After its successful debut in Japan back in 2022, The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak 2 launches worldwide. Is this storied JRPG franchise worth taking a chance on? Or are you left wanting to rewind time?
Van Arkride Rides Again
The Trails franchise has a long rich history, full of video games and other media, such as the manga, but it’s a franchise that had never come into my orbit until now. Taking place directly after the events of the first Trails Through Daybreak, the game follows hero, Van Arkride, and his friend Elaine, as they investigate a series of bizarre murders. This investigation leads them to a monster which manages to kill them both, but thanks to Van’s assistant Agnes, they are both saved with a device that can rewind time. This sets the main core narrative thread in motion – the use of time bending and the concept of a multiverse. It’s up to Arkride Solution Office to uncover the mystery of the murders, along with changing the fate of Van Arkride and Elaine.
The use of a multiverse should and could have made for a great adventure, but in this instance, it’s a misguided step. Developers Nihon Falcom have used the multiverse as a mechanic for Van to attempt to change his fate and avoid his death. Whilst this is a great idea on paper, it quickly makes the overarching plot tedious and repetitive over a 60 hour campaign. This main narrative feels stretched far too thin as you constantly try to avoid death. Thankfully however, this story is fantastic when it allows the player to converse with other characters and slow things down. The player’s relationships with side and minor characters in the game are by far the most memorable, adding emotional weight to Van’s journey.
The characters you meet and help in side quests turn out to be one of the best parts of the story. In particular, the focus on Quatre, the researcher for the office is memorable as it deals with his childhood trauma. This is so impactful and emotional that I was desperate for more. If you’re looking for a mystery adventure dripping with JRPG flair, you’ll have fleeting moments in the main story to satisfy your thirst. However, what makes this narrative so memorable isn’t the overall main plot, it’s the developing relationships with side characters. If you have played the first game, this feels more like an epilogue to Van’s story as the narrative outstays its welcome for far too long – a cardinal sin in JRPGs.
Turn Based Transition
For players who are familiar with the first game’s combat system, you will be right at home once again. The first Trails Through Daybreak attempted to innovate on the series’ traditional turn-based combat, by splicing in real time action moments. You go up to an enemy in an area, attack and stun them, which then, in turn, transitions you to the turn-based portion of the combat. This is inventive and unique and adds an addictive feel to each battle. Like the previous game, you can plan your attacks with the turn order timeline, which makes every fight a chess match with each enemy, but there are some new elements to combat. The new Ex-Chain ability allows two characters to team up and perform a dual attack, which makes battles feel much more cinematic and climatic. Besides the Ex-Chain, the combat system remains largely unchanged. The combat system from the first game is already an extremely polished product so it’s understandable that the developers didn’t want to uproot too much for the players but it is still disappointing to see the lack of new additions in combat.
Like the previous game, the customisation system returns, allowing you to build out your party of four however you choose fit. Each character can be customised with their unique skills and abilities and it’s refreshing to see the level of freedom you are allowed. You can tailor the party of characters to your playstyle, whilst also experimenting along the way. Another returning mechanic from the original is the morality system that occurs when you make decisions during quests. I’m a sucker for a game with a morality system so I once again felt right at home, but I also felt disappointed at some of the main quest choices, as they felt like they really didn’t differ from one another and make a true impact.
Minigames have also made their wonderful return to help diversify the gameplay and this works, with brilliant results. The fishing minigame is just so damn fun and addictive, making it hard to put that mode down. Along with the fishing, there’s a hacking minigame and even a basketball challenge! It’s great to see the developers putting time and effort into these elements in order to help break up the gameplay in fun and innovative ways. The new optional dungeons also add great variety for players and can be very challenging for veterans of the franchise. As mentioned before, if you enjoyed the first games combat and gameplay systems, you will once again feel right at home, but pleasantly surprised with the new additions and innovations.
Heavenly Heiyue
Graphically speaking, Trails Through Daybreak 2 looks absolutely beautiful. Every environment looks vast and rich in detail and I could have easily mistaken some areas for ones ripped straight out of an anime series as they look so good. Like its predecessor, character models are once again top notch. Every character looks unique and detailed; the developers have crafted such beautiful and memorable figures. The only downside to characters is that some models are reused far too often as you traverse the city. The game’s UI and menu systems are easy to navigate and understand, making it an greatly accessible experience for players who don’t have a vast pedigree of JRPGs.
Similarly, the sound design and musical score of Trails Through Daybreak 2 are ones for the ages. Every ability cast, every attack landed and every enemy defeated sound so wonderfully unique and delightful that it’s hard not to smile whilst playing. Developers Falcom have perfected their craft in combat sound design and this game is no different. The voice acting is also very well done in English and the cast should be commended for pouring life into the characters. Last but not least, the score of this game. What an utterly beautiful collection of orchestral themes, spliced with fantasy elements, all packaged into a JRPG music experience that is just so damn good. Virtually every track is memorable, with the opening song CRIMSON SIN being my personal favourite. A brilliant effort across the board in presentation.
Verdict
The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak 2 is at its best when it focuses on its wonderful cast of characters. This JRPG shines when you diverge from the disappointing and far too long main plot and instead focus on the brilliant and emotional side quests. Whilst there are too few improvements and additions to combat, it is still an addictive turn-based experience. Coupled with great visuals and a memorable soundtrack, you have the recipe for a enjoyable JRPG. It takes some missteps but mainly sticks the landing!
