NIS America dropped an exciting announcement, revealing the release date for the localized version of Nihon Falcom’s renowned JRPG franchise, Trails, specifically Trails through Daybreak II. The sequel for Trails Through Daybreak is set to release on February 14, accompanied by a one-minute trailer showcased by NIS America, giving eager fans a glimpse of what’s to come.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is a part of the long-running Trails series, set in the Republic of Calvard. The game follows Van Arkride, a “Spriggan” (a type of underground detective), as he takes on various jobs across the diverse city of Edith. The story blends political intrigue, action, and mystery as players explore the state of Calvard, which is undergoing rapid change due to technological advancements and immigration.
Van’s journey gets complicated when he becomes involved in conflicts between different factions, including the government, criminal organizations, and ancient societies. The game features real-time combat mechanics, mixing turn-based strategy with action elements (yes, a hybrid blend of the two mechanics), and offers a rich narrative that continues the interconnected world and themes seen throughout the Trails series that it is so well-known for.
In Trails Through Daybreak II, the story picks up roughly two months after the events of the previous game, with the threat of Almata behind them in Calvard. However, the nation is now troubled by a series of murders committed by a mysterious crimson beast, sparking various factions to either uncover the truth or use the situation to their advantage.
This sequel is set to introduce two new combat mechanics. The first is Cross Charge, which activates during field combat when players execute a Perfect Dodge to avoid enemy attacks. By following an on-screen prompt, a party member is swapped in to perform a charge attack, temporarily boosting their strength and increasing the chance of stunning the enemy.
The second new feature is EX Chains, triggered during turn-based battles under specific conditions after using Crafts or regular attacks on a stunned enemy. Linked party members will launch a simultaneous attack, damaging nearby foes. When combined with Cross Charge, EX Chains can quickly take down large enemy groups.
Image Credit: Nihon Falcom & NIS America
The next instalment to the fabled JRPG Trails franchise, Trails Through Daybreak II is slated for a release on February 14 2025 for Windows PC via Steam, Epic Games Store & GOG, PS4, PS5 and the Nintendo Switch.
Image Credit: Nihon Falcom & NIS America
But for non-Trails fans who have yet to start with their Trails journey but they’re interested in Daybreak II, you could hop on Trails Through Daybreak and experience the series for the first time yourself. It is currently available on Windows PC via Steam, Epic Games Store & GOG, PS4, PS5 and the Nintendo Switch.
It is not the ideal starting point but it will get you hooked with how Trails does things with its franchise and you’ll find yourself playing the games in release order naturally.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II
Publisher: NIS America
Developer: Nihon Falcom
Release Date TBC
Epic Games Store, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Steam
Return to the Calvard Republic and unravel the mystery of the crimson beast! One day, a shocking series of murders set the wheels of fate into motion once again. Chaos looming on the horizon, the spriggan Van Arkride receives an unexpected visitor. Who is behind the murders, and what is their goal?
An elite Society agent and contractor of the seal weapon Embrasque, Beatrix's ferocity when facing primal beasts is rivaled only by her insatiable hunger for glory.
Eustace
Earthrending Thunder
An elite Society marksman and contractor of the seal weapon Flamek Thunder, Eustace is efficient, laconic, and longs to live in a world of peace and quiet.
Fraux
Striking Strength
Pactbearer to The Devil, a primal seeking to create a new world order, Fraux is otherwise an ordinary skydweller whose heart, character, and temperament are filled with love and compassion.
Fediel
Darkness Personified
One of the Six Dragons, entities who exist beyond the confines of the natural world. Having dominion over darkness, she influences the very laws of nature.
An intern, with aspirations to leave a mark in the gaming news side of the video game industry. Primarily a PC gamer but grew up playing the Sony consoles from the PS1 all the way to the PS5. Currently on that Monster Hunter World fever in preparation for Wilds and a gacha junkie.