Over a number of years, Falcom’s Trails sequence has confronted a recurring hazard of leaping the shark. Essentially the most notable instance is from the finale of Chilly Metal 4 and the way it proved simply how impermanent some penalties may very well be. Then once more, the developer did carry issues again with Trails via Reverie, which provided a much-needed epilogue to the Erebonian saga whereas establishing threads elsewhere. This culminated within the contemporary begin of Trails via Dawn, which ventured to the Calvard Republic for the primary time within the sequence.
New characters with totally different existence and luxuries but beset by their very own darkish pasts and worries accompanied an all-encompassing underworld, corruption, pink tape, and new threats. The brand new engine, with its sleeker visuals and the fight modifications, didn’t damage both.
“With out entering into too many spoilers, the story additionally introduces a time-looping factor, the place gamers can return to earlier plot factors and make totally different selections.”
A lot of that carries over into The Legend of Heroes: Trails via Dawn 2, although the urgency of the sequence’ general plot feels diminished. The characters and their developments nonetheless shine whereas the fight feels modern and the pacing brisk, however be ready for a narrative that may encourage a good variety of “huh?”s with out contributing a lot to the larger image.
Occurring roughly a 12 months after the primary sport’s occasions, Arkride Options is seemingly on extra comfy footing. That’s till Elaine of the Bracer Guild informs Van of a mysterious crimson beast rampaging via Edith, committing massacres seemingly at random. Its resemblance to the Grendel is way from a coincidence and thus, Van and Elaine crew as much as observe it down.
In fact, the crimson beast – generally known as Grendel Zolga – and its id is just one of many core mysteries permeating the sequel. What’s it after? Who’s the accompanying AI? There’s additionally the matter of Almata’s legacy, an unknown merchandise or treasure of kinds that remained after the group’s downfall. And darn it if there isn’t a mysteriously enigmatic masked particular person to cope with, Ouroboros members and their subordinates, or much more newcomers to the forged.
With out entering into too many spoilers, the story additionally introduces a time-looping factor, the place gamers can return to earlier plot factors and make totally different selections. There’s even a visible timeline highlighting the branching nodes. As novel as that is for the sequence – and as excited as I felt, having loved visible novels like Raging Loop – the time-looping doesn’t actually work in the identical method. It’s a plot contrivance that turns into severely overdone in a few of the worst methods whereas diminishing a few of the larger stakes.
“There’s a sure heat and familiarity in reuniting with beloved allies, aided by the (largely) pure circulate of the writing and conversations.”
Even with out it, the story proves problematic in different methods. It wouldn’t be that massive of a deal if it furthered the sequence’ general narrative, however that’s sadly not the case. Nonetheless, not the whole lot in Trails via Dawn 2 is totally throwaway, because of the characters. There’s a sure heat and familiarity in reuniting with beloved allies, aided by the (largely) pure circulate of the writing and conversations.
Listening to Van banter with nearly anybody is a deal with, and actor Damian Haas does an excellent higher job this time round, shifting between sarcasm and concern with out skipping a beat. Amanda Lee can be nice as Agnès, balancing the cutesy and severe with equal aplomb.
A number of different examples embrace Skyler Davenport as Mare (which sounds much more eerily like March seventh than earlier than), Brittany Cox as Judith – the listing goes on. Even Swin and Nadia really feel extra compelling than ever, even when some interactions can overplay the latter’s quirks. It’s a disgrace that their skills really feel considerably wasted in what’s basically a filler arc.
Those that can vibe with the sequel’s ambiance will discover loads to maintain them busy. The story is cut up between two routes and events throughout totally different places that ultimately converge. You are taking up numerous actions like a brand new card sport, fishing, and hacking trials. Other than the lame tailing mini-game, aspect quests current a couple of fascinating tales and interactions, even when some can veer into absurdity. The LGC Alignment additionally returns, although it’s far much less necessary than the earlier sport and finally ends up feeling superfluous.
“Although the Garten itself can underwhelm, with the restricted goal selection and acquainted layouts, it’s a enjoyable addition, particularly for fight lovers.”
Above all, there’s the Märchen Garten. The latter is a digital house which has all of a sudden been taken over by an unknown particular person for unknown causes. It’s thus as much as Van and the crew to take it again (on the behest of the Marduk Firm, in fact). The Garten consists of varied flooring with branching routes which you can choose. Every space has totally different aims, like smashing “X” variety of objects or defeating “Y” variety of medium-sized foes earlier than you get a reward and the best way ahead opens.
If you wish to stick round and totally clear the ground whereas exploring for treasure, that’s additionally doable. The ultimate node culminates in a boss, and whereas I’d have appreciated the alternatives of nodes to consider a bit extra, these encounters can get genuinely difficult in case you waltz in unprepared.
Finishing runs within the Garten gives Shard Tokens, which might be spent on the Mystic Dice. It’s a gacha-style system not in contrast to that seen in Trails into Reverie (however with out the prospect of further unlockable characters). You may nonetheless earn Sepith and Quartz alongside unlockables like alternate outfits, hairstyles and BGM to play on totally different events within the Garten.
Talent Gems are additionally doled out from the Dice, and through exploring for powering up totally different characters’ Crafts inside the exercise and even unlock stat bonuses inside separate tiers. Although the Garten itself can underwhelm, with the restricted goal selection and acquainted layouts, it’s a enjoyable addition, particularly for fight lovers.
“And but, Trails via Dawn 2 doesn’t really feel like greater than the sum of its elements…It might have been a lot extra narratively, low cost gimmicks however.”
Talking of, battles in Trails via Dawn 2 comply with most of the similar tenets as its predecessor. Assault enemies on the sphere in real-time and stun them, then activate Shards to start turn-based fight. Assault weaknesses with Arts, unleash Crafts, enhance to extend injury (and unlock S-Crafts to be used), stand close to allies to activate follow-ups with the SCLM, and many others. Area battles permit for wielding Fast Arts and swapping to a different character after dodging an enemy’s assault for a counter-blow.
It does add some extra selection, particularly when coping with weaker enemies. There are additionally EX Chains, which may activate fancy double-team assaults the place two characters unleash their Crafts. General, it’s a stable fight system, even when it might probably get repetitive when it comes to techniques, and the Fast Arts don’t really feel practically as impactful as I’d like.
Presentation-wise, the visuals endure a couple of of the identical points as its predecessor on PS5. Anti-aliasing at a distance doesn’t look too sharp, and there may be noticeable pop-in. Efficiency is improved, although some dips are noticeable throughout the extra over-the-top S-Crafts. The artwork path stays stable, particularly the character fashions, and it’s backed by some fairly good music. The moody tones whereas roaming the streets of Edith, fast-paced beats and the violin play throughout fight – all of it comes collectively fairly properly.
And but, Trails via Dawn 2 doesn’t really feel like greater than the sum of its elements. In the event you’re a fan – and also you have to be to maintain observe of the whole lot that’s occurred to date, even with the multitudes of recaps – the gameplay, characterization, presentation, and aspect content material might be pleasant. It simply might have been a lot extra narratively, low cost gimmicks however.
This sport was reviewed on the PS5.
