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

NIS America and Nihon Falcom have brought us another captivating chapter in the enduring The Legend of Heroes series with Trails through Daybreak II. Picking up the story where Trails through Daybreak left off, we return to the adventures of Van Arkride, this time delving into a fresh murder mystery set in the intriguing Calvard region. Curious to learn more? Let’s dive into the world of Trails through Daybreak II!

Returning to the intricate lands of the Calvard Republic, this sequel promises excitement and thrill as players unravel the enigma of the crimson beast. As a series of ghastly murders shakes the land, Van Arkride, a spriggan with a nose for mystery, must untangle the chaos. Who lurks behind these heinous acts, and what sinister motives lie beneath?

As the 12th main installment since the franchise’s inception with Trails in the Sky, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II builds upon the rich history established by its predecessors. After exploring the Liberl, Erebonian, and Crossbell regions, we are once again drawn into Van Arkride’s adventures in the Calvard territory, grounded in the Septian year 1209.

Every segment of this expansive series—whether it’s Trails in the Sky, Trails of Cold Steel, Trails from Zero, or Trails through Daybreak—can be enjoyed as a standalone experience. However, they are all part of a larger narrative web, referencing and nodding to one another throughout.

For those diving into Trails through Daybreak II, revisiting the first game is a must. Although a recap is available, the few minutes it offers barely scratch the surface of the immense storytelling depths and character arcs that unfold over 50-plus hours. If you’ve played the original, importing your save data not only provides bonuses but also ensures continuity in your decisions and their consequences in this sequel.

In Trails through Daybreak II, Van continues his role as a spriggan—a detective tackling cases that others shy away from. With a sharp sense of smell, Van can detect clues and sense dangers before they occur, carving out his niche within the broader Calvard conflicts.

The game kicks off with a surprise visit from Elaine, who brings unsettling news: a crime has pinned Van as the primary suspect. With its non-linear storyline—a hallmark I found particularly immersive—the game enchants players with its layered plots, substantial character development, and the intricate narratives fans of Trails have come to expect.

Fans of the previous entry will find familiar ground within the combat system of Trails through Daybreak II. Battles unfold in real-time with a combination-based style typical of action RPGs but can seamlessly transition to a turn-based system by engaging Arts or Crafts. Whether opting for straightforward attacks or deploying more tactical strategies with Crafts and Arts, the battles remain engaging and require a strategic approach, especially during tougher skirmishes. Van’s mech transformation, similar to a limit break, adds a thrilling dimension to intense battles.

A staple of Trails games is the Orbment system, allowing players to equip Quartz for spell access and stat enhancements. Although the menu system remains complicated, the reassuring presence of auto-save helps mitigate frustration from glitches, like the rare freezing issue I faced during heals. Fortunately, this minor inconvenience doesn’t mar the overall enjoyment, as frequent saves preserve progress.

Graphically, Trails through Daybreak II offers incremental improvements, especially in textured clothing and facial expressions. While character models retain a PS4 game aesthetic, the soundscape of this latest installment excels, with both English and Japanese voice options complementing the storytelling magnificently. As expected, the musical score heightens the atmosphere and is an auditory treat for players.

For trophy hunters, Trails through Daybreak II offers 53 trophies, culminating in the coveted Platinum. Achieving these requires completing chapters, mastering mini-games, and boosting your Arkride Solutions rank—a pursuit that will keep players thoroughly entertained.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II blends dynamic action with seamless strategic battle transitions, making it a distinct and engaging JRPG experience. Its intricate narrative and evolving storyline ensure players remain engrossed throughout. To fully appreciate the journey, diving into the first game is advisable. Catch Trails through Daybreak II on PlayStation 5, launching February 14, for $59.99.

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