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[Shouta]

They made improvements to the PC version for Trails 1 for the NA release so I don't see why they wouldn't do the same with future games.

Probably not going to be as simple as FC as that since it has frame rate issues. The lack of mouse & keyboard control they can probably try and figure something out though. I've also heard that the PC port for Zero was poorly optimized too.

Even if they did get something done to fix that up, the 2 more recent games don't even have PC releases.

 

[Basileus777]

The criticism is still valid, particularly the obsolescence of the platforms. It's actually a concern if you're a fan that wants the best version of each game as a dead system makes it less viable to work on the project and make it sustainable for the folks working on it. It might be OK for now but it'll become an issue in the long term.

In addition, the PC versions after Sora only exist for 2 out of 4 games. In one of those 2 PC ports, I've heard that there were technical issues with the frame rate as well. That's not including the additional content found in the enhanced versions on the Vita.

We're years away before we could even reach titles where obsolescence would be an issue, and at that point I'm not sure how any blame could be put on XSeed for it. Unless you have some imaginary localization group in mind that would have fixed all of these issues. No one could have kept up with Falcom's pace.

 

[Shouta]

We're years away before we could even reach titles where obsolescence would be an issue, and at that point I'm not sure how any blame could be put on XSeed for it. Unless you have some imaginary localization group in mind that would have fixed all of these issues. No one could have kept up with Falcom's pace.

They could change up their methodology to better increase their efficiency.

 

[Robert at Zeboyd Games]

They could change up their methodology to better increase their efficiency.

There's only so much you can do to increase speed without losing quality or spending more money. And hey, I'm sure if Trails in the Sky 2 turns out to be a huge blockbuster success for them, they'd be more than willing to spend the money to increase the localization team size and get these things out faster.

 

[Shouta]

There's only so much you can do to increase speed without losing quality or spending more money. And hey, I'm sure if Trails in the Sky 2 turns out to be a huge blockbuster success for them, they'd be more than willing to spend the money to increase the localization team size and get these things out faster.

I don't know if it was Xseed that posted about how their localization was done on this forum but if it's done in that format, there is definitely room to improve based off what I can remember. I'd go back and check but I don't remember the name of the thread, lol.

 

[wyrdwad]

They could change up their methodology to better increase their efficiency.

We're actually already planning to do this for any future entries we may work on in the series. We've learned a lot from FC and SC, and have every intention of utilizing what we've learned for maximum efficiency in the future. If we do continue work on Trails, I anticipate future installments will proceed much more quickly and smoothly.

I don't know if it was Xseed that posted about how their localization was done on this forum but if it's done in that format, there is definitely room to improve based off what I can remember. I'd go back and check but I don't remember the name of the thread, lol.

Are you talking about the format? If so, that's determined by the developers (or, when we're working with a PC game, by the way the source code is written). We don't really have any control over that -- we just take what they give us, and work with it to the best of our ability.

-Tom

 

[Shouta]

Are you talking about the format? If so, that's determined by the developers (or, when we're working with a PC game, by the way the source code is written). We don't really have any control over that -- we just take what they give us, and work with it to the best of our ability.

-Tom

No, as in the format that translations are done, organized, and managed.

 

[Squishy3]

I think these criticisms had some validity years ago, but not really since they've partnered with Carpe Fulgur. Since then they've communicated things pretty clearly, well other than the prolonged silence on Trails 1's PC delay early this year. The idea that there are other localization teams that would have brought over this series if not for XSeed seems like a fantasy to be honest.

I made a post in some other thread about a Xseed game getting released (don't remember the thread) along the lines of "That's all well and good, but what about Trails in the Sky PC?" and got an indepth response from who I'm pretty sure was Tom about it's progress and IIRC he mentioned they'd have an official announcement soon. And I wanna say this was a month or two before the game came out.

 

[NormalFish]

Whiny man child? I'm just calling them out. I honestly don't give a damn about SC. I forced my way through the first game and thought it was garbage. I just hate how XSEED has handled the game and jerked their fans around.



Right. I'M the asshole because it's too much to ask people to do their jobs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection

 

[chaosblade]

We're actually already planning to do this for any future entries we may work on in the series. We've learned a lot from FC and SC, and have every intention of utilizing what we've learned for maximum efficiency in the future. If we do continue work on Trails, I anticipate future installments will proceed much more quickly and smoothly.

Are we ever going to publicly see that "book" of series documentation you have for future games? I've been curious how much there is to that/how big it is since you mentioned it.

 

[wyrdwad]

No, as in the format that translations are done, organized, and managed.

