The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon – Review

Hey, fellow gamers! I just dove headfirst into one of the biggest adventures the world of JRPGs has ever seen, and I’m here to tell you every detail of my experience with The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon on my Switch 2. Seriously, if you’re a fan of epic stories, characters that win you over, and a universe that keeps expanding, stick with me as we explore this Falcom release that everyone’s talking about. I spent hours and hours exploring every corner of Calvard, getting involved in insane battles, and unraveling mysteries that left me speechless. This isn’t just another game in the Trails series; it’s the game we’ve been waiting for, the one that ties up loose ends and propels us into a future that promises to be even more electrifying. The feeling of seeing so many years of story converging at a single point is something only those who have followed the series for a while can understand, and I can say the emotion was real. From the very first moment, I was sucked into a plot that spares no twists, with moments of pure adrenaline and others of deep reflection. It’s an experience that keeps you hooked from beginning to end, and I can’t wait to share everything I’ve lived through.

Mechanics and Gameplay

The gameplay of Trails beyond the Horizon is, without a doubt, the most refined and fun in the entire series, and I found myself thinking about how Falcom managed to improve something that was already so good. The hybrid combat system, which mixes real-time action with classic turn-based combat, has reached a new level of excellence. In field battles, the fluidity is impressive. I can unleash powerful combos, use charged attacks, and even cast quick spells to stun enemies before even entering turn-based mode. The perfect dodge mechanic, which opens up opportunities for allied counterattacks, adds a layer of strategy that made me feel like a true martial arts master. And when things get serious, just press a button and the transition to turn-based combat is instant and smooth, without breaking the rhythm of the action.

But the novelties don’t stop there. The introduction of the “Awakening” mechanic is a showstopper. Seeing Van transform into the Grendel and unleash devastating real-time blows is simply sensational. This powerful form allowed me to clear groups of weaker enemies with ease and even give a boost against tougher bosses. Another addition I loved was “Z.O.C,” which allows me to momentarily slow down time in field battles to land more hits or, in turn-based mode, grants me an immediate extra turn. This is a game-changer, allowing me to cast a spell that would normally require a charge turn and still attack in the same turn. It’s a tactical tool that saved me in several tight spots.

The “Orbment” system continues to be one of my favorites for character customization. The variety of “Quartz” available is enormous, and the way they interact with “Shard Skills” is brilliant. I spent a good amount of time experimenting with different combinations to optimize my characters, and the reward was seeing Van receiving attack and defense bonuses almost every turn, or having all my stats boosted when my health was low. “Shard Commands,” which replace the “Brave Orders” from previous games, are like trump cards that can turn the tide of battle. Spending a bit of the “S-Boost” bar to activate powerful party-wide buffs, whether to increase damage or restore health, is a strategic decision that always made me think twice. And of course, “S-Crafts” are back, more spectacular than ever, with breathtaking animations that made me cheer with every use.

The “Grim Garten” also deserves special mention. This roguelike dungeon, which now has a darker, more mysterious vibe, is a feast for those who enjoy exploring and testing different team compositions. I had a lot of fun assembling my dream team with characters from different arcs of the series and facing the randomized challenges. In addition to being a great place to farm experience and items, the Grim Garten hides secrets and lore revelations that are crucial to understanding the main story. And the improved “Grimoire” decryption, which is now much faster and less tedious, was a relief. Overall, the gameplay is a complete package, with so many options and layers of depth that I felt constantly challenged and rewarded for mastering every aspect.

Graphics

The graphics of Trails beyond the Horizon on the Switch 2 are a true spectacle, and I was impressed by the leap in quality that Falcom managed to deliver. From the character models, which are more detailed and expressive than ever, to the stunning landscapes of Calvard, everything is visually rich and vibrant. The cities are full of life, with architectural details that made me stop to admire, and the natural landscapes, like the Ishgal Mountains, are breathtaking. The dynamic lighting and particle effects in spells and special attacks are a showstopper, making every battle a cinematic experience.

