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