The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure - Master Quarts

It took 13 years for the two fundamental episodes of "The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero" and "Trails to Azure" to be translated into English. Thanks to the efforts of Geofront, a team of fans who translated the games, English-speaking players can now enjoy the Crossbell dilogy.

Master Quarts

The latest addition to the combat system in Trails to Azure is the inclusion of master quartz. Although this special quartz was introduced in the Trails of Cold Steel games, this is the first time they are being used in the Trails to Azure series. It is also the final game in the series to use the element system that determines the available arts. As such, the master quartz in Trails to Azure functions differently compared to its usage in prior games. While they still provide stat boosts and beneficial effects that improve with each level, they do not grant access to specific arts. Instead, the master quartz offers a predetermined amount of at least two elements, which also increases with their level.

In addition to the Burst system, Trails to Azure introduces another new feature to combat: master quartz. This special quartz gives characters stat bonuses and beneficial effects and also comes with a built-in amount of at least two elements. JRPG fans looking for cheap PS4 games may appreciate the effort. While they function differently than in the Trails of Cold Steel games, they make it easier to achieve the element totals required for higher-level arts. Overall, this implementation of the element system is one of the best in the series and helps to bridge the gap between Trails to Azure's predecessors and successors.

While I personally find the element system cumbersome due to its reliance on memorization and the use of quartz, I do not find it useful, this implementation of the system is my favorite. The introduction of master quartz simplifies the process of achieving the element totals required for higher-level arts. Furthermore, it serves as a bridge between the predecessors and successors of the Trails of Cold Steel arc.

Connecting the Past with the Future

Another standout feature of The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure is the way it seamlessly blends two-dimensional graphics with isometric 3D. This addition connects the series' future with its past in a way that feels organic and natural. Even with the game's roots in portable consoles, the graphic rendering remains pleasing to the eye thanks to the excellent work done in the artistic direction.

Audio

The audio aspect of Trails to Azure is the subject of discussion in this analysis. Similar to Trails from Zero, all spoken dialogue in the game is in Japanese, sourced from the Evolution version. However, none of the other exclusive Evolution features, such as animated character portraits, updated music, or quests, are available in Trails to Azure. This does not diminish its value, I still believe it is one of the best PS4 games you can play. Nevertheless, the inclusion of voice acting is a welcome addition, particularly since the Trails in the Sky trilogy was never updated with this feature. Despite not having access to the Evolution version's soundtrack, it is not a drawback, as Trails to Azure boasts one of the most impressive soundtracks in the entire series, which is best enjoyed in its original form.

The game features remarkable tracks such as "Unfathomed Force" and "Mystic Core," and it also uses a few songs from the Super Arrange album, including the incredibly intense "Inevitable Struggle" and the melancholic "Firm Strength." Additionally, during a critical boss battle, a particular piece from the Trails from Zero soundtracks is played, which is a perfect fit for the game's context. Even the track's title is highly relevant, making it a masterpiece in musical form.

Conclusion

I had a lot of fun with the Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure but I have mixed feelings about the new feature -  Master Quarts. The game is an optimal choice for all players of JRPG titles that want to buy cheap PS4 games. For fans of the series, Trails to Azure is a must-play, as it links various themes and narratives together. But I will say it is a nice game for fans of RPG games in general, not to mention it offer great value for the price.

MLB The Show 23 - Road to the Show mode

MLB The Show 23 is one of the sports video games that could stay on any list of top games. It is true that fans of baseball are the main users, but let's not dismiss the huge efforts made by developers to create an educative video game, not only an action-packed sports game. If other parts of the game do not bring too many new things, in terms of content we have a big overall. The World Baseball Classic and The Negro League are two excellent additions to MLB The Show 23.

Road to the Show (RTTS)

Road to the Show (RTTS) is a game mode in the best baseball video game on the market: MLB The Show 23. It allows players to create their own personalized characters and work their way up the professional ranks, meaning anyone can now become a baseball player and insert oneself into a rooster and start playing. RTTS is a popular mode that has undergone some minor changes over the years, but it is still widely felt that there is plenty of room for improvement.

Despite not being perfect, the game mode is still enjoyable, and one of its most appealing features is the ability to make choices that can affect the character's career trajectory, shaping their own story within the game and providing a greater sense of ownership over their development. It seems only normal to be like this, but those who are not familiar with the game do not know that it was not always the case, or at least not like now.

There are areas within the game mode that are in need of attention. One such area is the lack of significant updates to the mode over time. Some may argue that it is good the way it is, so why change it? But most people will notice that is far from perfect, and some sensible changes are welcomed. Even so, RTTS remains a big part of the game, and if you want to experience baseball on your console, there is no better PS5 sports game than MLB The Show 23. While there have been some minor changes, the mode has largely remained the same for several years, which can make it feel stagnant and less exciting for long-time players.

RTTS is one of the major features of MLB's The Show 23. Many players, especially children, dream to become professional baseball players, and this game mode helps them to live their fantasies. Road to the Show is a fun and engaging game mode that offers a unique experience but there is room for improvement, and fans of the series hope to see significant updates and changes to the mode in the future.

MLB The Show 23 RTTS Pros and Cons

Pros

• The ability to create a personalized character and make decisions that affect their career
• The immersive experience of working your way up through the ranks of professional baseball
• A unique and challenging experience that requires strategy and skill to succeed

Cons

• A lack of significant updates, makes it feel stagnant and less engaging for long-time players

Conclusion

MLB The Show 23 is one of the best baseball video games. No other baseball game, and there are a few that are very good (Super Mega Baseball 3, Out of the Park Baseball 22, or Home Run Derby VR), come close to MLB The Show 23. This game provides hours of entertainment. The game's graphics are incredibly detailed, making it easy to get lost in the action on the field. From the way the players move to the sounds of the stadium, with the help of incredibly detailed graphics, everything is meant to make you feel like you're there. It is my pleasure to recommend MLB The Show 23 to all fans of baseball.