I... don't think we've ever gone into much depth on that before, honestly. And generally, we're pretty well-organized and well-managed on all our projects -- I'd even venture to say our organization and management can top that of some much larger companies. We have over 50 games under our belt, after all, and can tackle an average-sized RPG like it's nothin'.

FC and SC were special case exceptions, though, as the former was the biggest game we'd ever attempted at that point (by a lot), and the latter is the biggest we likely ever WILL attempt (unless Zero and Ao are indeed larger, in which case... maybe?).

We admittedly did bite off a little more than we could chew in both cases, and had to rethink our approaches "en route," so to speak, changing and reorganizing several times before each project was through.

That's what I mean when I say that we've learned a lot from FC and SC, though. We've been faced with projects of an enormity on par with FC twice since then (Rune Factory 4 and Story of Seasons), and have tackled them (or are tackling, in the latter case) much more quickly and efficiently due to the experiences we've gained in working with FC and SC. So if we're to work on another Kiseki game, rest assured, there will be no room for complaint with our approach, be it organizational or managerial. We'll be on top of it from the very start.

Are we ever going to publicly see that "book" of series documentation you have for future games? I've been curious how much there is to that/how big it is since you mentioned it.

Don't think we can really publish that. I believe we've topped 100 pages of content at this point, though! If you count story summaries and such, anyway.

-Tom

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

I do understand the frustration of waiting such a long time, but the wait IS actually nearly over. I'll probably do a blog about the status and exciting times (-_-); behind this project just as soon as the editing wraps up (or sooner if I can manage it). I've also been doing a running commentary about the files/text and strange mysteries behind some of the things in the game since I started my pass, so you can be assured that work has been underway and is being done even if it's not necessarily broadcasted through official channels. Anyway, thanks as always for all the support and please consider joining TeamAgate when the time comes.

nice. cheers for the response.

can't ask for anymore than that. keep up the good work. much appreciated

 

[Dragoon En Regalia]

Good to hear that future translating, editing, and Q&A will be more efficient in the coming era of Falcom localizations. Now that Carpe Fulgur's pitched in to do the bulk of SC's text, what are the chances XSEED would collaborate with similar translation groups (if there are any)? I remember SpaceDrake saying CF would get back to work on localizing their own slate after this project concludes for them.

Will XSEED have, in the future, any means of doing PC ports themselves or through contract with a separate porting house? I'm not confident that Joyoland can produce conversions at the level and with customization options the Steam/GOG audience desires.

 

[Jomjom]

I... don't think we've ever gone into much depth on that before, honestly. And generally, we're pretty well-organized and well-managed on all our projects -- I'd even venture to say our organization and management can top that of some much larger companies. We have over 50 games under our belt, after all, and can tackle an average-sized RPG like it's nothin'.

FC and SC were special case exceptions, though, as the former was the biggest game we'd ever attempted at that point (by a lot), and the latter is the biggest we likely ever WILL attempt (unless Zero and Ao are indeed larger, in which case... maybe?).

We admittedly did bite off a little more than we could chew in both cases, and had to rethink our approaches "en route," so to speak, changing and reorganizing several times before each project was through.

That's what I mean when I say that we've learned a lot from FC and SC, though. We've been faced with projects of an enormity on par with FC twice since then (Rune Factory 4 and Story of Seasons), and have tackled them (or are tackling, in the latter case) much more quickly and efficiently due to the experiences we've gained in working with FC and SC. So if we're to work on another Kiseki game, rest assured, there will be no room for complaint with our approach, be it organizational or managerial. We'll be on top of it from the very start.



Don't think we can really publish that. I believe we've topped 100 pages of content at this point, though! If you count story summaries and such, anyway.

-Tom

Your guys' experience with FC and SC is getting me very hopeful that all the other Kiseki games will one day come to our shores! Keep on keeping on!

 

[Dragon1893]

Your guys' experience with FC and SC is getting me very hopeful that all the other Kiseki games will one day come to our shores! Keep on keeping on!

That's all well and good but at the end of the day it's down to sales, so we need to do our part.
But it's good to see all that confidence, hopefully things will indeed go smoother in future endeavours.

 

[Jomjom]

That's all well and good but at the end of the day it's down to sales, so we need to do our part.
But it's good to see all that confidence, hopefully things will indeed go smoother in future endeavours.

Yeah definitely. Everyone who cares about this needs to buy the game! I've purchased FC 3 times now myself.

 

[alstein]

Probably not going to be as simple as FC as that since it has frame rate issues. The lack of mouse & keyboard control they can probably try and figure something out though. I've also heard that the PC port for Zero was poorly optimized too.

Even if they did get something done to fix that up, the 2 more recent games don't even have PC releases.

