The Trails series, known for its extensive gameplay and intricate storylines, has been captivating players for over 20 years. With 11 games and three distinct story arcs, newcomers are faced with the daunting task of playing through 658 hours worth of games to fully understand the series. The latest installment, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Into Reverie, adds to the already extensive lore of the Trails universe.
Toshihiro Kondo, the president of Nihon Falcom and the mastermind behind the Trails series, recently shed light on the development process behind the current arc in the game. According to Kondo, the developers behind the Trails series believe that their ability to craft complex and relatable storylines has been greatly influenced by their life experiences. Kondo states that writing the current arc, set in the fictional world of Calvard, would have been impossible in their 20s due to a lack of necessary life experience.
Kondo emphasizes the importance of incorporating real-world changes and challenges into the game’s narrative. The development team aimed to mirror societal shifts and create a setting that resonated with reality rather than pure fantasy. Through the lens of Calvard’s identity, players are exposed to a diverse range of characters facing various struggles, from students to immigrants, gay individuals to straight individuals. Kondo’s own life experiences, including witnessing both the good and bad in life, informed the storytelling in the game.
As Kondo approaches the age of 50, he acknowledges the significant impact that age and perspective have on storytelling. He believes that his team’s ability to create a narrative that addresses complex themes and challenges is a direct result of the life experiences they have accumulated over the years. From unjust situations to unfair outcomes, the current arc in the Trails series reflects the team’s evolving understanding of the world around them.
Looking ahead, Kondo hints that the Trails series is nearing completion, with the current arc in Calvard serving as a culmination of two decades of storytelling. By infusing real-world experiences and perspectives into a fictional universe, the Trails series continues to push the boundaries of storytelling in the world of gaming. As players navigate through the intricate narratives and diverse characters of the series, they are invited to explore complex themes and experiences that resonate with their own lives.
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