And now you’ve finally gotten to what I consider one of the coolest things about Trails… *the books are based on real events.* Carnelia actually DID happen, although some of the details clearly got changed so the story would be more entertaining to read. Ein Selnate is not only alive, she’s Kevin’s commander, meaning she’s IN CHARGE OF THE ENTIRE GRALSRITTER. It makes you wonder about the other books you’ve read and will read - what role the characters might play in later games, or if they even have a chance to show up. At the very least, you’ve just been given a whole new reason to collect and read them!
The Carnelia reveal is one of my favorites. It's the perfect cover. If anyone sees anything no one will believe them. Anton: "Ricky, i just saw this priest fighting, like, ten dudes! They all had guns and knives but he didn't care and just shot them with his crossbow! Like blam, blam!" Ricky: "Anton... Who rejected you this time? This isnt a storybook!"
Nico: Damn Ries is a savage. Yes she is and it is one of the many reasons people love her. She may be a holy woman, but Ries has no issues choosing violence - be it physically or verbally. Also just a heads-up, her name is pronounced as Reece. Like geese or fleece.
Hey NicoB! I've been following your Trails journey from the very start and you have no idea how happy seeing THIS makes me. I'm glad to see you've been having such a blast with this treasure of a franchise. You're about to dive into what is probably my personal favorite game in the whole franchise. Onion Man (Kevin) is probably my favorite protagonist in the series and I hope you'll enjoy what the game has to offer! Can't wait to see your reactions to a whooooole lotta things here, much love :D
I find the Gilbert scene so hilariously funny. Nico thought he had seen the last of him last of him, but no, shows up in the first episode of the next game. What fantastic irony. Gilbert’s power of plot armor is endless!!
28:57 Believe or not Aldan is a reoccurring you can meet several times thru FC and SC. He's photographer in the City of Bose who is obsessed with taking pictures of airships at the Bose International Port who then travels around Liberl to get pictures of the Arseille and Leibnitz.
Aldan is a Bose resident that's completly obsessed with airships. pretty much spend the entirity of SC chasing after the Arseille to take a picture of it. but just missed it most of the time(untill around the arseille was stationed in Bose funnily enough. making his whole journey pointless). He also took the picture of the dragon that was used in the liberl news special editition.
One sensation for this game is that this is the first one that Falcom really communicates with its narrative the kind of scope they plan to realize. You will see information in this game HIGHLY relevant to even the most recent game. Buckle up.
I’m fully expecting that one day during the Metaphor LP, there’s just gonna be a Trails From Zero running simultaneously in the top right corner like a Subway Surfers attention catcher without mention.
@@ampleoq Imagine playing the crossbell arc and all of the 4 CS games AND Reverie without a break and cramming it all in 1 to 2 years while uploading 5 episodes per 2 weeks. That would be insanity!
@@GreyVictory1510 Yeah its absolute insanity. With 9 games left that only get longer than the Sky SC, assuming a gentle average of 40eps per game, if Nico uploaded every single day it would take 360days total. I'd love if Nico was caught up by the time Kai comes out but even that is an insurmountable chore. If I was a gambling guy I'd say we get Sky the Third and the Crossbell duology in 2025
Sky 3rd is the first game where they were designed properly with difficulty. The previous two had it patched into them, aka it wasn’t planned. That makes a big difference in actual challenge, rather than raw damage numbers.
@@thegaminginkling6470 Imagine something was about to hit Agate and Erika just whistles non-chalantly pretending to be innocent or not notice anything.
Nico got me again. I fully expected to have to wait quite a while for Sky the 3rd, but when I saw this video, I remembered something: when trails gets you, it will never let go. A lot of people try these games, don't get it, get bored, drop it, write if off as a waste and never touch them again, but for a small percentage of people, this stuff gets into their blood and will never leave. I've been playing JRPGs for close to 40 years now, and I played the original FF and DQ on the NES back in the day. The longer you've played JRPGs and the more passionate you are about them, the more trails hooks you. It's the JRPG fan's JRPG.
It is very much a series that's the equivalent of an epic fantasy series. Usually, books with long form of narratives tend to have readers get hooked or drop off because of the length or just having glacial pacing. But those that stick with them get rich settings, an insane amount of foreshadowings, interesting but endearing characters, and consistent themes/messages.
I can say this now because you're three games in, but Trails has my favorite main characters in any series ever. I love all of them so much. It's crazy how i'll play one arc and think "wow that character was incredible, there's no way they'll top that." AND THEY DO! Also, Kevin, you know him you love him, gets more character development in one game than a lot of characters in other series get in like, three. This is my personal favorite sky game cause it's a VERY personal story for not just Kevin, but the entire Liberl cast. It's an absolutely worth it ride, and I really hope you enjoy it!
Even in terms of emotional impact, I never thought anything would hit harder than the big scenes of the Sky games. Then Crossbell had multiple on that same level in a way I never expected. And then Cold Steel... at first I thought would be the one I'd have the least emotional investment in at the start, and then ended up getting hit the hardest of all during "relentlessly, without looking back". I haven't gotten to Reverie or Daybreak yet, but these games continue to surprise me when I think I'm past the emotional peak of the story.
@@Pompadourius CS has some really REALLY high points and emotional impacts. Like.... Every game! And some of the cruelest cliffhangers after I and III. "...Ink, black as despair!"
And thus, something we only thought possible with other games Nico absolutely loved beyond anything... has happened again. He has been grabbed by more than just the balls, this man's entire SOUL is captured with this.
24:08 And this is why it was perfect Nico had Kevin as part of the group when Estelle's "story" with the talking chests ended last game/LP. Possibilities with the chest passing on but also passing of the torch, so to speak.
Maybe it's cause the voice Nico is giving her, or her love for Tita, but... Erika is feeling like a an Adult version of Estelle with a touch of Analace.
If the “and now back to” isn’t that scene from Home Alone 2 where the mom yells “KEVIN!!!”, I will riot Oh and a side note, similar to your kingdom hearts and Xenoblade lets plays with “ever lasting darkness” and “show me your insolence” Sky the third has an infamous boss fight that’s considered to be the hardest fight in the entire series. Once you hear the words: “Defeat me. That is all.” You will know that shit is about to go DOWN
There are a few "hardest boss fights in the series" in the 3rd but yeah most of the others are optional challenges so he should know they would be hard before doing them.