This is why the PC versions over here have to do well. Falcom was a PC company before, if they see money in PC ports again, they'll go back to it.

 

[Shouta]

I... don't think we've ever gone into much depth on that before, honestly. And generally, we're pretty well-organized and well-managed on all our projects -- I'd even venture to say our organization and management can top that of some much larger companies. We have over 50 games under our belt, after all, and can tackle an average-sized RPG like it's nothin'.

Found it, it was from last year. When I see this, it makes me sad ;_;

http://kotaku.com/getting-jrpgs-out-in-english-is-harder-than-you-think-1441094168

If you guys are planning on the other Trails titles after SC is finished. I'd really recommend looking into localization practices and technologies that are used in the software industry to combine with what you've learned about your own internal method. Being able to do something like recycle a translated phrase multiple times quickly can help in the initial stages. Then more time can be spent crafting it.

Obviously, a lot of that stuff is not going to be perfectly applicable but anything that increase the productivity of the individual can help a lot, especially when it comes to the translation and editing phases.

That is unless you're already using some of this stuff. If that's the case then, welp.

 

[Dragon1893]

Yeah definitely. Everyone who cares about this needs to buy the game! I've purchased FC 3 times now myself.

Fortunately FC seems to have done well.
Let's hope the same happens with SC.
I guess one positive aspect of the delay is that more people will have played FC by the time the sequel hits.

 

[Vamphuntr]

Public messaging on the whole project has been poor, and it's clear you folks bit off more than you can chew. You initially announced the trilogy, delivered 1 installment, exclusively on and late in the life of a rapidly dying platform (that was dying when the original license announcement was made), then followed it up with years of excuses, and uncertainty as to whether the second game would ever see the light of day, before confirming that it would actually happen and that work had finally started on it with 3rd party assistance.

As it stands now, we're looking at maybe being able to purchase 2 parts of the 3 part trilogy announced at the beginning of this. Since then, we've had 4 additional installments (and counting) in the kiseki series, and several passed over ports that could have potentially solved the ever present platform obsolescence issues that have plagued the series' future in the US since it's introduction. It took so long to even begin work, that the ports that could have helped, are now themselves on dying platforms.

I don't know the exact details of your relationship with falcom, but it's my understanding that all of their titles are currently either going to come from xseed, or not come out here at all. That upsets me because I really wanted to see the series continue in some form (pc, vita, ps3, etc).

I'm happy these got picked up, I think your (xseed's) heart is in the right place, but it's clear that the scope of this project exceeded your capabilities to deliver. This (combined with the perceived or otherwise agreements in place) has effectively killed the series forever once this second installment is released. I would love to be wrong but we are now so behind, platform obsolescence is rapidly creeping up on even the latest entries, and pc versions don't already exist for them.

This is more or less what I was thinking too. I'm glad they are bringing us the games but the series was poorly handled. I bought the PSP game years ago when they've announced the trilogy only to watch them backpedal on it. I'm glad it's now back on track but it's not very exciting to see it get delayed again and again. It's not really reassuring that Falcom has been releasing Kiseki games quickly while we are stuck waiting for the second Trails in the Sky game.

I do also think they bit off more than they could chew. It's a combination of the series being niche and the fact that a quick quality localization would probably require a huge and expensive localization and editing team.

Having it released in English eventually is better than not having it released at all but I'm really tired of the delays and excuses now.

 

[DangerMouse]

We're definitely not just going to call it quits after SC, either. I mean, we still have to figure out HOW we're going to tackle the rest of the series, but we have every intention of at least trying. And not just on PC, if we can help

Keep up the great work, looking forward to the game (and hopefully the rest of 'em too someday)

 

[Nerokis]

The criticism is still valid, particularly the obsolescence of the platforms. It's actually a concern if you're a fan that wants the best version of each game as a dead system makes it less viable to work on the project and make it sustainable for the folks working on it. It might be OK for now but it'll become an issue in the long term.

In addition, the PC versions after Sora only exist for 2 out of 4 games. In one of those 2 PC ports, I've heard that there were technical issues with the frame rate as well. That's not including the additional content found in the enhanced versions on the Vita.

I'm not so sure. Current circumstances make platform obsolescence a real issue, but I think blaming XSEED for this requires ignoring most of reality and making assumptions I'm having a difficult time substantiating. As far as I can tell, their deal with Falcom wasn't made until around 2010, and until then, the main barrier to localization was a). the niche nature of the series, b). the investment required to do a proper localization/port, and c). Bamco's mediocre execution of that latter thing resulting in previous releases bombing even more than they otherwise would have.

