Review: The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak

Developer – Nihon Falcom, PH3 GmbH

Publisher – NIS America Inc.

Platforms –  Nintendo Switch, PS4/5,PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Publisher

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak transports players to the Calvard Republic, now experiencing unprecedented economic prosperity after a grueling war. However, this newfound wealth brings societal shifts that are difficult to ignore; the nation faces growing public unrest fueled by a rising immigrant population and rapid political reform. Amid this turmoil, players follow Van Arkride, a young man and rogue “Spriggan” mercenary, on a unique request that quickly proves more than he bargained for. His profession, one of the many unorthodox careers in Calvard, casts him as a detective, negotiator, and occasional bounty hunter, taking on jobs too complex, sensitive, or illicit for the authorities to handle. Will Calvard ultimately succumb to chaos?

The story ambitiously explores Van’s complex role as a neutral mercenary, allowing him to navigate Calvard’s fractured factions, accepting almost any job as long as it doesn’t cross too far over the gray line. This approach provides opportunities for morally charged decisions and ethical dilemmas, especially when balancing his duties with personal conflicts. However, while these themes are intriguing, they’re often undercut by uneven storytelling. Despite the game’s expansive cast of allies and adversaries, only a handful feel fully developed. Van’s team members bring distinct personalities and rich backstories, but they’re often sidelined in favor of the main plot, leaving potential emotional connections unexplored.

Set in 1208, the narrative’s pulse picks up with the arrival of a prim young lady from a prestigious academy, knocking on the door of Van’s modest ARKRIDE Solutions Office in the heart of Edith, Calvard’s capital. Her visit triggers events that delve into Calvard’s seedy underworld and the shadows of its political landscape, yet the story occasionally feels overloaded, relying on gameplay to carry the experience where the narrative loses focus. This dynamic could have created a compelling mix of personal and political stakes, but the story doesn’t consistently strike the right balance to make each moment resonate.

Where the story wavers, the gameplay shines. Trails through Daybreak introduces a completely revamped AT (Action Time) Battle system, seamlessly transitioning from field battles to turn-based combat. This innovation, alongside the sixth-generation tactical orbment Xipha, provides a revolutionary combat experience unique to this Trails series installment. Battles are consistently engaging, thanks to Van’s versatile abilities and customizable options for his allies. This flexibility enhances the gameplay loop, allowing for experimentation while keeping combat rewarding and strategically rich. In addition, the new Topic System enables players to gain a battle advantage by collecting conversation topics throughout the city and using them as bargaining chips. Paired with the Alignment System, which lets players shape Van’s three unique attributes, this system influences aspects of his status, his allegiances, and even how the story unfolds, offering layers of depth and immersion.

Exploration is equally rewarding, with diverse regions across Calvard that feel alive and well-crafted. Urban centers, lush forests, and mysterious paths make each area unique, while side quests and hidden lore add layers to the world’s rich backstory. These details often provide a more impactful sense of place than the main plot, showcasing slice-of-life moments that add depth to the Trails universe.

Visually, the game’s anime-inspired designs and vibrant environments are complemented by an evocative soundtrack and solid voice acting. While Trails through Daybreak has an ambitious yet imperfect story, it offers captivating gameplay and exploration that still shapes an above-average experience in the end.