Trails of Cold Steel (re)playthrough thread. Cold Steel 4 has been announced and I've yet to play 3. Replaying 1 and 2 on NG+ for the heck of it (also for that one CS2 NG+ scene)
Includes spoilers for all Trails games, mute #Supricoldsteel to avoid feed cluttering/spoilers.
I guess part of CS1 takes place during Azure already.
Yep this is gonna be interesting alright. #Supricoldsteel
Sara is such a mood honestly. #Supricoldsteel
George Nome.
G. Nome
[Muffled HOOs in the distance] #Supricoldsteel
AAAA GAME WHY DO YOU HAVE TO GLITCH OUT LIKE THIS #Supricoldsteel
CS1 chapter 1 is done.
As the first chapter of the first game, I feel it's done its job fairly well.
Honestly not much to say here. But revisiting this game is not something I'm gonna regret. #Supricoldsteel
Gotta love Jusis's Sass, really. #Supricoldsteel
...
wait a minute
#Supricoldsteel
I don't think this is a coincidence.
They were called the Stahlritter if memory serves in Azure but I think that's just due to difference in interpretation between XSEED and the people who translated Azure. #Supricoldsteel
If this is the case then that says a TON about the Seventh Anguis.
Probably a successor to the Lance maiden, but I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up being the Lance Maiden herself. #Supricoldsteel
Wow if you win a forced loss fight she just starts spamming oneshot moves.
I guess that's one way to do things, but I was kind of hoping for like a NG+ exclusive scene. Oh well. #Supricoldsteel
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM #Supricoldsteel
For some reason I'm starting to appreciate Fie a lot more this time around. #Supricoldsteel
So the early game for CS1 coincides with around the start of chapter 4 of Zero if I'm correct?
Honestly kind of interesting getting to read on events from another perspective. #Supricoldsteel
It's the little things. Reading Ring of Judgment gave this line just a good bit of extra worth. #Supricoldsteel
That's chapter 2.
Looking back, not much in terms of story implications that wasn't already in chapter 1, but it establishes some other things such as Blueblanc, Toval, Rufus, and Fie's background. #Supricoldsteel
I still found it quite enjoyable to go through. Sidequests were simple and quickly done so I could get back to the main story, also nice to see what Jusis' hometown is like and more of his backstory. #Supricoldsteel
I suppose Ch. 2 could be better overall, but I wasn't bored playing through it, so it gets a pass from me. #Supricoldsteel.
And there ends Zero.
Can't wait to read about him in a certain later issue eh #Supricoldsteel
Powerful line. #Supricoldsteel
LIKE STEEL AM I RIGHT *kneeslap*
Sometimes my shitty jokes hurt even me #Supricoldsteel
ALL HAIL THE PAWN SHOP #Supricoldsteel
Chapter 3's over.
I really like Nord as a setting, and it's probably one of my favourite areas in CS1 and 2. That being said, going for 100% in this area is one hell of a drag.
This marks the point where things will be heating up though. On the halfway point now. #Supricoldsteel
Wouldn't that be something. #Supricoldsteel
Oh right Gnomes were a thing in Ze- wait a second.
"Giving heroes the weapons they need to overcome the trials ahead of them."
...
Isn't George the onr who gives you your Zemurian Ore weapon in at least CS1.

IS
IS FUCKING "G. NOME" ACTUALLY
OH MY FUCK #Supricoldsteel
PLEASE DO NOT SAY THAT MY GOOD BEAN IT'S A GOOD REASON BLESS YOUR SOUL #Supricoldsteel
Randy's Dad against Fie's adoptive dad.
That's kinda fucked ain't it. #Supricoldsteel
The bestelle's seal of disapproval. #Supricoldsteel
Ah, yes, Mr. Tiddles.
The most fearsome of felines. #Supricoldsteel
Smug Elliot is powerful. #Supricoldsteel
*Looks at my SC save*
...And then Estelle came along. #Supricoldsteel
Ah yes you were someone who took the pill yes yes #Supricoldsteel
And to do crimes. #Supricoldsteel
THUNDER, RAIN AND LIGHTNING #Supricoldsteel
Revisiting this game, it's honestly really weird that this man has been mentioned at bare minimum as a prominent player in Erebonia ever since Sky SC finally be in the arc where he's a consistent topic in terms of plot. #Supricoldsteel
Chapter 4 ends there.
