Trails and Ys Localizations Promised to Come Faster

NIS America Accelerates Western Releases of Trails and Ys Series

Good news for fans of Falcom's Trails and Ys RPG franchises! NIS America, the publisher bringing these acclaimed Japanese titles to the West, has announced a significant commitment to speeding up localization efforts. This follows the recent release of Ys X: Nordics and the upcoming release of Trails Through Daybreak II in early 2025.

Alan Costa, NIS America's Senior Associate Producer, confirmed the publisher's dedication to faster release cycles, though specifics on internal changes remain undisclosed. He highlighted Trails Through Daybreak II's significantly shortened Western release window compared to previous Trails titles as evidence of this commitment. The game, released in Japan in September 2022, is slated for a Western launch in early 2025—a considerable improvement over the years-long delays seen in the past.

Historically, the sheer volume of text in these games presented a major hurdle. As previously explained, the immense translation task required for titles like Trails in the Sky and others resulted in years-long delays. While NIS America acknowledges the inherent challenges of localizing massive amounts of text, the goal remains to balance speed and quality. Costa emphasized the priority given to maintaining high localization standards, even with accelerated timelines.

The past has seen setbacks, such as the delay of Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana due to translation issues, underscoring the importance of accuracy. However, the recent progress and positive reception of Trails Through Daybreak suggest NIS America is successfully navigating this balance. The faster release schedule, coupled with maintaining high quality, points towards a brighter future for Western fans of the Trails and Ys series. For a deeper dive into The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak, check out our full review!