The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II Review (Switch)

Trails Through Daybreak II offers engaging combat, but its story and features don't match predecessor.

: The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is a solid entry with rewarding combat, though it feels less refreshing than the first game. The plot includes time travel elements and incorporates characters from previous entries, which may alienate newcomers. Combat system improvements and the introduction of Marchen Garten offer distinct gameplay, though not all features deliver. Visual issues, such as small text on the Switch, and underwhelming action combat detract from the experience.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II continues the story of Van Arkride, picking up where the first game left off, exploring the rich world of Calvard. Despite the strong foundation, the narrative relies heavily on time travel mechanics, making the plot feel less cohesive and perhaps alienating to new players who miss the more self-contained storytelling of its predecessor.

While the action combat system receives updates with quick-fire arts and cross attacks, it still doesn't provide a substantial alternative to the turn-based mechanics. The Marchen Garten, a side mode featuring a procedurally-generated dungeon, adds a new layer to gameplay, but its repetitive nature and ambiguous rewards can make it feel like a grind.

Visually, the game faces challenges with text size on the Switch, affecting readability during the text-heavy scenes and intricate gameplay. While the soundtrack provides a varied experience, blending rock with jazz and funk, the game's story and presentation may not fully satisfy those looking for groundbreaking advancements as the series nears its conclusion.

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