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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Xukaku\"](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/fa8a4de374f1e716b6a7607fd74319fd0cdf936e.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https://store.akamai.steamstatic.com/public/shared/images/userreviews/icon_thumbsUp_v6.png\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https://community.akamai.steamstatic.com/public/images/apphubs/bigpicture/thumbs_upselected.png\")
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRecommended
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t58.5 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(58.4 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: October 8\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDirect from Steam\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAbsolutely amazing sequel to 1st chapter in terms of story. The other aspects are either slight improvements or kinda a side-grade. It has that JRPG magic but it's a bit formulaic and repetitive especially in the first half. Honestly the first half kinda frustrated me but the second half pulled me back in and concluded everything extremely well. The game had some incredible highs. Definitely some of the highest I've played. Personal enjoyment-wise it's like a 9/10.
1st chapter was always great for its story and characters and this sequel still does them really well. The plot is a typical JRPG plot so it's a bit predictable. But even though I could kinda guess what would happen and where the characters' arcs were going I still got emotional and caught off guard by how well these scenes were executed (minor spoilers: Agate's arc, the beach scene and the final stretch of the game). The characters are all memorable and lovable. I enjoyed most if not all of them. The animated story scenes are absolute cinema.
The combat in both games is pretty enjoyable though a bit easy. I think they sped up the scaling in this one so normal enemies are easy to plow through. But there are 2 fights that are really fun and very challenging on higher difficulties (minor spoilers: the fight against Loewe and Estelle's solo fight without any party members). I think I died in the Loewe fight more than in both games combined.
That said the more I play the 1st and 2nd chapters the more I notice how formulaic and repetitive they are and how much stuff gets reused. This might be a minor nitpick so read if you want. I still highly recommend the game. There might be minor spoilers about the structure of the game ahead.
The quests follow the same structure in both games. Talk to this person and they tell you to talk to another person then another person yada yada yada. Almost all of the side quests are just fetch quests in different disguises like finding a person, a cat or a missing item, plus escort quests and monster hunting.
Side quests push you to explore important parts of each region. This worked in the first game because you're a novice bracer exploring these areas for the first time. In this game you just have to do all this stuff again. The only interesting side quests that break the formula are the ones in chapter 8.
The dungeons and bosses are repeated too. Just a different color or a few added enemies. Of the 5 bosses you fight before the final enemy you've already fought 4 of them just before and the new fights barely have any new mechanics. Same goes for enemies. 80% of them are exactly the same as in the first game.
I understand why the game design feels outdated since it's a remake of a game released 20s years ago but it was still a gripe of mine while playing.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t1st chapter was always great for its story and characters and this sequel still does them really well. The plot is a typical JRPG plot so it's a bit predictable. But even though I could kinda guess what would happen and where the characters' arcs were going I still got emotional and caught off guard by how well these scenes were executed (minor spoilers: Agate's arc, the beach scene and the final stretch of the game). The characters are all memorable and lovable. I enjoyed most if not all of them. The animated story scenes are absolute cinema.
The combat in both games is pretty enjoyable though a bit easy. I think they sped up the scaling in this one so normal enemies are easy to plow through. But there are 2 fights that are really fun and very challenging on higher difficulties (minor spoilers: the fight against Loewe and Estelle's solo fight without any party members). I think I died in the Loewe fight more than in both games combined.
That said the more I play the 1st and 2nd chapters the more I notice how formulaic and repetitive they are and how much stuff gets reused. This might be a minor nitpick so read if you want. I still highly recommend the game. There might be minor spoilers about the structure of the game ahead.
The quests follow the same structure in both games. Talk to this person and they tell you to talk to another person then another person yada yada yada. Almost all of the side quests are just fetch quests in different disguises like finding a person, a cat or a missing item, plus escort quests and monster hunting.
Side quests push you to explore important parts of each region. This worked in the first game because you're a novice bracer exploring these areas for the first time. In this game you just have to do all this stuff again. The only interesting side quests that break the formula are the ones in chapter 8.
The dungeons and bosses are repeated too. Just a different color or a few added enemies. Of the 5 bosses you fight before the final enemy you've already fought 4 of them just before and the new fights barely have any new mechanics. Same goes for enemies. 80% of them are exactly the same as in the first game.
I understand why the game design feels outdated since it's a remake of a game released 20s years ago but it was still a gripe of mine while playing.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https://store.akamai.steamstatic.com/public/shared/images//award_icon.svg\"){kind=icon}
Award\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t30 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
1 person found this review funny\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t12
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 person found this review funny\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Axel\"](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/e0fbb10c8eaa034ed682079b42c06292e301e5ef.jpg\")
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRecommended
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t70.4 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAs the follow-up to the 1st, Trails in the Sky the 2nd’s definitely a passable sequel, but that’s pretty much all it is. I ain’t gonna nitpick a pretty niche IP too hard, so it gets a solid rec from me.
The Tetra Tower basically just copies the setup from the first game, n late game’s full of straight up garbage mobs that are annoying as hell with zero fresh ideas. Only the final new dungeon, the bigger playable roster n the whole new mechanics they bring to the table feel actually new n fun. Story-wise it’s basically the same vibe as the 1st. No huge twists or wild plot swings, just a simple story told with really nice, detailed writing. But next to the 1st, the 2nd’s side quest quality tanks hard. Tons of boring filler quests that drag on forever n feel totally pointless. Chapter 8 especially is straight up torture, all ur fast travel points get disabled outta nowhere, so u gotta run all the way back through old areas all over again.
