MonsterCritic
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak cover image
Links
Amazon Icon
Amazon
Steam Icon
Steam
Twitch Icon
Twitch

80

MONSTER

Star Icon

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak

2024
GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player
AvailableJul 5, 2024
PlatformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
DeveloperFalcom
Overview

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is the eleventh installment in the main Trails series. The Action Time battle command used in previous installments of the Trails series has been completely revamped! This system swiftly and seamlessly transitions from field battles to command-based turn battles. In combination with the sixth-generation tactical orbment, Xipha, it offers a revolutionary combat experience unique to the Trails series!

Elsewhere
Score icon

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

89

TL;DR

Trails through Daybreak dazzles with a rich, complex narrative, mature themes, and socio-political depth, blending moral ambiguity and intricate world-building into an immersive RPG. While pacing and dense exposition draw some criticism, they’re minor flaws in a bold, character-driven story that’s both a fresh start for the series and a must-play for genre fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

89

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

0%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is widely praised for its depth, complexity, and engaging narrative. Critics consistently highlight its rich world-building, mature themes, and compelling character development. Inverse commends the game for exploring "social classes, racism, grief, and more," while RPG Site notes its "epic narrative spanning multiple entries" and introduces the Republic of Calvard with its organized crime syndicate, Alamata. Checkpoint Gaming emphasizes the "beautifully crescendoed finale" and the expansion of the fantasy world, and SpazioGames appreciates the accessibility for newcomers while retaining the series’ signature atmosphere. The narrative’s focus on socio-political drama, moral ambiguity, and intricate mysteries—such as the Genesis relics and the Calvard Republic’s conflicts—receives high marks. Twinfinite praises the "fast-paced narrative" and "morally grey outlook," while Player 2 highlights the "rich world filled with socio-political drama and character-driven storytelling." These elements collectively create a story that feels both ambitious and immersive, resonating with both longtime fans and new players. However, some critics point to pacing and narrative execution as areas needing improvement. GameGrin notes "pacing issues similar to previous titles," while Movies Games and Tech mentions that "some long texts can be tedious." Pure Nintendo criticizes the "prolonged narrative dumps and slow pacing initially," and COGconnected acknowledges the "dense fantasy noir narrative" might feel overwhelming for some. Digitally Downloaded also points to a "slowly unfolding plot" with "profound implications," which could test patience. Additionally, while the story’s complexity is a strength, some reviewers feel it occasionally sacrifices momentum for depth, as noted by GamingBolt, who describes the plot as "compelling" but notes the "flawed yet endearing characters" might not always align with player expectations. These critiques, while valid, are generally seen as minor drawbacks in an otherwise strong narrative. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority praising the story as a standout achievement. The game’s ability to balance mature themes, intricate world-building, and character-driven storytelling earns it high praise, with many calling it a "fresh start" for the series. Checkpoint Gaming, Inverse, and RPG Site all emphasize its narrative ambition and emotional depth, while Nintendo Life and Multiplayer.it highlight its accessibility for newcomers. Even the pacing concerns are framed as part of the game’s deliberate, immersive approach rather than outright flaws. Ultimately, Trails through Daybreak is seen as a significant step forward for the series, offering a story that is both expansive and intimate, with a strong foundation for future entries. As RPG Fan notes, its "complexity, scope, and engaging narrative" solidify its place as a must-play for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Trails through Daybreak dazzles with a rich, complex narrative, mature themes, and socio-political depth, blending moral ambiguity and intricate world-building into an immersive RPG. While pacing and dense exposition draw some criticism, they’re minor flaws in a bold, character-driven story that’s both a fresh start for the series and a must-play for genre fans.

84

TL;DR

Hard-hitting Trails through Daybreak’s game-changing hybrid combat (real-time + turn-based) earns universal praise for tactical depth, dynamic battles, and seamless transitions. Shards, Quartz, and SCLM elevate strategy, while the Orbment system’s overhauls and narrative-driven loop (exploration, requests, moral alignment) shine. Though real-time action sparks mixed reactions, refined mechanics and balance make it a standout evolution—delivering depth for veterans and accessibility for newcomers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