Probably my favourite chapter, looking back on it. Various characters got their backgrounds fleshed out and the ILF finally revealed themselves.
...I missed out on 2 AP though so I had to redo the last 15 minutes holding turbo mode and skip #Supricoldsteel
I suppose that's finally happening this chapter.
Chapter 2 of Azure already, which means that at the very least half of azure is over by the time CS1 is over. And Garellia fortress happens around the fragment chapter or even finale. Holy hell. #Supricoldsteel
Having played Crossbell, this scene takes a whole different tone. #Supricoldsteel
Wait so these two are different people then.
I think?
I dunno, I'll probably find out at a later point I guess? Don't remember it being touched upon in CS2 at least. #Supricoldsteel
Sara lookin like she just made the baddest pun #Supricoldsteel
Yeah
They commit a whole lot of murder #Supricoldsteel
I remember reading a theory earlier that it's not just Zero's intro that was influenced by the Sept-Terrion of Zero, but CS1's as well.
Dunno how much merit it has, but I honestly like it. It would make sense considering Lloyd and the gang are at the tower. #Supricoldsteel
Chapter 5 over and done with.
Finally caught up on the intro and some attention finally given to Emma and who she actually is. Bit of development for Rean as well.
Next up is chapter 6 and Roer, and then the finale. I completely forgot what happened in chapter 6. #Supricoldsteel
Yeah Crois you went just a little bit overboard there.
Just a little bit. #Supricoldsteel
MMMM YEAH GOOD THING YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO CAN PLAY IT HUH #Supricoldsteel
I've already said stuff to the same effect several times now but it's nice knowing who and what people are talking about this time around. #Supricoldsteel
Crow really needs to be reported to the horny police. #Supricoldsteel
Oh right now I remember, this is the ship from Sky the Third's prologue. #Supricoldsteel
Oh, Machias. #Supricoldsteel
Done with the last main chapter.
Well, tensions certainly are at an all-time high, as the finale will show later. But I guess all that remains now is to watch the first final act. #Supricoldsteel
Game you better have some presents for me ya binch #Supricoldsteel
Yep, you're the son of a military officer alright. #Supricoldsteel
My kind of dumbass joke. #Supricoldsteel
Ah, Carnelia. #Supricoldsteel
Crow would make a cringe compilation. #Supricoldsteel
Good going Crois & Crew. #Supricoldsteel
Oh you know,
just a mech powered by the sept-terrion of the three higher elements. #Supricoldsteel
And that marks the end of The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel I.
The revisit was worth it, and it's allowed me to reevaluate how I feel on the game. So, on a second run, how do I feel about it? #Supricoldsteel
I like it. It's probably my least favourite of the arc-starters, but it's a solid introduction to the land of Erebonia and the issues it faces. I also appreciate it more as an introduction to the Trails series overall. #Supricoldsteel
I'd recommend FC over CS1 as a starting point any day of the week, but it's easy to see that the visuals and the setting are definitely more appealing overall. That being said, I love that, despite this, it still rewards you for having played the preceding 2 arcs. #Supricoldsteel
So, overall, while it's probably gone down in my list of favourites, I appreciate the game a lot more for what it tries to do. #Supricoldsteel
I remember when I first cleared CS1, I was in awe of the cliffhanger, and it left me wanting for more more than Sky FC's did. With Sky SC being my favourite game (at least at the time), expectations were incredibly high for CS2, though it didn't quite meet them. #Supricoldsteel
So, I'm wondering. Now that I'm going back into CS2 with a clearer mind and no specific expectations, how will I feel about it? Will I see new appeal in it, or will it remain as my least favourite Trails game?
The final New Game+ run is on the horizon. #Supricoldsteel
I'm looking forward to getting to this part. #Supricoldsteel
Well, didn't take long for the prologue to end.
