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

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II, brought to us by NIS America and Nihon Falcom, is the newest installment in the much-adored The Legend of Heroes/Kiseki saga. Picking up where Trails through Daybreak left off, we’re once again alongside Van Arkride as he journeys through the vast landscape of the Calvard region. This time, he’s caught up in a murder mystery that promises to keep players hooked. Dive deeper into the details with our comprehensive review of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II!

Stepping back into the Republic of Calvard, players are tasked with unraveling the enigma of the crimson beast in Trails through Daybreak II. An unexpected series of murders sets off a chain of events, thrusting Van Arkride into a new whirlwind of chaos. But who’s behind these acts, and what’s their true motive? The mystery awaits.

This game seamlessly continues the saga from Trails through Daybreak, standing as the 12th main game since the Kiseki journey began with Trails in the Sky. We’ve journeyed from Liberl to the depths of Erebonia through the Trails of Cold Steel series, to Crossbell, and now, once again, we’re in Calvard. The story trails Van once more, immersing players in the intricate tapestry of Calvard’s mysteries.

The various sub-series, such as Trails in the Sky, Trails of Cold Steel, Trails from Zero, and Trails through Daybreak, all offer rich, standalone experiences. Yet, they are woven into a larger, dynamic world, often referencing events across the timelines for those familiar with the series.

For those planning to embark on Trails through Daybreak II, starting with its predecessor is highly recommended. While the game offers a recap at the beginning, it’s no substitute for experiencing the extensive narratives and character arcs first-hand. Already played the first game? Good news—you can carry over your clear data, influencing your journey’s beginning in the sequel.

Van Arkride is back, continuing in his role as a spriggan—working cases that fall into the legal gray areas, ones too tricky for traditional law enforcement. His impeccable sense of smell is more than just a quirk; it’s a critical tool for sniffing out clues and culprits, enhancing his role as a master investigator in a region brimming with turmoil.

At the narrative helm is Elaine, reappearing from the last game with grim news—Van is a murder suspect following an incident the night before. Without giving too much away, expect a rich narrative filled with unexpected twists and a layered plot that echoes the storytelling excellence fans have come to expect from Trails.

If you’re familiar with the combat system from the previous game, you’ll feel right at home. The basic format of standard battles involves real-time combos, akin to action RPGs, perfect for swiftly handling minor enemies. Proximity to an ally can trigger Combo Skills, revitalizing the mechanics fans enjoyed in earlier sub-series.

A press of the Square button shifts battles into a turn-based system, echoing past Trails games, providing access to Arts and Crafts for a more tactical approach. S-Crafts—powerful, limit-breaking attacks—are also at your disposal, with Van’s mech transformation remaining a formidable tactic against tougher foes.

Players will recognize the Orbments system for equipping Quartz, enabling spells and boosting character stats. Accessing healing Arts can be a hassle due to the intricate menu system. A notable issue arose when selecting the Tear spell, where the game occasionally froze. Thankfully, the frequent auto-save system alleviates this to an extent, and hopeful fixes will roll out with updates. Saving anywhere remains a valuable feature for tackling long dungeons.

Graphically, Trails through Daybreak II builds on its predecessors with subtle enhancements. While character models might remind players of PlayStation 4-era visuals, improvements to clothing textures and facial expressions are noticeable. The animations, however, still lag behind more modern JRPGs. The English voice acting shines, particularly for the main characters, aligning with the series’ tradition of providing both English and Japanese options. As ever, fans can enjoy a superb soundtrack—a hallmark of Nihon Falcom’s games.

For the trophy hunters out there, the game includes 53 trophies, including a coveted Platinum trophy. While some come from story progression, others challenge players to achieve milestones like maxing out Arkride Solutions, or engage in minigames like fishing and cooking, ensuring an engaging trophy quest.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II masterfully blends action and turn-based combat mechanics, maintaining an engaging narrative full of intriguing developments. As a direct sequel, it’s best enjoyed after experiencing the first game to fully appreciate its depth. Releasing on February 14 for PlayStation 5, this installment is priced at $59.99.

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