game's replay value may be limited for players who are not familiar with the series or who prioritize a strong narrative cohesion. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie offers a high level of replay value. The game's abundance of optional content, including mini-games, side quests, and special missions, provides players with a variety of activities to engage with. The true Reverie Corridor is consistently praised for its infinite replayability, offering randomly generated dungeons, side stories, and unlockables. The game's multiple difficulty modes, ability to switch between character routes, and customization options further enhance its replay value. While there are some criticisms regarding the disconnect between additional content and the main narrative, as well as the reliance on previous game knowledge, the overall sentiment is that the game is highly replayable, especially for fans of the series. Critics such as Push Square and COGconnected specifically mention the game's appeal to Trails super fans. Ultimately, The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie provides a wealth of content and activities that make it a compelling choice for players seeking replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie for its extensive optional content, mini-games, and infinite replayability in the Reverie Corridor. However, some note that the additional content feels disconnected from the main narrative and may be less accessible for newcomers. Overall, the game offers a high level of replay value with multiple activities and customization options, making it a hit among fans of the series.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie has received mostly positive reviews from critics. Many critics praised the game for its engaging gameplay, well-written characters, and satisfying conclusion to the series. RPG Fan, Digitally Downloaded, and GameGrin all commended the game for its refined battle system and captivating story. The Games Machine highlighted the improved pacing and smooth technical performance, while Eurogamer praised the strong character writing and refined combat. These positive aspects of the game contribute to its overall appeal, making it a must-have for fans of the series. However, there were some negative aspects that critics pointed out. Several critics, such as God is a Geek and Nintendo Life, mentioned performance issues on the Nintendo Switch, suggesting that the game may not run well on this platform. Siliconera also mentioned that the game's scope could be overwhelming at times and would have benefited from a tighter story. Worth Playing and TheSixthAxis criticized the game for its accessibility to newcomers, recommending that they start with earlier entries in the series. These issues, although present, do not overshadow the positive aspects of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie is a highly enjoyable experience and a fitting conclusion to the series. Critics like Noisy Pixel and The Mako Reactor consider it a worthy finale for specific character arcs and a turning point for the Trails and Falcom. The game's celebration of the series' accomplishments, refined gameplay, and well-written characters are widely appreciated. While some technical issues and accessibility concerns exist, they do not diminish the overall positive reception of the game. Fans of the series are particularly recommended to play this game, as it offers a special experience and sparks fondness for the series, leaving them hopeful about the future.

TL;DR

Critics praise The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie for its engaging gameplay, well-written characters, and satisfying conclusion to the series. While some noted performance issues on the Nintendo Switch and accessibility concerns for newcomers, the game's refined battle system, captivating story, and strong character writing make it a must-play for fans. Overall, it's seen as a highly enjoyable experience and a fitting finale that celebrates the series' achievements.

MONSTER

Reviews

68 reviews found

100

Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

"Trails into Reverie" is an amazing JRPG that concludes the arc with respect for the long history of the series and offers a special experience for fans. However, it is not recommended for those who haven't played the previous titles.

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100

Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Jul 18, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Heroes series is praised as a truly remarkable and creatively brave project. While this particular game may not be suitable for newcomers, it is an unparalleled epic experience for dedicated fans.

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The Mako Reactor

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trails into Reverie is a worthy finale for specific character arcs and a turning point for Trails and Falcom. It is highly recommended.

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ZTGD

Jul 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trails into Reverie is a rewarding conclusion to the series with impeccable world building, compelling characters, and enjoyable combat.

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Inverse

PlayStation 5

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trails into Reverie is a refinement in every sense, with a grand cast of characters and a sense of culmination. It brings true catharsis and poignancy to nearly nineteen years of connected storytelling.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie is a superb RPG and a fantastic send-off for the series, with a refined battle system and engaging story.

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Hardcore Gamer

PlayStation 5

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie is a feature-rich RPG with a dense story, engaging gameplay, and a celebration of the series' accomplishments. Despite some technical issues, it remains a quality experience.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is a satisfying conclusion to the Crossbell arc and the Cold Steel arc. It has a deep story, improved gameplay, and offers replay value with the Reverie Corridor. The improved presentation and English dub enhance the experience.

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Game Informer

PlayStation 5

Jul 11, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a culmination of near decades of world-building, character arcs, and detailed lore. While the narrative may fall short compared to past entries, it is still considered above most other games in the genre. The game is praised for its unique world-building and well-written characters.

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RPG Fan

PlayStation 4

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite pacing flaws and character bloat, The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie is an excellent addition to the series. It sparks fondness for the series and leaves fans hopeful about the future.

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