So the "XSEED claimed TLoH franchise all to themselves, it ended up being too much for them, and now it is too late" narrative seems unpersuasive to me. Retroactively applying platform obsolescence as the main problem to hide the fact that there were plenty of preexisting reasons for publishers to neglect the series doesn't make sense.

There is also the other side to this: the current situation could be so much worse. Compared to past TLoH releases in the West, isn't Trails in the Sky (deservedly) by far the best received? Proving the franchise can be successful over here, and cultivating an audience with exceptional releases, strikes me as a prerequisite to keeping it alive. I'm having a hard time seeing how XSEED's treatment of it hasn't enhanced its position overall.

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

I see we're at that point in the cycle again with this entry.

Look: Wyrdwad: do it right, do it as fast as you can without jeapordizing the former, and then you get mah monies. I have stuff to tide me over. Good luck.

 

[Finalow]

I don't know how some of the naysayers sleep at night. There are too many games out there these days to even warrant an impatient attitude regarding a pending release date.

pretty much this^.

also we're lucky to get this in english to begin with, it's been and still is a long wait but hey, better than nothing. someone else could have translated them much faster? Maybe, or maybe not at all. you can always play them in japanese. (have fun~ you can't even properly see the kanji in the pc version)

FC and SC have an insane amount of text, not sure if there are other jrpgs that can compare to that.
I imagine people at XSEED, Carpe and whoever is translating them yelling from time to time "holy shit can you stop talking and MOVE the fuck ON".

 

[BBboy20]

Uhh, that's because it's a game with 3.6 million Japanese characters. Even most visual novels cap out at 1 million. The better part of the last three years has been spent translating it, and the translation finally got done just recently... and now, the editing's finally getting done.

As others have noted, I'm not sure how that's an excuse, much less the same one.

Either way, you're free to doubt all you'd like. But when the game gets released to much acclaim next year, rest assured you will be eating those words.

-Tom

Dude, how colossal this game appears to be and the effort you guys are putting into, Marvelous may as well advertise it like it's an annual Call of Duty.

 

[Kintaro]

Hey XSEED folks,

I'm just going to leave my money for this game out for you. Take your time. When it's done, let me know, take your money and I'll enjoy the Second Chapter. Everything is groovy. =)

 

[sturgboski]

Not to highjack the thread, but since its active with fans I figured I should ask:

Is the PSP or PC version preferable and why for FC? I'd like to play it on the Vita but if everyone says PC is way to go and for good reason I will look there.

Selfish question: since the Steam Winter sale is coming, I'm guessing there might be a chance of discount on PC. Any chance on the PSP version?

I've heard such good things about the series and hopefully more come over (like the native Vita ones).

Sorry to detail.

 

[pancakesandsex]

I'm not so sure. Current circumstances make platform obsolescence a real issue, but I think blaming XSEED for this requires ignoring most of reality and making assumptions I'm having a difficult time substantiating. As far as I can tell, their deal with Falcom wasn't made until around 2010, and until then, the main barrier to localization was a). the niche nature of the series, b). the investment required to do a proper localization/port, and c). Bamco's mediocre execution of that latter thing resulting in previous releases bombing even more than they otherwise would have.

So the "XSEED claimed TLoH franchise all to themselves, it ended up being too much for them, and now it is too late" narrative seems unpersuasive to me. Retroactively applying platform obsolescence as the main problem to hide the fact that there were plenty of preexisting reasons for publishers to neglect the series doesn't make sense.

There is also the other side to this: the current situation could be so much worse. Compared to past TLoH releases in the West, isn't Trails in the Sky (deservedly) by far the best received? Proving the franchise can be successful over here, and cultivating an audience with exceptional releases, strikes me as a prerequisite to keeping it alive. I'm having a hard time seeing how XSEED's treatment of it hasn't enhanced its position overall.

Xseed are not immune to criticism just because they tried where others did not.

Platform obsolescence has been a major issue since day one, when the first of 3 games was released late into the psp lifespan, there has never been a moment when the clock wasn't ticking. The problem isn't that the platform was on it's way out, the problem is that they took so long the platform is now dead, and the platforms that the next 4 games in the series were released on are also dead or in the process of being sunset (cept vita, and who knows what the hell is going on there), and they still haven't finished the second game in the series.

While the public line is "we're trying", "look, we're a small company", "c'mon root for the underdog, we're the good guys!", it's much more likely to me that Xseed did not believe in the franchise enough to make it a priority from the get go, and put other projects as a higher priority for the last 4 years. Now that decision has potentially permanently stalled the progression of the series (which has grown rapidly) beyond the first 2-3 games.