If u never got into the series, grab the 1st on sale n see if it’s ur vibe. If ur already a series fan u don’t need me to tell u ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, u’ve probably beaten it at least once already lmao.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\tThe Tetra Tower basically just copies the setup from the first game, n late game’s full of straight up garbage mobs that are annoying as hell with zero fresh ideas. Only the final new dungeon, the bigger playable roster n the whole new mechanics they bring to the table feel actually new n fun. Story-wise it’s basically the same vibe as the 1st. No huge twists or wild plot swings, just a simple story told with really nice, detailed writing. But next to the 1st, the 2nd’s side quest quality tanks hard. Tons of boring filler quests that drag on forever n feel totally pointless. Chapter 8 especially is straight up torture, all ur fast travel points get disabled outta nowhere, so u gotta run all the way back through old areas all over again.
If u never got into the series, grab the 1st on sale n see if it’s ur vibe. If ur already a series fan u don’t need me to tell u ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, u’ve probably beaten it at least once already lmao.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t38 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
2 people found this review funny\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t2 people found this review funny\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Funny\"](\"https://store.akamai.steamstatic.com/public/images/loyalty/reactions/still/28.png?v=5\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"shaikhulud\"](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/bd5c9041ad8f29f30c57c8f5ecc51bb2fd06537d.jpg\")
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRecommended
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t77.6 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(66 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: September 28\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDirect from Steam\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThis is the blueprint of a perfect remake in my opinion. I won't spoil much about the game itself, since it's an almost 1:1 faithful retelling story-wise, and will write more about the remade elements instead.
The game elevated everything that made the original SC a masterpiece, thanks to modern production values and Daybreak 2's hybrid action/TBS battle system. Yet, it retained that unique sense of coziness and familiarity. Falcom barely touched anything in the story or designs (the very few small additions aren't even retcons, but rather bonus content for clarity in future arcs), and it's really great to see creators who genuinely love their original work without adding confusion through silly metacommentary or bloat. Looking at you, FF7 Remake trilogy.
This still remains one of the best Trails stories, told through great VA work in both EN and JP, terrific cutscenes, and very fitting music rearrangements. It is also a JRPG with surprisingly cool side quests and tons of QoL features still MIA in other games of the genre.
Like the original, it has its flaws, of course. First of all, it's inseparable from 1st, since both games tell one grand story and 2nd is simply what it is—the second part of that story. You can't just skip 1st and start with 2nd. Because of this, the game shares a lot of assets and locations with 1st. It's a clever move on Falcom's part to save money, but if you're looking for a game with a wild variety of locations, perhaps you should look elsewhere.
There are also structural flaws that stem from the faithful nature of the remake: Chapter 8 is a bit of a drag, dungeons are on the maze-like side, and some endgame locations are too complicated for their own good. But I'm nitpicking; it's not a huge problem, especially if you take your time rather than bingeing a 60+ hour game in a few days.
All in all, I think the Sky 1st/2nd duology is, so far, the peak for both Trails as a series and Falcom as a developer. It's a perfect entry point into one of the most unique and engaging settings in gaming history, and I'm eagerly awaiting being scarred by Star Door 15 in the 3rd remake further down the road.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\tThe game elevated everything that made the original SC a masterpiece, thanks to modern production values and Daybreak 2's hybrid action/TBS battle system. Yet, it retained that unique sense of coziness and familiarity. Falcom barely touched anything in the story or designs (the very few small additions aren't even retcons, but rather bonus content for clarity in future arcs), and it's really great to see creators who genuinely love their original work without adding confusion through silly metacommentary or bloat. Looking at you, FF7 Remake trilogy.
This still remains one of the best Trails stories, told through great VA work in both EN and JP, terrific cutscenes, and very fitting music rearrangements. It is also a JRPG with surprisingly cool side quests and tons of QoL features still MIA in other games of the genre.
Like the original, it has its flaws, of course. First of all, it's inseparable from 1st, since both games tell one grand story and 2nd is simply what it is—the second part of that story. You can't just skip 1st and start with 2nd. Because of this, the game shares a lot of assets and locations with 1st. It's a clever move on Falcom's part to save money, but if you're looking for a game with a wild variety of locations, perhaps you should look elsewhere.
There are also structural flaws that stem from the faithful nature of the remake: Chapter 8 is a bit of a drag, dungeons are on the maze-like side, and some endgame locations are too complicated for their own good. But I'm nitpicking; it's not a huge problem, especially if you take your time rather than bingeing a 60+ hour game in a few days.
All in all, I think the Sky 1st/2nd duology is, so far, the peak for both Trails as a series and Falcom as a developer. It's a perfect entry point into one of the most unique and engaging settings in gaming history, and I'm eagerly awaiting being scarred by Star Door 15 in the 3rd remake further down the road.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tReviewer's PC Specs:
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWindows 10
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6-Core Processor - RAM: 32 GB
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 - VRAM: 16 GB
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t41 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
3 people found this review funny\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t3 people found this review funny\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Fire\"](\"https://store.akamai.steamstatic.com/public/images/loyalty/reactions/still/27.png?v=5\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Perfect\"](\"https://store.akamai.steamstatic.com/public/images/loyalty/reactions/still/31.png?v=5\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Wholesome\"](\"https://store.akamai.steamstatic.com/public/images/loyalty/reactions/still/35.png?v=5\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"sparklingfairy\"](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/0b60df122879f0a01aef30fe81f33dd9aca2f7bf.jpg\")
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRecommended
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t43.7 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: September 22\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDirect from Steam\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tI don't think i can accurately describe what 1st Chapter and especially this game did to my brain chemistry. Being the first time i've played both to completion i can confidently say this is probably up there as one of my favorite games i've ever got the pleasure of playing. If you like JRPG's you basically owe it to yourself to tackle at the very least these 2 extremely lovingly made remakes of 2 already extremely good games. 10/10 would get brutally achievement-walled by a fish again\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t17 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
1 person found this review funny\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Kas\"](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/1df3535a6f4c9bcf76d310fff46700d18b98412c.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t45.9 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(45.8 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: September 27\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDirect from Steam\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAn absolute emotional masterpiece that will make you laugh out loud, cry your eyes out, and completely blow your mind.
