As a long-time fan of the Trails series, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2. After spending countless hours immersed in this latest installment, I’m here to share my thoughts on what works, what doesn’t, and whether it lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors.
First Impressions
From the moment I booted up Trails through Daybreak 2, I was struck by the familiar yet refined visual style. The game’s graphics have received a noticeable upgrade from the first Daybreak, with more detailed character models and environments that truly bring the world of Calvard to life. The bustling streets of Edith and the scenic vistas of Aramis feel more vibrant than ever, making exploration a joy.
However, I quickly noticed that the performance on the Nintendo Switch leaves something to be desired. Frame rate drops and occasional stuttering, especially in busy areas or during intense battle sequences, can be jarring.
It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s certainly noticeable and somewhat disappointing given how long the series has been on the platform.
Story and Characters
The narrative picks up two months after the events of the first Daybreak, and boy, does it hit the ground running. Without spoiling too much, I found myself immediately drawn back into the world of Van Arkride and the Arkride Solutions office. The stakes are higher, the mysteries deeper, and the political intrigue more complex than ever.
One of the standout aspects of Daybreak 2 is how it builds upon the relationships established in the first game. Van’s interactions with Agnes, Elaine, and Feri feel natural and showcase genuine character growth. I particularly enjoyed the moments where the team’s bond is tested, leading to some truly emotional scenes that had me on the edge of my seat.
The introduction of Swin and Nadia as main party members is a bit of a mixed bag. While I appreciate the attempt to tie in characters from Trails into Reverie, their presence sometimes feels forced, and I found myself wishing for more screen time with the original Daybreak cast.
That said, their unique perspectives do add an interesting dynamic to the group, and by the end of the game, I warmed up to them considerably.
The antagonists in Daybreak 2 are a step up from the first game, with more nuanced motivations and backstories. The Crimson Grendel, in particular, is a fascinating foil to Van, and their confrontations are some of the highlights of the story.
However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that some villains were retreads of concepts we’ve seen before in the series.
Gameplay and Combat
If you’ve played any recent Trails game, you’ll feel right at home with Daybreak 2’s combat system. The turn-based battles are as strategic and engaging as ever, with the addition of some new mechanics that keep things fresh.
The Quick Arts system, which allows for faster casting of arts (magic) at the cost of reduced power, adds a nice layer of tactical decision-making.
The Cross Charge mechanic, where characters can build up energy to unleash powerful team-up attacks, is a welcome addition that makes party composition even more important. I found myself constantly tweaking my lineup to maximize these devastating combos.
One of my favorite new features is the EX-Skill system. These character-specific abilities add a unique flavor to each party member and can turn the tide of battle when used strategically. Discovering and mastering each character’s EX-Skills became an addictive mini-game in itself.
The Orbment system returns with some refinements, allowing for even more customization of characters’ abilities and stats. I spent hours tinkering with different setups, trying to find the perfect balance for each character’s role in my party.
The Time Rewind Mechanic
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the time rewind mechanic. In theory, it’s an intriguing concept that ties into the overarching plot involving the Genesis devices. In practice, however, it often feels like a narrative crutch that saps tension from key moments.
The first few times I encountered a “Dead End” and had to rewind time to make a different choice, it was exciting. But as the game progressed, this mechanic began to wear thin.
Instead of feeling like I was making meaningful decisions, it often felt like I was just going through the motions until I found the “correct” path forward.
I can’t help but feel that this mechanic could have been implemented in a more engaging way, perhaps with more significant consequences for each choice or with puzzles that required creative use of the time rewind ability. As it stands, it’s an interesting idea that doesn’t quite live up to its potential.
Side Content and Mini-Games
One area where Trails through Daybreak 2 truly shines is in its wealth of side content. The Marchen Garten, a dungeon-like area reminiscent of the Reverie Corridor from previous games, is a fantastic addition that provides hours of optional gameplay. It’s the perfect place to grind levels, earn rare items, and unlock cosmetics and music tracks from across the series.
