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MONSTER

The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure

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

2023

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

AvailableMar 14, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperFalcom

Overview

The Special Support Section is back with more members and more cases to solve! How will this rag-tag group deal with the oncoming threats to Crossbell's political stability while maintaining their team's foundation?

Elsewhere

7.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

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 to Azure are overwhelmingly positive. The majority of the critics praise the story, with many considering it one of the best in the franchise. They highlight the strong world-building, intricate political conflicts, and compelling narrative developments. Critics such as GameGrin, PlayStation Universe, and RPGamer specifically mention the exceptional storytelling and impactful plot points. They commend the game for its ability to provide closure to the Crossbell arc while introducing new elements and setting up future games. The story is described as epic, fulfilling, and gripping, taking players to supernatural and fantastical places. The character development is also highly regarded, with The Games Machine and Pure Nintendo noting the surprising depth and intriguing relationships of the characters. While the overall sentiment towards the story is positive, a few critics do mention some negatives. GamingTrend criticizes the slow pacing and poor pacing in the early chapters, while GamingBolt feels that some party members are under-developed compared to the well-developed main protagonist. Slant Magazine mentions that prior knowledge of the series is required to fully appreciate the complex and richly fleshed-out story. In conclusion, the story of The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is highly regarded by the critics. The majority of the reviewers praise the strong world-building, intricate political conflicts, and compelling narrative developments. They consider it one of the best stories in the franchise, with exceptional storytelling, impactful plot points, and fulfilling conclusions. While a few critics mention some negatives such as slow pacing and the need for prior knowledge of the series, the overall consensus is that the story is engaging, epic, and well-crafted. The positive opinions of critics such as GameGrin, PlayStation Universe, RPGamer, and TheSixthAxis further support the analysis of the overall sentiment towards the story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics unanimously praise The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure for its epic storytelling, strong world-building, and intricate political conflicts, calling it one of the best in the franchise. While some mention slow pacing and underdeveloped characters as negatives, the majority hail its gripping narrative, impactful plot points, and fulfilling conclusions. Overall, the story's depth, character relationships, and supernatural elements captivate players, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the gameplay of The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is largely positive. Many critics praise the turn-based combat system, describing it as engaging, fun, and strategic. They appreciate the addition of new mechanics such as the Burst Gauge, Master Quartz, and Combination Crafts, which add depth and customization to battles. Critics like Destructoid, GameSkinny, RPGamer, and The Games Machine highlight the enjoyable and complex nature of the combat system. They mention the importance of positioning, relationships between characters, and the variety of enemies, which adds strategic depth to the battles. The inclusion of customization options and flexibility in character design is also appreciated, as mentioned by RPGamer. The inclusion of side activities such as cooking and puzzle mini-games, as mentioned by RPGamer and NintendoWorldReport, adds variety and enhances the overall gameplay experience. However, there are some critics who express concerns about the lack of innovation and evolution in the gameplay. Twinfinite mentions that the gameplay is similar to its predecessor, Trails from Zero, and may become repetitive over time. GamingTrend highlights that while the gameplay and battle systems are enjoyable, the bosses can be frustrating and require luck to defeat. These criticisms suggest that while the gameplay is generally well-received, there is a desire for more innovation and variety in certain aspects of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is enjoyable, strategic, and engaging. The turn-based combat system, with its various mechanics and customization options, is praised for its depth and complexity. The addition of new features such as the Burst Gauge and Master Quartz enhances the gameplay experience. While there are some concerns about lack of innovation and repetitive elements, the positive aspects of the gameplay outweigh the negatives. Critics like Destructoid, GameSkinny, RPGamer, and The Games Machine particularly highlight the strengths of the combat system and the variety of side activities available. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a strong aspect of the game, contributing to its overall appeal.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure for its engaging turn-based combat system with new mechanics like Burst Gauge and Master Quartz, offering depth and customization. Some critics note similarities to its predecessor and frustrating boss battles, calling for more innovation. Overall, the gameplay is enjoyable, strategic, and praised for its complexity, customization options, and variety of side activities, making it a strong aspect of the game.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

