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The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II
Item: The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableFeb 14, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperFalcom

Overview

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II is the twelfth installment in the main Trails series, serving as a direct sequel to the events of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak. An unexpected visit to the Arkride Solutions Office puts Spriggan Van Arkride to the matter. As Van searches for the culprit behind the accident, Agnès Claudel continues her search for the eighth and last Oct-Genesis.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

TL;DR: The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II impresses with character development and deep lore but falters due to poor pacing and over-reliance on time travel mechanics, which dilute the story's emotional stakes. While the murder mystery adds intrigue and the character interactions shine, many critics feel the narrative lacks the epic scope of previous installments, leaving unresolved plot threads and a sense of aimlessness that may disappoint fans seeking meaningful progression.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The narrative of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II has garnered a mix of praise, particularly for its character development and deep lore. Critics like CGMagazine highlight the game's focus on a darker, character-driven narrative that continues the Calvard arc, while others, such as Pure Nintendo and Game8, appreciate the engaging character moments and well-developed interactions. The inclusion of a murder mystery element, noted by Final Weapon and Tech-Gaming, adds a layer of intrigue that many found compelling. Additionally, the intricate intertwining of old and new characters, as noted by IGN Italia, contributes to a rich experience that appeals to both newcomers and veterans of the series. However, the game is not without its significant flaws. Many reviewers, including Digitally Download and Nintendo Insider, criticize the pacing and coherence of the story, often describing it as slow and bogged down by excessive exposition and time travel mechanics. The reliance on these mechanics, as pointed out by Hey Poor Player and Malditos Nerds, tends to diminish the stakes and emotional weight of the narrative, leading to a sense of aimlessness and frustration among players. Critics like GameGrin and Gamekult echo this sentiment, noting that the story lacks the epic scope and impactful progression typical of the series, leaving many plot threads unresolved and the overarching narrative feeling shallow. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Trails through Daybreak II offers a rich character-driven experience with engaging dialogue and deep lore, it suffers from pacing issues and an over-reliance on time travel that undermines the stakes of the story. Critics such as Push Square and RPGamer emphasize that the narrative feels more like a character-driven epilogue rather than a substantial continuation of the overarching plot, which may disappoint fans seeking significant progression. Ultimately, the game presents a complex narrative landscape that, despite its engaging moments, leaves many players yearning for a more cohesive and impactful story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II impresses with its blend of real-time and turn-based combat, receiving praise for strategic depth and engaging side quests, including a new roguelike mode. Critics highlight improvements in mechanics and customization options, though some note repetitive elements and simplicity in parts. Overall, it’s seen as a polished RPG that effectively builds on its predecessor, delivering an engaging experience for fans and newcomers alike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II has garnered a predominantly positive reception among critics, who praise its blend of real-time and turn-based combat systems. Critics like Digitally Downloaded highlight the enjoyable gameplay experience, emphasizing the strategic elements and engaging side quests, including a roguelike mode. Nintendo Insider and Pure Nintendo commend the improvements in combat mechanics and the introduction of new features like the Märchen Garten, which enhance character growth and customization. Many reviewers, such as Gamer Escape and Noisy Pixel, note that the combat system is a standout feature, offering depth and variety through new mechanics like EX Chains and Cross Charge, making battles more engaging and dynamic. Despite the overall positive sentiment, some critics express concerns regarding certain gameplay elements. For instance, Nintendo Insider mentions that while the new flowchart system adds variety, some aspects of the gameplay feel overly simplistic. CGMagazine and Gamekult point out that while the turn-based combat system has depth, certain mechanics, like the infinite dungeon, may lead to repetitive gameplay experiences. Additionally, Worth Playing notes that the game leans heavily on recycling content from its predecessor, which could detract from the freshness of the experience. These criticisms suggest that while the gameplay is solid, there are areas that could benefit from further refinement and innovation. