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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

PlatformNintendo 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

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II impresses with its character development and lore, winning praise for its deep world-building and engaging arcs. However, critics slam the execution, citing poor pacing, convoluted storytelling, and over-reliance on time travel that weakens emotional stakes and character investment. While established fans may enjoy the rich narrative, newcomers could find the experience frustrating and aimless, leaving a mixed reception overall.

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 some praise from critics, particularly for its character development and rich lore. Several reviewers, such as CGMagazine and Inverse, highlighted the deep world-building and character-driven aspects of the story, emphasizing the engaging character arcs and the exploration of personal fears and insecurities. Critics like Final Weapon and Loot Level Chill appreciated the murder mystery element that intertwines various character arcs, providing a compelling narrative experience. Additionally, some reviewers noted that while the story may require prior knowledge of the series, it offers a rich experience for dedicated fans, as seen in the opinions of Gamer Escape and IGN Italia. However, the consensus among critics reveals significant shortcomings in the story's execution. Many reviewers, including Digitally Downloaded and Nintendo Insider, criticized the pacing and coherence of the narrative, pointing out excessive exposition and a reliance on time travel mechanics that dilute emotional stakes. Critics like Game8 and Hey Poor Player echoed these sentiments, noting that the time travel elements often lead to a lack of investment in character journeys and diminish the impact of key moments. Furthermore, several critics, such as GameGrin and Gamekult, expressed frustration with the narrative's aimlessness and lack of substantial plot progression, describing it as a transition episode that fails to deliver the epic scope expected from the series. Overall, the critics' opinions on Trails through Daybreak II reflect a mixed sentiment, with a notable divide between the appreciation for character-driven storytelling and the frustration with narrative execution. While some reviewers, like PlayStation Universe and Vandal, found merit in the character interactions and new directions, many others highlighted the pacing issues, convoluted plot, and reliance on time travel as detrimental to the overall experience. The game appears to cater well to established fans of the series, but its shortcomings may alienate newcomers and those seeking a more cohesive and impactful narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II impresses with its engaging blend of real-time and turn-based combat, praised for its strategic depth and new mechanics like Märchen Garten and EX Chains. Critics celebrate its rich side quests and exploration opportunities. However, some note issues with repetitiveness, simplistic elements, and a clunky UI that could detract from the experience. Overall, it’s seen as a strong, if familiar, addition to the Trails series, successfully building on its predecessor while offering innovative gameplay.

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 received a largely positive reception from critics, who commend its blend of real-time and turn-based combat. Reviewers from Digitally Downloaded and Nintendo Life highlight the enjoyable combat system, noting its strategic depth and tactical options. The introduction of new gameplay mechanics, such as the Märchen Garten training ground and EX Chains, has been praised for enhancing character customization and combat engagement, as noted by IGN Italia and Game8. Critics also appreciate the variety of side quests and minigames, which contribute to a richer gameplay experience, with GameGrin emphasizing the exploration opportunities available to players. However, some reviewers have pointed out certain shortcomings in the gameplay. Critics like Nintendo Insider and Gamekult mention that while the combat system is engaging, some elements can feel simplistic or repetitive, particularly with the introduction of infinite dungeons and certain minigames that may detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the UI has been described as clunky by Hey Poor Player, which may hinder the fluidity of gameplay. Worth Playing also noted a tendency for the game to recycle content from its predecessor, which could lead to a feeling of familiarity that some players might find less appealing. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Trails through Daybreak II successfully builds upon its predecessor, offering a refined and engaging gameplay experience that is both familiar and innovative. The majority of reviewers, including Noisy Pixel and Malditos Nerds, agree that the enhancements to the combat system and the introduction of new mechanics create a more challenging and enjoyable game. While there are some criticisms regarding repetitiveness and simplicity in certain aspects, the positive feedback overwhelmingly highlights the game's strengths, making it a worthy entry in the Trails series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II impresses with its vibrant anime art and improved character animations, but suffers from asset reuse, especially on the Nintendo Switch, where performance issues like choppy textures diminish the experience. Critics agree it feels more like an expansion than a sequel, lacking the significant visual upgrades needed to captivate players seeking modern graphics.

