The latest gem from NIS America and Nihon Falcom, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II, continues the beloved journey within The Legend of Heroes/Kiseki universe. Picking up right after Trails through Daybreak, we rejoin Van Arkride in the Calvard region as he plunges into a fresh, intriguing murder mystery. Curious about how this sequel unfolds? Let’s dive into our detailed review!
Returning to the dynamic world of the Calvard Republic, Trails through Daybreak II invites players to decipher the enigma behind the crimson beast. A sequence of murders kicks off a thrilling ride, with fate rapidly spinning its web. Our protagonist, Van Arkride, a spriggan with a penchant for tackling cases others avoid, encounters an unexpected visitor, setting the stage for a complex and engaging journey.
This sequel directly follows the narrative of Trails through Daybreak and is the 12th main installment in the series, dating back to the groundbreaking Kiseki series started with Trails in the Sky. For those unfamiliar, the storyline has traveled through various regions: from the serene lands of Liberl to Erebonia in the Trails of Cold Steel saga, and not forgetting the bustling Crossbell area. Here, Van’s expertise is once more put to the test as mysteries continue to unravel in Calvard.
Fans can rejoice as each segment of the series, whether it’s Trails in the Sky, Trails of Cold Steel, Trails from Zero, or Trails through Daybreak, offers standalone adventures set within this richly intertwined world. These entries often reference each other yet maintain their distinct narrative arcs.
Due to Trails through Daybreak II being a sequel, starting with its precursor is advisable to fully appreciate the depth of its storytelling and characters. The recap video at the beginning won’t capture the nuanced evolution of a journey that spans 50 captivating hours. Plus, starting fresh allows the continuation of choices from the first game, enhancing the personal touch.
Van isn’t your typical detective; he operates in the shadows where legal lines blur, taking on cases too complex for bracers or law enforcement. Notably, his keen sense of smell elevates his investigative prowess, enabling him to pick up on clues that others might miss, a necessity given the tangled affairs in Calvard.
As the story kicks off, Elaine, a familiar face from the previous game, warns Van of being framed for a crime, dragging him into a mind-bending mystery. The narrative unfolds with non-linear storytelling, rich with unexpected developments and evolving characters, capturing what makes the Trails series so compelling.
If you’ve experienced the combat of the previous game, you’ll find this installment comfortably familiar. Battles commence in a real-time format reminiscent of an action RPG, moving swiftly for lesser foes. Engaging the square button transitions smoothly into turn-based strategy, incorporating signature Arts and Crafts for a more deliberate approach to tougher battles. And of course, Van’s powerful mech transformation makes a dramatic return.
The Orbment system, while still complex, offers a range of strategic enhancements, though navigating some menus, especially for healing, can be cumbersome. Thankfully, frequent auto-saves mitigate the risk of losing progress due to technical hiccups, an issue that could use some patching before the official release. You’re free to save at any point, a handy option for progress through intensive dungeons.
The game’s visuals see minor improvements from preceding titles, focusing on detailed textures and expressive facial animations. While not groundbreaking, they do the job. The voice work, especially for main characters, is solid, offering English and Japanese tracks, and is accompanied by the series’ signature, stirring soundtrack.
For trophy hunters, 53 trophies are up for grabs, with a shiny Platinum awaiting those who master various milestones and engaging mini-games like fishing and cooking. Trails through Daybreak II blends action and turn-based strategy exceptionally, ensuring an engaging experience filled with twists and beloved narrative depth. For an uninterrupted experience, playing the first game is wise before tackling this sequel, which debuts on the PlayStation 5 on February 14 at $59.99.
This review of The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II was conducted using a PlayStation copy provided by NIS America.