16%

Mixed (50-79)

76%

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 to Azure are varied. Several critics, such as GameGrin and The Games Machine, appreciate the visuals of the game, describing them as vibrant, well-animated, and detailed. They praise the character design and art direction, noting that the graphics are pleasant and offer a picturesque allure. Tech-Gaming also acknowledges the boost in graphical resolution and the improved texture quality in the official release. These positive opinions highlight the charm and appeal of the visuals, especially considering the game's origins as a handheld title. However, there are also critics who express negative views about the graphics. GameSkinny, Push Square, and IGN Spain criticize the dated and lackluster visuals, with Push Square even describing them as "woeful" and showing their origins on the PSP over a decade ago. Hardcore Gamer and PlayStation Universe specifically mention the shortcomings of the PlayStation 4 version, noting the lack of visual sharpness and improvements seen in the Switch and PC versions. They highlight issues such as poorly rendered textures, blurry visuals, and recycled assets. These negative opinions emphasize the outdated nature of the graphics and the missed opportunities for improvement. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics of The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure show their age to varying degrees. While some critics appreciate the charm and detail of the visuals, acknowledging the game's humble origins and improvements in resolution, others criticize the dated graphics, lack of visual upgrades, and inconsistent textures. The familiarity of the environments is mentioned as both a positive aspect, enhancing immersion and connection with the game world, and a negative aspect, potentially becoming tiresome after spending a significant amount of time exploring the same locations. The opinions of Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport stand out as positive, highlighting the cozy and high-quality visuals on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the graphics and visual design of Trails to Azure receive mixed reviews, with some praising its charm and others criticizing its outdated elements.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure. Some praise the vibrant visuals and character design, while others criticize the dated and lackluster graphics, especially on the PlayStation 4 version. Overall, opinions range from appreciation for the game's charm to disappointment in its outdated look.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

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 to Azure has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the game's soundtrack, highlighting its brilliance, excellence, and spectacular nature. GameGrin, God is a Geek, and Tech-Gaming all specifically mentioned the exceptional quality of the music, with God is a Geek even stating that there is very little music in the game that they wouldn't want on a playlist. The music is described as fitting the visuals perfectly, with diverse tones that change based on the location, as noted by Pure Nintendo. The voice acting also received high praise, with critics like GameGrin, GamersRD, and GamingBolt commending the superb voice acting and its ability to convey emotions effectively. While the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few criticisms worth mentioning. RPGamer points out that after two full games with a nearly identical soundtrack, repetition sinks in, suggesting that some players may find the music repetitive. NintendoWorldReport also mentions that obtaining the soundtracks legally may be difficult, which could be seen as a limitation for fans who want to enjoy the music outside of the game. In conclusion, the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure have received highly positive reviews from critics. The majority of critics praised the brilliance, excellence, and spectacular nature of the soundtrack, with specific mention of the diverse tones that fit the visuals perfectly. The voice acting was also commended for its superb quality and ability to convey emotions effectively. While there were some criticisms regarding potential repetition and difficulties in obtaining the soundtracks legally, these were minor points in an otherwise highly acclaimed aspect of the game. Overall, the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure were widely regarded as very good by the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the top-notch Sound Design and Music in The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure, praising its brilliance, diverse tones, and superb voice acting. While some mention potential repetition and difficulty in getting the soundtracks legally, the overwhelming sentiment is highly positive, making it a standout feature of the game.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

