Game: Ys Vs Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga
Genre: Action, Fighting
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam (Windows) and PlayStation)
Developer|Publisher: Nihon Falcom | refint/games
Age Rating: EU 12 | US Teen
Price: US $34.99 | UK 29.99 | EU € 34.99
Release Date: October 10th, 2025
Review code provided with many thanks to refint/games.
Ys Vs Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga – When Worlds Collide
Now here’s something I didn’t expect to see in 2025, Ys Vs Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga, a crossover fighting game that smashes together two of Falcom’s finest RPG series. You’ve got the action-heavy Ys colliding with the more story-rich Trails in the Sky, and somehow, it works, mostly.
Originally a Japan-only PSP title, this updated release brings the once-forgotten experiment to modern systems, complete with full voice acting, local and online play, and even rollback netcode. It’s not exactly Street Fighter, but it has its own scrappy energy that fans of Falcom’s worlds will likely appreciate.
If you’re expecting a tournament-ready fighter, well, this isn’t that. But if you want a brawling mash-up full of energy, fan service, and some good-natured grinding fun, you’ll find plenty to like here.
A Light Story with Familiar Faces
The story here is more of an excuse to get everyone into one big arena than a sweeping epic. You’ll play through short story segments that bring together heroes from both franchises, like Adol from Ys and Estelle from Trails in the Sky, as they deal with a nasty Dragon King and a world that’s gone a bit sideways.
It’s light, quick, and fully voiced, which gives it some personality even if it’s not trying to rival the mainline RPGs. The writing is brief and breezy, a nice change of pace if you’ve ever spent hours scrolling through text boxes in a Trails game.
There’s fan service sprinkled in for long-time Falcom players, references that may confuse newcomers. However, think of it like an all-star exhibition match rather than a serious continuation of either story.
Arena Action with an RPG Twist
Combat is where Alternative Saga really does its own thing. It’s part fighter, part action-RPG, and part controlled brawler. You’ll pick a character, drop into large 3D arenas, and dash, dodge, and combo your way through opponents. Often 1 vs 1, but sometimes team matches or free for all brawls.
Each character has their own style. For example, Adol slashes up close with the sword, and Estelle swings her staff for wide coverage. Others have ranged weapons or focus on magic; each character feels unique to play. Each character is able to make use of a variety of abilities or skills, more of which can be unlocked in time. You can also call in support abilities to buff your stats temporarily, which adds a bit of tactical flavour. Of course, being a fighting game, each character has an over-the-top special move to activate at the right time to do massive damage and possibly turn the tide of battle.
The arenas are surprisingly large, with platforms, chests, and breakable objects scattered about. Movement feels fast and bouncy, almost like a hybrid between an action-RPG and an arena brawler. It’s messy in places, but fun once you get the hang of it.
Where it differs from typical fighters is its RPG-style progression. You earn XP and currency after each battle, which you can spend to upgrade weapons, armour, or unlock new skills. Each fighter has their own growth path and various customisation options, giving the game a nice layer of replayability. It makes fights feel more personal; you’re not just mashing buttons, you’re building your own version of that character. Better still, you make progress whether you win or lose across all game modes.
A Bit of a Learning Curve
Don’t be surprised if your first few battles feel confusing. Alternative Saga has a bit of a learning curve, and the AI can be relentless until you get a grip on guarding, dodging, and using your skills effectively.
Thankfully, there’s a solid tutorial mode and multiple difficulty options if you need to ease in. You can also replay story missions or jump into arcade or free play to experiment without pressure. Once things click, it’s pretty awesome, even if the combat never quite reaches the smoothness of modern fighters.
Multiplayer is available both locally and online. I had better luck with local matches than online ones (finding a game wasn’t easy during my time with it), but when it works, it’s pure mayhem in the best way possible. A slight issue is that it is probably not best suited for pickup and play, as this is a game that takes time to become skilled at.
A Handheld Heart with a Fresh Coat of Paint
You can definitely tell Ys Vs Trails in the Sky started life on the PSP. The remaster looks clean and sharp, with higher resolutions and smoother frame rates, but the core visuals still carry that slightly blocky, colourful 2000s charm.
The environments, castles, volcanoes, forests, and more, are varied enough to keep things interesting, and the music absolutely rocks. It’s got that signature Falcom energy: fast-paced, dramatic, and perfect for swinging swords at friends.
There’s also a nice chunk of extras tucked away, from unlockable wallpapers to movies, small things that make it feel like a proper retro revival.
Conclusion: Y Not Trail it
Ys Vs Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga isn’t going to be the next big competitive fighter at EVO. It’s a playful, nostalgic crossover that celebrates Falcom’s legacy with a wink and a grin.
The combat takes some time to understand, and the story won’t win any awards, but there’s genuine fun to be had once it all clicks. Fans of either series will love the nods and references, while newcomers can enjoy a surprisingly deep action RPG brawler once you get into its rhythm.
It’s scrappy, it’s strange, and it’s kind of wonderful that this odd little crossover even exists in 2025.
Final Verdict: I Like It
Do you like our content?
Subscribe to our daily news and never miss a review!