 

[Stage On]

Xseed are not immune to criticism just because they tried where others did not.

Platform obsolescence has been a major issue since day one, when the first of 3 games was released late into the psp lifespan, there has never been a moment when the clock wasn't ticking. The problem isn't that the platform was on it's way out, the problem is that they took so long the platform is now dead, and the platforms that the next 4 games in the series were released on are also dead or in the process of being sunset (cept vita, and who knows what the hell is going on there), and they still haven't finished the second game in the series.

While the public line is "we're trying", "look, we're a small company", "c'mon root for the underdog, we're the good guys!", it's much more likely to me that Xseed did not believe in the franchise enough to make it a priority from the get go, and put other projects as a higher priority for the last 4 years. Now that decision has potentially permanently stalled the progression of the series (which has grown rapidly) beyond the first 2-3 games.

That's because they are really are small company. When you literally only have a handful of people there is only so much you can do at once.

Tits is such a huge game in terms of text that's it's too risky for any of the big publishers to bother with and asking small team like Xeed to prioritize it above all else would be suicidal for them since they need income in the meantime to keep the lights on while they work on it.

If they did what you where asking for then we'd go back to having zero chance of ever getting any of the games out in English since Xseed would have gone out of business which would be a shame since while I don't agree with all the games like the Senran series they chose to localize they generally do really darn good work.

As far as I'm concerned better that we're getting SC late then never and at least we still have hope that we might get more games in the series in the future which is more then we'll every have with any other localization company.

In a day and age when giants like Square Enix can't even bother to bring over one of 3 major pillars that's central to their company, it makes me very very thankfully for Marvelous guys like Xseed for going above and beyond for us.

 

[wyrdwad]

While the public line is "we're trying", "look, we're a small company", "c'mon root for the underdog, we're the good guys!", it's much more likely to me that Xseed did not believe in the franchise enough to make it a priority from the get go, and put other projects as a higher priority for the last 4 years. Now that decision has potentially permanently stalled the progression of the series (which has grown rapidly) beyond the first 2-3 games.

I think it's a little unfair to say that that's "the public line." The public line has just been, "it's coming." The rest has been us talking about it with you guys one-on-one on message forums like this, because that's what we do. And we're going to be honest with you guys, because that's also what we do.

As for not making it a priority from the get-go, that was largely due to sales. The first game was a slow burn on PSP -- we put a lot of time, effort and money into it, and we didn't really get much out of it at first. We could've given up on the series altogether at that point, but instead, we decided to stick with it.

So we worked on SC in the background, not because we didn't believe in the franchise, but because we DID believe in it -- enough to keep going despite the tremendous time and monetary commitment required to localize the second title. We couldn't prioritize it because, frankly, we wouldn't be around if we did... but we made sure it was being worked on, and took the time to build up an additional fanbase for the series by working on other Falcom titles and dipping our toe in the PC waters as well.

Now, because we DIDN'T give up on the series, Trails is becoming more well-known by the day, and SC is poised to be a success for us -- as opposed to a long, tiresome project that might've closed our doors forever if we'd focused all our energy on it immediately after FC.

So basically, you're now going to be getting SC a lot later than you wanted it, but on PSP *and* PC, and with a lot of fanfare and hope for the rest of the series... as opposed to much sooner, but on PSP exclusively and pretty much doomed to obscurity, with no hope for the rest of the series.

...Not trying to toot our own horn here, but personally, I think we made the right choice in the end. I wish we could've "had our cake and eaten it too," so to speak... but it's all working out pretty well in the end, so why knock it?

-Tom

 

[Bladenic]

In a perfect world, we'd eventually get the whole series. As it stands, I just want SC for now, and at the least, Third as well.

 

[Nerokis]

Xseed are not immune to criticism just because they tried where others did not.

Platform obsolescence has been a major issue since day one, when the first of 3 games was released late into the psp lifespan, there has never been a moment when the clock wasn't ticking. The problem isn't that the platform was on it's way out, the problem is that they took so long the platform is now dead, and the platforms that the next 4 games in the series were released on are also dead or in the process of being sunset (cept vita, and who knows what the hell is going on there), and they still haven't finished the second game in the series.

"Day One" didn't begin when XSEED made a deal with Falcom, nor when the first game released over here. From 2004-2010ish, no one picked the game up for localization. The problem wasn't platform obsolescence, it was those things I listed in my post. The trilogy and the franchise generally always had a number of things going against it, at least in terms of being released in the West, and it was those things that "stalled the progression of the series." You are retroactively giving platform obsolescence the starring role here, and almost entirely as part of this anti-XSEED narrative. It's strange.

