Image via Falcom and Gungho
I suppose I can’t get away with saying The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter does everything the 1st Chapter does right and is just as incredible and essential, then call it a day here, huh? Well, that’s true. This second part of the Trails in the Sky portion of the storyline is a wonderful JRPG. Nihon Falcom again did everything right with a remake. Because of that, and the careful execution of this two-part affair, it feels perfect both on its own and as a whole.
Given Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter picks up not too long after the events of the 1st Chapter, it can be a bit difficult to cover this part of the plot of the JRPG without getting into spoilers. But let’s do our best! While the first part of the story feels like a coming of age story for Estelle Bright and Joshua, with the two becoming Junior Bracers with the guild and starting to take on missions that prove they’re capable of assisting the community in Liberl, that also feels like it is building to prove she is capable of being the kind of heroine who can change the course of a country’s destiny when working alongside allies. Following some major revelations and Joshua’s departure, Estelle is alone. However, she’s not one to wait around. She heads out on her own quest to find him while also dealing with the Ouroboros Enforcers alongside friends and fellow warriors like Anelace, Schera, Olivier, Kloe, and Kevin. It’s got heart! It’s got action! There’s social commentary! It’s super good!
Now, as you’d expect from Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter being a direct sequel to 1st Chapter, it means there are options going into it. Ideally, you’d play both games one after the other. You can import the save data for things like classic costumes, items, and Estelle levels carrying over. You could also start with the demo and carry over that save. For people going in completely fresh, it is an option. Falcom does include a brief summary video that is a truncated version of everything that happened in the original game. I watched it. It’s fine and might work for folks. But this is really about enjoying these two parts as a whole and you do miss out if you don’t do that.
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I will say the story and character development in Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is what makes this installment in this JRPG trilogy so special. Estelle absolutely grew from the first entry to this one. Her responses to people and her capabilities in battle are prime examples. Likewise, there’s even more of a focus on the political intrigue and insights into what people who have no recourse and experience horrible things might resort to when they have nothing else. It’s a more intense experience, even though there are still some comedic elements. Estelle and Joshua grew up, and we’re constantly seeing that reflected here.
As for the gameplay elements, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter takes all of the gameplay refinements and options from 1st Chapter and implements them here. You can still go with Quick Battle (active) or Command Battle (turn-based) fights. Positioning can matter with both, and the fact that we’ve seen Estelle and her crew develop more means there are more tactically beneficial options that come from using the new Crafts and Orbal Arts available to us in Command Battle. I think I’d almost say I prefer Command Battle this time around due to the additional variations, Tactical Orbments system options for even better Quartz, and characters’ improved range, though there’s still a place for both combat systems at different times.
What I will say is that the Brave Rush mechanic feels helpful both in terms of stepping up tactical options a notch while also acknowledging that these characters now know each other well enough to do them. This is a new kind of attack that lets two people in your party unleash a cooperative attack when the Brave Gauge is full. They feel substantial, in terms of damage. I love when a combat mechanic shows how the people we’re playing as have grown, and this feels like that.
Images via Falcom and Gungho
I’d say the way the whole execution works also feels like Estelle is a more trusted individual. In the first game, it did feel a little more structured in terms of the story. Here, there’s more freedom when walking or fast traveling around Liberl to take on campaign quests, side missions, and optional activities like fishing. It’s like Falcom told Estelle and the player, “You know what you’re doing. Go have some fun. I trust you’ll get back to the big bads eventually.”
Likewise, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter runs and looks as good on the Switch 2 as 1st Chapter did. This is a bright, colorful game. We’re seeing more of Liberl, as well as changes to characters and situations. The presentation is great, and it runs well. I also felt the performances from the English cast is a bit stronger. I do have to wonder how much of that stems from them being more comfortable in their roles due to this being the second part, however.
Speaking of presentation, Falcom and Gungho made good on what was basically a promise. A Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter patch appeared ahead of the second JRPG to adjust and update the localization. It was a unifying measure, since a lot of the character names and elements appear in all of the more recent Liberl, Crossbell, and Erebonia storylines. All those extra accommodations are already present here. So going in, the terminology is correct. Which, again, is great.
Image via Falcom and Gungho
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is just as incredible a JRPG remake as 1st Chapter. Nihon Falcom didn’t let us down again. These two games together tell an absolutely fantastic story, and I’d say it might be one of the developer’s best. Pair that with great combat systems and quality of life adjustments like a faithful localization and handy fast travel system, and it’s well worth your time.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is available on the Switch, Switch 2, PS5, and PC.