
The Azure Mountains are a legendary destination for hikers and nature lovers alike. Located in the heart of the Azure Range, these mountains offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
Reaching the Azure Mountains requires a 5-day hike through the Azure Trail, which spans 40 miles of rugged terrain. The trail is considered one of the most challenging hikes in the country, but the reward is well worth it.
The Azure Mountains are home to over 200 species of plants and animals, including the rare Azure Bird, which can only be found in this region. This unique ecosystem is a result of the mountains' unique geology and climate.
Hikers can expect to encounter steep inclines, rocky terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions on the Azure Trail.
Game Information
Trails to Azure is a role-playing game that takes place in the world of Azure, where players can explore vast lands, interact with non-playable characters, and engage in turn-based battles.
The game features a unique battle system, where players can switch between different party members on the fly, and use abilities that can be upgraded and customized.
Players can choose from a variety of classes, each with its own unique abilities and playstyle, and explore a rich storyline with multiple endings.
Legend of Heroes: The Long Take
The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is a game that's sure to bring back memories for classic JRPG fans. It was originally released in 2011 on the PlayStation Portable.
The game's visual style is a unique blend of 2D sprites and 3D modeling, which gives it a retro charm that's hard to resist. This style has been praised by retro gaming enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of Trails to Azure is its turn-based combat system. It's a rock-solid system that's sure to please fans of classic JRPGs. The combat is engaging and challenging, making it a joy to play.
The game's cast of characters is also worth mentioning. They're likable and well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their stories. The characters add a lot of depth to the game's narrative.
The story of Trails to Azure is pretty substantial, with a good amount of twists and turns to keep you engaged. However, some players may find that it revisits places from the previous game, Trails from Zero, which can make it feel a bit less fresh.
Here's a quick rundown of the game's pros and cons:
- Old-school aesthetics: A unique blend of 2D sprites and 3D modeling.
- The combat: Engaging and challenging turn-based combat.
- The characters: Likable and well-developed characters.
- The story: A substantial narrative with twists and turns.
However, the game does have some drawbacks. The system inequality between different versions of the game is a notable issue, with the PC and Switch versions being better than the PS4 version in terms of visual quality. Additionally, the game lacks English voice acting, which may be a disappointment for some players.
Release
Ao no Kiseki was first released in Japan for the PlayStation Portable on September 29, 2011.

The game was later ported to Windows for release in China on March 28, 2013, and also to the PlayStation Vita in Japan on June 12, 2014, as Ao no Kiseki: Evolution.
Ao no Kiseki: Evolution features improved visuals and more voice acting compared to the original release.
It received a remaster for the PlayStation 4, releasing in Japan under the title Ao no Kiseki Kai on May 28, 2020.
A remastered version of Ao no Kiseki: Evolution was also released for the Nintendo Switch in China and South Korea by Clouded Leopard Entertainment on April 22, 2021.
Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure were initially skipped for localization in English, with the Japanese release of Trails of Cold Steel in 2013 taking priority.
These games were eventually localized in English through fan translations, with the first one released in 2018 and another by a team known as the "Geofront" released in May 2021.
The Geofront release served as the foundation for an official English version by NIS America, which was released in March 2023 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Windows.
This official English version was also released in Japan for the Switch by Falcom on August 31, 2023.
Reception and Analysis
Trails to Azure received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, with an average score of 86/100 on PC, 81/100 on PS4, and 86/100 on NS according to Metacritic.
The game was praised by several publications, including Destructoid, which gave it an 8.5/10 score, and Push Square, which gave it a 9/10 score. Eurogamer also recommended the game.
Here are the review scores from various publications:
Reception
Trails to Azure received widespread critical acclaim, with Metacritic aggregating scores from various publications to give the game a generally favorable review.
The game's PC version scored 86/100, while the PS4 and NS versions scored 81/100 and 86/100 respectively.
Many reviewers praised the game's engaging story, with Destructoid giving it a 8.5/10 score and Push Square praising its immersive and detailed settings with a 9/10 score.
The game's unique battle system was also highlighted by reviewers, with Hardcore Gamer giving it a 4/5 score and RPGamer praising its masterful character development with a 4/5 score.
Here's a breakdown of the game's review scores from various publications:
Legend of Heroes: Quick Take
Trails to Azure has a strong reception, with an aggregate score of 86/100 on Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.
The game's visuals are a blend of 2D sprites and 3D modeling, reminiscent of classic JRPGs from the golden age. This style has become a comfort food for retro gaming lovers.
The combat system is turn-based, a style that some people love and others hate. If you're in the former camp, Trails to Azure has one of the best renditions of classic turn-based combat.
The game's cast is likable, making it a pleasure to play through the story, which has a pretty chunky narrative with many twists and turns.
One of the game's drawbacks is its lack of parity across different systems, with the PC and Switch versions being better than the PS4 version in terms of visual quality.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Old-school aesthetics: Trails to Azure has a nice retro visual style, but it revisits places from its predecessor, Trails From Zero.
- The combat: Turn-based combat is a love-it-or-hate-it style, and Trails to Azure is one of the best renditions.
- The characters: The cast is likable, making it a pleasure to play through the story.
- The story: Trails to Azure has a chunky narrative with many twists and turns.
- System inequality: The game lacks parity across different systems, with the PC and Switch versions being better than the PS4 version.
- No English voice acting: The game only has Japanese voice acting, which may be a drawback for some players.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the trails from Azure?
The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure takes approximately 43½ hours to complete the main objectives, while 100% completion can take around 98 hours.
Is Trails to Azure a sequel?
Yes, Trails to Azure is a sequel to Trails from Zero. It concludes the "Crossbell arc" series.
What carries over to trails to Azure?
Party levels, experience, and progress carry over to Trails to Azure, giving you a head start in the game
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Heroes:_Trails_to_Azure
- https://www.rgj.com/story/life/2023/04/17/legend-of-heroes-trails-to-azure-review/70120653007/
- https://nodegamers.com/2022/11/24/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-to-azure-review/
- https://www.heypoorplayer.com/2023/03/07/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-to-azure-review-switch/
- https://www.thegamer.com/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-to-azure-recipe-guide/
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