84

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak for its innovative and engaging gameplay, particularly its hybrid combat system that blends real-time and turn-based elements. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and Inverse highlighted the tactical depth and dynamic nature of the battles, noting that the integration of movement and positioning elevates the experience, making it one of the genre’s strongest offerings. GamingBolt and RPG Site emphasized the new mechanics, such as the Shards and Quartz system and SCLM (Skill Chain Link Mechanic), which add layers of strategy and customization. The Orbment system received universal acclaim for its overhauls, allowing for greater character progression and flexibility, as pointed out by Inverse and RPG Fan. Additionally, Noisy Pixel and PlayStation Universe commended the seamless transition between combat styles, calling the system “addictive” and “standout,” respectively. The gameplay loop, which includes exploration, requests, and character events, was also noted for its balance and replayability, with RPG Fan and SpazioGames appreciating the moral alignment system’s narrative impact. While the hybrid combat system was widely celebrated, some critics expressed reservations about its execution. Movies Games and Tech and Multiplayer.it found the real-time combat less compelling, with the latter noting that the shift to action elements “may feel lacking” despite the strategic customization options. COGconnected and Digitally Downloaded pointed out that the combat could become repetitive, with the former suggesting the changes might not fully satisfy long-time fans. Player 2 mentioned that the removal of certain side activities slightly detracted from the experience, though they acknowledged improved pacing. SpazioGames also noted that the hybrid system’s adjustments, while accessible for newcomers, might not resonate with veterans seeking deeper complexity. These critiques, while present, were often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise strong package, with many agreeing that the turn-based mechanics remained the core of the game’s appeal. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Trails through Daybreak delivers a highly polished and strategic gameplay experience, with the hybrid combat system being a major highlight. While some found the real-time elements underdeveloped or the mechanics occasionally repetitive, the majority of reviews—from Checkpoint Gaming, GamingBolt, and RPG Site to Pure Nintendo and RPG Fan—emphasized its strengths in customization, tactical options, and narrative integration. The game’s ability to balance action and turn-based play, coupled with its refined systems like the Orbment and Xipha, was seen as a significant evolution for the series. Even the criticisms were often tempered by praise for the game’s overall flow and depth, suggesting that while not perfect, the gameplay is a standout feature that aligns with the expectations of both newcomers and long-time fans.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Hard-hitting Trails through Daybreak’s game-changing hybrid combat (real-time + turn-based) earns universal praise for tactical depth, dynamic battles, and seamless transitions. Shards, Quartz, and SCLM elevate strategy, while the Orbment system’s overhauls and narrative-driven loop (exploration, requests, moral alignment) shine. Though real-time action sparks mixed reactions, refined mechanics and balance make it a standout evolution—delivering depth for veterans and accessibility for newcomers.

76

TL;DR

Trails through Daybreak dazzles with vibrant, anime-inspired visuals and expressive character designs, but its Switch port stumbles with outdated animations, pop-in, and performance issues, undermining its polish despite a bold artistic leap.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

76

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The reviews for The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak consistently highlight significant advancements in graphics and visual design, with many critics praising its vibrant aesthetics and artistic evolution. Checkpoint Gaming and Inverse describe the game as "flashiest and prettiest" and "gorgeous, jaw-dropping," respectively, emphasizing its immersive world design and expressive character models. GamingBolt and Meristation note a "big step forward" over previous entries, with Meristation specifically crediting the new graphics engine for improved character models and culturally inspired environments. Noisy Pixel and TheSixthAxis applaud smoother, more expressive character designs, while Player 2 and RPG Site commend the warm, anime-influenced art style and varied settings like the Asian-inspired Longlai. These positives collectively underscore the game’s commitment to refining its visual identity while maintaining the series’ signature charm. However, several critics point to technical and design limitations that temper the overall experience. Movies Games and Tech and Multiplayer.it criticize texture detail and rigid animations, respectively, while SpazioGames and Nintendo Life highlight outdated animations, recycled assets, and performance issues on the Switch, such as pop-in effects and slowdowns. GameGrin notes that environments feel "bland and monotonous" despite detailed characters, and RPG Fan mentions "questionable fan service" and limited NPC designs. COGconnected and NintendoWorldReport also note that the Switch version struggles with visual fidelity, with "frequent pop-ins" and "dated character models." These critiques suggest that while the game’s art direction is strong, technical constraints and design choices occasionally undermine its visual polish, particularly on less powerful hardware. Despite these shortcomings, the overall consensus leans toward appreciation for Trails through Daybreak’s visual improvements and artistic vision. Critics like GamingBolt and Inverse praise its balance of faithfulness to the series’ roots and bold new directions, while RPG Site and SpazioGames acknowledge its diverse environments and lighting enhancements. The game’s ability to blend a cohesive art style with cultural inspiration—highlighted by COGconnected and Digitally Downloaded—resonates strongly, even as technical flaws on the Switch and minor design choices remain points of contention. While not flawless, the visuals are widely seen as a significant leap forward, offering a compelling aesthetic that aligns with the series’ narrative depth and player expectations.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Trails through Daybreak dazzles with vibrant, anime-inspired visuals and expressive character designs, but its Switch port stumbles with outdated animations, pop-in, and performance issues, undermining its polish despite a bold artistic leap.

