5 Prep Games to Play This Summer for 2026's Big Sequels
The lists frame 'Fire Emblem: Three Houses' as a potential prerequisite for 'Fire Emblem: Ban Shihong', suggesting a direct narrative or world connection that could shape player expectations for the new title.
Key Facts
- Both Inside and Game Spark published the same list of five prep games on August 11, 2026.
- Trails in the Sky the 2nd and Fire Emblem: Ban Shihong are both scheduled for release on September 17, 2026.
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses, released in 2019, is recommended as a prep game for Fire Emblem: Ban Shihong due to possible worldview connections.
- Trails in the Sky the 1st is described as the origin of the entire Trails series, with characters and organizations that appear in later works.
- The list includes 'ACE' in the headline, but the article body does not detail this entry.
Reporting from 2 sources: Game Spark, Inside.
As the second half of 2026 approaches, Japanese gaming outlets Inside and Game Spark have each published a list of five recommended 'prep games' to play this summer before the release of highly anticipated sequels and new titles. The lists focus on games that either continue directly in story or deepen understanding of an upcoming release through shared worldviews and settings. Among the selections, 'Trails in the Sky the 2nd', a full remake sequel to 'Trails in the Sky the 1st', is highlighted for its continuous story and linked bonuses with the previous game. The article notes that the 'Trails in the Sky' series is the origin of the entire 'Trails' franchise, making it essential for series newcomers. Another pick is 'Fire Emblem: Three Houses', released in 2019, which the sources suggest may share a worldview connection with the upcoming 'Fire Emblem: Ban Shihong', citing a shared place name and a reminiscent character. Both outlets list the same five games, with 'Trails in the Sky the 2nd' and 'Fire Emblem: Ban Shihong' as the lead entries, each slated for release on September 17, 2026.
Both Inside and Game Spark published the same five-game list on August 11, 2026, positioning it as a summer homework guide for the second half of the year's major releases. The selections are not limited to direct sequels; some entries are chosen for their worldbuilding, such as 'Trails in the Sky the 1st', which the sources describe as the foundation of the entire 'Trails' series, with characters and organizations that reappear in later works.
The list also includes 'Fire Emblem: Three Houses', a 2019 title set in an officers' academy where players choose one of three houses, leading to divergent stories and eventual conflict between former classmates. The sources point to specific parallels with 'Fire Emblem: Ban Shihong', including a shared place name and a character resemblance, though they stop short of confirming a direct connection. The article also mentions 'ACE' in the headline, though the body text focuses on the two lead titles, with the remaining three games not detailed in the provided excerpts.
- Trails in the Sky the 2nd: Released September 17, 2026; second full remake following 'Trails in the Sky the 1st'; story continues directly.
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses: 2019 release; possible worldview connection to 'Fire Emblem: Ban Shihong' via shared place name and character.
- Fire Emblem: Ban Shihong: Upcoming title, September 17, 2026; may share world with 'Three Houses'.
- Trails in the Sky the 1st: Origin of the 'Trails' series; recommended for basic series knowledge.
- ACE: Mentioned in headline; details not provided in the article body.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.