Faster Localizations Promised for Trails and Ys

NIS America is ramping up its efforts to bring Falcom's renowned Trails and Ys series to Western audiences at a faster pace. Dive into the details of how the publisher is enhancing the localization process for these beloved franchises.

NIS America Steps Up Localization Efforts for Trails and Ys Games

Faster Falcom Games Coming to the West

Exciting times are ahead for fans of Japanese RPGs! At the recent digital showcase for Ys X: Nordics, Alan Costa, NIS America's Senior Associate Producer, revealed the company's dedication to speeding up the release of Falcom's cherished Trails and Ys series in the West.

"We've been working diligently behind the scenes to expedite the localization process," Costa shared in a PCGamer interview, though specifics remain under wraps. He highlighted upcoming releases such as Ys X: Nordics and Trails Through Daybreak II, set to hit Western markets this October and early next year, respectively.

Despite Trails Through Daybreak II launching in Japan in September 2022, its planned Western release in early 2025 represents a significant reduction in the typical wait time for Trails titles.

The Trails series has been notorious for extended delays in reaching Western audiences. For example, Trails in the Sky, initially released in Japan on PC in 2004, didn't make it to global audiences until the PSP version in 2011, courtesy of XSEED Games. Similarly, Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure took a staggering twelve years to arrive in the West.

The complexity of the localization process was elucidated by former XSEED Games Localization Manager Jessica Chavez in 2011. She noted that translating millions of characters with a small team was the main challenge, explaining the prolonged wait times for Trails games.

Although the localization timeline remains a two to three-year process, NIS America emphasizes maintaining high-quality translations. "Our goal is to expedite releases without compromising on quality," Costa affirmed. "We've been refining this balance for years and are continually improving."

Localization, particularly for text-heavy games, is a time-consuming endeavor. The year-long delay of Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana due to translation errors serves as a cautionary tale for NIS America. However, Costa's recent comments suggest the company is successfully navigating the delicate balance between speed and accuracy.

The release of Trails Through Daybreak marks a promising development in NIS America's ability to deliver quality localizations more swiftly. The positive reception from both fans and newcomers alike is a hopeful indicator of what's to come from NIS America's future efforts.

For a deeper dive into our thoughts on The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak, feel free to read our review below!