Now this, this is kino. Trails in the Sky 3rd Chapter to me is just a grand crescendo and a fantastic send off for the Trails in the Sky trilogy. It not only sets up a great deal of stuff for the Crossbell arc and Erebonia Saga (and probably Calvard too) it introduces one of the best JRPG protagonists of all time.

This game also serves as a nice "send off" for everyone in Sky too as this game takes in an epilogue state for most of the big players from the Sky trilogy. I really did enjoy the supernatural aspect this story had going for it as well and was gripped to the very end.

The music in this game is also some of my favorite in the entire series as well. Just pump Overdose on Heavenly Bliss right into my veins. The music goes a long way in setting up such a fantastic atmosphere that I just can't get enough of it.

Overall Trails in the Sky 3rd is definitely one of my favorite games in this series, but the gameplay style change may not be for everyone. But it was a nice reprieve for me going from Sky into Crossbell.

I enjoy choice based games but until Suzerain I always thought that the limits of game design and resources would mean that they would forever be constrained to illusions, slight of hand, and retcons. The amount of options this game provides are staggering, and the game doesn't pull punches about the consequences of your actions either, forgoing the pampering of the player that so many video games stoop to. You're going to face harsh criticism, no matter what you do, and in some cases trying your best can still lead to disaster due to unforeseen circumstances. With its inexorable auto-save system and detailed depiction of a volatile status quo, Suzerain forces you to cast the die and let the chips fall where they may, and in-doing so encourages deep reflection about the issues that plague our past, present, and future. A pretty remarkable feat for such a small title.

Also, skimming wikipedia articles while in cabinet meetings about your failing country is straight up one of the funniest things you can do in a video game.