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 to Azure are varied. Several critics, such as GameGrin and GamingBolt, praise the voice acting, describing it as superb, stellar, and competently directed. They appreciate how the voice acting brings emotion to the subtitles and effectively showcases each character's emotions in any given scene. This positive feedback suggests that the voice acting successfully enhances the overall experience of the game. However, there are also critics, like GameSkinny, Twinfinite, and PC Invasion, who express disappointment in the lack of an English dub. They mention that the absence of English voices can be problematic for some players and may not meet the expectations set by previous games in the series, which featured English voice acting. This negative feedback highlights a missed opportunity to cater to fans who prefer English dubbing. Despite the mixed opinions, the overall consensus among the critics leans towards appreciation for the voice acting in The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure. Critics such as COGconnected and NintendoWorldReport commend the well-acted Japanese voice acting, while Gaming Age praises the surprising amount of voice acting and the well-done localization effort, which adds to the liveliness of the game's world. This suggests that the voice acting, despite its limitations, contributes positively to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game. In conclusion, while some critics express disappointment in the lack of an English dub, the majority of reviewers appreciate the voice acting in The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure. The voice acting is praised for its superb quality, competent direction, and ability to bring out the emotions of the characters. The well-done localization effort and the extensive use of Japanese voice acting are also highlighted as positive aspects. Overall, the voice acting is seen as a valuable addition to the game, enhancing the storytelling and immersing players in the world of Trails to Azure.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure. While some praise the Japanese voice acting for its quality and emotional depth, others criticize the absence of an English dub. Despite this, the majority of reviewers appreciate the voice acting, noting its positive impact on the game's immersion and storytelling.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance of The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure, the majority of the critics had positive opinions across all gaming platforms. The game was praised for its smooth performance, with no noticeable technical issues. The Games Machine, who played the game on PS4, mentioned that it ran smoothly without any problems. GamingBolt, who played on PC, specifically on the Steam Deck, stated that the PC version ran excellently with no issues regarding graphics, audio, or controls. ZTGD also played on PC and described it as an excellent port with no noticeable errors. These positive opinions highlight the successful technical performance of the game on different platforms. However, there were some criticisms regarding the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. Checkpoint Gaming mentioned that the game showed its age with character models, visual fidelity, and framerate dips. Gaming Age also noted occasional framerate dips in outdoor environments. Despite these minor issues, Inverse, NintendoWorldReport, and WellPlayed all agreed that the game ran smoothly on the Switch, with only brief slowdown during flashy super moves or battle effects. These criticisms suggest that while there may be some technical limitations on the Switch, they do not significantly impact the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is very good. The majority of the reviewers praised the game for its smooth performance and lack of technical issues on various platforms. The positive feedback from The Games Machine, GamingBolt, and ZTGD further supports this consensus. Although there were some minor concerns raised by Checkpoint Gaming and Gaming Age regarding the Nintendo Switch version, the overall sentiment remains positive. The opinions of Inverse, NintendoWorldReport, and WellPlayed also contribute to the overall positive consensus, emphasizing the smooth performance of the game on the Switch.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure for its smooth technical performance on most platforms, with no major issues reported. While some noted minor technical limitations on the Nintendo Switch, overall feedback remains positive, highlighting the game's successful performance across different gaming platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

