After every thing I’ve mentioned about Falcom’s The Legend of Heroes collection – from its area of interest presence, even among the many extra area of interest role-playing video games, to the trials and tribulations of being a fan – it’s time to debate certainly one of its extra “controversial” titles. Saying The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Chilly Metal 4 is “controversial” is a bit overblown in case you’re unfamiliar with the collection, but it surely makes extra sense when contemplating its state of affairs.
It not solely caps off the Erebonia saga, the longest-running arc within the collection however unites heroes from three arcs (4, if we’re being sincere). Estelle and Joshua from Trails within the Sky; Lloyd Bannings and the Particular Help Part from Zero/Azure; the outdated Class 7 from Chilly Metal 1 and 2; and the brand new Class 7 of Chilly Metal 3 and 4. While you issue within the sheer variety of Thors Navy Academy graduates and present college students, different Bracers, lecturers, royal relations, secret societies, hidden covens, and mercenary models, it will possibly get overwhelming.
“Chilly Metal 4 picks up a number of weeks later. I received’t go into many particulars to keep away from spoilers, however suffice it to say that Erebonia is in a foul means and able to go to battle with Calvard.”
Trails within the Sky: The third managed this by specializing in Kevin Graham and Ries Argent, with the remainder of the solid serving as backup. It was a strong epilogue to a superb duo of RPGs, and even then, it didn’t have as in depth a solid as Chilly Metal 4. Trails of Chilly Metal 4 is the Avengers: Endgame to a build-up that began in Zero/Azure, which is beneficiant contemplating Ouroboros has had a job since Trails within the Sky FC.
Earlier than we get to the plot, like with Chilly Metal 3, the query stays: Is The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Chilly Metal 4 value taking part in on PS5 when the enhancements focus primarily on the next body charge and backbone with quicker load instances? When you’re a fan of the collection, the reply is sure. When you’re diving in to see the tip of this saga – even when it’s to comply with the thunderous conclusion of Trails of Chilly Metal 3 – then the reply can also be sure, although it’s not excellent.
Chilly Metal 4 picks up a number of weeks later. I received’t go into many particulars to keep away from spoilers, however suffice it to say that Erebonia is in a foul means and able to go to battle with Calvard. Outdated Class 7 is in shambles, however after new Class 7 finds its bearings, it embarks on a journey to find its one true hope and struggle again.
Epilogue teasing different characters apart, the primary Act is fairly strong. Not solely does new Class 7 must reconnect, however show itself in opposition to nearly insurmountable odds, each from the world and inside. Juna has to seek out it in herself to function a rock for her allies, persevering with her progress in Chilly Metal 3. Kurt is extra assured however nonetheless has a methods to go in ability, and does no matter he can to help his mates.
“Lastly, there’s the ending – once more, no spoilers, however some components really feel a bit off and wrapped up too conveniently. It additionally seems like there ought to have been an epilogue to assist tie up the various unfastened strings.”
Altina is nearer to being human, however in flux so far as her feelings are involved. There are additionally some robust character moments for the likes of Ash and Musse, and because the group acquires clues, works along with the outdated Class 7 and seeks out their Department Campus mates, it’s a compelling journey rife with thriller.
When you make it previous the interlude, which is a cathartic second and feels just like the story will kick into excessive gear, Act 2 acts as an extended plateau, as you’re concerned with rescuing different key characters. The stakes don’t really feel almost as necessary (regardless of these characters being an enormous deal within the lore), and total, it borders on pointless padding at instances. Fortuitously, issues choose up once more close to the conclusion and heading into Act 3, it seems like we’re – to make use of a cliché – within the endgame.
There are many different trials to stay up for en path to the finale, with enjoyable dungeons and boss battles awaiting. If Act 2 had been shorter or resolved extra succinctly, it might have helped the pacing rather more.
Lastly, there’s the ending – once more, no spoilers, however some components really feel a bit off and wrapped up too conveniently. It additionally seems like there ought to have been an epilogue to assist tie up the various unfastened strings. Granted, Trails into Reverie supplied that, but it surely doesn’t really feel any much less bizarre in Chilly Metal 4. Total, it’s a superb ending – definitely not the most effective, and followers of Estelle, Joshua and Lloyd will little doubt be left wanting.