In the same way, you keep implying XSEED has localization rights to the entire franchise. Can you substantiate this? As far as I can tell, were Falcom to find another viable business partner for releasing entries outside the TiTS subseries, that would be pursuable. You attribute the games not releasing to XSEED, when in all likelihood this goes back to things I've mentioned before: niche series, substantial investment, and so on. I would love to see evidence to the contrary, because I haven't been able to find it.

Going back to platform obsolescence, in what world was this not going to be an issue, anyway? As you said, XSEED didn't jump on the series until the PSP was well on the decline in the West. Considering the pretty massive trilogy they decided to tackle from the outset, realistically, how many games in the series did you expect them to release by this point? Do you really think it's thanks to XSEED's priorities that the other games don't have a Western release schedule right now? You can criticize them all you'd like, but don't do so against the expectation that they're miracle workers. It's contradictory.

Also, it should be noted the Vita still has a spark of life. And in the case those games are announced for localization, I have no doubt it will be in part because XSEED showed how successful the franchise can be over here. In the story of how XSEED has naively lead the franchise to its demise, you keep underemphasizing this very important detail. Profit is not irrelevant when considering how much life a series has.

Have the last word, friend. I have no idea why I decided to write an essay on The Bigger Picture in Relation to The Legend of Heroes in the West, and Why XSEED Did Not Kill Your Dog, anyway.

 

[Knurek]

By all accounts, Trails in the Sky FC wasn't a huge success outside of Japan

Does that include the Steam/GOG version?
Xseed tweeted that the PC release was their fastest selling one on Steam, and it's been regularly in top 3 top grossing on GOG... How is that not a huge success?

 

[chaosblade]

Does that include the Steam/GOG version?
Xseed tweeted that the PC release was their fastest selling one on Steam, and it's been regularly in top 3 top grossing on GOG... How is that not a huge success?

No, just the PSP game. They've been really happy with the performance of all their PC releases so far, including Trails.

 

[ShogunDarius]

I think it's a little unfair to say that that's "the public line." The public line has just been, "it's coming." The rest has been us talking about it with you guys one-on-one on message forums like this, because that's what we do. And we're going to be honest with you guys, because that's also what we do.

As for not making it a priority from the get-go, that was largely due to sales. The first game was a slow burn on PSP -- we put a lot of time, effort and money into it, and we didn't really get much out of it at first. We could've given up on the series altogether at that point, but instead, we decided to stick with it.

So we worked on SC in the background, not because we didn't believe in the franchise, but because we DID believe in it -- enough to keep going despite the tremendous time and monetary commitment required to localize the second title. We couldn't prioritize it because, frankly, we wouldn't be around if we did... but we made sure it was being worked on, and took the time to build up an additional fanbase for the series by working on other Falcom titles and dipping our toe in the PC waters as well.

Now, because we DIDN'T give up on the series, Trails is becoming more well-known by the day, and SC is poised to be a success for us -- as opposed to a long, tiresome project that might've closed our doors forever if we'd focused all our energy on it immediately after FC.

So basically, you're now going to be getting SC a lot later than you wanted it, but on PSP *and* PC, and with a lot of fanfare and hope for the rest of the series... as opposed to much sooner, but on PSP exclusively and pretty much doomed to obscurity, with no hope for the rest of the series.

...Not trying to toot our own horn here, but personally, I think we made the right choice in the end. I wish we could've "had our cake and eaten it too," so to speak... but it's all working out pretty well in the end, so why knock it?

-Tom

have you considered making it or other future games into series native vita games? (i'm talking about localizing the psp game int o a vita game)

 

[Shinriji]

have you considered making it or other future games into series native vita games? (i'm talking about localizing the psp game int o a vita game)

Skip Sora 3rd and get Zero Evolution Vita and Zero PC is the way to go, IMO.

 

[ATXAlchemy]

Skip Sora 3rd and get Zero Evolution Vita and Zero PC is the way to go, IMO.

You do not know what you are talking about.

It is true that the 3rd is a Kiseki game that is not a Kiseki game while still being a Kiseki game at every moment possible. However, it's very much a main game and not a spin-off.

 

[krYlon]

Skip Sora 3rd and get Zero Evolution Vita and Zero PC is the way to go, IMO.

I thought Sora 3rd was supposed to be a pretty important link to Zero and the rest of the series?

 

[SpaceDrake]

I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating here: a tremendous amount, probably the majority, of the blame for these delays absolutely must fall directly at my feet. And I do mean my feet, personally, not "Carpe Fulgur" or "the CF+XSEED teamup".