The return of familiar mini-games like fishing and the card game Seven Hearts (though I still prefer Vantage Masters) provides welcome distractions from the main story. The addition of a basketball mini-game is a fun novelty, even if it’s not particularly deep.
What impressed me most about the side content is how it often ties into the main narrative, fleshing out minor characters and providing additional context for the world of Calvard.
These optional quests and interactions make the game world feel lived-in and reward players who take the time to explore every nook and cranny.
Technical Aspects and Presentation
Visually, Trails through Daybreak 2 is a step up from its predecessor. Character models are more detailed, environments are richer, and the overall art direction continues to impress. The anime-style cutscenes, while sparse, are beautifully animated and add cinematic flair to key moments in the story.
The soundtrack, composed by the legendary Falcom Sound Team jdk, is once again a highlight. From pulse-pounding battle themes to emotional character motifs, the music elevates every scene and cements itself as one of the best soundtracks in the series.
Voice acting is generally strong, with returning characters maintaining their excellent performances from the first game. Some of the new additions to the cast are a bit hit-or-miss, but overall, the voice work contributes positively to the game’s atmosphere and storytelling.
As mentioned earlier, performance on the Switch is somewhat disappointing. Load times can be lengthy, and frame rate issues are noticeable, especially in more graphically intensive areas. It’s not unplayable by any means, but it does detract from the overall experience.
The Bigger Picture
As the second entry in the Calvard arc, Trails through Daybreak 2 has the unenviable task of both continuing the immediate story from the first game and setting up future installments.
For the most part, it succeeds in this balancing act, answering some burning questions while introducing new mysteries that have me eager to see what comes next.
The game delves deeper into the political landscape of Calvard, exploring themes of nationalism, technological progress, and the consequences of past actions.
These heavier topics are handled with the nuance I’ve come to expect from the Trails series, providing food for thought without becoming preachy.
Long-time fans of the series will appreciate the numerous callbacks and connections to previous arcs, though I sometimes felt that these references were a bit heavy-handed.
Newcomers who have only played the first Daybreak might feel a bit lost at times, but the game does an admirable job of providing context for most of its major plot points.
Final Thoughts
After spending over 80 hours with Trails through Daybreak 2, I find myself with mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s a solid entry in the Trails series that advances the plot in interesting ways and provides the deep, strategic gameplay that fans have come to love. The character interactions, world-building, and attention to detail are as strong as ever.
On the other hand, the pacing issues, particularly in the game’s third act, and the somewhat underwhelming implementation of the time rewind mechanic hold it back from true greatness. There’s a sense that the game is treading water at times, stretching out its runtime without always justifying the length.
Despite these flaws, I can’t deny that I enjoyed my time with Trails through Daybreak 2. The highs are very high indeed, with some truly spectacular story moments and satisfying gameplay sequences.
For fans of the series, it’s an essential play that sets the stage for what’s to come. Newcomers would be better served starting with the first Daybreak or even earlier entries in the series.
In the end, Trails through Daybreak 2 is a good game that falls just short of being great. It’s a solid middle chapter in what promises to be another epic Trails saga, and while it may not reach the lofty heights of some of its predecessors, it left me eager to see where the trail leads next.
Score: 7.5/10
Pros:
- Engaging combat system with meaningful new additions
- Strong character development for returning cast members
- Excellent soundtrack and improved visuals
- Wealth of enjoyable side content
- Intriguing advancements in the overall Trails storyline
Cons:
- Performance issues on Nintendo Switch
- Pacing problems, especially in the latter half of the game
- Time rewind mechanic feels underutilized
- Some new characters feel less integrated than others
Trails through Daybreak 2 is a game that will likely satisfy existing fans of the series while potentially frustrating newcomers with its dense lore and occasional pacing issues.
It’s a crucial piece of the ongoing Trails saga, and despite its flaws, I’m glad I experienced it. Here’s hoping the next installment can iron out some of these kinks and deliver the truly stellar experience I know this series is capable of.