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Trails through Daybreak II offers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience, with many praising its combat system and the strategic depth it provides. Reviewers such as Malditos Nerds and PlayStation Universe emphasize the improvements made over its predecessor, highlighting the engaging combat and the introduction of new gameplay modes. While there are valid criticisms regarding certain repetitive elements and simplicity in some mechanics, the majority of critics agree that the game successfully builds upon its foundation, resulting in a polished and engaging RPG experience that resonates well with both newcomers and fans of the series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II delivers vibrant visuals and charming anime aesthetics, especially on PS5 and PC, but suffers from performance issues and asset reuse, particularly on the Switch. Critics praise its character design and well-crafted environments but note that the graphics feel stagnant and lack significant upgrades. While visually appealing, the game doesn’t break new ground, leaving some players craving more innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II presents a mixed but generally positive picture, particularly for players on more powerful platforms such as the PS5 and PC. Critics like Final Weapon and GameGrin highlight the vibrant and optimized visuals, noting improvements in character models and cutscenes. The game retains a charming anime-esque visual style, which is appreciated by many, including Hey Poor Player, who praises the beautiful character design that enhances the JRPG experience. Additionally, the environments are often described as colorful and well-designed, contributing to an immersive atmosphere, as noted by COGconnected and GamingTrend. However, there are notable criticisms, particularly regarding performance issues and asset reuse. Reviewers on the Nintendo Switch, like Nintendo Insider and Nintendo Life, point out significant visual cutbacks, such as choppy resolution and texture quality, which detract from the overall experience. Even on the PS5, some critics, including Push Square and Game8, mention that the game feels more like an expansion due to the reuse of assets from its predecessor, leading to a sense of stagnation in visual innovation. Moreover, technical issues like clipping and small text size on portable screens have also been highlighted as drawbacks, particularly by Nintendo Life and Pure Nintendo. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Trails through Daybreak II offers solid visuals and maintains a consistent artistic direction with its predecessor, it does not break new ground in terms of graphical fidelity. Critics like IGN Italia and Gamer Escape emphasize that while the visuals are functional and consistent with the series' identity, they lack significant upgrades and may feel outdated, especially on the PS5. The game is generally well-received for its art direction and character designs, but the performance issues and asset recycling lead to a perception that the game could have pushed its visual boundaries further. Overall, it seems that while the game succeeds in delivering a visually appealing experience, it remains tethered to its roots, leaving some critics wanting more innovation.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II features a strong, varied soundtrack praised for its immersive qualities, enhancing both gameplay and narrative. Critics highlight the engaging battle themes and eclectic genres from the Falcom Sound Team jdk, marking an improvement over its predecessor. However, inconsistent voice acting and some unmemorable tracks deter from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the game’s music remains a standout element, contributing positively to the atmosphere. Overall, a solid audio experience with room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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 II have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who appreciate the variety and quality of the soundtrack. Reviewers like GameGrin and RPG Fan highlight the "fantastic audio design" and "exceptional" sound effects, with GameGrin specifically praising the battle themes as engaging and contributing significantly to the intensity of combat. Critics such as Malditos Nerds and ZTGD emphasize that the soundtrack enhances both the narrative and gameplay experiences, with ZTGD noting a marked improvement over the previous installment. The eclectic mix of genres, including rock, jazz, and funk as mentioned by Nintendo Life, adds a unique flavor to the game, while the Falcom Sound Team jdk's composition has been recognized for fitting the darker narrative, as noted by Final Weapon. However, several critics have pointed out notable shortcomings, particularly in the realm of voice acting. Game8 and Gamer Escape both mention inconsistencies in voice coverage during cutscenes, which detracts from the overall experience. IGN Spain echoes this sentiment, stating that while the soundtrack is solid, it does not stand out significantly. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Vandal, note that while the music complements the game's atmosphere, it may not be particularly memorable. The sporadic quality of voice work, as highlighted by PlayStation Universe, suggests that while there are strong performances, they are not uniformly executed, leading to a somewhat inconsistent audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Trails through Daybreak II boasts a strong soundtrack that enhances the gaming experience, despite some flaws in voice acting and presentation. Critics like RPGamer and Push Square affirm that the music, with its uplifting and emotional tracks, significantly contributes to the game's atmosphere. While some reviewers, such as Worth Playing, feel there are no significant changes from the previous title, the general sentiment is that the soundtrack is a highlight of the game, with many tracks being memorable and impactful. The combination of strong musical elements and inconsistent voice acting creates a mixed but ultimately favorable reception, suggesting that while the game excels in certain areas, there is room for improvement in others.