The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II Preview
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is coming out in English next month on February 14th, 2025, and it promises to pick up exactly where the first Daybreak title left off. In this game, players will step back into the shoes of Van Arkride, a ‘spriggan’ mercenary, and return to the Calvard Republic. Daybreak II is a direct sequel and should be played after the first game.
Three months after the end of the first game, all is not well in the capital. A strange red version of Grendel, Van’s monstrous transformation, has been seen wreaking havoc. This Crimson Grendel seems connected to our jaded protagonist. Ace Bracer Elaine Auclair is on the case, not least because she’s worried about her troubled ex.
And that’s not all. Returning characters Swin and Nadia have come to Calvard searching for someone. Their path will lead them on a collision course with Van, no matter what Van has to say about it. A quiet life of slinking through alleys and solving cases seems firmly out of reach once more.
More Fantasy Noir
Trails Through Daybreak II will continue to explore mature themes in its side quests and main narrative. The first game dealt heavily with themes of discrimination and crime, so it will be interesting to see where the second goes. As always, Van can choose different options to resolve his cases, influencing his Law, Grey, and Chaos alignments.
The relationships established in the first game will also be developed further. Particularly Van’s ties with Elaine, his ex-girlfriend turned professional adventurer, and Agnès Claudel, the shy schoolgirl who bullied her way into his office.
Both of these women are on the cover of the game for good reason, and they both have a history of driving Van out of his comfort zone. Renne will also be getting some attention in this installment, and her S-Craft will be something to behold.
Reportedly, the game will be structured much like Trails into Reverie. In other words, each chapter will have a set party. But gamers who want to customize their own party will still be able to enjoy themselves in side content.
Trails Through Daybreak II Refines Combat Further
Trails Through Daybreak II maintains most of the combat system of the original game. However, it adds an extra layer of polish. Field battles will now be more fluid. Players can also hold down triangle to cast an Arte. And if you do a perfect dodge, you can combo with another character.
Turn-based Command Battles will be largely the same with a few exceptions. First, players can no longer cast two S-Boosts in rapid succession. Second, there will be far more opportunities to use Van’s Grendel form. The first game was quite sparing with Grendel battles, so this is a refreshing change.
Another refreshing change is the addition of mini-games. Players will be able to play mini-games in each chapter and when fishing. This should add some spice to the gameplay. And for those who adore mini-games, they’ll be able to play as much as they want in the Marchen Garten bonus dungeon.
Marchen Garten
Trails Through Daybreak II features a digital bonus area called Marchen Garten that players can explore. The first few levels are mandatory, but after that, gamers can go through the garden at their leisure. This otherworldly space is part of an expansion in VR technologies within the continent of Zemuria and beating it unlocks certain post-game content.
While in the Marchen Garten, players will be able to assemble their ideal parties and run wild. It’s the only location where players can get costumes and beating levels multiple times will earn higher rewards. And while the game’s ending should make sense to gamers who don’t beat the Marchen Garten, its lore will tie into future installments.
Speaking of lore, you can expect the second installment in the Trails Series‘ Calvard arc to be packed with complex character dynamics and tons of fantasy worldbuilding. There’s even a new card game, Seven Hearts, which appears to be a reskinnned version of Uno. And doing certain tasks in-game will earn you rewards for your achievements. Some of the rewards are quite valuable.
All in all, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is shaping up to be a worthy successor to the first game. Unfortunately, it’s a direct sequel and not a great way to get into the franchise. Fortunately, Daybreak I is a good place to start. And if you’re at all excited about this noir fantasy extravaganza, you should hurry up and check it out. There’s only a month to go before the second part drops, after all.
