The localization of this series of role-playing games is progressing smoothly. Just seven months after the release of the first installment outside of Japan, fans now have the opportunity to dive into The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II. The story is even more intertwined with everything happening in the saga. For this game, Nihon Falcom has revised elements that greatly enhance the overall experience compared to the previous title. Here are my thoughts!
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II details
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC
Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Nihon Falcom
Publisher: NIS America
Genre: Role-playing game
Mode: Single-player
ESRB Rating: T (Teens 13+)
Arkride Solutions doubles its workforce
Criminal organization Almata has been dismantled for two months. However, Van Arkride notices that there are still traces left. A serial killer is on the loose in Edith, the capital of the Republic of Calvard. According to footage from a camera, it appears to be the work of a Grendel and a holo. Because he himself has the ability to provoke one, Van becomes a suspect in the case. He will conduct his investigation with Elaine, Aaron, Feri, Risette, Agnès, and all the other members and allies of Arkride Solutions. Naturally, things are much more complex than they seem.
From the prologue, players are introduced to Nadia and Swin, who have known Van for several years. Having the necessary skills themselves, they will join the ranks of Arkride Solutions. There will now be two teams to manage, namely Van’s team and that of the two accomplices. In Trails Through Daybreak, there were often references to the events of Crossbell from two years ago, which took place in the game Trails Into Reverie. It makes sense to have these same references in Daybreak II, especially with the arrival of two of its main protagonists. I was very happy to see them again in a second game and to have the opportunity to get to know them better. Moreover, Nadia and Swin have a chemistry that is beautiful to see in action.
Moreover, seeing images of their past during conversations gave me the impression that there might be a game dedicated to them. In fact, it is a story to be pieced together in Trails of Cold Steel IV that tells us about their childhood. I can never say it enough, The Legend of Heroes is a series in which everything is interconnected.
Welcome new features and improvements
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is the direct sequel to the first game. References are constant throughout, as the majority of characters return, and players follow them on their respective journeys. However, there are new gameplay features that I really enjoyed. The first is during the combat phase. The developers have finally arranged the turn-based combat order from left to right. Allies and enemies are lined up instead of being on opposite sides as in Daybreak. I also noticed that healing arts are now in the same action wheel as attack and defense moves.
During the city exploration, chests must be hacked to take their contents. Players will have stealth chase missions where they need to stay hidden from their target. You can also now scan the environment to track a trail. Finally, in the dungeons, you can perform a “quick arts” move in addition to striking in real-time to defeat weaker monsters.
All these improvements make it easier to navigate the game. However, even bigger changes have been added to Trails Through Daybreak II.
Split chapters and a timeline that can be broken apart!
Each chapter is divided into two narrative paths, one for each team of Arkride Solutions. Depending on the story that interests you or the characters you prefer to see, it is possible to complete them in order (A-B) or in reverse (B-A). They unfold simultaneously, so both options work. Each section takes several hours to complete, so splitting the chapters into two acts gives the impression of progressing more quickly.
One of the new features that I really enjoyed is what they call “time leap.” Early in the game, the story quickly leads to a tough battle. So much so that our main protagonist falls in combat! The series is good at providing this kind of narrative moment. This time, I was surprised to be able to go back in time and choose an alternate path. In this version, Van has the idea to call for reinforcements, just in case. Players will therefore resume the confrontation, but this time the outcome turns in their favor. This mechanic will appear several times throughout the game. Although I found the conversations somewhat repetitive since we redo part of the story, it brings about some good plot twists.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is an excellent sequel
You guessed it, TLOH: Trails Through Daybreak II is the direct sequel to its predecessor. This series must be followed to understand its storyline. Although it is a role-playing game, the title is also inspired by interactive novels due to the phenomenal amount of dialogue to read.
The fights are as dynamic as before, with improvements that make everything more enjoyable overall. Navigating through the city, activities like fishing, a new card game, basketball, and numerous side quests fill our heroes’ free time. I particularly enjoyed the moments spent between two characters during missions because you often learn more about them. This also contributes to making the overall adventure feel more complete.
An essential for those who follow the series.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Direct sequel to Daybreak in terms of plot. | Menus and submenus that can be complex for the uninitiated. |
| Positioning of fighters has been adjusted to make it easier to understand in combat. | Cooldown delay added for super attacks. |
| Several additions and improvements to gameplay mechanics. | A large amount of content to read, which can be overwhelming for some. |
| The music fades when you’re wounded in battle and comes back clear when you heal, which adds to the immersion. | The graphics for the Nintendo Switch version are not as appealing. |
Overall assessment of The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Graphics: 3.5/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 5/5
Overall rating: 4/5 (80%)
