Try This RPG: Trails in the Sky trilogy
“Worldbuilding” often comes up when Trails fans are lauding the virtues of this cult favorite RPG series.
It’s absolutely a hallmark of the series, but it doesn’t really convey what makes Trails in the Sky — the trilogy that started it all- so special.
Trails in the Sky is a character-driven coming-of-age epic. The focus is on growth, relationships, and finding one’s way; understanding our world a little better and coming to terms with it. It’s also a lovely place to visit and hang out a while.
The series puts its best foot forward with Estelle Bright as the main character. Caring and courageous, with a moral compass that shines like the sun, Estelle is journeying across her homeland to become a Bracer, a unique guild that exists to protect the people and help them with problems.
Capable, but extremely sheltered, Estelle is a perfect guide for this maiden voyage — pretty much all of this is new to her too, so the player can identify.
Estelle is following in the footsteps of her father, who she mostly knows as the extremely dadcore guy she buffaloes around the house.
Accompanying Estelle on this journey is her adopted brother Joshua, who her father mysteriously brought home years before. Quiet, meticulous, and serious, he provides an odd-couple contrast with Estelle’s burning enthusiasm and look-before-you-leap bravado. They make a great team.
Character arcs are really the canvas of Trails, it’s what makes this series tick. The people you meet are often not what they seem, and most have depth that’s revealed over time.
There are few truly evil characters in Trails. The majority are just like us, playing the hand they were dealt and doing what they think is right — even if that’s not always immediately apparent.
The narrative is tightly centered on Estelle initially, perhaps lulling the player into thinking this is going to be an Animal Crossing style RPG. It’s not, and the darkness that creeps into parts of Trails makes Estelle’s character shine all the brighter.
There are several great mysteries in Trails in the Sky, and before the first game is done Estelle learns a great deal about being a bracer, her family, and herself.
Trails in the Sky is a slow burn, which takes a leisurely pace introducing us to Estelle’s homeland, her fellow bracers, and other key players. Things ramp up considerably in the second half, with a big finish that should leave players eager for the next installment.
Trails in the Sky Second Chapter builds on that momentum, reconvening the gang for a quest that can’t really be described without spoiling the ending of the first game.
The lore of Liberl comes into deeper focus, especially the human impacts of historic events only mentioned in passing earlier. We learn more backstory, and see how the formative years shaped our heroes.
A good example is the story of Scherazard, Estelle’s unofficial ‘big sis.’ She’s a hard-drinking bracer who keeps it light with a steady stream of double-entendres. Only later do we see her early path, how she bottomed out in life and the guild gave her a second chance — one Schera is not entirely sure she deserves.
The culmination of her arc is a wonderful story of young Schera coming to understand what helping others is all about, and embracing what it really means to be a Bracer.
Some of the characters are running from darkness they hoped to close the door on. Others never escaped and are walking fell trails for their own reasons. You will know thy enemy before all is said and done.
Trails in the Sky 3 takes everything that came before and throws it against the wall in the best sort of way. We dig deeper into the past; some vignettes are humorous and lighthearted, others more serious, with one that literally resides in the lowest circle of hell — for good reason.
Coming of age goes full circle in Trails 3, with a focus on truth, self-acceptance, and purpose. Having the courage to open up for those we care about is a recurring theme; it might not change things but it provides closure and maybe a new perspective.
It’s a strong finish to a wonderful trilogy.
If this all sounds like a lot — well, it is. But it’s a journey worth taking. Estelle and her friends are good company, and coming to know and understand them is at the heart of the Trails experience. If character arcs, story, and an immersive world are your thing, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy what Trails in the Sky has to offer.
The best version of the Trails in the Sky trilogy is on Steam. It is also available on PSP, with non-localized versions for the PS3 and PS Vita.
Nathan Lamb is a former reporter and news editor, who occasionally writes about video games for fun. His passions include the Persona series and history. He previously wrote about on the overarching themes of death and mortality in Persona 3 and is currently writing a series about Moments of Truth in the social links of Persona 4.
