The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel coming to PC
Escaping consoles
Nihon Falcom's The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel [official site] will come to PC this summer, publishers Xseed Games have announced, four years after its console debut. Trails of Cold Steel kicks off a new sub-series in Falcom's sprawling Legend of Heroes series but no, sadly its Cold Steel is nothing to do with the sword-swinging YouTube stars. Xseed also confirmed that the sequel, Cold Steel II, will follow. And! Announcements spilling out their mouths like custard from a Comic Relief fundraiser, Xseed have also announced a PC release date of May 3rd for The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd.
So, Cold Steel! It's coming to Windows this summer, boasting an impressive 5,000-odd extra lines of voiced dialogue - "approximately a 50% increase", Xseed say. Here, compare our version with the PS3 release in this handy trailer:
As for what Cold Steel is all about, Xseed explain:
"Taking place on the same continent as fan-favorite Trails in the Sky, Trails of Cold Steel further explores Erebonia and gives players a chance to delve deep into the inner political conflicts of this oft-mentioned and powerful empire. Players take on the role of elite military students at a time of great turmoil, who enjoy school life as they bond with fellow students to earn new abilities in battle, and then utilize those abilities via tactical turn-based combat. In between skirmishes, players can upgrade their party members with the 'ARCUS' system – a streamlined version of the classic 'Orbment' magic system from previous titles – allowing for greater access to abilities and quicker customization."
Cold Steel II will follow but Xseed call its PC release "eventual" so don't hold your breath. Or do. Even if you manage to hold your breath long enough to pass out, when you pass out your unconscious functions will kick in and start breathing so you'll probably be fine. I have no medical training whatsoever -- not even a first aid certificate -- but I can't see any harm in encouraging you to do this. Oh! Don't do it on ledges or while operating heavy machinery, probably. Other than that, knock yourself out.
As for Trails in the Sky the 3rd, yup, May 3rd is the date. It'll be on Steam, GOG, and the Humble Store at £24.99/29,99€/$29.99.