The cutscenes, in particular, received special attention. The direction is much more polished and dynamic, with camera angles that enhance the emotion of the moments and smooth transitions that maintain immersion. I found myself paying attention to every facial expression of the characters, every subtle movement that conveyed their emotions. The quality of the textures, even in handheld mode on the Switch 2, is surprising. I didn’t notice any blurriness or imperfections that could detract from the experience. On the contrary, everything looked sharp and well-defined, which is quite an achievement for a game of Trails beyond the Horizon‘s scale. Of course, there’s still that “Falcom touch” in some animations, but that’s part of the series’ charm and, for me, only adds personality to the game. Seeing the world of Zemuria come to life with this level of detail and beauty was one of the things that captivated me most during my playthrough.

Sound

The soundtrack of Trails beyond the Horizon is, without exaggeration, one of the best I’ve ever heard in a JRPG, and Falcom Sound Team jdk outdid themselves once again. From the moment the game starts, with the main menu music, I already knew I was about to embark on something special. The compositions are incredibly varied, ranging from epic, adrenaline-fueled themes for battles and crisis moments, to softer, more contemplative melodies for exploration scenes and moments of reflection. Each track seems to have been custom-made for the scene it’s played in, intensifying the emotions and gravity of the story.

The sound effects are also of very high quality. Every hit, every spell, every explosion has a sonic impact that perfectly complements the action on screen. I could feel the force of the Grendel’s attacks and the power of the most devastating spells. The voice acting, for the most part, is excellent, with the actors delivering convincing performances that bring even more life to the characters. However, I did notice some inconsistencies, with moments where dialogue was not voiced, which broke the immersion a bit. I don’t know if it was a localization issue or a development decision, but it’s something I hope will be adjusted in future updates. Despite this, the overall audio quality is impeccable, and the soundtrack, in particular, is one of those that stick in your head long after you turn off the console. It’s a true delight for the ears and an essential component of the game’s immersive experience.

Fun

The fun in Trails beyond the Horizon is something that caught me by surprise and kept me glued to my Switch 2 for over a hundred hours. The story is the main driving force behind everything, and I found myself completely invested in the fates of Van, Rean, and Kevin. The twists are constant, the mysteries are deep, and the revelations left me speechless on several occasions. The way the game ties together so many years of narrative and characters is simply brilliant, and the emotion of seeing story arcs close and new ones open was indescribable. I cared deeply about every character, rooting for them and suffering through their difficulties. The “Connection Events,” even though optional, are essential for deepening bonds and understanding each character’s growth, and I made sure to watch all of them.

Combat, as I mentioned, is addictive. The mix of action and turns kept me constantly engaged, and the number of tactical options allowed me to experiment with different strategies for each type of enemy. I never felt frustrated with battles, even on higher difficulties, and the feeling of mastering the system and seeing my characters become increasingly powerful was extremely rewarding. The “Grim Garten” also contributed greatly to the fun, offering a playground to test my skills and discover more about the game’s universe.

However, I must be honest: the pace of the narrative can be a bit slow at times. There were sections, especially early on, where the amount of exposition and the back-and-forth between characters made me wish the story would move a little faster. For those not fully caught up with the series, the density of the lore and the number of references can be overwhelming, and I can understand why some might feel lost. But for me, as a long-time fan, every bit of information and every appearance of a familiar character was a gift. The game demands patience and a considerable time investment, but the reward is one of the richest and most emotional experiences I’ve ever had in a JRPG. The adventure is long, but with every step, the fun and satisfaction of unraveling Zemuria’s secrets were worth every second.

Performance and Optimization

I played The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon on my Switch 2, and I can say with absolute certainty that the performance and optimization are simply excellent. I was genuinely impressed by the game’s fluidity, both in docked and handheld mode. On the TV, the game ran at a consistent 60 frames per second, with no noticeable drops, even in the busiest scenes or during the most chaotic battles with many visual effects. The image remained sharp and clear, without jagged edges or low-resolution textures that could detract from the experience.

