Trails Beyond the Horizon Drops Opening Movie Ahead of January 15 Western Launch

NIS America has dropped the opening movie for The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon ahead of its January 15 release. The title, which marks the 20th anniversary of the Trails franchise, is set to launch across PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC via Steam.

The newly released sequence features the track "Shiroisekai – Short Ver." performed by Megumi Sasaka. Mitsuo Singa handled the arrangement and lyrics, while the music is credited to Falcom Sound Team jdk.

The plot focuses on the nation of Calvard as it initiates Operation Startaker, a major space exploration push intended to deploy communications satellites and address environmental issues from orbit. Following the structure of games like Trails into Reverie, players will navigate three distinct protagonist routes focusing on Van Arkride, Rean Schwarzer, and Kevin Graham.

The established hybrid real-time/turn-based combat system receives an update with the new Awakening System. This mechanic allows key characters to tap into powerful battle transformations, including Van's Grendel form or Dominion Stigma abilities.

While the game originally hit consoles in Japan in September 2024, the Western release was pushed back from its initial Fall 2025 window to January 2026, coinciding with the announcement of the Switch 2 version. For those eager to jump in early, story and battle demos are currently live on Steam, PlayStation, and the Nintendo eShop.

Separately, the remake of Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter launched worldwide on September 19. Its sequel is slated for release in Fall 2026.