80

TL;DR

Trails through Daybreak boasts a stellar, emotionally resonant soundtrack that elevates its world-building and gameplay, but inconsistent voice acting and technical hiccups (like frame drops and uneven music quality post-Cold Steel II) mar its audio polish, leaving a mixed but largely positive reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

80

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak received widespread praise, with many critics highlighting its strengths as a key component of the game’s appeal. Meristation and Movies Games and Tech both emphasized the soundtrack’s variety and memorability, noting it maintains the high standards of the series while offering standout tracks that enhance both exploration and combat. RPG Fan and NintendoWorldReport similarly praised the music for its dynamic and emotional impact, with RPG Fan specifically commending the English voice acting as improved and impactful. The soundtrack’s ability to balance energetic battle themes with serene, atmospheric pieces was frequently cited as a highlight, with RPG Fan noting how it “enhances the gameplay experience” and NintendoWorldReport calling it “a major strength” that rivals some of Nihon Falcom’s best work. These positive reviews underscore the game’s musical achievements as a cornerstone of its immersive world-building. However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings, particularly in voice acting and technical execution. GameGrin and COGconnected criticized the inconsistent voice acting, with GameGrin noting that “some scenes lack full voice acting which can be jarring” and COGconnected describing the partial implementation as “odd.” Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport echoed this, pointing out that “inconsistent voice acting” and “unvoiced lines” led to “awkward and unfinished dialogue sequences.” Additionally, GamingBolt and Noisy Pixel mentioned technical issues, with GamingBolt noting “performance issues with odd frame rate drops” and Noisy Pixel observing a perceived decline in music quality post-Cold Steel II. While these critiques were less frequent than the praise for the soundtrack, they highlighted areas where the game fell short of expectations, particularly in audio consistency and polish. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for the game’s musical and sound design elements. While voice acting inconsistencies and technical hiccups were noted, the soundtrack’s quality and emotional resonance were consistently praised as a major asset. Meristation and RPG Fan emphasized that the music “lives up to Falcom’s reputation,” while NintendoWorldReport and Movies Games and Tech celebrated its ability to elevate the narrative and gameplay. The mixed feedback on voice acting and performance issues did not overshadow the broader acclaim for the audio design, suggesting that Trails through Daybreak succeeds as aurally rich and emotionally engaging experience, even if it isn’t without flaws. The balance between praise and critique reflects a game that excels in its musical identity but struggles with execution in other audio-related aspects.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Trails through Daybreak boasts a stellar, emotionally resonant soundtrack that elevates its world-building and gameplay, but inconsistent voice acting and technical hiccups (like frame drops and uneven music quality post-Cold Steel II) mar its audio polish, leaving a mixed but largely positive reception.

74

TL;DR

Trails through Daybreak’s voice acting shines with emotional depth and stellar performances (Damien Haas as Van, Agnès’s actor), boosting immersion and character connection—but inconsistent coverage, jarring audio/text switches, and technical flaws create a fragmented experience, leaving its quality uneven and divisive.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