And, like previously, the full, proper reasons for this are somewhat beyond the scope of a single post in a thread on 'GAF. It's a writeup I've needed to make for some time now, but suffice to say that the personal nature of it makes it fairly difficult to write.

But yes, even setting aside any maturity questions, the shade being thrown at Jess, Tom, and the rest of the XSEED crew is also completely misplaced. These people go to the mat for you, daily; never doubt this. They want, more than anything, to bring you fun software. If you want to be angry at someone, be angry at me.


Also, a comment:

Skip Sora 3rd and get Zero Evolution Vita and Zero PC is the way to go, IMO.

If the series continues after SC (and Tom's comments seem pretty clear, I think) then skipping Sky 3rd is not on the cards. It sometimes gets heat for being more of a "fan-disc" or expansion than anything else, but it contains a lot of additional world-building that Falcom simply could not get into FC or SC initially, and while Zero doesn't rely on it as much (outside of some backstory for one specific character), Ao and Sen/S2 lean on it to greater or lesser degrees.

Other games might get prioritized in order to get the English-speaking world synched better with releases, but skipping it is not on the cards if the franchise remains a going concern.

 

[Robert at Zeboyd Games]

Does that include the Steam/GOG version?
Xseed tweeted that the PC release was their fastest selling one on Steam, and it's been regularly in top 3 top grossing on GOG... How is that not a huge success?

Yeah, I was talking about the PSP version. My impression is that the PSP version undersold expectations so they didn't think they could release any more games in the series without taking a huge loss. Then the possibility of releasing the PC versions as well came up and since Steam is a much bigger market in the West than the PSP was, it did drastically better.

It's my guess that the future of the series in the West is going to depend tremendously on how well the second game sells. If it does poorly, that's probably it for the series. If it does okay, then we'll probably get more eventually. And if it does really well, they might actually speed up their efforts and add people to the localization project or do simultaneous translations (like have two teams working on different games in the series at the same time).

 

[squall211]

I often wonder what goes through the minds of people like you.

Not rational thought. That's for sure.

 

[Syril]

Not to highjack the thread, but since its active with fans I figured I should ask:

Is the PSP or PC version preferable and why for FC? I'd like to play it on the Vita but if everyone says PC is way to go and for good reason I will look there.

Selfish question: since the Steam Winter sale is coming, I'm guessing there might be a chance of discount on PC. Any chance on the PSP version?

I've heard such good things about the series and hopefully more come over (like the native Vita ones).

Sorry to detail.

I only have the PC version but to my understanding XSEED's release has added or will be adding everything that was new in the PSP version originally. I haven't played in a while, but the last time I did it was even updated with the HD menu assets from the Japanese PS3 version. I also really like how everything in the game can be done easily with the mouse, though controllers are also an option. Obviously the PSP version has portability on its side.

 

[Tempesta di Fuoco]

I was honestly hoping they'd go with an Ys title next before they did the next Trails in the Sky title, but I'm hoping Second Chapter will be out by 2025 at least.

 

[wyrdwad]

have you considered making it or other future games into series native vita games? (i'm talking about localizing the psp game int o a vita game)

That's not really a viable option. Like, has that happened at all, outside of Sony-brand compilations?

(Also, if you think about it, it's not very good for the fans -- we release the game on PSP, and anyone with a PSP or a Vita can play it. We release it on Vita, and only people with a Vita can play it. And if we're just porting the game, not improving it in any way, that just doesn't really seem right.)

I was honestly hoping they'd go with an Ys title next before they did the next Trails in the Sky title, but I'm hoping Second Chapter will be out by 2025 at least.

Er, 2015 is pretty well before 2025, so I think you're safe?

Also, we released all three PC Ys titles and Ys Celceta between FC and SC. So we kinda did work on an Ys game before the next Trails in the Sky. Several, in fact!

-Tom

 

[Korialstrasz]

That's not really a viable option. Like, has that happened at all, outside of Sony-brand compilations?

(Also, if you think about it, it's not very good for the fans -- we release the game on PSP, and anyone with a PSP or a Vita can play it. We release it on Vita, and only people with a Vita can play it. And if we're just porting the game, not improving it in any way, that just doesn't really seem right.)


-Tom

I hope that this will be true in Europe. The last new PSP game that was released on PSN this year (can't remember the name :/) wasn't downloadable on Vita in Europe and the publisher blamed SCEE for that.

 

[epmode]

I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating here: a tremendous amount, probably the majority, of the blame for these delays absolutely must fall directly at my feet. And I do mean my feet, personally, not "Carpe Fulgur" or "the CF+XSEED teamup".

I still love you. And the rest of Carpe Fulgur. And XSEED. And Falcom. And TitS.