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 opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II reveal several positive aspects that critics have highlighted. Many reviewers praised the game's art direction, noting its distinct anime aesthetic and well-designed character models. For instance, Hey Poor Player commended the beautiful character design that enhances the overall experience, while GameGrin remarked on the bright and colorful environments that contribute to the game's charm. Critics like Final Weapon and PlayStation Universe noted improvements in lighting and character animations, suggesting that the game has made strides in visual presentation compared to its predecessor. Additionally, critics who played on PC, such as GamingTrend and Loot Level Chill, emphasized the extensive graphics customization options available, allowing players to tailor their experience to their preferences. However, the reviews also pointed out several negative aspects regarding the graphics and visual design. A recurring theme among critics is the issue of asset reuse from the previous game, which some, like Game8 and Push Square, felt detracted from the game's standalone appeal. The Nintendo Switch version, as noted by Nintendo Insider and Nintendo Life, suffers from visual cutbacks, including choppy resolution and texture quality, which further highlights the disparity in performance across platforms. Additionally, critics mentioned technical issues such as choppiness, glitches, and small text sizes, particularly on the Switch, which could hinder the overall experience for players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Trails through Daybreak II maintains a solid visual style and offers some improvements, it ultimately feels more like an expansion than a true sequel due to its reliance on previous assets and a dated graphics engine. Critics like IGN Italia and Gamer Escape noted that while the graphics are functional and consistent with the series' art style, they lack significant upgrades that would elevate the game to a more modern standard. The mixed reception suggests that while the game successfully retains its charm and visual identity, it may not meet the expectations of players looking for groundbreaking advancements in graphics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II boasts an impressive soundtrack and solid sound design, receiving praise for enhancing gameplay and narrative. Critics highlight its quality, with some tracks deemed worthy of personal playlists. However, inconsistent voice acting and missed opportunities in cutscenes detract from the overall experience, leaving a mixed impression. Despite flaws, the game's audio elements significantly contribute to its appeal.

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, highlighting the game's impressive auditory elements. Many reviewers, such as GameGrin and RPG Fan, praised the soundtrack for its quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, with GameGrin specifically noting the "fantastic audio design" and "excellent voice acting." Critics like Malditos Nerds emphasized that the soundtrack is one of the game's strengths, effectively complementing both the narrative and gameplay. Additionally, several reviewers, including Gamekult and ZTGD, remarked on the improvement of the soundtrack over the previous installment, with ZTGD even mentioning that the songs were compelling enough to be added to personal playlists, indicating a strong musical impact. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and voice acting. Game8 pointed out that while the soundtrack is commendable, the audio presentation suffers from inconsistent voice acting, with some cutscenes lacking full voice coverage. This sentiment was echoed by Gamer Escape, who criticized discrepancies between character lines and text boxes, suggesting that while the performances were adequate, they did not elevate the overall experience. IGN Spain and Worth Playing also noted that while the soundtrack and voice acting were solid, they did not stand out significantly compared to other titles in the genre. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Trails through Daybreak II features a well-crafted soundtrack that enhances the gaming experience, though it is marred by inconsistencies in voice acting. The music, composed by Falcom Sound Team jdk, is recognized for its variety and ability to fit the game's atmosphere, as highlighted by Final Weapon and Vandal. While the sound design and music are generally well-executed, the mixed reviews on voice acting detract from an otherwise strong auditory experience. Critics like Push Square and RPGamer emphasize the engaging battle themes and emotional tracks, suggesting that despite some flaws, the sound elements contribute positively to the game's overall appeal.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II features praised voice acting that enhances character and storytelling, but critics highlight significant inconsistencies, with sporadic voiced lines disrupting the experience. While performances are strong, jarring silences detract from immersion, leaving a divided impression among reviewers about the overall execution.

