The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel - Northern War
Synopsis
For many years following the North Ambrian Disaster, North Ambria has been known as the poorest region in Zemuria. After the state suffered a major loss due to the mysterious Salt Pale turning citizens and buildings into salt, the economy has never truly recovered. Out of necessity to secure foreign investment for the state, the former state military has turned into a group of mercenaries known as the Northern Jaegers. Wishing to join the largest group of mercenaries on the continent, Lavian "Lavi" Winslet, a promising rookie, enlists with the Northern Jaegers. Although she has only been with them for half a year, the reserved but capable Lavi Winslet is well respected by her peers. When Lavi and her team are tasked with gathering information regarding the Imperial Hero of Erebonia—a new threat to the state—she discovers that there may be more to the continent's intricate politics than meets the eye. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is heavily divided based on familiarity with the Trails/Kiseki game series. Fans of the games may find some enjoyment in the additional lore and cameos, while newcomers will likely be lost and disappointed. The anime is criticized for its rushed plot, weak characters, mediocre animation, and overall feeling like a shallow advertisement rather than a substantial story.
Strengths
- Good for fans of the Trails/Kiseki series; provides more lore and cameos.
- Engaging dialogues in some instances.
- Soundtrack incorporates familiar and new tracks well.
Weaknesses
- Inaccessible and confusing for newcomers to the franchise.
- Rushed and convoluted plot; underdeveloped storylines and characters.
- Mediocre art and cheap animation quality.
- Boring protagonist and weak political intrigue.
- Feels like an advertisement for a gacha game, lacking substance.