First released in 2004, 'The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky' served as the starting point for the 'Trails' series, which has now spanned over two decades. This September, its second chapter, SC, is reborn as 'Trails in the Sky the 2nd' (hereinafter 'the 2nd').

Nihon Falcom President and Producer Toshihiro Kondo personally presented at a media event held in Tokyo on the 7th. Expressing gratitude for the success of the previous title, 'Trails in the Sky the 1st' (hereinafter 'the 1st'), he detailed the new features and special editions of the 2nd. The event also showcased the Viewer Mode, early-purchase bonuses, and the physical 'Ouroboros Box' limited edition.

Estelle and Joshua Reunited, and the Confrontation with Ouroboros

President Kondo identified the greatest achievement of the previous title, First, not as its graphics or combat, but as the fact that it created an 'entry point' for the series. He noted that because the series is so long, he was constantly asked by Asian media where new players should start. It always weighed on him that he could only ever suggest they play the latest release. He emphasized that his biggest accomplishment with First was finally being able to offer a title he could confidently recommend as the place to begin.

The 2nd centers on the story of Estelle and Joshua after their separation at the end of the 1st. Kondo highlighted their relationship as the game's biggest draw, explaining that the journey of how the two reunite, their conflicts, and their eventual return to adventuring together will be a major highlight. He also raised expectations by noting, 'While the 1st focused on events within the Liberl Kingdom, the 2nd revolves around the confrontation with the Enforcers of the society Ouroboros.'

New content includes numerous quests focusing on popular side characters. While the 1st shone a spotlight on other bracers, this installment features quests centered on fan-favorite side characters. He mentioned Duke Dunan as an example and hinted that stories for characters who were not playable in the original SC but joined in the PSP version would also be included. He emphasized, 'By adding stories that take place away from Estelle and Joshua, even those familiar with the original will find something fresh to enjoy.'

In terms of combat, the system that seamlessly transitions between quick battles and command battles has been inherited, while enemy behavior has become more diverse. Kondo noted that his favorite part of playing the game was seeing enemies perform various actions on the fields. In particular, enemies now move in much more varied ways, such as suddenly accelerating to charge or using skills like Crafts on the field.

From Debug Mode to Official Feature: Creating Scenes with 'Viewer Mode'

A feature detailed for the first time at this presentation is 'Viewer Mode.' It allows players to freely place characters in various backgrounds to create scenes not found in the main game.

The number of available characters, costumes, and backgrounds in Viewer Mode increases as the game progresses. Players can adjust not only facial expressions but also eye direction and even fine-tune mouth shapes. Kondo explained, 'You can easily lose an hour or two just tinkering with it,' adding that it will be the biggest non-main-story attraction, such as taking commemorative photos with monsters.

Interestingly, this feature originated as a debug and character-checking tool for the staff. Initially difficult to use, it was polished with a proper UI for players. Kondo expressed his hope that players would share their custom scenes on social media, creating moments even the staff hadn't imagined.

Original FC Included: Early-Purchase Bonuses and the 'Ouroboros Box'

A variety of bonuses have been prepared. Players with clear data from the 1st can use the 'Classic Style FC' costumes, which are 3D recreations of the original FC outfits. While they look similar at a glance, the originals were designed with simpler, more minimalist details. Kondo laughed and asked the audience, 'Don't you feel a strange sense of nostalgia.'

The biggest topic of conversation was the early-purchase bonus for the physical package. It includes a download code for the original 'The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky FC.' Kondo explained, 'We did something similar 30 years ago with 'Ys Eternal,' so that came to mind.' He revealed that when he visited Nintendo to introduce the 1st, they suggested including the original as well. While they couldn't make the deadline for the 1st, they managed to port it for Switch 2, PS, and PC for the 2nd. It is not a simple port; it has been improved with features like high-speed mode and message logs for a more comfortable experience than the original.

Note that this ported version will be available in Japanese only. Along with this, an Estelle-exclusive costume was revealed. A newly designed costume for Joshua will be provided as a pre-order bonus for the digital version, with pre-orders starting simultaneously in Korea and Japan.

The limited edition 'Ouroboros Box' was also unveiled. Since the 2nd features the members of Ouroboros prominently, the team aimed for a dark, mature, and stylish case. The set includes the 'Memorial Sound Selection' music CD featuring arranged tracks from the series, the 'Liberl Kingdom Complete Character Book' containing information on nearly 500 characters, and the limited-edition DLC 'Moko-Moko Mascot Set,' which transforms party members into mascot costumes.

Kondo revealed the physical Ouroboros Box he brought from the office. He urged fans to act quickly, noting, 'Pre-orders have already begun, and there is very little stock left on our online store,' warning that it might be difficult to obtain later.

'What We Lost Was Here'... Releasing September 17

Kondo shared his sincere thoughts on completing the remake. 'While remaking Trails in the Sky, I realized anew that this is our origin,' he reflected. He described it as a work filled with the momentum and youth that could only be captured at that time. He also shared his feelings after making the 2nd: 'As I became accustomed to production, I remembered something we had lost, and I hope to share that with the fans.'

Regarding future remakes, he remained cautious but left the door open. While the official company stance is 'undecided,' he laughed, saying, 'The staff seems to have already moved ahead. I caught a glimpse of the screen, and there were characters moving on the field that aren't in the 2nd.' He expressed his personal desire to continue the remake series, adding that the more fans voice their desire for the next installment, the easier it becomes to bring it to life, so he hopes players enjoy the 2nd thoroughly.

He also sent a message to Asian fans. Unlike the original SC, the 2nd will be released just one year later, sparing fans the long wait. He noted that players curious about the aftermath of the 1st's shocking ending will finally get their answers. The story begins immediately after the 1st, and he promised that the narrative will weave a truly 'Trails-like' story, starting with a careful depiction of the separated duo and Estelle's state of mind. He urged fans to fully experience that story.

Additionally, the full opening video featuring the theme song for the 2nd was revealed for the first time at the event.

'Trails in the Sky the 2nd' is scheduled for simultaneous release in Korea and Japan on September 17. Further information will be released leading up to the launch.