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

The latest addition to the cherished Legend of Heroes series, Trails through Daybreak II by NIS America and Nihon Falcom, brings fans back into its intricately crafted universe. A direct follow-up to Trails through Daybreak, the game continues to chart the course of Van Arkride as he maneuvers through the complexities of the Calvard region, this time caught up in a gripping murder investigation. Let’s delve into what Trails through Daybreak II has to offer in our comprehensive review.

Set against the backdrop of the enigmatic Calvard Republic, Trails through Daybreak II invites players to solve the enigma surrounding a crimson beast, igniting a series of puzzling murders that once more set Van Arkride on a path fraught with peril and intrigue. But who’s orchestrating these killings, and to what end? The wheels of fate turn with chaos lurking just over the horizon, and Van, the spriggan, is faced with an unexpected visitor bearing urgent news.

This title continues the grand tradition of The Legend of Heroes series, marking the 12th mainline game in a saga that started with Trails in the Sky. After exploring the lands of Liberl, Erebonia, and Crossbell, Van’s adventures in the Calvard region take center stage in this thrilling chapter. Each installment in the series functions within its own storyline, yet they are interwoven with the broader narrative context of the series.

For the full experience, diving into the original Trails through Daybreak is strongly advisable before tackling its sequel. Although a brief video summary is provided, nothing beats the depth you gain from the original’s extensive storytelling and character development. Moreover, players who completed the first game can carry over their save data, which makes the sequel even richer as prior decisions influence new developments.

The protagonist, Van, returns as a spriggan—a private investigator handling delicate cases that conventional law enforcement won’t touch. His powerful sense of smell makes him second to none when tracking down clues and following a hunch, adding a unique flavor to the way mysteries unfold in the Calvard region.

As the narrative begins, Van reconnects with Elaine from the last game, who delivers distressing news: Van is a key suspect in a dire incident. Spoiling the story here would be a disservice, but I can tell you it unfolds in a beautifully non-linear fashion packed with unpredictable twists and emotional depth, a hallmark of the Trails series’ storytelling prowess.

For those familiar with the gameplay mechanics from the previous entry, you’ll find comfort in the familiar battle system. The combat begins with fast-paced, real-time action, suitable for quick scuffles. When things get tougher, a simple tap of the Square button shifts the encounter into a tactical, turn-based format, allowing you to deploy Arts, Crafts, and the powerful S-Crafts for more deliberate strategy. Van’s transformation into a formidable mech form, introduced in the first game, returns to add an exciting edge to more challenging battles.

The Orbment system for equipping Quartz and enhancing abilities remains as involved as ever, but accessing some items like healing Arts can be cumbersome, buried deep within menus. A minor bug with the spell menu was noted, freezing the game at times, but thanks to the game’s robust auto-save feature, progress was never truly lost. Hopefully, this issue will be addressed before the official release. Thankfully, like previous series entries, you can save anywhere, perfect for tackling the lengthy and complex dungeons.

Visually, Trails through Daybreak II builds upon its predecessors’ engine, bringing character details into sharper focus with improved textures, particularly in clothing and facial expressions. However, some animations still lag behind what’s offered in other contemporary RPGs. The audio experience remains strong, with the choice of English and Japanese voiceovers, and a signature soundtrack that complements the series’ reputation for exceptional music.

For trophy hunters, Trails through Daybreak II offers a rewarding collection of 53 trophies, including the coveted Platinum. Progressing through the story, achieving high ranks, and engaging in minigames like fishing and cooking can keep you busy and striving for completion.

All told, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II stands as a compelling JRPG that marries action with tactical depth, set against a backdrop of storytelling that pulls you in with its complexity and emotional resonance. This sequel releases on PlayStation 5 on February 14 for $59.99, and for anyone invested in the series, it’s a journey not to be missed.

Disclaimer: This review of The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is based on a PlayStation copy provided by NIS America.