 

[Shouta]

I thought Sora 3rd was supposed to be a pretty important link to Zero and the rest of the series?

It's not very necessary to understand the following games currently. While it provides the bridge by introducing several things in the story to the players, the later games themselves are self-contained enough and explain key concepts to the players so that they aren't lost. It's a pretty good game and worth playing though the structure of the experience can be a bit YMMV. The one exception is one sub-story in Zero but I feel that if you've played SC, then you're OK.

I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating here: a tremendous amount, probably the majority, of the blame for these delays absolutely must fall directly at my feet. And I do mean my feet, personally, not "Carpe Fulgur" or "the CF+XSEED teamup".

And, like previously, the full, proper reasons for this are somewhat beyond the scope of a single post in a thread on 'GAF. It's a writeup I've needed to make for some time now, but suffice to say that the personal nature of it makes it fairly difficult to write.

But yes, even setting aside any maturity questions, the shade being thrown at Jess, Tom, and the rest of the XSEED crew is also completely misplaced. These people go to the mat for you, daily; never doubt this. They want, more than anything, to bring you fun software. If you want to be angry at someone, be angry at me.

I think you misunderstand the complaints. It's not that folks are mad that there are problems with getting it out. Well, there might be a few that feel so but most are understanding of this. The issue is clear communication to fans about what's going on and the progress. Is it coming? Is it not? When's the release date of this? Why did it get delayed? etc. That's not the area you own so you shouldn't feel responsible for it unless you've got your hand in every cookie jar.

 

[androvsky]

I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating here: a tremendous amount, probably the majority, of the blame for these delays absolutely must fall directly at my feet. And I do mean my feet, personally, not "Carpe Fulgur" or "the CF+XSEED teamup".

And, like previously, the full, proper reasons for this are somewhat beyond the scope of a single post in a thread on 'GAF. It's a writeup I've needed to make for some time now, but suffice to say that the personal nature of it makes it fairly difficult to write.

But yes, even setting aside any maturity questions, the shade being thrown at Jess, Tom, and the rest of the XSEED crew is also completely misplaced. These people go to the mat for you, daily; never doubt this. They want, more than anything, to bring you fun software. If you want to be angry at someone, be angry at me.


Also, a comment:



If the series continues after SC (and Tom's comments seem pretty clear, I think) then skipping Sky 3rd is not on the cards. It sometimes gets heat for being more of a "fan-disc" or expansion than anything else, but it contains a lot of additional world-building that Falcom simply could not get into FC or SC initially, and while Zero doesn't rely on it as much (outside of some backstory for one specific character), Ao and Sen/S2 lean on it to greater or lesser degrees.

Other games might get prioritized in order to get the English-speaking world synched better with releases, but skipping it is not on the cards if the franchise remains a going concern.

Of course, the obvious bit here is the only reason we're getting SC at all is because of you. Not just the obvious fact that you're handling the localization, but Reccettear's success opened up the possibility of a new revenue stream that just wasn't happening with the PSP version at first.

 

[Disgaeamad]

I think you misunderstand the complaints. It's not that folks are mad that there are problems with getting it out. Well, there might be a few that feel so but most are understanding of this. The issue is clear communication to fans about what's going on and the progress. Is it coming? Is it not? When's the release date of this? Why did it get delayed? etc. That's not the area you own so you shouldn't feel responsible for it unless you've got your hand in every cookie jar.

Is this a fucking joke post? He literally just said that HE'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DELAYS, and you're telling him not to feel responsible? What in the world was your thought process while typing this trite?

Of course, the obvious bit here is the only reason we're getting SC at all is because of you. Not just the obvious fact that you're handling the localization, but Reccettear's success opened up the possibility of a new revenue stream that just wasn't happening with the PSP version at first.

Yes, SpaceDrake is the only person capable of working on this series. If it weren't for Carpe Fulgur, localisations wouldn't even exist!

p.s You're deluded beyond all hope.

 

[androvsky]

Is this a fucking joke post? He literally just said that HE'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DELAYS, and you're telling him not to feel responsible? What in the world was your thought process while typing this trite?



Yes, SpaceDrake is the only person capable of working on this series. If it weren't for Carpe Fulgur, localisations wouldn't even exist!

p.s You're deluded beyond all hope.

Is it just me, or have forums become a very strange place to have a discussion? I used to follow the SC localization thing fairly closely, and I'm quite sure it's been mentioned that Reccettear's success made major impact in getting the Trails games on Steam, which in turn made a major impact in getting SC done. I spoke about SC specifically, yet somehow that gets turned into me saying that all localizations ever are due to SpaceDrake, and I'm the delusional one?