If you fell in love with Estelle and Joshua in the first game, 2nd Chapter delivers the ultimate, unforgettable payoff. Their beautiful, painful, and deeply complex bond is the true heart of this journey. The game is a total rollercoaster, seamlessly shifting from hilarious character dialogue to devastating emotional moments, all while hitting you with a barrage of insane 'WTF' plot twists that leave you staring at the screen in pure shock.
What truly elevates this experience is the incredibly lovable cast. Watching Estelle grow into an absolute badass while keeping her signature charm, energy, and big heart makes her one of the greatest protagonists in RPG history. To top it all off, the voice acting is absolutely top-notch, breathing incredible life, humor, and raw emotion into every single line of dialogue.
Keep tissues nearby and get ready for a story that stays with you long after the credits roll.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\tIf you fell in love with Estelle and Joshua in the first game, 2nd Chapter delivers the ultimate, unforgettable payoff. Their beautiful, painful, and deeply complex bond is the true heart of this journey. The game is a total rollercoaster, seamlessly shifting from hilarious character dialogue to devastating emotional moments, all while hitting you with a barrage of insane 'WTF' plot twists that leave you staring at the screen in pure shock.
What truly elevates this experience is the incredibly lovable cast. Watching Estelle grow into an absolute badass while keeping her signature charm, energy, and big heart makes her one of the greatest protagonists in RPG history. To top it all off, the voice acting is absolutely top-notch, breathing incredible life, humor, and raw emotion into every single line of dialogue.
Keep tissues nearby and get ready for a story that stays with you long after the credits roll.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tReviewer's PC Specs:
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWindows 11
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIntel(R) Core(TM) i9-9900K CPU @ 3.60GHz - RAM: 32 GB
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 - VRAM: 16 GB
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t17 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t113.9 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(11.4 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: September 19\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJust like 1st Chapter, Falcom once more shows that they master the way of remake making.
I'm so happy right now.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\tI'm so happy right now.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t29 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
1 person found this review funny\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t58.6 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(58.1 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: October 4\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHOLY MOTHER OF AIDIOS THEY COOKED
I Cannot believe this is a real game man this is literally a dream come true as someone who played the original about 5 years ago and was blown away by it reliving it through the remake was such a joy and wonderful experience. I need to go into detail on how much I was impressed by this remake and why I now consider it the BEST RPG remake of the 2020’s
Presentation: The Cutscene and visual direction of this game is absolutely stunning so many incredible scenes from the OG have been given new life thanks to the mocap that these games have been getting better and better at since reverie not to mention how good the craft and art animations look as well . Liberl also looks incredible and I was blown away by how some of the later areas were adapted into full 3d especially the last dungeon.
Story: I’m not gonna go into spoilers here cause if this is your first time I don’t want to ruin those moments but I was very pleased that the story was pretty much 1-1 with the OG as it’s a phenomenal tale that did not need to be changed however I will mention how good the Voice Actors did during the voiced story sections. Stephanie Sesh was great as Estelle but the real star was Johnny Yong Bosch as Joshua who honestly should be up for best performance this year. Also I have to give a shoutout to Ray Chase as Kevin. He knocked his scenes out of the park.
Combat: If you played First Chapter the combat is pretty much the same as that game but man does it feel smoother and much flashier also this game can get kinda brutal compared to the first one especially on harder difficulty nowhere near the OG’s difficulty mind you thank god but do expect a bit of a challenge if your playing on at least Normal/Advanced.
Music: Going into this game I was very excited to hear the newly arranged soundtrack and man did it not disappoint with only like 1-2 exceptions I love all of these new remixes the battle themes are fantastic especially the Ouroboros boss theme but the ambient tracks are also really good as well especially in the dungeons.
Side Content: this game is HUGE and you’ll have a ton of stuff to do. Side quests return from the first game and most of them are really fun to go through. Cooking also returns and now you can make explosive food atelier style which is hilarious. The main new add on though is Fishing it was missing in first chapter but I’m glad it’s back here as it’s a staple of the series and it’s decently in depth too as you’ll need certain bait to catch certain fish.
All in all this remake was absolutely fantastic and I’m so happy Falcom are going to be going through at least Azure with these cause man those games are gonna hit like crack in the new engine but man I was blown away by this game my game of the year by an easy mile and I really hope Sky 3rd remake isn’t more than 2 years off cause I NEED THAT.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\tI Cannot believe this is a real game man this is literally a dream come true as someone who played the original about 5 years ago and was blown away by it reliving it through the remake was such a joy and wonderful experience. I need to go into detail on how much I was impressed by this remake and why I now consider it the BEST RPG remake of the 2020’s
Presentation: The Cutscene and visual direction of this game is absolutely stunning so many incredible scenes from the OG have been given new life thanks to the mocap that these games have been getting better and better at since reverie not to mention how good the craft and art animations look as well . Liberl also looks incredible and I was blown away by how some of the later areas were adapted into full 3d especially the last dungeon.
