Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Review Roundup: A JRPG Journey Worth Taking

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, Nihon Falcom’s stunning remake of the 2004 JRPG classic, launched on September 19, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC. This reimagined adventure in the Liberl Kingdom, following Estelle and Joshua Bright’s quest to become Bracers, has earned widespread acclaim for its 3D visuals, refined combat, and heartfelt storytelling. With a Metascore of 90 based on 15 critic reviews and a user score of 9.2/10, it’s the highest-rated Trails game to date.

Today we're rounding up several reviews to give you multiple viewpoints and help you decide if this RPG if one you want to travel with.

Critic Reviews

RPG Site - 10/10 - “Not just a remake for fans of the original, but an excellent starting point for newcomers to both RPGs and the Trails series itself.” - Full review

PlayStation Universe - 9.5/10 - “There is just something magical about the effort brought into the remake of Trails in the Sky. You can just see that it was made with love and care by people who understand just how special the original Trails in the Sky was. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a must-have for anyone who enjoyed the franchise and all the RPG lovers in the world.” - Full review

Push Square - 9/10 - "Falcom has outdone itself with Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter. This is an incredibly heartfelt recreation of a classic RPG — a remake that retains all of the charms of the original game, while also delivering one of the best, most polished adventures in the entire franchise. Whether you're a Trails veteran or a curious newcomer, 1st Chapter is a must-play installment." - Full Review

CGMagazine - 9.5/10 - “Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a stunning remake that staunchly secures the series’ leading place in modern RPGs.” - Full review

• Cultured Vultures - 9.5/10 - “Despite minor blemishes, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter sticks the landing as a faithful yet ambitious remake. Though slow-paced, Falcom’s stunning retelling of the series’s origin is the new definitive starting point for your Trails journey, and an excellent RPG in its own right.” - Full review

XboxEra - 9.4/10 - “Ultimately, I walked away from Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, 50 hours in tow, not regretting a single bit of it. It’s an amazing RPG til the end and the remake only enhances the original experience. Not many games can keep my interest this long, especially when it comes to combat and elongated story scenes—and the lore behind it all is both well-thought out and incredibly imaginative. Don’t miss this one for the 'skies'.” - Full review

GameSpot - 8/10 - “If 1st Chapter is a bit lighter and less complex than its later iterations, then that is also in keeping in the spirit of the original game as the beginning of an epic saga. If you've always wanted to experience the wonder of the Trails series but didn't know where to start, then there are no excuses as this faithful remake is the definitive way to begin that long and winding trail. Hopefully, the remake of its second chapter follows up swiftly.” - Full review

Is This Trail For You?

Overall the critics agree that Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a masterclass in remaking a classic, blending modern 3D visuals, seamless combat, and a revised localization that honors the original while welcoming newcomers. While some note a slow-paced story start; the rich world, endearing characters, and 50+ hours of content make it a standout. If you've ever been interesting the Trails universe this looks like the perfect time to start your journey.

As always, keep it locked on GameMinr.com for all your gaming news and reviews.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter for PS5 - $59.99 at Amazon

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is now available for $59.99 on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 as well as the Playstation 5 and PC. Purchasing the game through one of our links helps to support us here at Gameminr.com