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 praise from several critics, highlighting its overall quality and contribution to the game's narrative. For instance, IGN Italia commends the English voice acting for fitting well with the characters, while RPG Fan notes that the execution is particularly strong for main characters, enhancing the storytelling experience. GameGrin also supports this sentiment by stating that the voice acting maintains the high standard expected from The Legend of Heroes series. Additionally, RPGamer appreciates the quality of the voice acting, suggesting that it plays a significant role in the game's immersive experience. However, the reviews reveal notable inconsistencies that detract from the overall experience. Game8 and COGconnected both emphasize the sporadic nature of the voice acting, with Game8 describing the experience as jarring due to some scenes being fully voiced while others drop into silence. PlayStation Universe echoes this concern, pointing out that voiced lines appear randomly during conversations, which feels baffling given the game's extensive development time. This inconsistency seems to create a disorienting effect, as noted by COGconnected, which undermines the otherwise high-quality performances. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided sentiment regarding the voice acting in Trails through Daybreak II. While many reviewers, such as IGN Italia and RPG Fan, highlight the quality of the performances, the recurring theme of inconsistency cannot be overlooked. Critics like Game8 and COGconnected bring attention to the sporadic nature of the voice acting, indicating that while the performances themselves are commendable, the execution leaves much to be desired. This duality suggests that while the voice acting has the potential to elevate the game's narrative, its inconsistent implementation may hinder the overall player experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II performs unevenly across platforms. The Nintendo Switch suffers from significant stability and frame rate issues, leading to a less enjoyable experience. The PlayStation 5 delivers near-flawless performance post-patch but shows signs of rushed development. The PC version is the most technically robust, offering smooth gameplay despite some minor glitches. Overall, while the game shows promise, particularly on PS5 and PC, it needs optimization and polish to fully shine across all platforms.

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, showcasing both strengths and weaknesses. On the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life commends the game for running cleanly with minimal frame drops and reasonable load times, despite some text display issues. This suggests that the game can perform adequately on the hardware, providing a satisfactory experience for players. Meanwhile, on the PlayStation 5, Final Weapon highlights an almost flawless performance, particularly after the day one patch, which addressed minor issues. Other critics like RPG Fan and Noisy Pixel also note that the game performs well overall, with only minor framerate drops in specific scenarios, indicating that the PS5 version capitalizes on the console's capabilities. For PC players, But Why Tho? reports a smooth experience with consistent frame rates and no crashes, while GamingTrend acknowledges minor issues but still describes it as a solid port, showcasing the PC's technical advantages. However, the technical performance on each platform is not without its flaws. On the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Insider points out inconsistent performance with frame rate drops and stability issues that detract from the overall enjoyment, while Pure Nintendo mentions choppiness and a significant in-battle glitch that necessitated a game reboot. This paints a picture of a less-than-ideal experience for Switch users. On the PlayStation 5, while the performance is generally praised, Push Square notes that the game shows signs of rushed development, which might affect its overall polish. Additionally, Noisy Pixel mentions noticeable framerate drops when heavy enemy numbers appear, indicating that performance can falter under certain conditions. For PC, COGconnected highlights slow screen rotation when entering new scenes as a technical issue, and Critical Hits mentions a graphical error in the tutorials, suggesting that while the PC version is strong, it is not entirely free from problems. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a mixed bag of technical performance across platforms. The Nintendo Switch version struggles with stability and performance issues, as noted by Nintendo Insider and Pure Nintendo, while the PlayStation 5 version is generally well-received but shows some signs of rushed development, as highlighted by Push Square. The PC version stands out as the most technically sound, with But Why Tho? and GamingTrend praising its smooth performance, though minor issues persist. Critics seem to agree that while the game has potential, particularly on the PS5 and PC, it faces challenges on the Switch, leading to an overall sentiment that reflects a need for further optimization and polish across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II boasts appealing side quests and a new gameplay mode that enhance replay value, but critics warn of repetitive gameplay and a lack of impactful choices that may deter casual players. While dedicated fans might enjoy the extensive content, newcomers could struggle with the slow pacing and overall experience, making replayability a mixed bag heavily dependent on player investment.

