Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Reveals New Character And Gameplay Details

Nihon Falcom and GungHo Online Entertainment America have updated the official website for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, unveiling new character profiles, voice cast information, and a fresh batch of details.

The latest update will introduce expanded details on core gameplay elements, key terminology, and combat mechanics. Information on retailer-exclusive bonuses available in Japan has also been added.

New Character Details

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter introduces new characters into the game, supporting the main characters in terms of story and plot progression.

Cassius Bright – Kyle Hebert

Cassius Bright is a skilled and charming Bracer, known as a father and mentor to Estelle. He is tall and muscular, with a notable mustache, and carries himself confidently due to his vast experiences. He has also guided other characters like Joshua and Scherazard.

Despite being playfully called a deadbeat dad by Estelle, he is deeply committed to his loved ones and is a master swordsman, once holding the title of Sword Saint.

Professor Alba – David Lodge

Professor Alba is a soft-spoken archaeologist who, despite his ever-present smile, struggles to make ends meet.

Driven by a deep passion for ancient history, he has journeyed to the Kingdom of Liberl to study its ruins. Though he seems timid and mild-mannered, his dedication to research frequently leads him into perilous situations, often resulting in unfortunate run-ins with monsters.

Aina Holden – Katiana Sarkissian

Aina serves as the receptionist at the Bracer Guild’s Rolent branch in the Kingdom of Liberl. Calm, composed, and supportive, she plays a key role in guiding Estelle and Joshua on their journey to become full-fledged Bracers.

While she maintains a professional demeanor, those who know her well, like her close friend Scherazard, can attest to her impressive drinking skills, which rival even the most seasoned drinkers.

Nial Burns – Michael Allan Schneider

Nial is the top reporter at the Liberl News, known for his relentless pursuit of the truth. Despite his disheveled appearance and chain-smoking habit, he’s a fearless journalist who won’t hesitate to put himself in danger for the sake of a big story.

He often works alongside his eccentric junior photographer, Dorothy, whose unpredictable antics frequently leave him exasperated. While on assignment in Rolent, Nial recruits Estelle and Joshua as his bodyguards in pursuit of his latest scoop, forming an unlikely but effective team.

Dorothy Hyatt – Cat Protano

Dorothy is a bubbly and absentminded rookie photographer working for the Liberl News. Cheerful and carefree, she often tries the patience of her senior colleague, Nial, though she remains blissfully unaware of the trouble she causes him.

Despite her quirky nature and unorthodox methods, Dorothy has a natural talent behind the lens, consistently producing stunning, one-of-a-kind photographs.

Josette Harr – Risa Mei

A student at the prestigious Jenis Royal Academy in Ruan, Josette comes from noble lineage but carries herself with humility and grace.

She never flaunts her status and remains approachable and grounded. During her academic break, she travels to Rolent to further her studies on cultural artifacts from across the region, where she crosses paths with Estelle and her companions.

Game Terminology

Bracers

Bracers are members of an international group dedicated to protecting civilians and maintaining peace in cities by fighting monsters and criminals. They are respected figures, especially among children who dream of joining their ranks. Bracers operate globally, helping with tasks like responding to requests from civilians and handling conflicts.

Orbments

Mechanical units use a special energy called Orbal Energy. Each Orbment contains Septium circuits that create various effects. Invented by Dr. C. Epstein 50 years ago, Orbments have led to many technological advancements like lighting, communication, and airships.

The Kingdom of Liberl

The Kingdom of Liberl is a small, beautiful country in the southwest of the Zemurian Continent. It may not be as powerful as nearby nations, but its rich Septium resources, advanced technology, and skilled diplomacy help it stay equal in international relations. After losses to the Erebonian Empire a decade ago, Queen Alicia von Auslese II has led the kingdom to lasting peace.

Quick Battles

Quick Battles are fast-paced, action-based encounters where repeated button presses unleash combos. Using Crafts charges the Charge Gauge, allowing for powerful special moves that can stun enemies. Fighting weaker enemies is advantageous, if they’re five levels below you, your damage doubles. Dodging with backsteps or rolls can lead to counter jump attacks, and a Perfect Dodge instantly maxes out the Charge Gauge. The Brave Gauge enables Estelle and Joshua’s link attack when filled.

Command Battles

Command Battles use classic turn-based combat with a timeline that includes bonuses for specific turns. Crafts build the CP gauge, enabling character-specific moves, while Arts (magic) use the EP gauge and are effective against resistant or evasive foes. Elemental weaknesses increase damage dealt, and support Arts offer healing or buffs.

Enemies stunned via the Stun Gauge miss a turn and trigger Brave Attacks. Follow-ups include:

• Additional Attack: Adds 1 Brave bar
• Chain: Costs 3 bars, involves another ally
• Burst: Costs all 5 bars, unleashes a full-team attack and clears debuffs

The ideal strategy is to stun foes in Quick Battles, then swap to Command Battles to land Brave Attacks.

Overdrive & Support

Overdrive activates when a character glows with an aura, granting immunity to debuffs and ensuring Brave Attacks for two turns. Support Abilities unlock through combat actions and eating food, with skills evolving as support experience increases.

Japanese Premium Edition Bonuses

The Bracer Box edition in Japan includes a range of exclusive collectibles and in-game content:

• A mini soundtrack featuring arranged versions of background music
• A photo album titled Bright Family Memorial, showcasing Estelle and Joshua’s childhood through newly illustrated scenes (with story spoilers)
• A Bracer Guild-themed antique pin
• DLC costumes modeled after Estelle and Joshua’s original outfits from Trails in the Sky
• A detailed 400-page encyclopedia of the Liberl Kingdom
• Plush-style costumes of Estelle and Joshua inspired by Gurumin’s art style

Additionally, there will also be several bonuses that can be obtained by purchasing the game at certain retail stores.

 

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Image Credit: Nihon Falcom

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Trails in The Sky 1st Chapter will be available worldwide on September 19 for the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. Learn more about the main characters profiles here.

Watch the official announcement trailer linked below.

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