Oh, you madman. One thing to note, this is the only game in the Sky trilogy that isn't rated by the ESRB. As such, the localizer's went further than normal. If this game was rated, it would absolutely be rated M, so enjoy the shift in tone.
1:13:07 I mean, if part of YOUR job was managing a bird brain like Dorothy, the stress would probably age you a few years too. That and the cigarettes…
Nico: Man it's great to be back with Kevin I wonder who else all is gonna show up Gilbert: GUESS WHOSE BACK! Nico: OH GODDAMMIT! That's right Nico your worst nightmare, Gilbert aka the Team Rocket of Trails!
This is a weird game because some people hate it and some people just love it, and it has a somewhat weird narrative structure that makes it feel like an extended epilogue that mostly consists of stuff that you kind of suspect was left out of the other two games. Having said that, it's so full of background info on the extended cast that you're going to have a blast voicing it. As an aside, I just stumbled into your channel and I'm gonna watch every Trails game you decide to play. I had an amazing time making my way through the whole series during 2024 and I'm sure you'll go through the same thing. Enjoy!
Personally I absolutely love this game and it's easily my favorite of the Sky trilogy. But it is veeeery different structurally and narratively to basically the entire rest of the series.
@@tcaz I think it's my favorite game (and one of the best) of the series BECAUSE of how different it is. The pacing feels tigher overall thanks due to the shorter length, the story spends enough time setting up the mystery and resolving it without dragging it too much, the characters get enough moments and go through their arcs at a reasonable pace for the story. The fanservice is weaved into the story pretty well and doesn't feel intrusive, but rather it does feel like a proper epilogue for the sky arc. And, it's impressive how this game managed to make the side character of SC (who some people didn't care about before 3rd) and the entirely new and introduced Ries, into some of the best characters in the series.
@@Anayoth I don’t hate it, but I do prefer how other games have a bigger emphasis on exploration, side quests, and npc interactions than opposed to mostly dungeon crawling. The doors help spice things up but they come at the cost of kinda worsening the pacing with how long some of them can be. I still think Sky the third is a fantastic game mind you. This is however why it’s not in my top 5
NicoB a year ago, during Samurai Remnant's intro: And now, back to my new addiction. A year from now: Come on Falcome, show me the goods, show me those Trails. Come on, come on, don't you hold out on me, let me taste those Trails! I need the rush of opening a treasure chest and checking it again! I need that attention to detail, man, don't you get it, I need it!
Father Kev "ooo boy we're back! I thought we'd have to wait for a while in the depths of Gehenna before Nico came back to us" Great to see you back to Trails already Nico. Never stop the ul-tra-vi-o-lence
Relatable. I played the first game when I bought it on sale, I played through it, being charmed by the world, characters and humour, and I decided that I'd definitely keep an eye out for the sequel going on sale. ...Then the ending hit me like a sledgehammer and I bought SC _immediately._ No waiting for a sale. I basically never do that, but the story had me and it wouldn't let go.
Probably a good time to mention this: there are 2 unique quartz that you can be potentially awarded with in the final chapter. You can get one per playthrough. You get one for winning 500 fights, and one from fleeing 500 fights. It is important to know that if you run from even a single fight before you get the 500 wins quartz, you will be permanently locked out of getting the quartz if you end up saving. My recommendation is to save often (which i know you do), and avoid fights rather than run from them. If memory serves, the 500 wins quartz is amazing, and i hate how super easily you can be locked out of it. Gotta love the old RPG jank.
Gameplay has really improved since last game. There's lots good new arts in the game so you should check the notebook as soon as possible, because it's quite different. I especially like the Enfeeble spell. For the first time in the series you can actually inflict defense down in the series. So physical crafts actually deal way more damage.
So on the topic of difficulty- Normal is absolutely fine for 3rd. You could actually go up to Hard or more if you wanted to because 3rd is when they started not developing the difficulties for NG+, but its roughly in line with FC/SC on difficulty on Normal, which it sounds like you're fine with. The later games though, I actually personally think you should go up to at least Hard. They start to get easier as time goes on, to the point where more experienced JRPG players start to find them a bit boring on Normal. From Cold Steel on I find the challenge to be insufficient on anything but Nightmare, personally, and I know I'm not the only Trails player to feel this way (not to say anyone playing on less than that is invalid, just I tend to prefer JRPGs when they make me use all their mechanics to overcome challenges, which isn't really the case in later ones). But that's a decision for awhile from now.
I personally find CS games to be still fine on hard. At least because of some insufferable time-gated fights (looking at that one cold steel 3 fight in particular.) Daybreak on the other hand was absolutely too easy even on hard. I could probably count the number of bosses gave me any troble on one hand.
Yeah it's gonna be different for everybody. How I personally went about it is all 3 of Sky on normal and was fine with the difficulty > Cold Steel 1 on hard, found it too easy compared to Sky on Normal > rest of the series on Nightmare and have been fine with that setting since. (This was pre-Zero coming out in English if anyone is wondering why I went to CS1 after Sky). But I do straight up think that "Hard" in every game after Sky is roughly equivalent to Sky on Normal, and Nightmare is not that big of a step up from it.
A lot of people say this game is too repetitive and slow but it has really great world building and character arcs and Kevin is one of the best Trails MCs in my opinion.
Ries: We must find food, it is the key to escaping this place....Why are you going over to that chest? Kevin: Just watch. Hey Mr.Chest. Mr.Chest: Hello Kevin. Came to apologize? Kevin: That I am. So yeah, sorry for what I said earlier. Mr.Chest: I forgive you Kevin. Say are you and your friend hungry? As I can provide food. Kevin: Oh that we are. Mr.Chest: Very Well. *Opens up to reveal a ten course dinner within* Kevin: There you go, Ries. Ries:....It's not enough.
To be honest, I really was hoping he'd continued after the break haha. The fact I saw this upload and smiled really makes me happy 😊 Edit: Also Happy New Years Nico and Penguins! What a great day to start a Trails on a new year 🎉
I watched Nico's mind about playing Sky 3rd chnge in real time during a stream. That one donor must be real proud of his donation. Anyway, have fun! This is probably among my favorite Trails games, because I liked the structure and what they do with it so much. It's definitely divisive, though, even to the point where some people call it "skippable", but that mostly comes from the desire to catch up and play the nice-looking 3D Trails games as fast as possible.
