Review
Review | The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak (PC)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak is the beginning of a new chapter regarding the story and direction of the series.
A New Hero for a New Adventure
For almost ten years, gamers have immersed themselves in the Cold Steel arc of The Legend of Heroes series. With that story concluding in Trails into Reverie, fans are now set to embark on a new journey. Trails Through Daybreak marks the beginning of a new journey. One that takes players to a new world and introduces a new gallery of memorable characters.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak marks the beginning of not just a new story but a new era for the series. In many ways, this game is a radical departure from past titles. Yet it retains the core elements that define the series. The result is a new adventure built on a familiar foundation.
From Reverie to Daybreak
When discussing the Trails series, the question of needing to play the previous games often arises in JRPG focused communities. In the case of Trails Through Daybreak, it is highly recommended to have played Trails into Reverie. The events of the previous game provide essential context for understanding the current storyline.
However, playing the earlier games is not strictly required, as this installment introduces a new arc with debuting characters. This allows those new to the series to go in without having to play the previous games. The game itself also gives you a nice summary of past events in the series. Nonetheless, it’s a shame to miss out on the rich narrative built across previous games.
Welcome to the Calvard Republic
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak is the first entry in the new Daybreak. Set one year after the events of Trails into Reverie, the Republic of Calvard is experiencing economic growth along with unrest in the aftermath of the conflict. To address these issues, there has been a growing demand for Spriggan – someone who acts as a bounty hunting and private detective.
The story follows Van Arkride, a Spriggan with Arkride Solutions Office. Because of his reputation, he is hired by Agnes Claudel, the daughter of Calvard’s new president, to find an orbment created creation by one of the greatest scientists. This request becomes complicated when it brings him into conflict with other factions who are looking for the orbment. It soon becomes clear that a sinister plot is at work that could threaten the security of the nation.
The Legend of Heroes series has always been renown for its immersive storytelling, vivid world-building, and compelling characters. Trails Through Daybreak continues that tradition. Van Arkride is your classic hero willing to do what is right and help those in need. By his side is a collection of memorable characters like Agnes Claudel who are there to provide support and banter.
The Spriggan Life
Trails Through Daybreak is the first game in the series to allow players to explore the Republic of Calvard. This is a state that has played a major role in the lore but has never been a setting for an adventure. That is why one should take the time to explore every corner of this world. Not just the capital but also the outskirts and surrounding towns. Knowing how to navigate this world is important because it has a lot to offer. It’s a shame to be only focused on completing the main story when there is so much to experience.
Fans of the series will be happy to know that Trails Through Daybreak has kept the classic JRPG setup with some minor polishing. The game once again has a solid balance between in-depth storytelling and engaging action. Combat is turn-based using a range system while players could use their turn to either attack or support party members. Each character has their own unique gear that could also be enhanced. Don’t go in expecting the same style of combat. In a radical departure, Trails Through Daybreak also allows players to battle in real-time. For most encounters, players can engage in real-time combat by hacking and slashing monsters. However, this option is not available during major encounters or boss fights.
A new key component of the game is the LGC Alignment, a reputation system that grows based on your actions. The jobs you take plus the choices made will affect your Law, Gray, or Chaos level. Depending on the level of an alignment will impact a player’s reputation with a faction. Certain alignment levels will open opportunities or close them with a faction depending on where they stand.
Young Flame Departs
Trails Through Daybreak is the first entry in a new arc of the series, and Nihon Falcom has gone all out to start this new era with a bang. From its defining element to the UI and gameplay has been updated. All with the lessons learned from past entries. Combat is easier to engage in, and navigating menus has been streamlined. Fans can expect a familiar game while noticing all the updates and improvements.
Path of Chaos
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak does so much to kick-off a new chapter in the beloved series. It also fumbles with some aspects of this new beginning. Some are common with the series and others are exclusive to this entry.
As with past entries, Trails Through Daybreak also has a drawn-out introduction. It takes about an hour to get through the prologue and for everything to open up. An hour is if you choose to skip all the cutscenes and dialogue (which I would advise not to for some moments). This can be particularly frustrating given that this is the eleventh game in The Legend of Heroes series.
Next is how the real-time combat was implemented and how it functions. In theory, it offers players who aren’t fans of the turn-based system a choice in how they want to play. In practice, it works well, but there are some issues. Key among them is the need for more responsive combat while allowing players to use arts and crafts effectively. Also, some polishing of what was presented could also have helped.
Despite these shortcomings, they won’t ruin the overall experience as they can be overlooked.
Van the Stamped
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak is the beginning of a new chapter regarding the story and direction of the series. Players will explore the Republic of Calvard within a familiar game with welcoming improvements and lovable new characters. It also has some flaws but they won’t ruin the overall experience.
I thought it would be difficult to top the unforgettable experience of Trails into Reverie, but I’m glad to be proven wrong.
Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.
This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.
8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak
9
Pros
- A new era for The Legend of Heroes series.
- A familiar game with welcoming improvements to every aspect of the experience.
- Exploring the Republic of Calvard.
- Strong story and new characters are welcoming.
Cons
- Drawn-out introduction and it takes some time for everything to open up.
- Real-time combat has some issues that need to be worked out.
Stan Rezaee
Stan Rezaee is the founder and Editor of 8Bit/Digi. He is a journalist and gamer from the Bay Area who has been writing about the medium for over five years.
