The video game series aiming for the most ambitious narrative in gaming history
In short: Spanning two decades and multiple nations, the Trails series is a massive science fantasy epic. With a continuous storyline set across the continent of Zemuria, it features a level of world-building and character depth that some critics compare to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Conceived by Nihon Falcom, the Trails series (known as Kiseki in Japan) began in 2004 with the release of Trails in the Sky. The series is defined by its interconnected story arcs, including Liberl, Crossbell, Erebonia, and Calvard. Producer Toshihiro Kondo considers the project his life's work, aiming to create the most ambitious narrative in the medium. The scope is immense: by 2025, the series had sold nine million copies worldwide, and as of 2021, its character list was the largest article on the Japanese Wikipedia, exceeding 440,000 characters.
The setting of Zemuria is a science fantasy world shaped by a technological revolution. This era was triggered fifty years prior by the discovery of orbal energy, an analog to electricity. This energy powers 'Orbments'—mechanical devices ranging from small appliances to massive mecha—and enables 'arts,' which are magic-like elemental spells. While the gameplay has traditionally focused on tactical, turn-based combat on a grid, more recent entries like Trails Through Daybreak have introduced action-based elements.
The series is noted for its meticulous continuity and character focus; nearly every non-playable character possesses a name and a personal arc. However, the franchise faces challenges in its international reach. For years, English versions were unavailable until publishers like Xseed Games and NIS America began localizing the titles in the 2010s. This process is often slowed by the sheer scale of the writing; for instance, the first game's script contained over 1.5 million Japanese characters. The overarching saga is expected to reach its conclusion with a final entry by 2032.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Trails (series)
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