74

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

8%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak receives generally positive acclaim, with several critics highlighting its emotional depth and character engagement. Checkpoint Gaming praises Damien Haas’s performance as the protagonist Van Arkride, noting his ability to convey the character’s complexity and emotional range. Similarly, Noisy Pixel commends the English dub for its quality, particularly lauding Haas and Agnès’s voice actor for standout portrayals. GamingBolt and RPGamer also emphasize strong performances from the cast, with the latter specifically crediting Haas and the rest of the voice actors for effectively embodying their characters’ personalities. Additionally, NintendoWorldReport applauds the excellent localization and convincing voice work, which they argue enhance the game’s immersion and make the cast endearing. These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting as a significant strength, particularly in delivering narrative weight and player connection to key characters. However, several critics point out inconsistencies and limitations in the voice acting, which detract from the experience. PlayStation Universe criticizes the "sparse and inconsistent" voice work, noting that characters frequently switch between voiced dialogue and text, disrupting immersion. RPG Fan acknowledges improvements over previous Trails games but mentions that "partial voice acting in certain scenes" could be refined. COGconnected and Pure Nintendo both highlight the jarring mix of voiced and unvoiced lines, which they argue feels "inconsistent and random," potentially undermining the narrative flow. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is often strong, its uneven coverage and occasional technical flaws create a fragmented experience, especially for players who rely on audio to engage with the story. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the voice acting’s quality, despite its imperfections. Positive reviews from outlets like Checkpoint Gaming, Noisy Pixel, and RPGamer emphasize the emotional resonance and effective character portrayal, particularly for main figures like Van and Agnès. Conversely, negative feedback from PlayStation Universe, COGconnected, and Pure Nintendo points to technical inconsistencies and incomplete voice coverage, which some find distracting. While Meristation offers a neutral stance by noting the presence of English and Japanese voice options without elaborating on quality, the majority of reviewers agree that the voice acting enhances the game’s storytelling when it works well. The key takeaway is that the voice acting is a commendable aspect of the game, but its sporadic execution and occasional gaps prevent it from being universally flawless.

TL;DR

voice acting

Trails through Daybreak’s voice acting shines with emotional depth and stellar performances (Damien Haas as Van, Agnès’s actor), boosting immersion and character connection—but inconsistent coverage, jarring audio/text switches, and technical flaws create a fragmented experience, leaving its quality uneven and divisive.

78

TL;DR

Trails through Daybreak excels on PS5 with smooth, refined visuals but stumbles on Switch with pop-ins, slowdowns, and tiny text. Despite progress over past games, dated tech and platform-specific compromises leave both ports feeling underwhelming, with PS5’s polish overshadowing its technical shortcomings and Switch’s flaws demanding forgiveness.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

78

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak receives generally positive feedback across both PS5 and Nintendo Switch platforms, though with nuanced differences. On the PS5, critics like Movies Games and Tech and Player 2 highlight smooth gameplay with stable resolution and performance, while Meristation praises significant technical improvements, including enhanced character and city models that boost immersion. RPG Fan notes excellent pacing, minimal grammatical errors, and short loading times, and TheSixthAxis emphasizes seamless exploration and reduced loading screens. For the Switch, NintendoWorldReport acknowledges some technical challenges but states they are less distracting than in prior entries, while Pure Nintendo commends solid performance in both docked and handheld modes, despite the issue of tiny text in the latter. These reviews collectively suggest that the game leverages its platforms effectively, with PS5 benefiting from more refined technical execution and Switch offering a stable experience despite hardware constraints. However, several critics point to technical shortcomings that temper the overall praise. On the PS5, Multiplayer.it criticizes the game for "technical limitations and outdated technology," arguing that its presentation feels behind the current generation despite a new engine. SpazioGames highlights issues such as simplistic environmental details, recycled assets, and animation limitations, which make the game feel "a generation behind" even on the more powerful console. For the Switch, NintendoWorldReport and Pure Nintendo both note persistent technical flaws, including frequent pop-ins and occasional slowdowns, which, while less severe than in earlier titles, still detract from the experience. Additionally, the Switch’s handheld mode struggles with readability due to tiny text, as pointed out by Pure Nintendo, underscoring the platform’s hardware challenges. These critiques reveal that while the game is technically competent, it does not fully capitalize on the capabilities of either system. The overall consensus among critics is that Trails through Daybreak delivers a technically solid experience, particularly on the PS5, where it benefits from smoother performance and more detailed visuals. However, Multiplayer.it and SpazioGames caution that the game’s technical foundation feels dated, with compromises in animation and environmental design. On the Switch, while NintendoWorldReport and Pure Nintendo acknowledge its stability, they also emphasize the lingering hardware limitations that affect immersion. Despite these issues, the game’s improvements over previous entries—such as faster load times and better lighting on PS5, or reduced distractions on Switch—suggest that Falcom has made progress. The mixed reception highlights a balance between technical refinement and the inherent constraints of each platform, with the PS5 offering a more polished experience and the Switch requiring some forgiveness for its compromises.

TL;DR

technical performance

Trails through Daybreak excels on PS5 with smooth, refined visuals but stumbles on Switch with pop-ins, slowdowns, and tiny text. Despite progress over past games, dated tech and platform-specific compromises leave both ports feeling underwhelming, with PS5’s polish overshadowing its technical shortcomings and Switch’s flaws demanding forgiveness.