But what truly surprised me was the performance in handheld mode. The game offers an option to run at up to 120 frames per second, taking advantage of the Switch 2’s 120Hz screen, and it truly delivers this performance most of the time. The smoothness of the gameplay in my hands was something I didn’t expect from a JRPG of this scale. Exploring cities, running through fields, and engaging in battles was an incredibly fluid and responsive experience. There were only very rare moments of slight frame drops, mainly in scenes with many fire effects or in extremely dense areas, but they were so infrequent that they barely impacted my playthrough.

The optimization is so good that I didn’t feel any disadvantage playing on the Switch 2 compared to other platforms. Loading times between areas and battles were minimal, which contributed to immersion and the game’s pace. The user interface is responsive and easy to navigate, and the controls are precise and intuitive. Falcom and NIS America did a phenomenal job bringing such an ambitious game to the Switch 2 hardware, showing that it’s possible to have high-quality graphics and impeccable performance on a handheld console. For me, this sets a new standard for future series releases on the Switch 2, and I can’t wait to see what else they can achieve. It’s proof that, with proper care and optimization, the Switch 2 is capable of delivering top-tier JRPG experiences.

Conclusion

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon is, for me, a true modern masterpiece of JRPGs and a high point in the acclaimed Trails series. My experience through Calvard was a rollercoaster of emotions, with a story that kept me hooked from beginning to end, full of twists that left me speechless and revelations that redefined everything I thought I knew about the world of Zemuria. The way the game ties together so many years of narrative and character development is an impressive feat, and the emotion of seeing so many familiar faces unite to face a global threat is something only those who have followed the series for a long time can truly appreciate.

The hybrid combat system is, without a doubt, the best in the series, offering a perfect blend of fluid action and deep turn-based strategy. New mechanics like “Awakening” and “Z.O.C” add layers of depth that make every battle a dynamic and rewarding experience. The graphics on the Switch 2 are stunning, with richly detailed environments and expressive characters, and the performance is impeccable, ensuring a smooth and immersive gameplay experience both on TV and in handheld mode. The soundtrack is one of the best I’ve ever heard, elevating every moment of the story to a new emotional level.

However, it’s important to note that this is not a game for newcomers. The density of the lore and the number of references to previous games can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the series. Additionally, the pace of the narrative can be a bit slow at times, requiring patience and a considerable time investment. But for long-time fans, like me, every second is worth it. This game is a testament to the power of long-form storytelling and Falcom’s ability to create such a rich and engaging universe. It answers many questions but also opens the door to even more mysteries, leaving me eager for what comes next. If you are a veteran of the Trails series, this game is a strong recommendation and a must-have in your collection. Get ready for an adventure that will move you, surprise you, and leave you wanting more.

Pros:

• Epic and engaging narrative that ties together decades of series history.
• Hybrid combat system (action and turn-based) is the most refined and fun in the franchise.
• Inclusion of multiple protagonists and characters from previous arcs, with deep development.
• Innovative combat mechanics like “Awakening,” “Z.O.C,” and “Shard Commands” that add depth.
• Robust “Grim Garten” mode, with relevant optional content for lore and grinding opportunities.
• Stunning graphics and improved cutscene direction.
• Exceptional soundtrack from Falcom Sound Team jdk.
• Excellent performance and optimization on Switch 2, with high frame rates and sharp visuals.
• Large amount of content and gameplay hours.

Cons:

• Narrative pace can be slow and drawn out in some sections.
• Not recommended for newcomers to the series due to lore density and references.
• Inconsistencies in voice acting, with unvoiced dialogues at times.
• The action aspect of hybrid combat, though improved, may still be considered superficial by some.
• Ends with a significant “cliffhanger,” which can be frustrating.

Rating:
Graphics: 9.5
Fun: 9.0
Gameplay: 9.5
Sound: 9.0
Performance and Optimization: 9.8
FINAL SCORE: 9.4 / 10.0