“The place Trails of Chilly Metal 4 falters at instances with the plot, it makes up for it when it comes to sheer content material. Vantage Masters and fishing return as actions, and lots of facet quests await.”
The general characterization and dialogue stay robust, with Chilly Metal 4 relying much less on the annoying “defeat a boss, solely to seek out they’re completely tremendous afterwards” trope considerably. Some nice moments abound, backed by some nice voice appearing as soon as once more (with a number of noticeable tough spots right here and there).
Nonetheless, the script tends to rely a bit an excessive amount of on the heroes caught in what could possibly be a hopeless place, solely to be rescued repeatedly. It’s not a deal-breaker and positively received’t annoy as a lot as characters utilizing titles or unofficial names repeatedly, changing into all of the extra annoying when so many main heroes and villains collect collectively.
The place Trails of Chilly Metal 4 falters at instances with the plot, it makes up for it when it comes to sheer content material. Vantage Masters and fishing return as actions, and lots of facet quests await. Many see the solid resolving conflicts which have arisen via Erebonia, reconnecting with outdated mates, and even listening to some acquainted tunes.
There are additionally Bonding Occasions, which may vary from heart-warming to awkward given the characters concerned. There are additionally extra mini-games, like Puyo Puyo-esque Pom! Pom! Social gathering, which is playable on the go. The Horror Coaster additionally gives a shoot ’em-up exercise, even when it’s solely accessible a lot later. Misplaced Arts and Trial Chests from Chilly Metal 2 additionally return, the previous gated behind some powerful optionally available boss fights, and the latter requiring particular celebration members to grant upgrades to Courageous Orders.
“As for the visuals, some scenes are spectacular with the sheer variety of characters current, however they’re about the identical high quality because the earlier recreation.”
Talking of which, Courageous Orders acquired quite a few steadiness adjustments, and whereas not as overwhelmingly damaged as in Chilly Metal 3, some are nonetheless superb and trivialize a superb chunk of the content material (taking a look at you, White Ornament). Different new options embrace an elevated Battle Level cap, higher-level EX Orbs, and many others. Bosses can even use Courageous Orders to combine issues up, and a number of the mech battles are the saga’s finest but, offering a strong problem.
It doesn’t damage that the assorted dungeons are additionally good – they’re easy when it comes to puzzles and layouts however paced comparatively properly and filled with issues to find. Beware, although – that is the biggest playable roster but, which will be considerably daunting the additional you get alongside (although it pays off in an enormous means on the finish).
The soundtrack is considerably of a step down from Chilly Metal 3. Composers Hayato Sonoda, Mitsuo Singa, Takahiro Unisuga and Yukihiro Jindo nonetheless ship some good tracks, whether or not it’s battle themes like “Burning Throb” or “Deep Carnival” or the opening theme. Nonetheless, it feels just like the weakest total providing within the collection, which, like Chilly Metal 3, perhaps extra of a testomony to how good the earlier video games are. If nothing else, it’s in all probability the least well-rounded within the collection.
As for the visuals, some scenes are spectacular with the sheer variety of characters current, however they’re about the identical high quality because the earlier recreation. Contemplating the finances and total dimension of the event workforce, it’s considerably comprehensible however mood your expectations accordingly. Nonetheless, if the PS5 port improved on a number of different minor facets, it might have been appreciated.
“After I first accomplished the sport on PS4, I acknowledged its points, particularly within the plot and technical limitations. Outright ignoring the previous grew to become harder over time.”
After I first accomplished the sport on PS4, I acknowledged its points, particularly within the plot and technical limitations. Outright ignoring the previous grew to become harder over time. They don’t break what’s a fairly good role-playing recreation and even the Erebonia saga, which stays certainly one of my favorites within the collection, however you need to marvel what may have been.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Chilly Metal 4 nonetheless provides a enjoyable battle system, many well-written characters, a hefty quantity of facet content material and mini-games, a superb (however not nice) soundtrack and an epic storyline that delivers in some ways whereas falling quick in others. As blended because the reception was again within the day, its many strengths are simpler to understand in any case these years.
This recreation was reviewed on PlayStation 5.
