NIS America have released an all new announcement trailer indicating the western release of the latest installment in their long running role-playing game series The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon, also popularly known by its Japanese title The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki – Farewell, O Zemuria. The title will release across platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC.

This role playing sequel is set on the modern continent of Zemuria, largely inspired by eastern traditions. Players will assume the role of Van Arkride, a spriggan or bounty hunter and problem solver set on a high tech training exercise, on course to uncovering the secrets of Zemuria.

A9VG interviewed Toshihiro Kondo, Falcom President, partner of NIS America and asked him to share his thoughts on the new Z.O.C. system implemented in the The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon. Kondo said “There are more things that players need to take into account in terms of operation, but in terms of the overall difficulty balance of the battle, the player team has been greatly strengthened, so there are more scenes in the game where you can use overwhelming advantages to defeat the enemy. But there are also enemies that can use these new systems. During the boss battle, we have made careful arrangements for the difficulty.”

Special combat abilities have been reintroduced to the series in the form of shard commands. A new awakening ability and the ability to freeze time known as Z.O.C. NIS America has also shared that a limited edition will be made available upon release featuring the game, an art book, original mini soundtrack, steel book, and  “Grim Timekeeper” acrylic clock in a collectors box.

Nihon Falcom can expect their loyal fanbase to be ready and present for this release. The fans may see something familiar with some new systems reintroduced and built upon come this fall.