Game of the year: #4 – Trails from Zero

There was originally a PSP game from 2010, Trails from Zero Finally Localized outside of Japan earlier this year. Thanks to the growing popularity of the Trails of Cold Steel games, publisher NIS America felt the time was right to introduce Western fans to one of the most beloved installments in Falcom’s long-running franchise — and it didn’t disappoint.

This is a PS4 remaster of a classic JRPG. In typical Falcom fashion, its strength lies in its charming cast of characters and captivating world-building. The city-state of Crossbell is your playground in this 50-hour adventure, as the newly-formed Special Support Section tries to uncover the corruption that is eating away at their new home.

It’s a twisting and turning plot that’s as much about introducing you to Zero’s setting and cast as it is about, er, putting you on. the trail of the bad boys. The game’s slow opening chapters may not be to everyone’s taste, but the methodical pacing pays off in a big way as the story progresses, culminating in a grand finale.

With a direct sequel Trails to Azure in 2023, we can’t recommend Trails from Zero enough. JRPG fans shouldn’t miss a top-notch example of the genre — and one of the best-experienced titles in the Falcom catalog.