2:08 I didn’t fall for it Nico, I knew you said the same thing about the 2nd game and started it the next week, also I’m waiting for the Mr. Chest completion
Super excited to see you continuing this series after all! These playthroughs have been such a joy to watch, and I’m glad they’ve been received well! To address the topic of difficulty; The Sky Trilogy is definitely balanced best on normal, as that was originally the only difficulty. Future games though, it gets different. Zero/Azure feel fine on hard or nightmare, and anything Cold Steel onward is only even remotely challenging on nightmare. So if you enjoy a challenge, keep that in mind for future games
Final Episode of SC: man, now I have to wait for a while to get to the 3rd, welp I’m sure I’ll enjoy the next series he’ll have up Nico Saying about the next series being delayed to next week: oh well that’s fine, I’m a patient boi, whatever this new series is will be well worth it, I know it New Years Day while I’m drinking wine and enjoying the celebration: (*opens up UA-cam, First video on my Recommendation*) (*pauses*) (*inhales*) IM GOING TO COMMIT U L T R A V I O L E N C E
Trails burnout hits. I played the original trilogy and stopped after starting Zero. Took me nearly a year to two later to pick it back up. Got burnt out after Cold Steel as well
The Trails games demand attention and investment and they can be a bitch to jump back into after an absence, and that level of commitment can get tiring after a while. I love this series and I still haven't finished the Cold Steel arc because it feels so daunting to pick up a game partway through after a long absence.
NicoB then: "I know I said I wasn't gonna start SC right away and then pulled a fast one on you guys, but this time I'm for real not gonna jump into the next game again." NicoB now:
Yay! Never played these games (poor and not much of a gamer to begin with), but I've seen the Penguins recommend them to you forever, and I'm so happy they did, these games are so good! Even just experiencing them through you have made me a fan. I'm super hyped for this one, Kevin became one of my faves last game, partially because the voice you've given him is so nice! I don't think you've ever voiced someone like that before.
it's kinda surreal seeing some semi-relevant/notable NPCs from the later games just make an appearance in this game's opening segment on the airship, even if it is just a small textbox acknowledging them. It just impresses me just how this game isn't just an epilogue for trails in the sky but also sets up a lot for the future games as well.
Mr chest: "So you couldn't wait to play the new game. Where does that bring you? Back to me." Kevin: "Holy Aidios so this is what Estelle went through? Jeez, now I'm the crazy one this time around"
Great to see you getting into the 3rd game, wasn't expecting it but love to see you playing it. Your playthrough was my first time seeing the trails series and I've been in love with it.
You are so done. That's it. You're gone. It's over for you. Sky FC is a prologue for the entire series, yeah, but this is both an epilogue for the Sky arc and a TEASER for the rest of the arcs, while giving some well-needed fleshing out for a lot of current characters... It opens up a whooole new slew of questions waiting to be answered. The next arc starts with Trails from Zero and ends with Trails to Azure. aka the Crossbell Duology. I think a lot of fans consider the Crossbell games to be some of the best games in the series too... so you know. Good luck to you if you want to put the series down for a bit lol. I love the fact that they just drop the Carnelia bomb on you right away. I said long ago that your view of the world is confined to Liberl. The strongest person you know in Liberl is Cassius but the world is much, much bigger than you can imagine. The church/Gralsritter is one of my favourite organizations in video games I think. It's just kinda awesome.
Honestly, one of the reasons why I would recommend having a small break between SC and 3rd is, because not playing Trails from Zero after it is kind of hard! At least Zero has a clean ending and you can also take a small break before Azure as a result.
What a way to end the year and bring in the new one. The new Kingdom Hearts lol. Hope you have fun Nico, it’s glad to see you find something to be passionate about.
Yes!!! I hoped that switch up with Kevin at the end of SC would be enough to fuel your curiosity & tempt you to play 3rd. My favourite game in the series this one, & I hope very much you love it as much as I do. Enjoy!
OH MY GOD, NICO, YOU’RE INSANE! Love it though! Got us again! This is my second favorite game in the series. It’s one of the most unique in terms of game layout/design, with a fantastic OST. There’s a lot to like about 3rd, and I’m so excited to see this through. Chest Messages also take a step up in 3rd, getting even more creative compared to SC. I won’t be specific for now, but you’ll see.
@@Gdg195 I feel that the only way this entry is skip able is if one posits that context from prior games does not matter for ones enjoyment, which would mean that hopping in at like cs4 would be justifiable, and I in truth can hardly see the merit in such a belief.
Those people are super insufferable. This game actually has important stuff about several characters and even setting up future events. It's the bridge between arcs in the same vein as Reverie later, and if you're telling me 3rd is skippable and that isn't, yeah you're just plain wrong. Neither is skippable.
Honestly I feel like that ''3rd is skippable'' crowd is just a meme like the ''can I start the saga with this game?'' crowd and not some actual people unironically believing it
Super excited for you to get through Trails in the Sky 3rd! I'm so so happy that you've gotten so immersed in this story and I am so excited for you to progress further into the series. This game is amazing and one of my favorite games of all time and I hope you enjoy it even a fraction of the amount that I did.
Glad to see you continuing the series! Kevin's story is wonderful, and this may still be my favorite game in the series. It's a giant love letter to the cast and the world, and you're in for a great time. Combat-wise, Kevin isn't a great physical attacker but he's a fantastic caster, I'd put him at top 4 just under Kloe, Olivier, and [spoiler]. Ries, on the other hand is a great physical attacker at least until you get your best heavy hitters. Speaking of, her name is pronounced Reese, like the peanut butter cup. Fun fact: the Japanese version of the game spelled it Rieß which is an actual German surname. Loved your reaction to Erika. She's absolutely unhinged, and I love her.
Falcom is very cool with how they use terms from European cultures that reflects their background. Erebonia is Greek + Prussia, Liberl is Austria + Thailand, Crossbell is Hong Kong + New York City and Calvard is America + France + Middle East.
Happy New Year! Sky the 3rd is rather different, as I’m sure you noticed by the fact you weren’t given a spoiler-free guide this time. This game actually has very few permanent missables, mostly being the chests you got this episode. Despite this, there is one missable that you won’t ever see unless you’re informed early. There is a one-of-a-kind piece of equipment only available at a late point in the game by winning 300 battles without fleeing even once. Alternatively, there is a another piece of equipment that requires you to flee 300 times. They are mutually exclusive, despite their conditions both being technically achievable in one run, and the game does not particularly hint at their existence.
