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

The latest installment in the cherished The Legend of Heroes/Kiseki series, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II, brings us back to the Calvard region, where Van Arkride grapples with new challenges. Continuing from the events of Trails through Daybreak, this sequel thrusts Van into a gripping murder mystery. Dive into more details with our comprehensive review!

The crimson beast’s enigma returns to the Calvard Republic in Trails through Daybreak II. A series of shocking murders set an intriguing plot in motion, with chaos looming just ahead. Van Arkride, known for taking on cases others avoid, encounters an unexpected visitor. The big questions remain—who’s behind these murders, and what is their motive?

Trailing directly from Trails through Daybreak, this sequel marks the 12th main title since the Kiseki series began with Trails in the Sky. It follows Van Arkride’s adventures through the Calvard region, following previous stories set in Liberl, Erebonia, and Crossbell. Fans of The Legend of Heroes will recognize the consistent world-building and narrative depth that are hallmarks of the series.

In this expansive universe, different sub-series like Trails in the Sky, Trails of Cold Steel, and Trails from Zero each provide unique perspectives while being intricately connected. Though each stands alone, they weave a broader tapestry of events and experiences.

For newcomers, it’s best to start with Trails through Daybreak before diving into this sequel. A video recap is available, but a skimmed summary hardly captures the essence of a game sprawling over 50 hours. Players with previous save data can even unlock additional content and carry their choices into this new adventure.

Van Arkride, a spriggan—or private detective—specializes in cases neither bracers nor the police handle, thanks to a knack for navigating society’s undercurrents. His exceptional sense of smell, a vital skill in untangling complex scenarios, adds to his investigative prowess as he delves into the evolving mysteries of Calvard.

From the outset, Van’s complicated life takes a twist with the arrival of Elaine, who delivers alarming news: he’s a prime suspect in a recent crime. Without giving too much away, the game offers a non-linear narrative filled with compelling twists and richly developed characters.

In terms of gameplay, veterans will find familiarity in the battle system, with battles starting in a real-time, action RPG style for simpler fights. Deploying Arts or Crafts shifts combat into a strategic turn-based structure, essential for tougher encounters. Unique features like Van’s mech transformations and S-Crafts keep the action dynamic.

The Orbment system returns, allowing players to customize abilities and stats with Quartz. However, accessing healing Arts proves cumbersome, occasionally freezing the game, which hopefully will be patched. Frequent auto-saves mitigate progress loss, and saving anywhere is a blessing for tackling lengthy dungeons.

Graphically, Trails through Daybreak II builds on its predecessors, bearing improvements in clothing textures and facial expressions, though character models remain reminiscent of the PS4 era. The voice acting shines, particularly for main characters, with both English and Japanese options available. As always with Nihon Falcom, the soundtrack provides an atmospheric backdrop.

With 53 trophies, including a coveted Platinum, players have myriad challenges spanning all aspects of gameplay, including minigames like fishing and cooking. This installment skillfully mixes action and turn-based combat with engaging storytelling, enriched by the preceding game’s context.

Prepare to explore Trails through Daybreak II when it debuts on PlayStation 5 on February 14 for $59.99. Immerse yourself in its complex world and narrative—it’s a journey not to miss!

Disclaimer: This review is based on a PlayStation copy provided by NIS America.