Story: I’m not gonna go into spoilers here cause if this is your first time I don’t want to ruin those moments but I was very pleased that the story was pretty much 1-1 with the OG as it’s a phenomenal tale that did not need to be changed however I will mention how good the Voice Actors did during the voiced story sections. Stephanie Sesh was great as Estelle but the real star was Johnny Yong Bosch as Joshua who honestly should be up for best performance this year. Also I have to give a shoutout to Ray Chase as Kevin. He knocked his scenes out of the park.
Combat: If you played First Chapter the combat is pretty much the same as that game but man does it feel smoother and much flashier also this game can get kinda brutal compared to the first one especially on harder difficulty nowhere near the OG’s difficulty mind you thank god but do expect a bit of a challenge if your playing on at least Normal/Advanced.
Music: Going into this game I was very excited to hear the newly arranged soundtrack and man did it not disappoint with only like 1-2 exceptions I love all of these new remixes the battle themes are fantastic especially the Ouroboros boss theme but the ambient tracks are also really good as well especially in the dungeons.
Side Content: this game is HUGE and you’ll have a ton of stuff to do. Side quests return from the first game and most of them are really fun to go through. Cooking also returns and now you can make explosive food atelier style which is hilarious. The main new add on though is Fishing it was missing in first chapter but I’m glad it’s back here as it’s a staple of the series and it’s decently in depth too as you’ll need certain bait to catch certain fish.
All in all this remake was absolutely fantastic and I’m so happy Falcom are going to be going through at least Azure with these cause man those games are gonna hit like crack in the new engine but man I was blown away by this game my game of the year by an easy mile and I really hope Sky 3rd remake isn’t more than 2 years off cause I NEED THAT.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t10 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t58.8 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(58.8 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Sneaky Verdict
Playtime: 70 hours (15 hours in the Demo, 55 in full game)
100% Experience: TBD (Still have an NG+ run to do)
Verdict: 10/10
Joshua and Estelle’s heart-throbbing adventure kept me laughing, crying, and completely invested from beginning to end. The Sneaky Verdict is in… don’t miss this one.
Recommended for players who enjoy: JRPGs, intriguing stories, engaging characters, and strong character development
Avoid if you don’t enjoy: Fun
Story:
2nd Chapter picks up right where the previous game left off and never misses a beat. Estelle and Joshua’s adventure through Liberl and its familiar cities is filled with emotion, tragic backstories, goofy moments, romance, danger, and international political crises. All of it is handled with incredible pacing and attention to detail.
I think the most impressive part of the story is its character development. Estelle in particular, along with the entire supporting cast, matures and grows in interesting and astonishing ways. That development, combined with the tense overarching plot, creates a mesmerizing story that easily holds your attention for all 50–70 hours.
Gameplay/Combat:
You’ll find yourself visiting multiple towns that also appeared in the first game while constantly running into monsters, mercenaries, and moody villains!
Not much has changed from the first game. Side quests are a blast, and the action/turn\\-based RPG mix that Falcom has perfected shines just as brightly. (See what I did there)
Having the option to quickly smash a pack of wandering plants—or take my time and strategically decimate them—feels fresh. What I leaned into, and what I feel the game wants you to lean into, is the turn-based side. While quick combat is useful for farming or moving through a dungeon, any real fight benefits from the turn-based system because it provides infinitely more options.
Combat primarily revolves around using your crew’s various resources to deploy Crafts, Arts, and team attacks. It’s simple in both its approach and explanation, but it hides some real depth within the Orbment system..
Orbments serve as your “build” alongside your equipment. They determine which stat bonuses, special attributes, and Arts your character will have\\. The system feels very unique and customizable. Toward the end of the game, I found myself giving up a few attack bonuses just so I could fit one more red Orbment and unlock a massive fire AoE attack.
Combat is phenomenal and has plenty of depth for those who want it. High Speed Mode is also an amazing quality-of-life feature that I’m sure most players will find useful at some point.
Sound:
Short and sweet.
Brilliant cast, brilliant soundtrack, brilliant chemistry. You will be humming the main theme of this game for weeks on end, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Graphics/Performance:
The game looks phenomenal, and I can tell there was some extra work put in to really sharpen things up after the last game. Everything just looks a little brighter and sharper.
If you were like me and had some minor performance issues with the demo, worry not. Everything is patched up and running like a dream. I had no issues, crashes, or glitches while running HDR at maximum settings.
100% Completion:
I know… I haven’t gotten 100% yet.
But a quick heads-up: this one is rough.
There are A LOT of missables—quests, items, books, recipes, fish, etc.—and there is no post-game option to go back and clean everything up. Unless you want to play Nightmare on your first playthrough (which I highly advise against) you’re looking at a minimum of three full playthroughs. Your “normal” run to enjoy and complete the story. A ng+ run on easy with enemy level modifier and clean up missables. And a final nightmare speed run.
Conclusion:
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is the kind of game that makes a 70-hour journey feel far too short. It earns its place among the JRPGs that stay with you long after the credits roll—not because it demands your time, but because it makes every hour feel worthwhile.
Estelle and Joshua’s journey is the heart of this game, and watching them grow, struggle, and find their way forward together is something I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. After spending 70 hours laughing, stressing, and occasionally yelling at the screen with them, I’m honestly not ready for their story to be over. Thankfully for is gamers… chapter 3 is coming!
If you’re willing to commit to the journey, you’re getting something rare: a game with the heart, ambition, and staying power to become a personal favorite. And if you somehow still aren’t convinced, then I don’t know what to tell you—go play it already.
