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

The latest installment from NIS America and Nihon Falcom, “The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II,” continues the epic saga of the esteemed Legend of Heroes/Kiseki series. Picking right up from where “Trails through Daybreak” left off, the sequel takes players alongside Van Arkride as he maneuvers through the challenges of the Calvard region. This time around, Van finds himself caught in the throes of a gripping murder mystery. Curious to know more? Dive deeper with us in our review of “The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II!”

Imagine stepping back into the captivating world of the Calvard Republic and being thrust into the heart of a mystery revolving around a mysterious crimson beast in “Trails through Daybreak II.” A series of shocking murders propels the story forward, leading Van Arkride into a whirlpool of chaos, especially when an unexpected figure arrives on his doorstep. But who is behind the murders, and what is their ultimate motive?

As a direct sequel to “Trails through Daybreak,” “The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II” also marks the 12th main installment in the series, originally launched with “Trails in the Sky.” Following the adventures across different regions like the Liberl section of Trails in the Sky, the four Trails of Cold Steel games in Erebonia, and the excursions in the Crossbell area, we once again follow Van in the second game set within Calvard.

This new chapter in the long-standing franchise picks up in the Septian year 1209, and it brings the beloved storytelling and deep world-building that fans cherish. From adventures in Liberl and Erebonia to Crossbell, this game hones in on Van Arkride’s new journey into the mysteries lurking within Calvard.

While each sub-series—be it Trails in the Sky, Trails of Cold Steel, Trails from Zero, or Trails through Daybreak—offers a narrative you can enjoy independently, they all coexist in a richly interwoven universe. Though they stand alone, these games often pay homage to events from their counterparts.

For those keen on diving into “Trails through Daybreak II,” it’s wise to first tackle its predecessor, “Trails through Daybreak.” While there’s a recap video at the start of the game, it struggles to convey the intricate storytelling and character development that spans well over 50 hours. But if you’ve wrapped up the first game, you can import your saved data, unlocking bonuses that reflect your earlier decisions in this sequel.

Van Arkride is more than just a spriggan—he’s a private detective who takes on the sort of cases others, like bracers or the police, shy away from due to their legal ambiguities. “Trails through Daybreak II” sees him delving into society’s underbelly once again. Blessed with an exceptional sense of smell, he can pick up on hints, idenitify culprits, and sense trouble, making him a crucial investigator amidst Calvard’s evolving conflicts.

The story kicks off with a familiar face, Elaine, returning from the previous game to share troubling news—Van is implicated as the main suspect in a mysterious event from the night before. Without giving too much away, the story cleverly unfolds in a non-linear format, which I found particularly captivating. Like all Trails games, it offers rich storytelling with unexpected plot twists, deep character arcs, and intricate narrative layers.

Having played the earlier installment, you’ll find the battle system familiar, staying largely consistent. Standard battles kick off in a real-time, combo-based style, akin to an action RPG designed for less demanding encounters, allowing for basic attacks to quicken combat. When near another character, Combo Skills will automatically trigger, allowing a nearby ally to follow up with an extra strike after an active character’s attack—similar to character linking in past series.

For those eager to wield Arts (magic) or Crafts (skills), you’ll need to tap the Square button. This switches the game to a turn-based format, reminiscent of previous Trails sub-series. Here, you maintain the ability to perform standard attacks while accessing the full spectrum of Crafts and Arts for a more strategic edge—essential for tougher battles. You’ll also have access to S-Crafts, powerful Limit Break-style attacks. And yes, like in Daybreak I, Van can transform into a formidable mech form, leveling the playing field.

Just like the previous games, you’re equipped with an Orbment—a tool for slotting Quartz, unlocking spells, and enhancing characters’ stats. While the menu retains the complexity familiar to Daybreak I veterans, accessing healing Arts remains somewhat cumbersome, often requiring a deep dive into the menus when urgency strikes. A recurring glitch involved selecting the Tear healing spell, which would freeze the game, disabling the selection of a target. Although easily fixed by restarting, the game’s frequent auto-save feature ensures you never lose significant progress. Let’s hope this gets patched before the final launch. Speaking of convenience, saving anywhere continues to be a thoughtful inclusion, particularly when tackling those notably lengthy dungeons.

Graphically, “Trails through Daybreak II” builds on its predecessors, offering subtle enhancements, albeit continuing to emulate a PlayStation 4-era aesthetic. Character models receive a touch-up with textured clothing and refined facial expressions, though animation quality still lingers behind contemporary JRPG standards. On the auditory front, English voice acting shines, especially among the main cast, consistent with the previous title. As usual, players can switch between English and Japanese voiceovers. And, of course, Nihon Falcom doesn’t disappoint with its delightful background tracks.

For those looking to pad their trophy collection, the game offers 53 in total, including a coveted Platinum trophy. Trophies span chapter milestones, maxing out Arkride Solutions to the highest rank, and engaging with minigames like fishing and cooking—ensuring a busy schedule for completionists on this trophy hunt!

“The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II” is a standout JRPG that deftly blends action-packed combat with the swift transition to turn-based strategy, offering players greater control during crucial moments. The narrative remains sufficiently compelling, with intriguing surprises along the way. As a direct sequel, it’s best to experience the first game to truly appreciate the continued character arcs and plot development. Set to delight gamers on PlayStation 5, this title will hit the shelves on February 14, priced at $59.99.

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