Review: Trails In The Sky 2nd Chapter
By Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter debuted last year to near-unanimous praise from reviewers and enthusiasts. It was a meticulously created, ground-up revival of the initial game in the Legend of Heroes series, which first launched in 2004. The revival introduced complete 3D graphics, intricate combat, and a variety of enhancements aimed at making it considerably more accessible for newcomers.
With Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, Nihon Falcom has continued this fan-favorite revival with a sequel that mirrors the triumph of its forerunner, featuring a more powerful storyline and a somewhat darker atmosphere.
Set immediately following the conclusion of the initial game, our protagonist siblings Joshua and Estelle Bright have triumphed over Colonel Richard and thwarted his coup. Peace is restored to the Kingdom of Liberl, and the siblings finally advance to senior Bracers. Estelle manages to enjoy at least one peaceful night’s rest before awakening to discover her brother missing, with startling truths about his past quickly uncovered by her father. She is determined to locate Joshua, refining her abilities as a Bracer (recognized peacekeepers of the realm) and journeying to the capital to probe her brother’s absence. Estelle’s adventure is one of rediscovery, revisiting familiar sites, and reconnecting with old allies while being celebrated as a heroine by the populace. Throughout her journey, she observes the consequences of her triumph against Richard’s coup and the influence her group had on Liberl.
Captured on Nintendo Switch 2 (Docked)
It’s a captivating tale, grounded by an intriguing enigma as the group seeks out Ouroboros, the mysterious masterminds orchestrating the events of the first chapter. Estelle remains a vibrant and virtuous heroine, while her brother ultimately returns with a bit more of an edge compared to our last encounter. Former party members also make a comeback, such as the charmingly flamboyant Olivier, a poetic romantic who continues to be my favorite among them all.
A diverse array of new allies is also present, providing various combat roles and narrative content. Swordsmith Anelace stands out as an intriguing rival and equal to Estelle.