The Sneaky Verdict is in: 10/10, and an absolute must-play.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\tPlaytime: 70 hours (15 hours in the Demo, 55 in full game)
100% Experience: TBD (Still have an NG+ run to do)
Verdict: 10/10
Joshua and Estelle’s heart-throbbing adventure kept me laughing, crying, and completely invested from beginning to end. The Sneaky Verdict is in… don’t miss this one.
Recommended for players who enjoy: JRPGs, intriguing stories, engaging characters, and strong character development
Avoid if you don’t enjoy: Fun
Story:
2nd Chapter picks up right where the previous game left off and never misses a beat. Estelle and Joshua’s adventure through Liberl and its familiar cities is filled with emotion, tragic backstories, goofy moments, romance, danger, and international political crises. All of it is handled with incredible pacing and attention to detail.
I think the most impressive part of the story is its character development. Estelle in particular, along with the entire supporting cast, matures and grows in interesting and astonishing ways. That development, combined with the tense overarching plot, creates a mesmerizing story that easily holds your attention for all 50–70 hours.
Gameplay/Combat:
You’ll find yourself visiting multiple towns that also appeared in the first game while constantly running into monsters, mercenaries, and moody villains!
Not much has changed from the first game. Side quests are a blast, and the action/turn\\-based RPG mix that Falcom has perfected shines just as brightly. (See what I did there)
Having the option to quickly smash a pack of wandering plants—or take my time and strategically decimate them—feels fresh. What I leaned into, and what I feel the game wants you to lean into, is the turn-based side. While quick combat is useful for farming or moving through a dungeon, any real fight benefits from the turn-based system because it provides infinitely more options.
Combat primarily revolves around using your crew’s various resources to deploy Crafts, Arts, and team attacks. It’s simple in both its approach and explanation, but it hides some real depth within the Orbment system..
Orbments serve as your “build” alongside your equipment. They determine which stat bonuses, special attributes, and Arts your character will have\\. The system feels very unique and customizable. Toward the end of the game, I found myself giving up a few attack bonuses just so I could fit one more red Orbment and unlock a massive fire AoE attack.
Combat is phenomenal and has plenty of depth for those who want it. High Speed Mode is also an amazing quality-of-life feature that I’m sure most players will find useful at some point.
Sound:
Short and sweet.
Brilliant cast, brilliant soundtrack, brilliant chemistry. You will be humming the main theme of this game for weeks on end, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Graphics/Performance:
The game looks phenomenal, and I can tell there was some extra work put in to really sharpen things up after the last game. Everything just looks a little brighter and sharper.
If you were like me and had some minor performance issues with the demo, worry not. Everything is patched up and running like a dream. I had no issues, crashes, or glitches while running HDR at maximum settings.
100% Completion:
I know… I haven’t gotten 100% yet.
But a quick heads-up: this one is rough.
There are A LOT of missables—quests, items, books, recipes, fish, etc.—and there is no post-game option to go back and clean everything up. Unless you want to play Nightmare on your first playthrough (which I highly advise against) you’re looking at a minimum of three full playthroughs. Your “normal” run to enjoy and complete the story. A ng+ run on easy with enemy level modifier and clean up missables. And a final nightmare speed run.
Conclusion:
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is the kind of game that makes a 70-hour journey feel far too short. It earns its place among the JRPGs that stay with you long after the credits roll—not because it demands your time, but because it makes every hour feel worthwhile.
Estelle and Joshua’s journey is the heart of this game, and watching them grow, struggle, and find their way forward together is something I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. After spending 70 hours laughing, stressing, and occasionally yelling at the screen with them, I’m honestly not ready for their story to be over. Thankfully for is gamers… chapter 3 is coming!
If you’re willing to commit to the journey, you’re getting something rare: a game with the heart, ambition, and staying power to become a personal favorite. And if you somehow still aren’t convinced, then I don’t know what to tell you—go play it already.
The Sneaky Verdict is in: 10/10, and an absolute must-play.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t12 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"met4ngel\"](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/9232a64ab4548d0491206c28449389436a1ce785.jpg\")
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRecommended
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t48.1 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(7.1 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: September 20\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDirect from Steam\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tGot here already loving trails in the sky 1st chapter remake, which was my introduction to this series, and I'm having a great time with part 2, but that's not even why I would recommend this. The regional pricing in Argentina is insane. Don't even think about it, 25 usd for this gem is seriously not even fair. I urge you to but it. What you get in return is one of the most magical, entertaining and compelling stories you can find in modern games. Gameplay is fun, the characters are great specially if you come from FC, world building is consistent and the fantasy element so beautifully developed that I want to get to know every single part of Liberl. I waited all year for this game to drop and it's ultimately my game of the year 2026. This is a 10/10\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t15 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Wekuta\"](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/a6c1178f41586eddef31715e5089d6bb51c5ae28.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t100 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(99.7 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: September 26\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tA JRPG with great combat, characters and story that overstays its welcome in final sections of the game. As this is a direct follow up to the first remake much here is the same including combat, setting and characters. In combat you can fight in live action to weaken foes before jumping into turn based combat. A ton of party members from the first chapter are freely available to use in your party by the early mid point. The story is good but starts to drag towards the end in the final few chapters making this game a lot longer than it has to be (Taking me almost 90 hours but I did a lot of side content) All in all the gameplay, music and characters carry the long game to the end.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t12 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Marisakage12\"](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/6889e542266ff1eca9c32d7f405a723a0e19f756.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t147 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(13.9 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: September 19\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNo words can come close to describing just how impactful this game and the entire franchise are to me.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t14 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t103.8 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(96.6 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: October 11\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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- You should play the series in chronological order, which would mean the next game chronologically is Trails in the Sky the 3rd. The remake hasn't been announced/released as of this review posting, so your options are to wait for that or play the original.