Man cannot think of a better new year gift than Nico starting my favorite game in the series and also the most important game in the entire series from a lore and foreshadowing perspective. Be sure to try out different characters in this game Nico as some of them are incredibly over powered.
@@joshuabean7805 There's definitely a char arc thread hanging after this game. Also holy shit I replied to you on 2 different comments. What are the odds lmao
Man I can’t believe that in addition to taking all the money, gear, and sepith, Estelle also took most of the menus for the first part of the game. Tsk tsk
I can't keep getting away with this.
We want you to though
Trunks: YOU NEED TO BE STOPPED
Bro keeps delivering
SOMEBODY STOP THIS MAN
GOOD LORD NICO TWICE IN A ROOOOW X'D
Nico: "I'm gonna take a little break from trails in the sky.:
*One Week Later*
Nico: "And I think thats a long enough break lets roll Picky Penguins!"
Let's mosey* 😁
No, Nico took a 1-year break
@@Haskellerz lmao good one
And now you’ve finally gotten to what I consider one of the coolest things about Trails… *the books are based on real events.* Carnelia actually DID happen, although some of the details clearly got changed so the story would be more entertaining to read. Ein Selnate is not only alive, she’s Kevin’s commander, meaning she’s IN CHARGE OF THE ENTIRE GRALSRITTER.
It makes you wonder about the other books you’ve read and will read - what role the characters might play in later games, or if they even have a chance to show up. At the very least, you’ve just been given a whole new reason to collect and read them!
"How old is Kevin supposed to be, snyway."
In Sky, Kevin is 22 anime years old.
The Carnelia reveal is one of my favorites. It's the perfect cover. If anyone sees anything no one will believe them.
Anton: "Ricky, i just saw this priest fighting, like, ten dudes! They all had guns and knives but he didn't care and just shot them with his crossbow! Like blam, blam!"
Ricky: "Anton... Who rejected you this time? This isnt a storybook!"
Being a photographer is also a good cover....
HOW THE F*** did Dorothy get into Calvard without a passport
@@Haskellerz with the indomitable human spirit.
Gambler Jack's banned in Erebonia, so it actually makes sense that you wouldn't see it on an Erebonia made ship.
@@Erpy80oooooh interesting indeed!
Because it plays in Calvard and Erebonia and Calvard aren't on the best terms. That's my theory why it is banned there, I can be wrong though.
@@Official_RetroMania They confirmed that is the case through an npc in CS1
Remember Nico "Ein Selnate" was the name that Carnelia's book version took after joining the church for real. So yep, that's her.
Wasn’t Ein Selnate her real name, and ”Carnelia” a codename/nickname?
@@neo8674 Yes
Nico: Damn Ries is a savage.
Yes she is and it is one of the many reasons people love her. She may be a holy woman, but Ries has no issues choosing violence - be it physically or verbally.
Also just a heads-up, her name is pronounced as Reece. Like geese or fleece.
Hey NicoB! I've been following your Trails journey from the very start and you have no idea how happy seeing THIS makes me. I'm glad to see you've been having such a blast with this treasure of a franchise. You're about to dive into what is probably my personal favorite game in the whole franchise. Onion Man (Kevin) is probably my favorite protagonist in the series and I hope you'll enjoy what the game has to offer! Can't wait to see your reactions to a whooooole lotta things here, much love :D
Whoa, didn't expect to see you here Leon. Didn't realize you were a trials fan too.
Hell yeah, good to see you're a fellow picky penguin now, lol
Darn, Leon a fellow trails enjoyer. Glad to see CC interact with other CC like this
@@TheStormsMcpretty sure he streamed his daybreak playthrough in his channel
Yo nice to see you, yakuza man!
I find the Gilbert scene so hilariously funny.
Nico thought he had seen the last of him last of him, but no, shows up in the first episode of the next game.
What fantastic irony.
Gilbert’s power of plot armor is endless!!
Wait till three years from now when he hears bloorf all over again
GILBERT. IS. ETERNAL!
That red armor was plot armor forged from the Divergent Laws. Forever undying and bound to the unwinning
Trails Fans: We got him boys. We got him. Time to inject more Trails crack into his system.
He might need some of that cold steel later on
I prefer the term, Emotional Vampire.
@@pablothecoffeelover2551 He'll probably quit once he gets to cold steel thats when the series fell off, at least Daybreak is good.
@@jackjohnson8305 Finally someone who's sane. At least Reverie was good but holy shit Cold Steel as an overall package is a whole lotta mid
@@jackjohnson8305 Doubtful. Seeing as a lot of people actually liked Cold Steel. Don't base it off of your opinion.
28:57 Believe or not Aldan is a reoccurring you can meet several times thru FC and SC. He's photographer in the City of Bose who is obsessed with taking pictures of airships at the Bose International Port who then travels around Liberl to get pictures of the Arseille and Leibnitz.
He lied as naturally as he breathed, and I couldn’t be happier.
the father kevin voice is absolutely my favorite voice you've done Nico. also I love that Kevin did a Mission Impossible theft here XD
"Thumbnail Kevin isn't real, he can't hurt you"
Thumbnail Kevin: 👁👁
That’s some art style
But seriously who draw it
It looks great just odd because how kevin looks in the game
@@pablothecoffeelover2551 It's from the OST cover, which has a notably bizarre artstyle. Everyone on it looks really weird.
Aldan is a Bose resident that's completly obsessed with airships. pretty much spend the entirity of SC chasing after the Arseille to take a picture of it. but just missed it most of the time(untill around the arseille was stationed in Bose funnily enough. making his whole journey pointless). He also took the picture of the dragon that was used in the liberl news special editition.
One sensation for this game is that this is the first one that Falcom really communicates with its narrative the kind of scope they plan to realize. You will see information in this game HIGHLY relevant to even the most recent game. Buckle up.
Yeah, this game sets up a lot of overreaching plot points for the franchise
It's finally happened
After 2 games, we can finally PLAY as the JPEG salad
I’m fully expecting that one day during the Metaphor LP, there’s just gonna be a Trails From Zero running simultaneously in the top right corner like a Subway Surfers attention catcher without mention.
Nico when he gets to Trails into Daybreak 2 in 2027: YES, THIS IS STILL HAPPENING
At the rate he's going, Daybreak 2 is gonna happen in 2025, which would be insane but fitting the average trails enthusiast.
