NIS America and Nihon Falcom have announced that The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero and The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure will release on Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 sometime this fall.
Two trailers accompanied the announcement, showcasing a snapshot of what players might expect from these versions of the Crossbell Duology. Check both out below!
The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero – Switch 2 & PS5 Announcement Trailer
The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure – Switch 2 & PS5 Announcement Trailer
Players will be able to purchase either game separately via digital storefronts or with both games packaged together as a physical edition. These current-gen console versions will also support graphical and performance enhancements, including 4K resolution, an increased framerate, and updated textures. The Nintendo Switch 2 version will also include mouse mode support.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero and The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure form the two halves of the Crossbell Duology, originally released in Japan for the PlayStation Portable in 2010 and 2011, respectively. They were eventually released in the West for PlayStation 4 and PC in 2022 and 2023.
Players take on the role of Lloyd Bannings and his allies as they work together in both games as part of the Crossbell Police Department, namely in the newly-made Special Support Section. Players will aid Lloyd in helping citizens in need while exploring the city-state of Crossbell, while trails of geopolitical conspiracy slowly come to light in shadowed streets, leading to fateful conclusions. For further details, check out the official synopses below:
Trails from Zero Overview
Revisit Crossbell in this exciting chapter from the renowned The Legend of Heroes series! The site of an ongoing territorial struggle between the Erebonian Empire and the Republic of Calvard, Crossbell has developed into a prosperous city-state and one of the continent’s leading economic centers.
After three years away from his hometown, Lloyd Bannings returns in order to follow his late brother’s footsteps and join the Crossbell Police Department. However, when he arrives, he finds he’s been assigned to the Special Support Section, a new division that handles odd jobs and minor requests. He meets his new teammates, which include Elie MacDowell, the granddaughter of the city’s mayor; Randy Orlando, a womanizing ex-soldier; and Tio Plato, a young tech genius.
Features:
- Welcome to Crossbell: An exciting story arc in the Trails universe is about to begin in this iconic city-state! Experience a rich and refreshing game world that is teeming with secrets and adventures.
- A Scenic City: With enhanced visuals and high-definition textures, the city-state of Crossbell has never looked better. The new consoles can support up to 120 frames per second and even up to 4k resolution! Switch between original and upscaled textures.
- Your City, Your Story: High-Speed Mode lets you cruise through the city at your preferred pace. Blaze through battles or savor the story—you decide! Nintendo Switch 2 features mouse support, too!
Trails to Azure Overview
The story of aspiring hero Lloyd Bannings continues in Trails to Azure!
Set just a few months after the events of Trails from Zero, a temporary peace has settled over Crossbell and the Special Support Section find themselves with newfound fame and status, thanks to their heroic actions.
However, the peace is soon broken with the rise of multiple organizations with ulterior motives. Framing these growing tensions is the increasing pressure from the Erebonian Empire and the Republic of Calvard, with Crossbell caught between them. With the safety of their home and the foundations of their team now on the line, Lloyd and his allies must gear themselves for the threats that loom ahead. Little do they know that Crossbell will soon become the stage for a climactic conflict that will determine its future…
Features:
- The Fate of the City-State: Play through the finale of the Crossbell arc, a key thread within the Trails universe. What lies ahead for Lloyd Bannings and his ragtag squad of allies?
- Crossbell’s Finest Forces: Experience new combat features introduced by Trails to Azure, including Burst, Back Attack, and even your own customizable car. Also, meet a few familiar faces from the Trails of Cold Steel series!
- Power from the Past: Import save data from Trails from Zero for a different story experience, including additional conversations and alternate dialogue! Enjoy this sequel with up to 120 FPS or at 4K resolution using either original or upscaled textures.
Trails from Zero Screenshots (PC)
Trails to Azure Screenshots (PC)
If you’re curious about our thoughts on the Crossbell Duology, check out our reviews for the PC releases of Trails from Zero or Trails to Azure, penned by Caitlyn Argyros. If the wider Trails series appeals but you’re unsure where to start, be sure to check out Scott Clay’s in-depth primer on the series as well.
By all accounts, it seems that Nihon Falcom seems intent on every chapter of the mainline Trails series being accessible as a mainstay presence in the JRPG space for players globally. For as staggering and complex a world Trails posits, I tend to think it’s a good thing.
Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure will release on Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 sometime this fall. They are currently available for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
Stay tuned to RPGFan for all news RPG!
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