Not much to say here, it picks up after the events of CS1 well enough. Ymir is also just a really nice place. #Supricoldsteel
Magic from the plants duuuuuude #Supricoldsteel
Well not really but it's kind of related anyway. #Supricoldsteel
Fie does not approve of the horny. #Supricoldsteel
Act 1 Part 1: Done.
Funny how the first area visited is the Field Study region of CS1's chapter 1. That being said, I like how we get to see the effects of the war in Celdic like this. #Supricoldsteel
I guess it's not Crossbell's magic pla- I mean Pleroma grass either.
I actually don't remember what is the cause this time around. #Supricoldsteel
The patter becomes the patted. #Supricoldsteel
Act 1 part 2 in the books.
That felt really short after part 1. Don't really have anything to say about this one. Oh well. Legram's up next. #Supricoldsteel
You know, Duvalie's alright. #Supricoldsteel
Only McBurn would say this at the sight of several mech suits. #Supricoldsteel
You'll be saying Adios to Arios soon enough as well. #Supricoldsteel
Free from act 1 part 3.
The gang is together. Seeing Duke Albarea being a salty shit is fun.
Honestly I wish I had more to say right now. I know this is just act 1 but I just wish more stuff happened in parts 2 and 3. #Supricoldsteel
Act 1 ends here.
Well, stuff happened, but it felt like the majority of it happened in part 1 and that was to establish the current going-ons. I still enjoyed it overall, and I know this is but the first part, but I wish a bit more happened. #Supricoldsteel
I know one
she hunger #Supricoldsteel
Wrong type of Phantom Thief, bud. #Supricoldsteel
You know.
That intermission.
That was really dope. #Supricoldsteel
Oh goodness. #Supricoldsteel
YOU RRRRRRRRRREALLY HAVE DONE IT NOW, CRRRRRRRAIG. #Supricoldsteel
"Oh, you were helping?"
JEEEEZ JUSIS. #Supricoldsteel
....
Jusis doesn't know how to eat an apple.
Amazing
Absolutely amazing.
Props to Rean being so respectful of it though he's a real bro. #Supricoldsteel
And Act 2 part 1 is over.
A good start to the act. The sidequests were simple and to the point and it's pretty fun recruiting the Thors students. Loved the section at Twin Dragons' Bridge, too. #Supricoldsteel
What were your dreams, Machias? Do tell. #Supricoldsteel
Hello Yiazmat, how are you doing? #Supricoldsteel
Man why tf am I tearing up for a terrorist you can't make me do this. #Supricoldsteel
That's A2P2.
Been enjoying act 2 overall a lot more than act 1 so far. Stuff happens and this time a final bout with V and Angelica's arc being over. #Supricoldsteel
Duke Albarea more like Dick Albarea.
I knew this was gonna happen but jesus christ what the fuck #Supricoldsteel
Alfin a good bean. #Supricoldsteel
A2P3 done with.
Jusis' arc is (for the most part) over now and Sara settled some things.
Now begins the final part before the finale. #Supricoldsteel
HEY KIDS YOU WANNA SEE A MAGIC PLANT #Supricoldsteel
Meanwhile Lloyd is freaking the fuck out.
And it's filled with dumbasses who are a great and I love them #Supricoldsteel
That marks the end of Act 2.
Honestly a lot more fun than act 1. Stakes were high and the quests were a good time. Off to the finale.
And then a really fucking long epilogue if memory serves #Supricoldsteel
Thus, it begins. #Supricoldsteel
So due to the fact that this guy has been ahead of the class, I'm guessing he's got a Merkabah, and by extension is a dominion.
Well, that's just a theory on my part. I feel like he may pop up in CS3 or CS4. #Supricoldsteel
A whole yeet #Supricoldsteel
Bringing Sara along was a good choice. #Supricoldsteel
Oh right I completely forgot you actually had a backstory.
Go figure. #Supricoldsteel
Speaking of stuff I forgot, the Black Whirlwind and the Golden Rakshasa.
I forgot they existed as well before replaying this.
