[PlayStation 5] Review of The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II

NIS America and Nihon Falcom have brought us yet another thrilling installment in the cherished Legend of Heroes series, with Trails through Daybreak II. Picking up where the previous chapter left off, this sequel dives back into the chaotic world of Van Arkride, who is once again thrust into the tumultuous landscape of the Calvard region. This time, Van is at the center of a fresh murder mystery that promises to be as engaging as it is dangerous. Let’s unpack what this latest adventure in The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II has in store for us.

It’s time to journey back to the Calvard Republic to discover the secrets of the mysterious crimson beast in Trails through Daybreak II. The tranquility is shattered by a series of shocking murders, setting in motion a mysterious and potentially catastrophic chain of events. Our hero, the spriggan Van Arkride, finds himself paying an unexpected visit. The burning questions remain: Who is behind these murders, and what sinister game are they playing?

A direct follow-up to Trails through Daybreak, this sequel continues the epic saga from where it paused—making it the 12th major installment since Trails in the Sky first launched the Kiseki series. The game maintains its reputation for rich storytelling and profound world-building, beloved by its dedicated fans. From the initial steps in Liberl from Trails in the Sky, through the tectonic shifts witnessed in the Erebonia-focused Trails of Cold Steel, and the politically charged Crossbell arc, Van Arkride is once again our guide deeper into the heart of the Calvard region.

The interconnected universe of The Legend of Heroes is woven across its multiple series: Trails in the Sky, Trails of Cold Steel, Trails from Zero, and Trails through Daybreak. These stories, while each complete in their right, are pieces of a vast, interconnected narrative mosaic. They often reference events across games, enriching the entire experience.

Since Trails through Daybreak II continues directly from its predecessor, it’s highly advisable to embark on Van’s journey from the beginning with Trails through Daybreak. And although a video recap sets the stage, it barely scratches the surface of the complexities and depth covered during the initial 50+ hours of gameplay. Importing save data from the first game? You’ll reap additional benefits, plus your choices reflect in the sequel’s unfolding narrative.

Van Arkride is far from your average detective. As a spriggan, he tackles cases that slip through legal loopholes, taking on those the bracers or police won’t touch. His story in Trails through Daybreak II showcases his prowess in navigating shady dealings, using an exceptional sense of smell to piece together hints and unmask culprits. This ability makes him an invaluable player in the ever-shifting power struggles within Calvard.

The game kicks off with Van in a precarious position after Elaine, a familiar face from his past, shows up with unsettling news—following some unfortunate incidents, Van is now under suspicion. Without giving away too much, the story’s non-linear narrative holds particular charm, enriching the experience with an intricate plot, filled with unexpected turns and celebrated for its storytelling depth.

Fans of the series will find comfort in the familiar battle mechanics that continue from the previous game. The combat begins with a real-time, action RPG-style flow for routine encounters, where basic attacks hold sway. When characters fight side by side, they unleash Combo Skills, offering tactical advantages reminiscent of earlier games in the franchise.

Switching between real-time and strategic turn-based gameplay adds depth and challenge. Pressing Square conveniently shifts modes, unlocking a full suite of devastating Arts (magic) and Crafts (skills). For the tougher battles, leveraging these abilities is essential. The S-Crafts feature and Van’s ability to morph into a powerful mech-like form add an extra layer of strategy.

In the Trails series tradition, the Orbment system allows players to customize their fighting style by equipping various Quartz. However, accessing crucial healing spells can be cumbersome, a sticking point that occasionally disrupts the flow during critical moments. I encountered glitches freezing spell selections, but thankfully, the game’s robust auto-save feature mitigated any lasting inconvenience. Here’s hoping these issues are tackled before the official release.

Graphically, Trails through Daybreak II builds on its predecessors with noticeable enhancements, though character models still display a retro feel reminiscent of earlier console generations. Efforts to improve texture and expressiveness are evident, even if some animations lag behind modern RPG standards. Quality voice acting, particularly for the primary cast, enhances immersion—players can choose between English and Japanese audio tracks, accompanied by a soundtrack that lives up to Nihon Falcom’s esteemed legacy.

Embarking on this captivating journey offers the chance to gather 53 trophies, including the ever-coveted Platinum trophy. Trophy hunters will master chapters, ascend Arkride Solutions’ ranks, and get involved in minigames like fishing and cooking—a rewarding endeavor for those who enjoy unlocking achievements.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II blends seamless action and strategic turn-based combat, keeping players absorbed in its narrative full of unexpected turns. It’s a celebrated addition that shines brightest when paired with its predecessor, delivering a saga worthy of exploration. Get ready, as Trails through Daybreak II will make its PlayStation 5 debut on February 14, priced at $59.99.

Disclaimer: This review was based on a PlayStation copy provided by NIS America.