78

TL;DR

Trails through Daybreak shines with branching narratives, alignment-driven choices, and combat variety, urging multiple playthroughs for lore fans—yet its dense content, repetitive side quests, and missing traditional features risk overwhelming casual players. Verdict: A must-for-series diehards, but not a guaranteed replay for all.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

78

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak has received a generally positive reception regarding its replay value, with many critics highlighting the game's depth and variety of content. Multiple reviewers, including Meristation, RPG Fan, and SpazioGames, praised the game for its extensive main and side quests, character interactions, and the impact of player choices on the narrative and alignment system. The LGC Alignment mechanic, noted by GamingBolt and Inverse, allows for different alliances and outcomes, offering a sense of variance that encourages multiple playthroughs. Additionally, features like the revamped food system, character affinity gauges, and High-Speed Mode, mentioned by Noisy Pixel and Player 2, provide unique incentives for revisiting the game. RPG Site and TheSixthAxis also pointed out that the game's mysterious hints and combat variety contribute to a desire to explore the world again, reinforcing its replayability for fans of the genre. However, some critics expressed concerns about the game's replay value being somewhat limited by its content volume and lack of variety in side quests. Checkpoint Gaming noted that while the game has a long runtime and many side missions, the sheer amount may make it feel overwhelming and not all content worth completing. Inverse also mentioned that side quests could be more varied, which might reduce the incentive to replay. Additionally, the absence of traditional features like character notes and minigames, as highlighted by Noisy Pixel, could be seen as a drawback for players looking for more diverse experiences. While the game offers a substantial playtime, some reviewers felt that the repetition of certain gameplay elements or the lack of new mechanics on subsequent runs might not fully justify a second playthrough for all players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak has a decent level of replay value, particularly for fans of the series and those who enjoy deep narratives and character-driven gameplay. While some critics, like Checkpoint Gaming, caution that the volume of content may not appeal to everyone, most agree that the game's alignment system, branching paths, and multiple endings make it worth revisiting. Reviewers such as RPG Fan, SpazioGames, and Meristation emphasize that the game's rich world and decision-based outcomes provide enough incentive for a second playthrough, while others like Player 2 and Noisy Pixel highlight specific mechanics that enhance replayability. Despite some criticisms about side quests and traditional features, the majority of reviewers see Trails through Daybreak as a game that rewards multiple playthroughs with new experiences and deeper engagement.

TL;DR

replay value

Trails through Daybreak shines with branching narratives, alignment-driven choices, and combat variety, urging multiple playthroughs for lore fans—yet its dense content, repetitive side quests, and missing traditional features risk overwhelming casual players. Verdict: A must-for-series diehards, but not a guaranteed replay for all.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

80

MONSTER

Star Icon

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

80

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak for its strong narrative, refined gameplay, and immersive world-building, highlighting it as a standout entry in the series. Reviewers like Inverse and Meristation lauded the game as one of the best RPGs of the decade, emphasizing its rich storytelling, mature themes, and polished mechanics. Checkpoint Gaming and GameGrin commended its "incredible story," "engaging characters," and "improved gameplay," while Noisy Pixel called it a "modern classic" with addictive combat systems and immersive world-building. The game’s character-driven focus, as noted by Hey Poor Player and RPG Fan, was a particular highlight, with dynamic development and a compelling protagonist. Player 2 and PlayStation Universe also praised its "excellent storytelling" and "refreshing beginning," positioning it as an accessible yet rewarding experience for newcomers and veterans alike. These reviews collectively underscore the game’s ability to balance depth with approachability, making it a compelling JRPG. While the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive, several critics pointed out minor flaws that detracted from the experience. Inverse and SpazioGames noted pacing issues and formulaic side quests, which could feel repetitive despite the game’s strengths. Digitally Downloaded criticized "shortcomings in combat mechanics," while Noisy Pixel mentioned challenges with difficulty and the "LGC alignment system." Twinfinite suggested the game might be more suited for returning players due to its complexity, and SpazioGames acknowledged that some new features might not resonate with all audiences. Additionally, RPG Site pointed out issues with certain characters and villains, though they still found the game enjoyable. These critiques, while varied, were largely seen as surface-level imperfections that didn’t overshadow the game’s core appeal, reflecting a general consensus that the positives far outweigh the negatives. The overall consensus among critics is that Trails through Daybreak is a highly recommended JRPG that successfully modernizes the series while retaining its essence. Despite some technical and design shortcomings, the game’s narrative depth, engaging combat, and character development were frequently cited as its greatest strengths. COGconnected, Nintendo Life, and NintendoWorldReport emphasized its accessibility for newcomers, while also appealing to long-time fans with its refined systems and fresh setting. RPG Gamer noted its balance of familiarity and innovation, calling it a "satisfying experience" for all audiences. While a few reviews expressed reservations about pacing or mechanics, the majority—such as Inverse, Meristation, and Noisy Pixel—argued that these issues were minor compared to the game’s achievements. Ultimately, the critical reception leans heavily toward acclaim, positioning Trails through Daybreak as a must-play for JRPG enthusiasts and a strong entry in Falcom’s legacy.