- No, you shouldn't skip Sky the 3rd, or any game for that matter.
- No, you shouldn't jump between arcs or to the latest game without playing the others; Trails is one continuous story expanded upon by each chronological release. In other words, jumping ahead just spoils everything.
- There's a demo; try it. Though if you played 1st Chapter, I don't think you need a demo for 2nd Chapter. Unless you're some freak that is demoing 2nd Chapter without having played 1st Chapter.
I now understand why Trails in the Sky SC has always been at the top tier of everyone's Trails game lists.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is the faithful remake of the second game in the long-running Trails game series. It tells the exact same story as the original, but includes some new combat gameplay mechanics and the same art style/graphics introduced in 1st Chapter [Remake].
If 1st Chapter was all light-hearted, sunshine and rainbows, then 2nd Chapter is all gas, no brakes. I'll refrain from going any further about the story because it is that good.
Regarding the difficulty, I would definitively rate 2nd Chapter as the hardest Nightmare difficulty new game of the series. It may or may not have been influenced a choice I made early in the game about picking between two party members, but regardless the early game is especially brutal with the whole package of lack of variety in speed buffs, dealing with repetitive enemy gimmicks like swallowing your party member until you do enough damage for them to be spit out, every major enemy basically enraging at half health, enemies reviving at 0 health for last stands and immediately taking action, gearing around preventing enemy status effects/debuffs applying, managing your quartz setups to access better arts, etc. I'm not saying it wasn't fun; the game just required some more thinking than usual which I welcomed. (For reference, I finished Nightmare new game at around 98-ish hours).
My only real complaint, as it is the same with every Trails game release since Cold Steel III, is the developers' insistence on only having some characters voiced in a dialogue exchange between two or more people. Budget issue or not, in no world is this the superior option over having no characters voiced or all characters voiced.
In summary, I too would now place Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter firmly at the top of a tier list for the Trails games. The second part of Estelle and Joshua's story is so compelling, heart-wrenching, fulfilling, full of hope, full of despair, and more. Having not played the original Trails in the Sky SC, I am so glad I got to play it through this remake. Peak.
\n\n\t\t\t\tUsual Trails F.A.Q. for newcomers:
- This is the direct sequel to Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter [Remake]. If for some reason you are browsing here without having played 1st Chapter, then no, you cannot "start" playing here; you pick up the story immediately from the previous game's cliffhanger.- You should play the series in chronological order, which would mean the next game chronologically is Trails in the Sky the 3rd. The remake hasn't been announced/released as of this review posting, so your options are to wait for that or play the original.
- No, you shouldn't skip Sky the 3rd, or any game for that matter.
- No, you shouldn't jump between arcs or to the latest game without playing the others; Trails is one continuous story expanded upon by each chronological release. In other words, jumping ahead just spoils everything.
- There's a demo; try it. Though if you played 1st Chapter, I don't think you need a demo for 2nd Chapter. Unless you're some freak that is demoing 2nd Chapter without having played 1st Chapter.
I now understand why Trails in the Sky SC has always been at the top tier of everyone's Trails game lists.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is the faithful remake of the second game in the long-running Trails game series. It tells the exact same story as the original, but includes some new combat gameplay mechanics and the same art style/graphics introduced in 1st Chapter [Remake].
If 1st Chapter was all light-hearted, sunshine and rainbows, then 2nd Chapter is all gas, no brakes. I'll refrain from going any further about the story because it is that good.
Regarding the difficulty, I would definitively rate 2nd Chapter as the hardest Nightmare difficulty new game of the series. It may or may not have been influenced a choice I made early in the game about picking between two party members, but regardless the early game is especially brutal with the whole package of lack of variety in speed buffs, dealing with repetitive enemy gimmicks like swallowing your party member until you do enough damage for them to be spit out, every major enemy basically enraging at half health, enemies reviving at 0 health for last stands and immediately taking action, gearing around preventing enemy status effects/debuffs applying, managing your quartz setups to access better arts, etc. I'm not saying it wasn't fun; the game just required some more thinking than usual which I welcomed. (For reference, I finished Nightmare new game at around 98-ish hours).
My only real complaint, as it is the same with every Trails game release since Cold Steel III, is the developers' insistence on only having some characters voiced in a dialogue exchange between two or more people. Budget issue or not, in no world is this the superior option over having no characters voiced or all characters voiced.
In summary, I too would now place Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter firmly at the top of a tier list for the Trails games. The second part of Estelle and Joshua's story is so compelling, heart-wrenching, fulfilling, full of hope, full of despair, and more. Having not played the original Trails in the Sky SC, I am so glad I got to play it through this remake. Peak.
NUMERIC SCORE (if you care):
9.5/10\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWindows 11
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAMD Ryzen 5 5600 6-Core Processor - RAM: 16 GB
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAMD Radeon RX 6800 XT - VRAM: 16 GB
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t12 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Helpful\"](\"https://store.akamai.steamstatic.com/public/images/loyalty/reactions/still/26.png?v=5\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"semp\"](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/3a8cb912b1deb3e30b98d333ece5c72e0fb7d24e.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https://store.akamai.steamstatic.com/public/shared/images/userreviews/icon_thumbsDown_v6.png\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https://community.akamai.steamstatic.com/public/images/apphubs/bigpicture/thumbs_down_selected.png\")
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNot Recommended
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t15.6 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(12.2 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: September 23\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDirect from Steam\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t12 hours in and, excluding the prologue, i only had one new dungeon.
never felt so starved for anything new in an rpg before.
basically, 90% of everything is reused from the first game. you get no sense of adventure, if you played the first one. you just walk the same roads, desperately waiting for a new boss or a new asset to save you from the tedium of it all.
not sure how you trails fans accept this. imagine playing dragon quest 3 and it's just the same map from the first one and NOTHING else.