Oops. #Supricoldsteel
Rean being a fucking savage. #Supricoldsteel
Imagine my face if this revisit, which came after I first played azure, wer my first time playing CS2.
"Oh there you fucking are" Cuntcellor. #Supricoldsteel
"Or perhaps I had a body double"
Yeah.... Considering the last line you said before your supposed death, I don't think it's that.
Makes me wonder how the hell he didn't die though. #Supricoldsteel
The two years of despair, if I recall correctly?
Makes me really look forward to CS3, but the postgame comes first. #Supricoldsteel
Thus ends the finale.
Thinking back on it, it actually ends on a cliffhanger just like CS1 did, though I suppose there's the epilogue still. But man. Just looking forward to CS3 in general.
Talk about a bitter end in general. #Supricoldsteel
Feels weird recognizing these landmarks in CS style. #Supricoldsteel
This kinda hurts
just a bit #Supricoldsteel
MMMMMMMMMFUCKYOUOSBORNE #Supricoldsteel
MY GURL HOW YA DOIN? #Supricoldsteel
I thought it ended at D.
...And not the cult one. #Supricoldsteel
MY BOY
MY DUMBASS
HOW'S YOUR HAIR? #Supricoldsteel
Ah, Zero's battle theme.
How much I've missed you. #Supricoldsteel
Something tells me Laura would want to fight you. #Supricoldsteel
Kind of surprised he ain't in the slammer with Crois, though I suppose in hindsight that was never established, so eh. #Supricoldsteel
W-
Wuzzy?
what? #Supricoldsteel
Divertissement's over.
Man, this was way better after playing Zero and Azure for (a)sure. Really nice bit. Makes me all the more glad I'm going into CS3 with knowledge of the crossbell games. #Supricoldsteel
Fie is great. #Supricoldsteel
Ugh
Fuck the Angler management quest.
Damn fish won't spawn. #Supricoldsteel
Finally
Finally reached the scene that I've been looking forward to. #Supricoldsteel
Trails of Cold Steel 2: Over and done with.
Compared to my initial impressions, things changed for both the better and worse. Act 1 was pretty meh IMO, but everything else was a good time.
In terms of my overall favourites... I'd put it above CS1, albeit barely. #Supricoldsteel
Though these two games may be my least favourite in the trails saga thus far, they were still worth (re)playing, and fun games overall, so no regrets there.
That being said, Cold Steel 3 has a reputation to uphold. I've heard good things about it. #Supricoldsteel
Though I appreciate CS1 and CS2 more as a solid introduction to the series, I also appreciate them as not only an introduction to the erebonia arc more, but also as Trails chapters 6 and 7 now that I played crossbell.
Now let's see how CS3 will be. #Supricoldsteel
Gonna take a quick dip to see what this one's all about. Allegedly the best the Erebonia arc has to offer, I've heard some people rank it as a contender for their favourite in the entire trails saga, or atleast in their top 3's.
Time for paths to converge. #Supricoldsteel
EXCUSE ME #Supricoldsteel
HOLY
ALL THESE CHARACTERS
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA #Supricoldsteel
WAITALREADYWHAT #Supricoldsteel
You can say that again. #Supricoldsteel
Also one of the characters I saw during the character slideshow and I'm just like
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMTHEY CERTAINLY WEREN'T KIDDING WHEN THEY SAID THEY WERE TRYING TO "BRING HIM BACK"
WHAT THE FUCK #Supricoldsteel
UHHHH
HELLO?????????
ALREADY???????????
RANDY???????????????? #Supricoldsteel
Osborne
Take a chill pill
for the love of god #Supricoldsteel
The Tita's a student here whaht? #Supricoldsteel
Smol attracts smol. #Supricoldsteel
That... explains a lot, actually. #Supricoldsteel
Honestly feels really weird to get a level reset mid-arc.
I know it's mainly because there was a change of platforms between CS2 and CS3 but it's really jarring. #Supricoldsteel
Falcom you can't just use the "male student accidentally gets face planted in girl's chest" trope for a joke twice in the same arc. #Supricoldsteel
Kurt "Kino" Vander. #Supricoldsteel
would've been nice to have a bit earlier
heck you game
IJUSTKILLEDTHEBOSS #Supricoldsteel
Prologue's over.
