Regular encounters become a matter of running into enemies from behind, and then taking almost all of them out instantly.Īo no Kiseki, thankfully did address this issue, but it also marked the debut of the Master Quartz system. This sounds fine on paper, but when that turn bonus is almost guaranteed by ambushing an enemy from behind, it undermines the strategic potential of the combat system somewhat. On occasion, you’ll get a turn-bonus that allows your entire team to pile up on the enemies for massive damage. My biggest gripe with Zero no Kiseki, then, is one of its new turn-bonuses. There are a few changes specific to each game, however that impact the experience significantly. And on occasion certain upcoming turns contain extra bonuses, like a guaranteed Critical Hit or Arts costing zero EP when cast on that turn. Every action has a range and radius, so moving your characters around in battle is key to success. Within these turn-based battles, characters can attack, cast Arts with EP, and use special skills called Crafts. Zero no Kiseki and Ao No Kiseki once again use the same battle system introduced in Trails in the Sky, with some improvements. The same can mostly be said for Ao, though its final chapter drags on for a bit too long. Despite being the first game of the arc, it’s filled with thrilling and intense moments that keep the plot going.

Though the game is focused on continuing the story arc involving Ouroborus, its best moments involve patriotism and political tension.Īnd in terms of pacing, Zero no Kiseki is a major improvement over Trails in the Sky FC. Meanwhile, Ao no Kiseki proves Falcom are masters at writing fictional politics. One moment, you’ll be intervening to stop a gang war, and the next, you’ll find yourself doing things like raiding hideouts and infiltrating meetings while undercover. As a story about police officers, Zero no Kiseki offers some refreshing moments and setpieces to match. In addition to standard police and detective work, the four must fulfill various requests from citizens in a manner similar to the Bracer Guild.Īlthough I find every single Trails game to have amazing storytelling, the Crossbell duology has a special sense of atmosphere that makes it distinct from the other two arcs. On his first day, he finds himself assigned into a new unit called the Special Support Section alongside Elie MacDowell, Tio Plato, and Randy Orlando. Lloyd Bannings is a rookie detective and new recruit to Crossbell’s police force.

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