The wait is finally over for Western RPG fans. With the global launch of The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon set for January 15, 2026, the review embargo has lifted, and the verdict is nearly unanimous: Nihon Falcom has delivered a masterpiece. As the localized version of Kai no Kiseki, this ambitious title serves as the explosive finale to the Calvard arc, earning stellar scores from major outlets and cementing itself as a must-play title for the new year.
Critics Hail a New Pinnacle for Falcom
Early reviews describe Trails Beyond the Horizon as one of the most content-rich and emotionally resonant entries in the franchise's 20-year history. Critics are praising the game for successfully juggling a massive cast while delivering the payoff fans have waited decades for. IGN awarded the game a 9/10, calling it "a triumphant sci-fi fantasy that boldly goes where no Trails game has gone before," specifically highlighting the seamless integration of space travel themes into the established Zemurian lore.
The aggregation on Metacritic is currently trending in the high 80s, a significant step up from 2025's Trails through Daybreak II. Reviewers note that while the previous entry felt like a bridge, Beyond the Horizon feels like the destination. The sheer scale of the narrative, which centers on the controversial "Project Star Taker," has captivated journalists, with many citing the final hours as some of the most shocking in the genre.
Three Routes, One Massive Story
The most discussed feature in the Trails Beyond the Horizon review roundup is the return of the route-based storytelling system, previously seen in Trails into Reverie. This time, the narrative splits between three distinct protagonists: the Spriggan Van Arkride, the Ashen Chevalier Rean Schwarzer, and the fan-favorite Grail Knight Kevin Graham.
GameSpot's review praised this structure, noting that it "solves the pacing issues typical of long JRPGs by constantly shifting perspectives." Kevin Graham's return, in particular, has been a highlight for veteran players. After being sidelined for multiple arcs, his involvement in the church-centric mysteries of Ored offers a nostalgic yet fresh angle that balances Van's morally gray underworld dealings. The interplay between these three leads provides a comprehensive view of the Calvard Republic's crisis, ensuring no plot thread is left dangling.
Refined Combat and the Switch 2 Experience
On the gameplay front, the hybrid action-turn-based system has reached its maturity. The new B.L.T.Z. (Blitz) system and "Awakening" mechanics add layers of strategy that critics found addictive. RPG Site noted that the ability for characters like Van and Kevin to power up mid-battle bridges the gap between narrative power levels and actual gameplay mechanics seamlessly.
Performance is another major talking point, particularly regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 version. Unlike previous ports that struggled on Nintendo hardware, Trails Beyond the Horizon runs beautifully on the new console. Tech breakdowns from Digital Foundry confirm the game targets and holds a steady 60fps at 1440p docked, making it the definitive portable experience. The fast load times of the Switch 2 are essential for a game that encourages frequent route-switching and fast travel across the vast region of Zemuria.
A Divisive Ending?
If there is one point of contention among reviewers, it is the ending. Without spoiling specifics, several outlets, including Polygon, mentioned that the game concludes on a "heart-stopping cliffhanger" that rivals the infamous ending of Trails of Cold Steel I. While some critics felt frustrated by the lack of total closure, most agreed that the journey to that point is so spectacular that the cliffhanger serves more as an exciting promise for the future than a detriment.
Verdict: A Defining JRPG of 2026
As the first major JRPG release of 2026, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon sets an incredibly high bar. It rewards long-time investment with deep lore payoffs while offering the most polished gameplay loop the series has ever seen. For owners of the Nintendo Switch 2, this is an essential launch-window title that showcases what the new hardware can do for mid-budget RPGs.
Whether you are here for Van's final Spriggan contract or to see if humanity can truly reach the stars, Falcom has crafted an experience that demands to be played. The game launches tomorrow, January 15, on PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
