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.
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