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II features strong voice acting that has been praised for enhancing character narratives, but critics are divided due to significant inconsistencies, such as sporadic voicing and awkward silence in some scenes. While the quality of performances is commended, the lack of continuity detracts from the overall experience, indicating a need for better cohesion in future installments.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting its overall quality and the strong performances of the main characters. Reviewers like IGN Italia and RPG Fan commend the English voice acting for fitting the characters well and contributing positively to the narrative delivery. GameGrin echoes this sentiment by declaring the voice acting as "excellent" and maintaining the high standards set by previous titles in the series. Additionally, RPGamer notes that while the voice acting is commendable, there is a desire for more dialogue to further enhance the experience, indicating that the quality is appreciated but could be expanded upon. However, several critics point out significant inconsistencies that detract from the overall experience. Game8 and COGconnected both highlight the sporadic nature of the voice acting, where some scenes are fully voiced while others drop into silence, leading to a jarring experience for players. PlayStation Universe also mentions that voiced lines appear randomly during conversations, which feels baffling given the game's lengthy development period. This inconsistency creates a disorienting experience for players, as noted by COGconnected, who emphasizes that despite the quality of the acting, the lack of continuity can be frustrating. The overall consensus among critics suggests a division in opinion regarding the voice acting in Trails through Daybreak II. While many praise the quality and execution of the voice performances, particularly for main characters, the inconsistency in voicing across scenes is a recurring theme that cannot be overlooked. Critics like Game8 and COGconnected highlight this inconsistency as a significant flaw that undermines the otherwise strong performances. In summary, while the voice acting is recognized for its quality, the sporadic delivery leaves a mixed impression, suggesting that future installments could benefit from a more cohesive approach to voice integration.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II delivers mixed technical performance across platforms. The PS5 shines with near-flawless execution post-patch, while the PC version impresses with stability and smoothness. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch struggles with inconsistency and frame rate issues, and even the PS5 has occasional drops during intense gameplay. Overall, the PC version is the most polished, but players' experiences will vary greatly by platform.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with each platform showcasing its strengths. On the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life noted that the game runs cleanly with minimal frame drops and reasonable load times, indicating that it can perform well under certain conditions. On the PlayStation 5, Final Weapon praised the game as almost flawless, particularly after a day-one patch that addressed minor issues, suggesting a strong technical foundation. Additionally, RPG Fan reported that the game performs well overall, which adds to the positive sentiment surrounding the PS5 version. For the PC platform, But Why Tho? highlighted the smooth performance with consistent frame rates and no crashes, while GamingTrend found it to be a solid port with only minor issues, further emphasizing the positive technical experience on PC. Conversely, the technical performance on each platform is not without its drawbacks. On the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Insider expressed disappointment with inconsistent performance, citing frame rate drops and stability issues that detracted from the overall enjoyment. Similarly, Pure Nintendo mentioned performance problems, including choppiness and a significant in-battle glitch that necessitated a game reboot. For the PlayStation 5, while the performance is generally positive, Noisy Pixel pointed out noticeable framerate drops when facing heavy enemy numbers, and Multiplayer.it described the game as physiologically antiquated, suggesting that some performance issues may still linger. On PC, COGconnected noted slow screen rotation when entering new scenes, indicating that not all aspects of the technical performance are seamless, despite the overall stability. Overall, the consensus among critics highlights a mixed bag of technical performance across platforms. The Nintendo Switch struggles with stability and performance consistency, as noted by multiple reviewers, while the PlayStation 5 generally fares better, though some critics like Push Square suggest that the game's development timeline may have impacted its technical execution. The PC version stands out as the most polished, with But Why Tho? and GamingTrend showcasing its strong performance and minor issues. While there are positives to be found on each platform, the varying degrees of technical performance suggest that players may have different experiences based on their chosen system.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II boasts rich content and engaging character development, with side quests and new modes enhancing replayability. However, critics argue the lack of compelling reasons to replay post-story, alongside repetitive gameplay elements, may leave casual players disinterested. While dedicated fans may find value, the game’s execution and narrative pacing could hinder broader appeal for multiple playthroughs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

