Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 90 | 170 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 96% | 90 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 91 | 247 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 95% | 89 | 2804 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 89.6, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 5,282 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Nov 1, 2025) · 300 reviews sampled · 2804 total reviews in window · weighted 274.1 up / 11.3 down · computed 1h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (91)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a comprehensive audio-visual update of a classic series opener, with great characters, a world that you'll want to explore, and deep combat with a wealth of options. The updated style runs best on Switch 2, with only the odd stumble in docked performance.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Adding new dimensions to the combat, with action elements to blend with the traditional turn-based, as well as redone visuals and voice acting, all reminiscent of the newer Legend of Heroes titles, breathes new depth into the start of Nihon Falcom’s storied franchise.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter isn’t just a remake, it’s a celebration of everything that makes the Trails series special. It’s welcoming to newcomers, rewarding for longtime fans, and filled with heart at every turn. From its faithful storytelling to its refreshed visuals and cleverly modernized combat, this remake does exactly what it should: it preserves the magic of the original while making it shine brighter than ever. If you’ve ever looked at the Trails series and thought, “I don’t know where to start,” this is your answer.”
read full review ↗ - 92
“Trails In The Sky 1st Chapter isn't just a new take on the first stone of the Trails Series, but an entirely new way to enjoy the game that started it all. Accessible, modernised and incredibly well-written, this remake manages to pay homage to its original trilogy satisfying both passionate longtime fans and newcomers. It's a beautiful declaration of love to the series, but it's also a new start, finally allowing everyone to embark on an unforgettable journey that is already a landmark in the JRPG genre.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a phenomenal blend of Sci-Fi, fantasy, and anime aesthetics that manages to balance the expressive and silly nature of the visuals with the oft serious and somber subject matter of the story. With a thriving world to explore, nuanced and interesting characters, and exciting, deep combat, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is sure to find its way on many end-of-year lists.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“It may have taken me a long time to get here, but I have to admit that I’m so happy I did. Falcom did an amazing job with this game. The characters felt authentic, the story was engaging, and the battle system was a lot of fun. Repackaging something older in a way that appeals to newer audiences but manages to retain its original charm is harder than it sounds, so hats off to them for the success of this remake!”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Trails In The Sky has a lot going on. It’s the start of one of the greatest stories in video game history, the characters are amazing, and the sound design is top notch.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Trails in the Sky: First Chapter offers a classic experience with a modern spirit, laying the foundation for one of the best JRPG series. It combines refined storytelling, flexible gameplay, a lively and intelligent world, and side quests designed to encourage timely completion. While the beginning takes time to explain the world and power system, events quickly accelerate into a whirlwind of political conflicts between kingdoms, with an exciting ending that leaves you eager for the next installment.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“The game, which was already excellent, has become even better in this new generation, and truly deserves to be appreciated. I highly recommend it.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Remake is essentially identical to Sky but with some objective improvements in terms of aesthetics and gameplay. So, as far as the “remake” is concerned, there is practically nothing to complain about. However...Trails in the Sky has limitations that cannot be overcome by a remake.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter delivers a faithful remake with refreshed visuals, improved combat, and timeless storytelling. A charming, essential JRPG for both newcomers and series veterans.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Falcom has outdone itself with Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter. This is an incredibly heartfelt recreation of a classic RPG - a remake that retains all of the charms of the original game, while also delivering one of the best, most polished adventures in the entire franchise.Whether you're a Trails veteran or a curious newcomer, 1st Chapter is a must-play instalment.”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
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ani-game.com
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Push Square…and 79 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Version 1.07: Legacy PatchAug 18, 2026
- Version 1.06.3 NotesJul 10, 2026
- Version 1.06.2 NotesJan 9, 2026
- Family Sharing Update (Version 1.06.1)Nov 14, 2025
- Version 1.06 NotesNov 1, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Version 1.05 NotesOct 10, 2025
- Season Pass and Digital Deluxe Version UpdateSep 19, 2025