Overview
The original action RPG house. Nihon Falcom created Dragon Slayer in 1984 and Ys in 1987, establishing action RPG conventions before the genre had a name. Decades later, the Trails series built one of gaming’s most interconnected worlds—characters and events spanning multiple sub-series across years. Falcom’s independence allows creative ambition most publishers wouldn’t risk.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1981.
- Location: Tokyo, Japan.
- Independence: Never acquired.
- Signature: Ys, Trails series.
Pioneer era
| Title |
Year |
Innovation |
| Dragon Slayer |
1984 |
Proto-action RPG |
| Xanadu |
1985 |
Side-view action |
| Ys I & II |
1987-1988 |
“Bump” combat |
| Sorcerian |
1987 |
Scenario system |
Ys series
| Entry |
Year |
Note |
| Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished |
1987 |
Series debut |
| Ys III: Wanderers |
1989 |
Side-scrolling |
| Ys: The Oath in Felghana |
2005 |
III remake |
| Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana |
2016 |
Modern peak |
Trails interconnection
| Sub-series |
Setting |
Games |
| Trails in the Sky |
Liberl |
3 games |
| Trails from Zero/Azure |
Crossbell |
2 games |
| Trails of Cold Steel |
Erebonia |
4 games |
| Trails through Daybreak |
Calvard |
Ongoing |
Business model
| Approach |
Result |
| Independence |
Creative freedom |
| Licensing ports |
Third-party conversions |
| Niche focus |
Dedicated audience |
| Long development |
Quality over quantity |
Sound Team JDK
| Achievement |
Recognition |
| In-house composers |
Distinctive sound |
| Rock-influenced |
Action accompaniment |
| Fan following |
Concert performances |
See also