Trails and Ys Localizations Promised to Come Faster

NIS America accelerates its localization efforts for Falcom's acclaimed Trails and Ys series, promising faster releases for Western audiences. This article delves into the publisher's strategies and the challenges involved.

NIS America Speeds Up Western Releases of Trails and Ys Games

Quicker Access to Beloved JRPGs

Fans of Japanese role-playing games rejoice! NIS America's Senior Associate Producer, Alan Costa, recently announced a commitment to significantly reducing the time it takes to bring Falcom's popular Trails and Ys franchises to the West. This follows the recent release of Ys X: Nordics and the upcoming launch of Trails Through Daybreak II in early 2025.

While Costa remained tight-lipped about specific internal changes, he confirmed a concerted effort to streamline the localization process. The upcoming release of Trails Through Daybreak II, despite its September 2022 Japanese release, represents a substantial improvement over previous timelines for the Trails series.

Historically, Western fans faced notoriously long waits. Trails in the Sky, initially released in Japan in 2004, didn't reach global audiences until 2011. Similarly, titles like Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure experienced a twelve-year delay.

Past challenges, as detailed by former XSEED Games Localization Manager Jessica Chavez, involved the sheer volume of text requiring translation, often with limited translation teams. This massive undertaking naturally extended localization periods.

While the process remains a two-to-three-year commitment, NIS America emphasizes quality alongside speed. Costa highlighted the ongoing effort to balance rapid releases with maintaining high localization standards.

The complexities of localizing games with extensive text are undeniable. The one-year delay of Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana due to translation errors serves as a cautionary tale. However, NIS America's current approach suggests a successful balance between speed and accuracy.

The timely release and positive reception of Trails Through Daybreak indicate a promising shift in NIS America's localization capabilities. This improved efficiency suggests a brighter future for Western fans of these beloved franchises.

For a detailed review of The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak, please see our review below!