Trails and Ys Localizations Promised to Come Faster

NIS America is committed to accelerating the Western release of Falcom's acclaimed Trails and Ys RPG series. This commitment aims to significantly reduce the lengthy wait times Western fans have historically experienced.

NIS America Accelerates Localization of Trails and Ys Games

Faster Releases for Western Fans

Exciting news for JRPG enthusiasts! During the recent Ys X: Nordics digital showcase, NIS America's Senior Associate Producer, Alan Costa, announced a renewed focus on faster localization for both the Trails and Ys franchises.

While Costa didn't detail specific internal changes, he emphasized the company's dedication to quicker turnaround times. He cited the upcoming releases of Ys X: Nordics (this October) and Trails Through Daybreak II (early 2025) as examples of this accelerated process. Even with Trails Through Daybreak II's Japanese release in September 2022, the early 2025 Western launch represents a substantial improvement on previous timelines.

Historically, the lengthy localization process, sometimes spanning over a decade (as seen with titles like Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure), has frustrated Western fans. This delay was previously attributed to the sheer volume of text requiring translation by a relatively small team, as explained by former XSEED Games Localization Manager Jessica Chavez in 2011.

While the process remains a two-to-three-year undertaking, NIS America prioritizes maintaining high localization quality. Costa stressed the importance of balancing speed and accuracy, a challenge the company has been actively addressing.

The significant time investment in localization is understandable, especially given the immense amount of text in these games. The past delay of Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana due to translation issues serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential risks of rushing the process. However, NIS America's current approach suggests a successful balance between speed and accuracy.

The recent release of Trails Through Daybreak demonstrates progress in delivering high-quality localizations more efficiently. The positive reception from fans bodes well for future NIS America releases.

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