The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak, developed by Nihon Falcom and published by NIS America, is the latest in the long-running and beloved series. It continues the Trails saga with a fresh narrative and engaging gameplay mechanics, with a story that’s set in the prosperous yet politically unstable Calvard Republic post-war. The story follows Van Arkride, a spriggan who navigates a world of complex, often clandestine tasks that include detective work, negotiation, and bounty hunting. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
The game’s narrative succeeds in creating a rich, immersive world. Calvard’s socio-political landscape is portrayed in great detail, reflecting the challenges and uncertainties faced by a nation in flux. Van’s journey is an engaging one, offering a blend of personal growth and broader societal commentary. The characters he encounters are well-developed, each contributing to the depth of the story in their own. The writing is sharp, as per the norm in the series, capturing the nuanced dynamics of Calvard’s shifting environment.
When it comes to gameplay, a significant innovation in Trails through Daybreak is the revamped AT (Action Time) battle system. This system transitions you from field battles to turn-based combat, and does so while maintaining a fairly seamless gameplay experience. The introduction of the sixth-generation combat orbment, Xipha, adds a layer of strategic depth, offering players a new approach to combat within the series. This mechanic not only modernizes the battle system but also enhances player engagement with its intuitive design and tactical possibilities.
The Topic System and the Alignment system further enrich the gameplay. The Topic System allows players to leverage conversation topics as bargaining chips in battles, adding an element of strategy tied to player interactions throughout the city – making battles feel integral to the story. This mechanic encourages exploration and engagement with NPCs, rewarding players with tangible advantages in combat as a result of the interactions they have. Meanwhile, the Alignment system lets players influence Van’s attributes and the story’s direction based on their choices, adding replayability and a sense of agency in shaping the narrative through your choices.
The controls on the PlayStation 5 are smooth and responsive, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. However, the learning curve can be steep, especially with all the intricate systems introduced in this iteration that are all working at once. Yet, for those willing to invest the time, the controls become second nature, letting you tap into the game’s strategic depth.
Visually, Trails through Daybreak is a treat. The game utilizes a detailed art style that brings the world of Calvard to life with vibrant environments and expressive character designs. The visual presentation is enhanced by the PlayStation 5’s capabilities, offering crisp graphics and smooth performance at high resolutions. The audio design is equally impressive, with a well-composed soundtrack that underscores the game’s emotional beats and an array of sound effects that help bring the world to life.
If we had to fault Trails through Daybreak, then perhaps the complexity of all its systems and the depth of its narrative might be a little daunting for newcomers to the series. Additionally, while the game offers substantial content, some players might find the pacing of the story uneven, with certain sections feeling drawn out. However, these issues are relatively minor in light of the overall quality and scope of the game.
In conclusion, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is a worthy addition to the Trails series, offering a rich narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a beautifully crafted world. It caters well to long-time fans and those seeking a deep, engaging RPG experience. While it may present a challenge to newcomers, its rewarding gameplay and compelling story make it a standout RPG game on the PlayStation 5. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer ready to dive into the world of Calvard who’s not afraid of a challenge, Trails through Daybreak is an adventure worth embarking on.
Score: 8.5/10
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