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 to Azure are generally positive. Twinfinite highlights the New Game Plus benefits offered through PlayStation Trophies, allowing players to carry over levels, equipment, and information. This feature adds to the game's replayability, although completing the trophy list may be challenging. COGconnected mentions that the game is really long and offers different difficulty levels, as well as optional scenes and collectibles that require clear data from previous games to unlock. These aspects contribute to the game's replay value by providing additional content and challenges for players who want to dive deeper into the world of Trails to Azure. On the negative side, WellPlayed points out that the slow pacing and meandering quests may be a drawback for some players. While the game offers a combined playtime of 75 hours or more for the most memorable moments, these aspects may hinder the replay value for those who prefer a faster-paced experience. It is important to note that this criticism is subjective and may not be a concern for all players. Overall, the critics agree that The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure has a high replay value. GamingBolt and NintendoWorldReport both highlight the game's abundant content, including side quests, character interactions, and customization options. These elements contribute to the game's replayability by providing multiple paths and choices for players to explore. Siliconera also mentions that the game acknowledges previous save data and bonding events, offering a rewarding experience for players who have invested time in the series. The consensus among the critics is that The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure offers a rich and engaging gameplay experience that encourages replaying, with its various features and content contributing to its overall replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure for its high replay value, with New Game Plus benefits and challenging trophies enhancing replayability. The game's length, difficulty levels, and optional content add depth, while slow pacing may be a downside for some. Overall, the abundant content, character interactions, and multiple paths make it a rich gameplay experience worth revisiting.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics, with the majority considering it a very good game. The game is praised for its strong story and world-building, with many critics highlighting the satisfying conclusion to the Crossbell arc and the impactful plot points. GameGrin describes it as an excellent game that ties up loose ends from previous titles and sets up for future storylines, while RPGamer states that it is an absolute must-play for established fans of the series. The game is also commended for its gameplay, with Destructoid calling it one of the best turn-based RPGs and GamersRD mentioning the addition of new gameplay mechanics that keep it fresh. However, there are some criticisms mentioned by a few critics. The most common critique is the game's dated graphics and lack of English dub, as mentioned by GameSkinny and IGN Spain. GamingTrend also states that the game may be hard to recommend to those not already invested in the world, indicating a potential barrier to entry for newcomers. Additionally, some critics mention minor pacing issues and the need to have played the previous game, Trails from Zero, to fully appreciate Trails to Azure. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is a highly recommended game, particularly for fans of the series. PlayStation Universe describes it as one of the best entries in the franchise that shouldn't be missed, while Nintendo Life considers it one of the best games in the series, capturing everything that makes the Trails series what it is. The game is praised for its strong story, compelling gameplay, and satisfying conclusion to the Crossbell arc. Despite some minor drawbacks such as dated graphics and pacing issues, the positive aspects of the game outweigh any negatives, making it a must-play for fans and a worthwhile adventure for any JRPG fan, as concluded by TheSixthAxis.

TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure earns high praise for its gripping story, world-building, and satisfying conclusion to the Crossbell arc, making it a must-play for series fans. Critics laud its gameplay innovations, but note criticisms of dated graphics and the lack of an English dub. Overall, the game is a standout in the franchise, with minor flaws overshadowed by its compelling narrative and engaging gameplay.

MONSTER

Reviews

64 reviews found

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Mar 27, 2023

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

The review concludes that Trails to Azure is easily one of the best entries in the franchise and one that shouldn't be missed.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 4

Mar 7, 2023

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

The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is an excellent game that ties up loose ends from previous titles and sets up for future storylines. A must-play for every JRPG fan.

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ZTGD

Mar 16, 2023

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

One of the finest JRPGs in the Legend of Heroes series

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Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

Apr 12, 2023

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

Fantastic RPG, recommended with the suggestion to play the first entry in the series

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Tech-Gaming

Mar 13, 2023

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

Trails to Azure is role-playing at its best, offering closure to the Crossbell arc and an introduction to Cold Steel's characters. It has compelling gameplay, a delightful cast of characters, and more geopolitical intrigue.

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RPG Site

Mar 7, 2023

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

The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is an incredible RPG that deserves recognition as one of the genre's titans.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Mar 7, 2023

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

The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is highly praised and considered one of the best games in the series. It captures everything that makes the Trails series what it is and delivers a compelling story with memorable characters.

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TheSixthAxis

Mar 20, 2023

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

The review concludes that The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is an incredibly worthwhile adventure for any JRPG fan to go on.

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Inverse

Nintendo Switch

Mar 7, 2023

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

The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is the pinnacle of the franchise to date and is highly recommended for fans of the series. It requires playing the previous game, but the world-building and character development make it worth it.

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Push Square

PlayStation 4

Mar 7, 2023

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

Trails to Azure is an amazing sequel with impactful plot points and should be considered a classic.

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