@@yodastitch4227 Yea when I got into it I blasted through Sky FC to CS4, I just couldn't stop myself. Luckily CS4 just came out as I caught up.
@@yodastitch4227 There's no way he gets to Daybreak in 2025 at this pace. Nor do I think it would be healthy for his enjoyment of the series.
@@ampleoq Imagine playing the crossbell arc and all of the 4 CS games AND Reverie without a break and cramming it all in 1 to 2 years while uploading 5 episodes per 2 weeks. That would be insanity!
@@GreyVictory1510 Yeah its absolute insanity.
With 9 games left that only get longer than the Sky SC, assuming a gentle average of 40eps per game, if Nico uploaded every single day it would take 360days total.
I'd love if Nico was caught up by the time Kai comes out but even that is an insurmountable chore.
If I was a gambling guy I'd say we get Sky the Third and the Crossbell duology in 2025
Oh no Nico developed a new hyperfixation.
It’s Kingdom Hearts all over again
But with less confusing terminology and more Smug Estelle
@@skyknight2233 Less confusing FOR NOW you mean.
@@joshuabean7805 I would argue trails can be more 'overwhelming' than confusing
@@joshuabean7805that might also be because the CS arc was originally supposed to be 2 games instead of 4
@@AlexT7916 very true, the Erebonia arc can definitely feel over bloated at times.
Penguins, find you a partner that loves you as much as Nico loves the Trails in the Sky games.
RAPIDLY CONCLUDING THE ARC!
Sky 3rd is the first game where they were designed properly with difficulty. The previous two had it patched into them, aka it wasn’t planned. That makes a big difference in actual challenge, rather than raw damage numbers.
So welcome to Erika Russell, she has two modes: She gave birth to Aidios' greatest gift to Zemuria and AGATE CROSNER MUST DIE.
Too much of the latter, get her outta here
I hate Erika for one reason: Harassing Agate just because.
My immediate reaction is that I don't like her very much. She's mean, and Agate doesn't deserve that.
@@thegaminginkling6470
Imagine something was about to hit Agate and Erika just whistles non-chalantly pretending to be innocent or not notice anything.
Sky the 3rd is one of those games where u keep coming back and realize how much detail falcom put to make the story continuous
Nico got me again. I fully expected to have to wait quite a while for Sky the 3rd, but when I saw this video, I remembered something: when trails gets you, it will never let go. A lot of people try these games, don't get it, get bored, drop it, write if off as a waste and never touch them again, but for a small percentage of people, this stuff gets into their blood and will never leave.
I've been playing JRPGs for close to 40 years now, and I played the original FF and DQ on the NES back in the day. The longer you've played JRPGs and the more passionate you are about them, the more trails hooks you. It's the JRPG fan's JRPG.
It is very much a series that's the equivalent of an epic fantasy series.
Usually, books with long form of narratives tend to have readers get hooked or drop off because of the length or just having glacial pacing. But those that stick with them get rich settings, an insane amount of foreshadowings, interesting but endearing characters, and consistent themes/messages.
I can say this now because you're three games in, but Trails has my favorite main characters in any series ever. I love all of them so much. It's crazy how i'll play one arc and think "wow that character was incredible, there's no way they'll top that." AND THEY DO! Also, Kevin, you know him you love him, gets more character development in one game than a lot of characters in other series get in like, three.
This is my personal favorite sky game cause it's a VERY personal story for not just Kevin, but the entire Liberl cast. It's an absolutely worth it ride, and I really hope you enjoy it!
Spongebob Kevin meme
This is my personal favorite Trails game period
Even in terms of emotional impact, I never thought anything would hit harder than the big scenes of the Sky games. Then Crossbell had multiple on that same level in a way I never expected. And then Cold Steel... at first I thought would be the one I'd have the least emotional investment in at the start, and then ended up getting hit the hardest of all during "relentlessly, without looking back". I haven't gotten to Reverie or Daybreak yet, but these games continue to surprise me when I think I'm past the emotional peak of the story.
@@Pompadourius CS has some really REALLY high points and emotional impacts. Like.... Every game! And some of the cruelest cliffhangers after I and III. "...Ink, black as despair!"
Okay, Nico's flashback of saying he's not sure if he'll play the 3rd followed by the game having that dire epigraph was hilarious to me.
Me too, especially how it started: "That brief hesitation was all it took to unleash a great evil." Pure gold!
It cracked me up really good, I was eating a sandwich, almost choked from laughter
And thus, something we only thought possible with other games Nico absolutely loved beyond anything... has happened again. He has been grabbed by more than just the balls, this man's entire SOUL is captured with this.
Mine too, if I'm being honest. Falcom has me by the balls.
@@SuperSupersoda It'll only get ya even more by the end of this, trust me lol
24:08 And this is why it was perfect Nico had Kevin as part of the group when Estelle's "story" with the talking chests ended last game/LP. Possibilities with the chest passing on but also passing of the torch, so to speak.
Maybe it's cause the voice Nico is giving her, or her love for Tita, but... Erika is feeling like a an Adult version of Estelle with a touch of Analace.
Erika is the intrusive thought in Falcom's mind of "what if we merged these two characters and somehow made them EVEN MORE UNHINGED"
If the “and now back to” isn’t that scene from Home Alone 2 where the mom yells “KEVIN!!!”, I will riot
Oh and a side note, similar to your kingdom hearts and Xenoblade lets plays with “ever lasting darkness” and “show me your insolence” Sky the third has an infamous boss fight that’s considered to be the hardest fight in the entire series.
Once you hear the words: “Defeat me. That is all.”
You will know that shit is about to go DOWN
Admittedly getting to the fight itself is the "Oh shit gotta lock in" moment cause like the fight NOT being difficult would be a bigger twist lol
There are a few "hardest boss fights in the series" in the 3rd but yeah most of the others are optional challenges so he should know they would be hard before doing them.
@@ZeroNightBlaze0 It sure is! But its best to bring that up later in this LP
@@BobbyTheGamerOfJUSTICE fair enough, thanks for responding btw ^-^ should I delete the reply then just in case he checks then or?
I lost to it like twice then when it showed me the " nerf it to its weakest " i was like ohhh ok its meant to be this hardcore ok...
Makes sense!
Oh, you madman.
