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The Legend of Heroes: Trails series is known for its sprawling narrative and interconnected world. For years, English-speaking fans lamented a missing piece of the Zemurian saga: the Crossbell arc. With the release of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero, this crucial chapter is finally available, bridging the gap between the Liberl and Erebonia storylines. But does it live up to the long wait?

A Crucial Chapter in the Zemurian Saga

The Trails series is divided into arcs, each focusing on a different region of Zemuria. International players previously experienced the Liberl arc with Trails in the Sky and the Erebonia arc with Trails of Cold Steel. However, Trails of Cold Steel IV introduced characters and elements that seemingly came out of nowhere, leaving many players confused. These elements originated from the Crossbell arc, comprising Trails from Zero and its sequel, Trails to Azure, originally released in Japan on the PSP in 2011. Thanks to NIS America, English-speaking fans can now experience this pivotal arc.

Lloyd Bannings and the SSS team

Newcomers to the series needn’t worry about being lost. Each arc can be enjoyed as a standalone story, though connections to other arcs enrich the overall experience. Trails from Zero follows Lloyd Bannings, a rookie detective returning to his hometown of Crossbell to join the Special Support Section (SSS) of the Crossbell Police Department.

The SSS team in Crossbell

The SSS is tasked with handling minor requests from citizens to rebuild trust in the police force. Lloyd is joined by Ellie MacDowell, a skilled markswoman, Tio Plato, a young tech expert, and Randy Orlando, a charming and flirtatious combat specialist. Together, they navigate the complexities of Crossbell, solving citizen’s problems while uncovering a deeper conspiracy threatening the city’s fragile peace.

Over approximately 50 hours of gameplay, Lloyd and his team juggle various requests while contending with the rising influence of criminal organizations like the mafia group, Revache & Co. The narrative is expertly crafted, seamlessly weaving together character development and world-building with intricate plot twists and turns.

Crossbell Cityscape

The pacing is excellent, balancing moments of intense action with quieter periods of character interaction. The focused setting of Crossbell allows for a deep exploration of the city’s diverse population and their individual struggles. Even seemingly insignificant NPCs have their own stories and motivations, contributing to a vibrant and believable world. Side quests are not mere filler but offer valuable insights into Crossbell’s culture and its inhabitants.

The SSS investigates a case

Classic Trails Combat with Modern Refinements

Trails from Zero retains the classic grid-based combat system of earlier Trails titles. Unlike the free movement in Trails of Cold Steel, characters move on a grid, utilizing commands like Attack, Art, and Craft. Strategic positioning is crucial for maximizing damage output and avoiding enemy attacks. The turn-based system with status effects requires careful planning and execution.

Combat in Trails from Zero

While Trails of Cold Steel veterans might find the grid system limiting, the core tactical elements of the series remain intact. Positioning, turn management, and the use of S-Crafts are still vital for success. Trails from Zero also eliminates random encounters, allowing players to engage enemies strategically on the field map.

The Quartz system returns, offering deep character customization. By equipping different Quartz to their orbments, players can tailor each character’s abilities and access various Arts. This flexible system allows for diverse playstyles and encourages experimentation.

Quartz System

A Stellar Port with Enhanced Features

The Nintendo Switch port of Trails from Zero is a technical marvel, boasting 60 FPS, anti-aliasing, and smooth performance. The addition of voice acting from the Evolution versions significantly enhances the experience. Quality-of-life features like high-speed mode and dialogue log make gameplay even more enjoyable. The soundtrack is also excellent, perfectly complementing the game’s atmosphere.

High-Speed Mode

Conclusion

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero is a must-play for JRPG fans, offering a compelling narrative, engaging characters, and a satisfying combat system. This excellent port finally delivers a crucial chapter of the Zemurian saga to English-speaking audiences, and the wait was undoubtedly worth it. Experience the vibrant city of Crossbell and uncover its secrets alongside Lloyd and the SSS.