34%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

66%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II showcase several positive aspects that critics have noted. Many reviewers, including Digitally Downloaded and CGMagazine, highlight the inclusion of side quests, mini-games, and new gameplay modes such as the Märchen Garten, which offer players additional content beyond the main story. The game’s character development and strategic combat options also encourage experimentation and replayability, as noted by Final Weapon and Gamer Escape. Furthermore, the lengthy playtime of nearly 100 hours mentioned by multiple critics, such as Hey Poor Player and IGN Italia, suggests that players can engage with the game for a substantial amount of time, enhancing its overall replay value. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game’s replay value that cannot be overlooked. Several reviewers, including Game8 and Worth Playing, express concerns about the lack of compelling reasons to replay the game after completing the main storyline, suggesting that many players may not feel inclined to return. The execution of the Märchen Garten mode has been described as lacklustre and repetitive by Nintendo Life, which could detract from the overall experience. Additionally, critics like GameGrin and RPGamer point out that while there is a wealth of optional content, much of it may feel superfluous or tedious, potentially affecting the desire for multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed sentiment towards the replay value of Trails through Daybreak II. While there are numerous elements that can enhance replayability, such as side quests and character customization, many reviewers caution that the game may not be compelling enough for casual players to engage with multiple times. Critics like Gamekult and GamingTrend suggest that the game is better suited for dedicated fans of the series rather than newcomers, as the narrative structure and pacing could deter broader replayability. Ultimately, while the game offers substantial content for exploration, the execution and narrative concerns may limit its appeal for repeated playthroughs.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II reflects a blend of appreciation for its gameplay mechanics and character development, while also recognizing its shortcomings. Many critics, such as CGMagazine and Final Weapon, praise the game for its engaging combat and strategic gameplay, suggesting it builds effectively on its predecessor. The character development is frequently highlighted, with reviewers like Inverse and Malditos Nerds noting the rich character exploration and memorable interactions. Additionally, several critics, including GameGrin and PlayStation Universe, acknowledge the game's solid visuals and soundtrack, contributing to an enjoyable overall experience for fans of the series. Conversely, a significant number of reviews point out the narrative flaws that detract from the overall experience. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Pure Nintendo express disappointment in the slow story progression and disruptions in narrative momentum, labeling it a downgrade from earlier entries in the series. The lack of innovation and depth in the story is echoed by Game8 and Multiplayer.it, who suggest that the game feels more like an expansion rather than a true sequel. Furthermore, the reliance on prior knowledge of the series is criticized by several reviewers, including GameBlast and GamingTrend, making it less accessible for newcomers. The consensus among critics indicates that while Trails Through Daybreak II has its merits, particularly in gameplay and character dynamics, it is ultimately seen as a weaker entry in the franchise. Many reviewers recommend it primarily for long-time fans, as noted by Gamekult and Gamer Escape, while newcomers may find it challenging to engage with the narrative without prior context. Overall, the game is described as solid but flawed, with critics like Tech-Gaming and RPGamer suggesting it leaves room for improvement, particularly in storytelling, indicating that it may not fully meet the expectations set by its predecessors.

TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II impresses with engaging gameplay and character development, but suffers from narrative flaws and slow progression, making it feel more like an expansion than a true sequel. Critics recommend it mainly for long-time fans, as its accessibility is hampered for newcomers. While enjoyable overall, it falls short of the high standards set by earlier entries in the series.

MONSTER

Reviews

89 reviews found

Final Weapon

PlayStation 5

Aug 9, 2025

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

Trails through Daybreak II is a standout RPG sequel that builds on its predecessor with engaging gameplay, a rich story, and a wealth of content, making it a must-play for fans.

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Feb 7, 2025

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

Exceptional RPG with strong narrative, excellent combat, solid visuals and soundtrack, sporadic voice acting remains a drawback, offers plenty for both fans and newcomers to enjoy.

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RPG Fan

PlayStation 5

Feb 14, 2025

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

An enjoyable RPG with strong character elements, though it lacks the depth expected from a sequel, leaving room for improvement.

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GameBlast

Apr 8, 2025

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

Overall, Trails through Daybreak II is praised for its combat system and optional content, but criticized for its narrative structure and reliance on prior knowledge of the series.

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Critical Hits

Apr 8, 2025

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

Trails through Daybreak II é uma sequência robusta que expande a narrativa e aprimora as mecânicas de combate, valendo a pena para fãs da série, apesar de algumas limitações.

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ZTGD

PlayStation 5

Feb 7, 2025

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

Trails Through Daybreak II's story may not reach the heights of previous entries, but the expanded combat, improved gameplay elements, and enjoyable experience make it a solid addition to the series. The visual improvements and enhanced OST contribute to the overall positive reception of the game.

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COGconnected

Feb 10, 2025

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

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is a great sequel that expands on its predecessor, offering a rich story and engaging gameplay, though it requires prior knowledge of the first game.

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Loot Level Chill

Feb 7, 2025

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

Overall, the game is described as polished and enjoyable, with standout combat and a rich story, making it a strong entry in the series.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 5

Feb 7, 2025

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

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is praised for its writing, character development, and strategic gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of the series who have completed the first title.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Feb 7, 2025

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

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is a great title in the franchise, though not as strong as its predecessors. Still recommended for long-time fans due to engaging combat and well-written characters.

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