The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Critic Reviews

A pleasant bastion of everything that drew so many to this genre long ago. Amusing characters, a rich setting and great mechanics all smoothly coalesce to create a surprising and thoroughly enjoyable tale, prompting us to speculate that our little PSPs are far from retirement. We're ready for part 2.

With staggering depth and surprising accessibility, Falcom have succeeded in making a traditional JRPG that both die-hard veterans and those uninitiated with the genre will love.

Trails in the Sky is not a game in which the gameplay shines, but rather the story and characters. It isn't deep nor compelling by any stretch of the imagination, but it is fun and extremely charming.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is the first of a trilogy, and it makes a strong case to bring the rest of the story arc to North America. Though some of the core design feels left behind compared to modern standards, the story line is very impressive and the title manages to be quite fun even as it sticks closely to traditional JRPG mechanics. If you're looking for a lengthy, meaty RPG you can take with you wherever you go, this title will make a fine option.

Although it isn't a very original game, behind its relaunch appearance there is a good and well-executed roleplaying strategy game. Combat is fun, there are lots of customization options and the story shows charming characters.

For everyone else, though, Trails in the Sky plays out like beloved JRPGs from the late '90s: dramatic, character-focused, and detailed. This is a world in which almost every townsperson has a unique name and personality and in which every treasure chest in the game can be examined a second time to provide a unique message reminding you that you've already robbed it of its spoils. Little additions like this don't individually make or break a game, but in Trails in the Sky they add up to an incredibly charming and absurdly long experience.

Gorgeously animated tactical RPG that'll charm and challenge in equal measure.

For those looking to spend a lofty amount of time with a good-ol fashioned JRPG, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky delivers.

A fantastic addition to the already large level of great RPG's available on the PlayStation Portable. What separates it is the engrossing story, and relatable characters. Throw in ridiculously addicting mechanics and you have yourself a winner.

Although this first chapter is not the most original ever made, like any good JRPG it offers amusing writing, dynamic combat, interesting tasks, an absorbing narrative, and hours upon hours of gameplay.

But these flaws can't keep Trails in check for too long. The game delivers a lot of what JRPG fans want -- a long, epic story (which, it should be noted, doesn't end with this game), lots of fun dialogue, and an engaging combat engine -- and does so in a charming, enjoyable fashion. It might be a crowded market on the platform, but Trails in the Sky manages to soar well above many of its peers.

While it'll never be the most technically impressive or original game, its creators clearly understand what works and what doesn't. The excellent music and fun combat combine with the charming characters to create a game that has a certain intangible feel, a spirit that pervades it and makes it more than simply the collection of things seen before it may appear at first glance. As the PSP enters its twilight years, most RPGamers would find few better sendoffs than this.

Trails in the Sky is a satisfying adventure that blends an exciting plot with smart gameplay.

The Legend of Heroes Trails in the Sky is an old school RPG with good storyline made for fans of JRPG.

The Legend of Heroes Trails in the Sky is an exceptional game for fans of JRPG.

This might be the best portable RPG published this year, plenty of quality and personality.

It's also nicely balanced in gameplay terms.

A pleasant last hoorah for your PSP.

Gamers who want an RPG they can dig into and play, however, probably won't have a problem.

A perfect example of the sort of game only the PSP can provide and a surprisingly progressive Japanese role-player to boot.