One thing to note, this is the only game in the Sky trilogy that isn't rated by the ESRB. As such, the localizer's went further than normal. If this game was rated, it would absolutely be rated M, so enjoy the shift in tone.
After this he is entirely hooked. This is where the lore and worldbuilding goes sicko mode.
1:13:07
I mean, if part of YOUR job was managing a bird brain like Dorothy, the stress would probably age you a few years too. That and the cigarettes…
Nico: Man it's great to be back with Kevin I wonder who else all is gonna show up
Gilbert: GUESS WHOSE BACK!
Nico: OH GODDAMMIT!
That's right Nico your worst nightmare, Gilbert aka the Team Rocket of Trails!
Worse. He's the Kenji
This is a weird game because some people hate it and some people just love it, and it has a somewhat weird narrative structure that makes it feel like an extended epilogue that mostly consists of stuff that you kind of suspect was left out of the other two games. Having said that, it's so full of background info on the extended cast that you're going to have a blast voicing it.
As an aside, I just stumbled into your channel and I'm gonna watch every Trails game you decide to play. I had an amazing time making my way through the whole series during 2024 and I'm sure you'll go through the same thing. Enjoy!
It's not my favorite for the reasons you listed but its still fantastic
Personally I absolutely love this game and it's easily my favorite of the Sky trilogy.
But it is veeeery different structurally and narratively to basically the entire rest of the series.
@@tcaz I think it's my favorite game (and one of the best) of the series BECAUSE of how different it is.
The pacing feels tigher overall thanks due to the shorter length, the story spends enough time setting up the mystery and resolving it without dragging it too much, the characters get enough moments and go through their arcs at a reasonable pace for the story. The fanservice is weaved into the story pretty well and doesn't feel intrusive, but rather it does feel like a proper epilogue for the sky arc.
And, it's impressive how this game managed to make the side character of SC (who some people didn't care about before 3rd) and the entirely new and introduced Ries, into some of the best characters in the series.
I don’t see why they hate this game.
‘Weird narrative structure’ is barely a criticism when characters are expanded upon.
@@Anayoth I don’t hate it, but I do prefer how other games have a bigger emphasis on exploration, side quests, and npc interactions than opposed to mostly dungeon crawling. The doors help spice things up but they come at the cost of kinda worsening the pacing with how long some of them can be.
I still think Sky the third is a fantastic game mind you. This is however why it’s not in my top 5
NicoB a year ago, during Samurai Remnant's intro: And now, back to my new addiction.
A year from now: Come on Falcome, show me the goods, show me those Trails. Come on, come on, don't you hold out on me, let me taste those Trails! I need the rush of opening a treasure chest and checking it again! I need that attention to detail, man, don't you get it, I need it!
I really do hope he plays another Fate thing this year.
@@MEGAmangaman I was sort of hoping if he took from Trails that he might try FSN in the meantime, at least the Fate Route.
I also wanted to take a break before the third for a month, but started playing only 2 days later, this thing is hilarious
Nico: "THIS ISN'T MY FINAL FORM!"
Father Kev "ooo boy we're back! I thought we'd have to wait for a while in the depths of Gehenna before Nico came back to us"
Great to see you back to Trails already Nico. Never stop the ul-tra-vi-o-lence
Here's a neat detail: Gambler Jack isn't available on the Lusitania because it's a novel set in Calvard, and it's banned in the Erebonian Empire.
oh my god nico can't stop, THE TRAIN NEVER STOPS
We're ridin this train ALL the way to Erebonia!
The Warp train still has 1999 Years to go.
I will be completely honest with you. I'm only excited about this because it should mean that we get trails of cold steel faster.
I suddenly have flashbacks to when this series consumed my life in 2022.....
Relatable. I played the first game when I bought it on sale, I played through it, being charmed by the world, characters and humour, and I decided that I'd definitely keep an eye out for the sequel going on sale.
...Then the ending hit me like a sledgehammer and I bought SC _immediately._ No waiting for a sale. I basically never do that, but the story had me and it wouldn't let go.
Probably a good time to mention this: there are 2 unique quartz that you can be potentially awarded with in the final chapter. You can get one per playthrough. You get one for winning 500 fights, and one from fleeing 500 fights. It is important to know that if you run from even a single fight before you get the 500 wins quartz, you will be permanently locked out of getting the quartz if you end up saving.
My recommendation is to save often (which i know you do), and avoid fights rather than run from them. If memory serves, the 500 wins quartz is amazing, and i hate how super easily you can be locked out of it. Gotta love the old RPG jank.
Gameplay has really improved since last game.
There's lots good new arts in the game so you should check the notebook as soon as possible, because it's quite different.
I especially like the Enfeeble spell. For the first time in the series you can actually inflict defense down in the series. So physical crafts actually deal way more damage.
"Inflict from spell" you mean, pretty sure Kloe could
WE ARE SO BACK, LIKE WHEN NICO STEAMROLLED THROUGH KINGDOM HEARTS GAMES BACK THEN.
Trails has become Kingdom Hearts
We’re living in a paradise
That last word might not be appropriate.......
You know what the last word means in Trails fandom right???
What are you talking about?
Why would paradise be a bad thing?
@@BobbyTheGamerOfJUSTICE Oh I know what it means
But I don’t want to spoil anything for Nico so I’ll keep that door closed till he get gets there
…What?
Damn, I hadn't realized Ballad and Nielsen showed up in the prologue of this. The attention to detail...
I'm hoping they get their NPC models updated to fit with the rest of the series once the remakes get there.
Not just them. According to Kondo, the woman Kevin is flirting with at the beginning is a certain... diva we all know and love.
1:43:27 I love how this theme is actually a remix of the main menu theme, it's so nostalgic and emotional
It's like Brandon Sanderson pulling out a new book he's written without us being aware of it. Even after he pulled out 4 books in 1 year.
That "apology" video Brandon did lives rent free in my brain. Seriously. What a guy.
Brandon is a legend
Can't believe that Nico waited all the way until 2025 to start Sky the 3rd LP. He surely took his sweet time! /s
HE CANT KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH THIS
So on the topic of difficulty- Normal is absolutely fine for 3rd. You could actually go up to Hard or more if you wanted to because 3rd is when they started not developing the difficulties for NG+, but its roughly in line with FC/SC on difficulty on Normal, which it sounds like you're fine with. The later games though, I actually personally think you should go up to at least Hard. They start to get easier as time goes on, to the point where more experienced JRPG players start to find them a bit boring on Normal.