Even SMTV Vengeance adds more than a supposed sequel. It has new big locations, new music, a lot of new assets. a whole new campaign.
And that's a rerelease. And here's a supposed full fledged sequel that looks and sounds exactly the same. It's just insane level of laziness to me.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\tnever felt so starved for anything new in an rpg before.
basically, 90% of everything is reused from the first game. you get no sense of adventure, if you played the first one. you just walk the same roads, desperately waiting for a new boss or a new asset to save you from the tedium of it all.
not sure how you trails fans accept this. imagine playing dragon quest 3 and it's just the same map from the first one and NOTHING else.
Even SMTV Vengeance adds more than a supposed sequel. It has new big locations, new music, a lot of new assets. a whole new campaign.
And that's a rerelease. And here's a supposed full fledged sequel that looks and sounds exactly the same. It's just insane level of laziness to me.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t17 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
4 people found this review funny\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t4 people found this review funny\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Megurine\"](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/39e2ff751858823584c748807c37f58e09df22f9.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRecommended
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t75 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(63.2 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: September 22\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\ta truly great sequel
noticeable changes on the gameplay but its still the same as the first chapter which is great
the story was good and the characters were amazing i really felt that i had something to like about each and every single one of them\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\tnoticeable changes on the gameplay but its still the same as the first chapter which is great
the story was good and the characters were amazing i really felt that i had something to like about each and every single one of them\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t10 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"☆](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/097dc5c27a4594739539e1e24dbd69fdfd5771fa.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t134.3 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Just how great is Sky SC?
This game introduces best MC to the series (Kevin Graham), gives us Loewe, introduces Renne backstory which will carry over through Sky the 3rd and Trails from Zero and is probably one of the most heartbreaking stories in jRPG world, period.
This game shows us how second best MC in the series (Estelle) gradually matures and evolve to save someone dear to her.
This game establishes certain pattern in the series with most evil villains.
Last, but not least - story wise, it is a masterpiece.
Now now, how good is the remake?
Almost perfect in every way. I am not a fan of new music, but we do have an option to switch to original ost, which I used in my both runs, so kudos for giving us the choice.
Battle system is great, while in FC remake I was getting used to it, here it was a pleasure from the start.
QoL updates are massive in comparison to the original. There's almost (pay attention, ALMOST) no missables in the game, and 99% of the side content is clearly marked on the maps. Fast travel, especially in final chapter is a godsend.
Speaking of battles, I have to mention this - remake brings (imo) one of the best frikkin' looking S-crafts to the series. Josette's Bobcat! Yes, she summons entire airship with her crew to the battle! My only gripe is, it comes late in game, but still - worth experiencing. Just because of this fact, I used her in my both runs in final chapter until the very end.
What was not so shiny in the remake?
Traditionally, translation differences. There's some iconic lines that are gone here (but I'm sure someone will fix that with og translation project mod, just like in the first game).
There's no more Olivier's line when Estelle is looking for Renne under the table (unmentionables being quite mentionable). Also, my fave line in the entire game is changed (Kevin's to we-know-who "It's what you've earned, you faithless pile of filth"). But like I said, modders will fix that sooner rather than later.
My second biggest complain is vocalised version of opening, and ESPECIALLY ending (I swear). While I'm usually okay with Sasaka and compositions made for her, she's terrible with songs that were made before she joined the group. My ears were bleeding on my first run as soon as ending song started (I expected old song with og ost enabled, but it didn't include op and ending). Sorry, but her voice is just not as good as Kotekana's. To put it simply, she butchered the song "I swear" badly. Luckily, you can use mod on nexus mods, which restores original opening and ending songs with Falcom's one and only diva, which I used on my NG+ run. I strongly suggest this mod.
Trails in the Sky SC and its remake sits in exactly same spot on my Trails list - which is very high (4th place, next to Zero, Sky 3rd and Azure). If you never played older entries, now is the best time to dive in.
Note to Kondo-san. NEXT YEAR. KEVIN AND RIES. BRING THEM. DO NOT BE AFRAID.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\tOne of the very best entries in the whole saga - I swear (pun very much intended)
Just how great is Sky SC?
This game introduces best MC to the series (Kevin Graham), gives us Loewe, introduces Renne backstory which will carry over through Sky the 3rd and Trails from Zero and is probably one of the most heartbreaking stories in jRPG world, period.
This game shows us how second best MC in the series (Estelle) gradually matures and evolve to save someone dear to her.
This game establishes certain pattern in the series with most evil villains.
Last, but not least - story wise, it is a masterpiece.
Now now, how good is the remake?
Almost perfect in every way. I am not a fan of new music, but we do have an option to switch to original ost, which I used in my both runs, so kudos for giving us the choice.
Battle system is great, while in FC remake I was getting used to it, here it was a pleasure from the start.
QoL updates are massive in comparison to the original. There's almost (pay attention, ALMOST) no missables in the game, and 99% of the side content is clearly marked on the maps. Fast travel, especially in final chapter is a godsend.
Speaking of battles, I have to mention this - remake brings (imo) one of the best frikkin' looking S-crafts to the series. Josette's Bobcat! Yes, she summons entire airship with her crew to the battle! My only gripe is, it comes late in game, but still - worth experiencing. Just because of this fact, I used her in my both runs in final chapter until the very end.