TL;DR

Trails through Daybreak is a modern classic, hailed as one of the best RPGs of the decade for its rich storytelling, mature themes, and refined gameplay. Critics praise its immersive world, dynamic characters, and balanced depth/accessibility, though minor flaws like pacing and combat mechanics linger. A must-play JRPG, blending innovation with the series' legacy for fans and newcomers alike.

80

MONSTER

Star Icon

Reviews

68 reviews found

100

Twinfinite

PlayStation 5

Jun 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trails Through Daybreak is praised for its new protagonist, innovative combat system, and engaging narrative, making it a standout entry in the series that is more suited for returning players.

Read full review

Full review

100

Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Jul 7, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak is praised for its narrative complexity, character development, and thematic exploration. Despite some shortcomings in combat mechanics, the game offers a compelling and immersive experience that justifies its lengthy playtime.

Read full review

Full review

93

RPG Fan

PlayStation 5

Jul 5, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly praises The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak for its mature and complex storyline, polished gameplay, engaging characters, and impressive music. It is recommended for fans of the series and newcomers looking for a well-crafted JRPG experience.

Read full review

Full review

93

Meristation

PlayStation 5

Sep 9, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trails through Daybreak is a significant advancement in the series, with improved technical aspects, engaging combat, and a rich narrative, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Read full review

Full review

91

Player 2

PlayStation 5

Oct 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trails Through Daybreak is a compelling entry point into the Trails series, combining excellent storytelling, refined gameplay, and a charming aesthetic. It is highly recommended for both newcomers and series veterans.

Read full review

Full review

90

Inverse

PlayStation 5

Jun 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak is praised as one of the best RPGs of the decade, offering a definitive RPG experience that can stand with the best. Despite some pacing issues and formulaic side quests, the game is highly recommended for both newcomers and longtime fans of the series.

Read full review

Full review

90

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Jun 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is highly recommended as a captivating and exciting standalone JRPG experience.

Read full review

Full review

90

RPGamer

Jun 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak successfully combines familiarity with freshness, offering a satisfying experience for both loyal fans and newcomers. The game's new main cast, setting, and adjustments to combat make it a highly appealing entry in the series.

Read full review

Full review

90

GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Jun 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trails through Daybreak is a fine addition to the franchise with a dark, mature story, engaging characters, and improved gameplay, accessible to both fans and newcomers.

Read full review

Full review

90

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Jun 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak is a standout entry in the franchise, offering a charming protagonist, engaging gameplay, and a compelling narrative that both returning fans and newcomers will enjoy.

Read full review

Full review
Similar Games
left arrow
left arrow
sliderImage
Star Icon

82

Monster Hunter Rise

2021
sliderImage
Star Icon

84

Final Fantasy XVI

2023
sliderImage
Star Icon

81

Dragon's Dogma 2

2024
sliderImage
Star Icon

84

Monster Hunter: World

2018
sliderImage
Star Icon

86

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

2024
sliderImage
Star Icon

84

Persona 3 Reload

2024
sliderImage
Star Icon

87

Metaphor: ReFantazio

2024
sliderImage
Star Icon

84

Final Fantasy VII Remake

2020
sliderImage
Star Icon

84

Dark Souls III

2016
sliderImage
Star Icon

90

Persona 5 Royal

2020
sliderImage
Star Icon

83

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

2020
sliderImage
Star Icon

80

Final Fantasy XV

2016
sliderImage
Star Icon

84

NieR: Automata

2017
sliderImage
Star Icon

78

Scarlet Nexus

2021
sliderImage
Star Icon

80

Kingdom Hearts III

2019
sliderImage
Star Icon

78

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

2021
sliderImage
Star Icon

82

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139...

2021
sliderImage
Star Icon

83

Tales of Arise

2021
sliderImage
Star Icon

81

Persona 5 Strikers

2021

About

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

Navigation

Home

Search

Games


Follow Us

© 2025 MonsterCritic