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

The latest addition to the cherished The Legend of Heroes series, Trails through Daybreak II, courtesy of NIS America and Nihon Falcom, continues the epic adventures within the Kiseki franchise. Picking up from where the previous game left off, we’re once again thrust into the intriguing world of Van Arkride, this time embroiled in a gripping murder mystery in the dynamic Calvard region. Read on for our in-depth review of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II!

Stepping back into the Calvard Republic, players will unravel the enigma of the crimson beast in this latest installment. A sudden rash of murders shakes the land, setting the stage for yet another fascinating narrative. As chaos looms, the spriggan Van Arkride is visited by someone unexpected. But who is orchestrating these sinister events, and to what end?

This sequel to Trails through Daybreak stands as the 12th mainline chapter since Trails in the Sky ignited the Kiseki series, maintaining the intense world-building and rich storytelling fans have grown to adore. Moving through regions like Liberl in Trials in the Sky, Erebonia within the Trails of Cold Steel saga, and Crossbell, players now delve deeper into Van’s thrilling adventures in the Calvard territory.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II is part of a bigger, interconnected universe, where each sub-series, such as Trails in the Sky, Trails of Cold Steel, Trails from Zero, and Trails through Daybreak, can be enjoyed independently yet are intertwined through shared elements and references.

For those new to this particular storyline, it’s beneficial to tackle the original Trails through Daybreak before taking on this sequel. Although there’s a recap video to get new players up to speed, it struggles to capture the depth and intricacies of the narrative, which spans over 50 engaging hours. Previous players will appreciate importing their save data to enjoy bonuses and see their past decisions ripple throughout this sequel.

Van Arkride remains a spriggan—an investigator taking on cases too grey for standard authorities. Equipped with an extraordinary sense of smell, Van proves invaluable, piecing together clues in the criminally intricate backdrop of Calvard.

Kicking off the story, Van faces a dire situation with Elaine, a returning character, sharing troubling news—Van is a prime suspect in an unfortunate event. The narrative cleverly weaves its tale in a nonlinear fashion, ensuring an enthralling experience filled with signature twists and character growth.

Returning fans of Trails through Daybreak will find familiarity in the combat systems here. Initially, battles play out in a real-time, combo-driven style akin to action RPGs. This format tackles routine encounters with speed and flair, utilizing Combo Skills that build upon the cooperative dynamic found in earlier series entries. To engage more strategically with Arts or Crafts—hallmarks of the series—players shift seamlessly to a turn-based approach, enhancing tactical play during tougher battles. Plus, Van’s ability to morph into his powerful mech form adds an exciting edge.

However, accessing Quartz through the Orbment system remains a complex task. The healing Arts, in particular, are somewhat buried within menus, a minor frustration when swift healing is needed. A notable issue encountered was a game freeze after selecting the Tear spell, requiring a restart. Thankfully, with robust auto-save features, progress is seldom lost, and a patch is anticipated to resolve this glitch. It’s worth mentioning the luxury of saving progress anytime—perfect for navigating lengthy dungeons.

Visually, the game builds upon its predecessor’s engine, featuring improved textures and character expressions, though some nuances remain reminiscent of earlier console generations. Voice acting, particularly in English, shines for main characters, and fans can switch between English and Japanese voiceovers. The soundtrack, as expected from Nihon Falcom, provides an engaging backdrop.

Achievement hunters will find joy in the game’s 53 trophies, including a coveted Platinum. These accolades range from story progression to mastering minigames like fishing and cooking, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging playthrough.

In essence, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II is a stellar JRPG that elegantly merges action and strategic turn-based combat, all while delivering an engrossing narrative. For maximum enjoyment, be sure to play its predecessor to delve fully into its intricate story arcs and developments. Set to release on PlayStation 5 on February 14 with a retail price of $59.99, it promises a captivating experience for series veterans and newcomers alike.

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