Vantage Master

The player takes on the role of a summoner (known as Natial master or just master). A master can summon spirits known as Natials. All masters and Natials have maximum HP of 10. The object of the game is to reduce the opposing master's HP to 0. The game is played on a hex grid map with different types of terrains which affect the gameplay.

In scenario mode, the player must play through 30 stages, divided into 6 phases each containing 4 to 7 stages, against opposing masters. In expert mode, both the player and the enemy are equipped with all Natials and magics available in the game, but the map design is generally disadvantageous for the player. Expert Mode consists of 8 stages. Free Battle allows the player to configure all settings including masters, stats, Natials, magics and the map.

Falcom announced the development of Vantage Master Portable for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2007, which was released in April 2008. It features new characters from the Trails series of games and a multiplayer mode using the PSP's wireless capabilities. The interface is changed slightly for the PSP, and there is no mouse functionality in the PC port. Otherwise, the game is essentially a complete 3D clone of the original Vantage Master with remastered music and gameplay.

A sequel, VM Japan, subtitled Vantage Master – Mystic Far East, was released in 2002 for the PC and later for the PlayStation 2; it changed the setting to feudal Japan and featured different Natials, more differences between masters, a deeper story mode, and improved graphics.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III includes a mini-game known as Vantage Masters, based on upon the systems of the game. The game's sequel, Trails of Cold Steel IV, features an updated version of it. The game returns once again in The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie, which serves as finale to the arcs seen in both Trails of Cold Steel and The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure games.