Talk about first impressions. I can't help but be curious how life on the branch campus will play out, as well as playing the part of teacher. Extremely excited for this one. (Also Goodest boy Randy being an instructor too YEEY) #Supricoldsteel
.....
It was property of the Capuas, wasn't it. #Supricoldsteel
Oh GOD
I KNEW THE NAME SEEMED FAMILIAR #Supriocoldsteel
Guess it paid off, REAL QUICK. #Supricoldsteel
Guess KeA's not the only one, though I suppose this isn't much of a surprise. #Supricoldsteel
Suspicious figures, eh?
Well Shirley certainly fits the bill. #Supricoldsteel
Wait so she's actually a full-blown enforcer now?
Talk about interesting developments. #Supricoldsteel
I suppose it didn't take long for Mariabell to fill in Weissmann's spot. Once again I am glad I played Crossbell because if I didn't I would be hella confused right now.
#Supricoldsteel
...I'm getting goosebumps.
A circumstance unique to the southernmost province of the Empire that halts the authorites.
I knew beforehand, but it's now just really settling in.
Actually about to visit Hamel. #Supricoldsteel
Considering she's not talking in plural... I don't think it's Joshua or Estelle.
Might be Schera or Anelace then. Just guessing at this point. #Supricoldsteel
GAME YOU FUCKSLBJDIJVOUWHSOBSWOHOIHRIPH
APISIODBG NPIEAN
ASFDOJBFS
SVFVFBF #Supricoldsteel
WAIT
WAIT WAIT.
WAIT.
OH NO.
STOP.
THE SHADE OF BLACK HAIR.
DON'T TELL ME I'M RIGHT ABOUT THIS #Supricoldsteel
OKAY I AM JUST OVERTHINKING THINGS IN MY EXCITEMENT BUT H O L Y F U C K Y O U N E E D T O S T O P. #Supricoldsteel
....Geezus.
What the hell.
You can't just make me feel these emotions in just chapter 1. #Supricoldsteel
oooooooooooooooooh boooy.... #Supricoldsteel
MMMMCEDRIC I KNOW YOU'RE THE CROWN PRINCE AND ALL BUT I'M NOT LIKING YOUR ATTITUDE IN THE SLIGHTEST.
What are you planning #Supricoldsteel
Man.
...Man. #Supricoldsteel
MOTHER FUCKER. #Supricoldsteel
The life of a Harem protagonist truly is a rough one.
Unless you're Lloyd. #Supricoldsteel
OH WHAT THE FUCK #Supricoldsteel
Yeah... That was something #Supricoldsteel
Wait
hold up
SHE FUCKING LEFT? #Supricoldsteel
I didn't even use it that fight but the plot demands it. #Supricoldsteel
I love these children. #Supricoldsteel
Chapter 2 down.
Well. A lot of things happened.
The identity of Azure Siegfried is obvious and not impossible given the chancellor and Rutger, but what's got me interested is the identity of the Chief of the Gnomes, I got 2 suspects right now, but who knows. #Supricoldsteel
On a different note, visiting Crossbell felt strangely depressing, but it was a good visit nonetheless.
Juna's a good girl.
And just what the hell is this drama within Ouroboros #Supricoldsteel
Bless your soul, Mint. #Supricoldsteel
[Loud whiplash noises in the background] #Supricoldsteel
I agree with Juna.
On a related note, I don't trust horny people or cryptic people and Musse is both. #Supricoldsteel
Blessed kids. #Supricoldsteel
THE RIDE NEVER ENDS #Supricoldsteel
I think Ash may be my favourite new character in CS3 so far. I don't think I'm really able to put my finger on why, but I'm really enjoying his banter with the rest of the class. #Supricoldsteel
Let's see...
Academic? Check.
Seems middle-aged? Check.
Overall a relaxed type? Check.
This fucker's gonna end up in a major villainous role isn't he.
