The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III closes out the Revenant Dogs arc with a tighter, sharper script than the games that came before it. This is the best entry in the series so far, and it earns an 8.3 out of 10.
Trailer, via NIS America.
The Main Story
The plot centers on Revenant Dogs, a group of cadets who fight against the Empire. The writing is more focused than previous entries, and the emotional stakes land harder because of it. Characters grow and change across the story, and the final act delivers on promises made back in the first game.
Combat and Class Changes
Combat remains the series’ strong point. The action system rewards timing and positioning, and the new classes introduced here add depth without overwhelming the player. Switching between classes mid-battle lets you adapt to enemy weaknesses on the fly, which keeps fights fresh even after dozens of hours.
The Setting
The setting shifts to a new region, and the map design shows off the series’ best work. Side quests are plentiful, but most reward exploration over grinding. The game does not lean on repetitive fetch quests to pad its length.
Technical Issues
Performance varies by platform. The PS4 version runs steadily, while the PC version can suffer from frame drops during large battles. Load times are long on both versions, which breaks the pace of play.
Sound and Presentation
The music holds up across the arc’s three games. Character portraits are expressive, and the voice acting carries weight in key scenes. The visual style is consistent with earlier entries, though some textures look dated next to newer JRPGs.
A Look at the Running Order
| Chapter | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduces Revenant Dogs |
| 2 | Expands the cast’s relationships |
| 3 | Mid-game twists |
| 4 | Climax and resolution |
The game runs long, but the pacing holds together across its chapters. Nothing drags for too long.
Final Verdict
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III is a strong conclusion to a strong arc. It fixes the pacing issues that plagued earlier entries, and the combat system remains the best in the genre. Performance issues keep it from greatness, but the story and gameplay make it essential for fans of the series.
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