The JRPG Remake That Proves Choice Still Matters Over Spectacle

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For me, a great story is essential for any good role-playing game. While the genre isn’t always known for deep or serious narratives – many of my favorites, like Final Fantasy X and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, are famous for their lighthearted or exaggerated stories – even those can be really enjoyable. Few games demonstrate this better than Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter.

Originally released in 2004 for PlayStation Portable and PC, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is part of the larger Legend of Heroes series. However, it also marked the beginning of a new storyline within that series, now known collectively as Trails. Over the past twenty years, Trails has grown from a small, detailed project into a successful game available on many platforms, though it hasn’t reached the same level of popularity as JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Persona. To address this, developer Nihon Falcom released Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter in 2025 – a significant remake. While it may not be as visually spectacular as Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, it’s still a well-made and thoughtful update. Most importantly, it’s a great reminder that RPGs with slower pacing, player choices that matter, and strong single-player stories are still valuable and enjoyable.

The Movie-Like Game Has Gotten Increasingly Popular, Both Inside and Outside the JRPG Genre

Video games have become dramatically more polished and visually impressive in recent years. Titles like Death Stranding 2 push the boundaries with incredibly realistic graphics and a cinematic feel, resembling a high-budget movie. However, even games with simpler art styles, such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, are striving for a similar level of spectacle and cinematic presentation. Essentially, more and more games are trying to tell stories like movies, and thanks to increasingly powerful and affordable development tools, achieving this ambitious goal is becoming easier.

It’s great to see games pushing boundaries, especially with titles like Clair Obscur and the recently released Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth! But honestly, I also get why some people worry about games becoming too much like movies. I’ve seen criticism leveled at games like Death Stranding and The Last of Us 2 for feeling overly cinematic, and while I don’t always agree with those critiques, I can definitely see where they’re coming from. It seems like a lot of developers are trying to make games feel more like films, but a lot of us gamers actually want the opposite – we want games to feel like games, and to really lean into what makes the medium special.

Analyzing remakes like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is particularly challenging. While the original Final Fantasy 7 had some cinematic scenes, it wasn’t like playing a movie. The remakes, however, are much more focused on spectacle. Though impressive cutscenes—like musical performances, dramatic sequences, and over-the-top battles—are enjoyable, they don’t compensate for a compelling story, solid gameplay, and interesting characters. I’d rather play the less cinematic Final Fantasy 8 than a game like Mafia: The Old Country, which prioritizes a movie-like presentation at the expense of good gameplay and a well-developed world.

Many developers are trying to make games feel more like movies, but a lot of gamers prefer games to stay distinct and true to their own strengths.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter’s Success Reminds Us of the Power of Classic RPG Pacing and Structure

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is the perfect starting point for anyone new to the series. It’s set in the kingdom of Liberl, which is experiencing rapid technological advancements and growing political and economic tensions. As you play, you’ll journey across the land, encounter memorable characters, discover unique cities and cultures, and enjoy a wealth of engaging and satisfying side quests. Essentially, it’s a classic Japanese role-playing game with a traditional story and gameplay style.

Even though some might find its story and presentation familiar, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter has become incredibly popular since its release in Fall 2025. It boasts a 90 score on OpenCritic and a 96% ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’ rating on Steam. While its engaging combat and appealing art style certainly contribute to its success, I believe the game’s unique structure is a key factor. This structure focuses on exploring the world and its characters through conversations, building relationships with NPCs, and making meaningful choices in both dialogue and missions.

Showing continued success for 1st Chapter, Nihon Falcom has approved another remake in the Trails series, planned for release around 2026.

We’re not suggesting every game should copy Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, but its success – similar to that of other classic JRPGs like Metaphor Refantazio – proves there’s still a strong appeal for traditional storytelling where player choices matter. This style, rooted in the origins of the genre, shows there’s room in the gaming world for these types of experiences, even alongside big-budget, cinematic games.

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2026-01-25 16:04