I've been fooled thrice already, not happening this time. #Supricoldsteel
Bonus points if he ends up being the fourth anguis; the one related to Sharon. #Supricoldsteel
OH OKAY MUSSE.
FIRST ANGELICA NOW YOU
WHAT THE FUCK #Supricoldsteel
SOMEONE ANSWER THE FUCKING PHONE
I FUCKING CALLED IT.
G FUCKING NOME #Supricoldsteel
UH OH, ANOTHER LINE IS COMING UP.
GOTTA ANSWER THAT ONE AS WELL. #Supricoldsteel
Okay didn't get the bonus points but good enough.
That's 3 chapters down.
Shit's hit the fan and there are conflicts everywhere, plenty of revelations happened. Lamare was a really nice place to visit, too.
But I just have to wonder what's really going on. #Supricoldsteel
JESUS CHRIST Thomas's glasses are really creepy in this game. #Supricoldsteel
Orobouros and the Red Constellation, Osborne and the Ironbloods, Zephyr and the Gnomes, the Gralsritter, Thors Main Campus, and the Branch Campus.
How in the hell are there this many parties at play here. #Supricoldsteel
OH SAY CAN YOU SEE #Supricoldsteel
It's the Aureole all over again. #Supricoldsteel
Being Michael is suffering. #Supricoldsteel
Kurt. The fast. The swift. The untouchable. #Supricoldsteel
We got one of them MILF hunter types in here eh. #Supricoldsteel
UH OHHHHHHHHH
HE FUCKED UP #Supricoldsteel
O h f u c k #Supricoldsteel
Gettin' some real phantasmagoria vibes this time around.
I dig it. #Supricoldsteel
And suddenly Lechter's in my par- WHAT THE FUCK #Supricoldsteel
Holy shit I didn't think I'd see the day where LECHTER of all people gets nervous.
Ash is a fucking beast. #Supricoldsteel
And my A-rank streak is ruined
FRICK. #Supricoldsteel
This one line just makes me realize how many Edgeworth vibes I'm getting from Jusis. #Supricoldsteel
NO YOU FUCKING DO NOT #Supricoldsteel
That makes 4 chapters.
I thought Ash may have been somewhat related to McBurn in some way but it seems that it's something completely different.
Hamel's third survivor.
What the hell is even happening anymore #Supricoldsteel
OSBOOOOOOOOOOOOORNE
CEEEEEEEEEEEEDRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIC
RUUUUUUUUUUUUFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUS #Supricoldsteel
WWWWWWWWWWWWELP #Supricoldsteel
UMMMMMMMMM??????????? #Supricoldsteel
HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! GAIUS??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? #Supricoldsteel
ERM
THAT HE WAS EVIL WAS EASY TO PREDICT
B U T H E I S W H A T ? ! #Supricoldsteel
Well ain't this nostalgic. #Supricoldsteel
OH
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUCK OFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF #Supricoldsteel
REAN YOU FOOL
STOP THAT #Supricoldsteel
The Trails binge has come to an end for now.
WELLLLLLLL BOY HOWDY
WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL #Supricoldsteel
Overall thoughts:
What a game.
Loved the branch campus as a setting, and western Erebonia is also just really cool. I was kind of worried I wouldn't like the new class VII but oh my god they are the must precious children. #Supricoldsteel
Story had me interested from start to finish, and the scale has become that much more clear thanks to the revisit to crossbell and appearance from characters from both the liberl and crossbell arcs. The gameplay in CS3 is also the best in the series yet. #Supricoldsteel
After the trails binge, this is my tentative list of favourites:
SC>Azure=Zero>CS3>The 3rd>FC>CS2>CS1.
Tentative because I'm still not 100% on the top 3, I'll probably end up revisiting the crossbell arc with NG+ later in the year. But for now, this is it. #Supricoldsteel
Now I'll just have to wait a year or so for CS4 to arrive. I'll be anticipating it eagerly. #Supricoldsteel
To be continued in this thread: https://twitter.com/DingusSapreec/status/1381183570635595776 #Supricoldsteel
You can follow @DingusSapreec.
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