From Cold Steel on I find the challenge to be insufficient on anything but Nightmare, personally, and I know I'm not the only Trails player to feel this way (not to say anyone playing on less than that is invalid, just I tend to prefer JRPGs when they make me use all their mechanics to overcome challenges, which isn't really the case in later ones).
But that's a decision for awhile from now.
I'd say CS3 is the better start for doing Nightmare New Game. But i agree post Sky is Hard, minimum.
I personally find CS games to be still fine on hard. At least because of some insufferable time-gated fights (looking at that one cold steel 3 fight in particular.) Daybreak on the other hand was absolutely too easy even on hard. I could probably count the number of bosses gave me any troble on one hand.
Yeah it's gonna be different for everybody. How I personally went about it is all 3 of Sky on normal and was fine with the difficulty > Cold Steel 1 on hard, found it too easy compared to Sky on Normal > rest of the series on Nightmare and have been fine with that setting since.
(This was pre-Zero coming out in English if anyone is wondering why I went to CS1 after Sky).
But I do straight up think that "Hard" in every game after Sky is roughly equivalent to Sky on Normal, and Nightmare is not that big of a step up from it.
A lot of people say this game is too repetitive and slow but it has really great world building and character arcs and Kevin is one of the best Trails MCs in my opinion.
Ries: We must find food, it is the key to escaping this place....Why are you going over to that chest?
Kevin: Just watch. Hey Mr.Chest.
Mr.Chest: Hello Kevin. Came to apologize?
Kevin: That I am. So yeah, sorry for what I said earlier.
Mr.Chest: I forgive you Kevin. Say are you and your friend hungry? As I can provide food.
Kevin: Oh that we are.
Mr.Chest: Very Well. *Opens up to reveal a ten course dinner within*
Kevin: There you go, Ries.
Ries:....It's not enough.
To be honest, I really was hoping he'd continued after the break haha. The fact I saw this upload and smiled really makes me happy 😊
Edit: Also Happy New Years Nico and Penguins! What a great day to start a Trails on a new year 🎉
If Nico is going back to back to back between the Legend of Hero's game, You know he really *really REALLY* loved those games
I watched Nico's mind about playing Sky 3rd chnge in real time during a stream. That one donor must be real proud of his donation.
Anyway, have fun! This is probably among my favorite Trails games, because I liked the structure and what they do with it so much. It's definitely divisive, though, even to the point where some people call it "skippable", but that mostly comes from the desire to catch up and play the nice-looking 3D Trails games as fast as possible.
Nico, this is the 3rd time in a row you started a trails series for the s.s L.P
2:08 I didn’t fall for it Nico, I knew you said the same thing about the 2nd game and started it the next week, also I’m waiting for the Mr. Chest completion
Compilation
Super excited to see you continuing this series after all! These playthroughs have been such a joy to watch, and I’m glad they’ve been received well!
To address the topic of difficulty; The Sky Trilogy is definitely balanced best on normal, as that was originally the only difficulty. Future games though, it gets different. Zero/Azure feel fine on hard or nightmare, and anything Cold Steel onward is only even remotely challenging on nightmare. So if you enjoy a challenge, keep that in mind for future games
Final Episode of SC: man, now I have to wait for a while to get to the 3rd, welp I’m sure I’ll enjoy the next series he’ll have up
Nico Saying about the next series being delayed to next week: oh well that’s fine, I’m a patient boi, whatever this new series is will be well worth it, I know it
New Years Day while I’m drinking wine and enjoying the celebration: (*opens up UA-cam, First video on my Recommendation*)
(*pauses*)
(*inhales*)
IM GOING TO COMMIT
U L T R A
V I O L E N C E
Welp, Nico has officially gone too deep into the rabbit hole. He's beyong saving. Trails burnout does not exist.
Idk man cold steel 2 still hurts
Trails burnout hits. I played the original trilogy and stopped after starting Zero. Took me nearly a year to two later to pick it back up. Got burnt out after Cold Steel as well
The Trails games demand attention and investment and they can be a bitch to jump back into after an absence, and that level of commitment can get tiring after a while. I love this series and I still haven't finished the Cold Steel arc because it feels so daunting to pick up a game partway through after a long absence.
NicoB then: "I know I said I wasn't gonna start SC right away and then pulled a fast one on you guys, but this time I'm for real not gonna jump into the next game again."
NicoB now:
NicoB now: HAH! FEEL FOR IT FOO!! *THUNDER CROSS SPLIT ATTACK!!!*
It's to complete the trilogy guys, there's no way that's he's going to the next entry after... right?
Well, he did took an almost 10 days break after SC ending. A huge amount of time by trails fan standards.
@@yodastitch4227I feel called out
It's only been two years since I played Sky 3rd and yet that opening tune filled me with such intense nostalgia. Truly a beautiful game.
And here I was, thinking it would be at least one other game between Sky 2 and 3. Looks like you showed me.
Lets gooo!
Well that was much quicker than I expected, Trails fans eating good into the new year thanks man!
Yay!
Never played these games (poor and not much of a gamer to begin with), but I've seen the Penguins recommend them to you forever, and I'm so happy they did, these games are so good!
Even just experiencing them through you have made me a fan. I'm super hyped for this one, Kevin became one of my faves last game, partially because the voice you've given him is so nice! I don't think you've ever voiced someone like that before.
it's kinda surreal seeing some semi-relevant/notable NPCs from the later games just make an appearance in this game's opening segment on the airship, even if it is just a small textbox acknowledging them. It just impresses me just how this game isn't just an epilogue for trails in the sky but also sets up a lot for the future games as well.
Saw the thumbnail and my jaw dropped. Nico had the opportunity to do the funniest thing ever. AND THE MADLAD ACTUALLY WENT FOR IT, LETS GO!!!
Surely Nico will continue to bait us 10 more times
Finally. The meeting we have all been waiting for: Nico meeting Tita's very doting, very savage mother! This battle will be legendary!
Mr chest: "So you couldn't wait to play the new game. Where does that bring you? Back to me."
Kevin: "Holy Aidios so this is what Estelle went through? Jeez, now I'm the crazy one this time around"
57:00 Welcome to Trails Nico, everything is connected
Yep, I knew it. I knew you couldn’t stay away Nico, you’re in the Trails rabbit hole for the rest of your goddamn demon life
Great to see you getting into the 3rd game, wasn't expecting it but love to see you playing it. Your playthrough was my first time seeing the trails series and I've been in love with it.