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 on the replay value of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its appeal among players. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Pure Nintendo note the inclusion of side quests and the new Märchen Garten mode, which introduces additional gameplay elements and character team-building opportunities. CGMagazine and Final Weapon emphasize the strategic combat options and lengthy playtime, suggesting that the game offers ample content for those willing to invest time into exploring its various features. Additionally, Hey Poor Player and IGN Italia point out the wealth of side missions and optional dungeons, which provide compelling reasons for players to return to the game after completing the main storyline. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value that could deter potential players. Nintendo Insider and Game8 express concerns that, despite the introduction of new modes, the overall experience may not be compelling enough for multiple playthroughs. Critics like Nintendo Life and Worth Playing highlight issues with repetitive gameplay and a lack of impactful choices, which could lead to a diminished interest in revisiting the game. Furthermore, GameGrin and RPGamer mention that while there is a variety of optional content, much of it feels superfluous, potentially affecting the game's overall replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with many acknowledging the game's potential for replay value through its diverse content and character customization options, while also pointing out significant drawbacks that may limit its appeal to casual players. Critics like Malditos Nerds and Vandal suggest that the game is best suited for dedicated fans of the series, as newcomers may find the narrative and pacing less engaging. Despite the inclusion of various side quests and modes, the repetitive nature of some content and the slow story progression could hinder the overall replay experience, as noted by critics like Worth Playing and But Why Tho?. Thus, while Trails through Daybreak II offers a substantial amount of content, its replay value may ultimately depend on the player's investment in the series and willingness to navigate its pacing issues.

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 reveals a mixed but generally positive reception, particularly for its gameplay mechanics and character development. Critics such as CGMagazine and Final Weapon praise the game for its strategic gameplay and character depth, noting it as a must-play for fans of the series. The combat system has received accolades for being engaging and refined, with many reviewers, including Gamer Escape and ZTGD, highlighting the improvements in gameplay elements and visuals. Additionally, some critics like Inverse and Loot Level Chill mention the game’s cozy and immersive experience, which adds to its appeal, especially for returning players familiar with the series. However, the game is not without its criticisms, particularly regarding its narrative execution. Many reviewers, including Digitally Downloaded and Pure Nintendo, express disappointment in the story's pacing and progression, suggesting that it lacks the compelling narrative momentum seen in previous entries. Critics like Gamekult and Game8 emphasize that the game feels like a low-stakes follow-up that does not significantly advance the overarching story, making it less appealing to newcomers. The reliance on prior knowledge of the series has also been noted as a barrier for new players, as pointed out by GameBlast and Tech-Gaming, which could alienate potential fans. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Trails Through Daybreak II successfully builds on its predecessor with enjoyable gameplay and rich character interactions, it falls short in narrative depth and innovation. Many reviewers recommend it primarily for dedicated fans of the series rather than newcomers, as highlighted by Nintendo Insider and Multiplayer.it. The game is seen as a solid installment that, despite its flaws, maintains enough charm and engaging elements to warrant a recommendation, particularly for those already invested in the Trails universe.

TL;DR

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II receives a mixed but generally positive reception, praised for its engaging gameplay and character development, making it a must-play for series fans. However, critics lament its weak narrative and pacing, deeming it a low-stakes sequel that relies on prior knowledge, which may deter newcomers. While it's a solid installment with charm, it's best suited for dedicated followers of the franchise.

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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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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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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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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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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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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Inverse

PlayStation 5

Feb 7, 2025

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

The reviewer finds The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak 2 to be a delightful role-playing game with a cozy and laid-back experience. It may not meet all expectations of Trails fans, but it offers a compelling gameplay variety and rich character exploration.

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