Hahaha. Welcome aboard Kevin's wild ride. Hope you enjoy your trip :p
You are so done. That's it. You're gone. It's over for you. Sky FC is a prologue for the entire series, yeah, but this is both an epilogue for the Sky arc and a TEASER for the rest of the arcs, while giving some well-needed fleshing out for a lot of current characters... It opens up a whooole new slew of questions waiting to be answered.
The next arc starts with Trails from Zero and ends with Trails to Azure. aka the Crossbell Duology. I think a lot of fans consider the Crossbell games to be some of the best games in the series too... so you know. Good luck to you if you want to put the series down for a bit lol.
I love the fact that they just drop the Carnelia bomb on you right away. I said long ago that your view of the world is confined to Liberl. The strongest person you know in Liberl is Cassius but the world is much, much bigger than you can imagine.
The church/Gralsritter is one of my favourite organizations in video games I think. It's just kinda awesome.
Honestly, one of the reasons why I would recommend having a small break between SC and 3rd is, because not playing Trails from Zero after it is kind of hard!
At least Zero has a clean ending and you can also take a small break before Azure as a result.
What a way to end the year and bring in the new one. The new Kingdom Hearts lol. Hope you have fun Nico, it’s glad to see you find something to be passionate about.
Yes!!! I hoped that switch up with Kevin at the end of SC would be enough to fuel your curiosity & tempt you to play 3rd. My favourite game in the series this one, & I hope very much you love it as much as I do. Enjoy!
Yup. As I said at the start of the previous game. We have made him one of us.
One of us
One of us
One of us
... Also Happy new year Nico.
...oh dear lord it's Kingdom Hearts all over again. He's in too deep.
OH MY GOD, NICO, YOU’RE INSANE! Love it though! Got us again!
This is my second favorite game in the series. It’s one of the most unique in terms of game layout/design, with a fantastic OST.
There’s a lot to like about 3rd, and I’m so excited to see this through.
Chest Messages also take a step up in 3rd, getting even more creative compared to SC. I won’t be specific for now, but you’ll see.
Time for Kevin o' Clock.
Aka the game that random people keep telling everyone is skippable.
...it is not.
it is nuff said
@@Gdg195No, it really, REALLY isn’t.
@@Gdg195 I feel that the only way this entry is skip able is if one posits that context from prior games does not matter for ones enjoyment, which would mean that hopping in at like cs4 would be justifiable, and I in truth can hardly see the merit in such a belief.
Those people are super insufferable. This game actually has important stuff about several characters and even setting up future events. It's the bridge between arcs in the same vein as Reverie later, and if you're telling me 3rd is skippable and that isn't, yeah you're just plain wrong. Neither is skippable.
Honestly I feel like that ''3rd is skippable'' crowd is just a meme like the ''can I start the saga with this game?'' crowd and not some actual people unironically believing it
Nico: Im burnt out on trails games
Everyone: **sighs in relief**
Nico: IS WHAT I WOULD SAY--
Trails of the Sky 3rd: **COMES IN WITH THE BATTLE MUSIC**
Man, Nial and Dorothy could kill it as a comedy duo! They should pool their money and get a banana... for timing.
OH YEAH !! , i never touch trails before , but after watching 2 game from nico , i am invested too !!!
Oh hello Kingdom Hearts, we've missed you
Super excited for you to get through Trails in the Sky 3rd! I'm so so happy that you've gotten so immersed in this story and I am so excited for you to progress further into the series. This game is amazing and one of my favorite games of all time and I hope you enjoy it even a fraction of the amount that I did.
OH BABY A TRIPLE!
Anyways, love you Nico, this is my favorite game in all of trails!
Glad to see you continuing the series! Kevin's story is wonderful, and this may still be my favorite game in the series. It's a giant love letter to the cast and the world, and you're in for a great time.
Combat-wise, Kevin isn't a great physical attacker but he's a fantastic caster, I'd put him at top 4 just under Kloe, Olivier, and [spoiler]. Ries, on the other hand is a great physical attacker at least until you get your best heavy hitters. Speaking of, her name is pronounced Reese, like the peanut butter cup. Fun fact: the Japanese version of the game spelled it Rieß which is an actual German surname.
Loved your reaction to Erika. She's absolutely unhinged, and I love her.
Falcom is very cool with how they use terms from European cultures that reflects their background. Erebonia is Greek + Prussia, Liberl is Austria + Thailand, Crossbell is Hong Kong + New York City and Calvard is America + France + Middle East.
Happy New Year!
Sky the 3rd is rather different, as I’m sure you noticed by the fact you weren’t given a spoiler-free guide this time. This game actually has very few permanent missables, mostly being the chests you got this episode.
Despite this, there is one missable that you won’t ever see unless you’re informed early. There is a one-of-a-kind piece of equipment only available at a late point in the game by winning 300 battles without fleeing even once. Alternatively, there is a another piece of equipment that requires you to flee 300 times. They are mutually exclusive, despite their conditions both being technically achievable in one run, and the game does not particularly hint at their existence.
The madlad's actually doing it. Not that I mind the Kingdom Hearts treatment. Also, Happy New Year!
I do remember chat saying the chest dialogue would be very wild this time around.
Man cannot think of a better new year gift than Nico starting my favorite game in the series and also the most important game in the entire series from a lore and foreshadowing perspective. Be sure to try out different characters in this game Nico as some of them are incredibly over powered.
ZCF stands for zeiss central factory btw
NICO YOU MADMAN WE SAID YOU COULD TAKE A BREAK!
The Trails brainrot has it's hooks deep in him, and it might be terminal.
Eh, it's fine let him finish up this arc so he doesn't have so many hanging plot threads living rent free in his head.
@@joshuabean7805 Kappa
@@jmporkbob ??????? Uh, why are you calling me a Japanese river demon?
@@joshuabean7805 There's definitely a char arc thread hanging after this game. Also holy shit I replied to you on 2 different comments. What are the odds lmao
Man I can’t believe that in addition to taking all the money, gear, and sepith, Estelle also took most of the menus for the first part of the game. Tsk tsk
28:15 to be clear, Nielsen has not appeared in prior games
Holy crap!! I just made the connection!!