What was not so shiny in the remake?
Traditionally, translation differences. There's some iconic lines that are gone here (but I'm sure someone will fix that with og translation project mod, just like in the first game).
There's no more Olivier's line when Estelle is looking for Renne under the table (unmentionables being quite mentionable). Also, my fave line in the entire game is changed (Kevin's to we-know-who "It's what you've earned, you faithless pile of filth"). But like I said, modders will fix that sooner rather than later.
My second biggest complain is vocalised version of opening, and ESPECIALLY ending (I swear). While I'm usually okay with Sasaka and compositions made for her, she's terrible with songs that were made before she joined the group. My ears were bleeding on my first run as soon as ending song started (I expected old song with og ost enabled, but it didn't include op and ending). Sorry, but her voice is just not as good as Kotekana's. To put it simply, she butchered the song "I swear" badly. Luckily, you can use mod on nexus mods, which restores original opening and ending songs with Falcom's one and only diva, which I used on my NG+ run. I strongly suggest this mod.
Trails in the Sky SC and its remake sits in exactly same spot on my Trails list - which is very high (4th place, next to Zero, Sky 3rd and Azure). If you never played older entries, now is the best time to dive in.
Note to Kondo-san. NEXT YEAR. KEVIN AND RIES. BRING THEM. DO NOT BE AFRAID.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tReviewer's PC Specs:
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFedora Linux 44 (KDE Plasma Desktop Edition)
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-12700K - RAM: 63 GB
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAMD AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT (radeonsi, gfx1201, ACO, DRM 3.64, 6.19.14-300.fc44.x86_64) - VRAM: 16 GB
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Cosmolydian\"](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/49b8fc0f64109308009c25636336670ba7d6066e.jpg\")
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRecommended
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t79.4 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: October 8\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tI cannot speak to its quality as a remake, as I never played the original games. I can simply speak on my experience playing it as its own game. I have an absolute ton of thoughts, and a lot of them are negative. But ultimately, I really enjoyed it, despite the many flaws. No matter the qualms I have with some design decisions, it does one of my favorite things in media. It gives time for a large cast of characters to shine, each one of them having their own personality and purpose, and lets you as the player get attached to all of them.
The things the game does very well:
The characters carry the game. If you enjoy a cheesy, trope-filled classic JRPG/anime story with a large cast of vibrant and reactive characters, this game will be for you. Every single character has a reason to be in the story, and it's a story about everyone, not just the main protagonists. But Estelle is a perfect protagonist. She has the "never give up" attitude so prevalent in these kinds of stories, but it's done very well. She is simple, but as Terry Pratchett said: "Simple is not the same as stupid." She drives the story forward by taking action, by being opinionated, and by caring about EVERYTHING. The world, the story, other characters, her friends, the villains. She cares, and that drives everything as a core tenet of the story. She's easy to relate to because she cares about so much, that you'll find yourself caring about what she does as well.
And yet, despite Estelle being the protagonist, and this ultimately being her story, every single character is woven into it so well that you can frame the story as being about them as well. It's a good thing Estelle cares about all of those around her and brings them together, because the story couldn't happen without all of them.
The combat is very fun, and it's a good thing it is because you will do a ton of it. When against more unique fights, it's one of my favorite turn-based combat systems in gaming. If you played the 1st chapter remake, it's more of the same with some very slight upgrades, but overall the same system.
Alright, time for the complaints:
Lack of new content outside of Story. And reused assets. You can FEEL the money-saving techniques used in this game. I have seen some people say that this game is an extremely faithful remake of the original games, and so this could be a holdover from the older game design, but I can't attest to that. All I can say is, if you played the 1st Chapter remake and were hoping for a lot of new areas to explore or a lot of new enemies to fight, you will find yourself extremely frequently disappointed. As soon as you're out of the prologue, you are dropped back into a city and zone you fully explored in the first game. The exact same exploration, exact same city, exact same routes, exact same monster spawns, just with higher levels. And then you find as you go through the game that 75% of the game is like this. You are exploring the exact same content you fully explored in 1st Chapter. And I do mean exact same. The most generous take I have on this is "It gives you more time to have a deep connection to the Kingdom of Liberl" a la Kirkwall in Dragon Age 2, but it's not what I was feeling when I was playing. I was mostly feeling that my time was being wasted, desperately wanting to get to the next new story beats just to get past the repetitive exploration. There are a few small new areas throughout the majority of the game, mostly as new dungeons added onto the old areas, but they are just as formulaic as the previous content and rarely offer new experiences due to the nature of the game. Almost all of the actual new content is saved for the end of the game, which I will touch on later.
Fights in the open world are optional! You can run right past them. However, I don't believe that the proper solution to a badly designed, repetitive world is simply to give an option not to engage with it.
Okay, so you explore all of the world against as you go throughout the story, until you complete the entire same world from 1st Chapter a 2nd time. Surely, you'll be rewarded with new content at the end, like I previously touched on. Well, actually, in some sick joke, NOPE! Explore the entire world again, for the third time, except this time there's no fast travel, and a lot of your abilities are locked! And of course we're not going to change any enemies, just increase their levels and move on! This was by far the lowest point of the game for me, even though story-wise it was quite good. The difference between my story experience and gameplay experience was never more stark than this moment, and I was desperately craving something new.
What about the new content added? Is it better? Well, yes, it is nice to see new content, but it is ultimately more of the same formula wearing different clothes. *SPOILERS* There is a point at the very end of the game where you reach an absolutely massive tower as the final dungeon. The Tower's layout? A hallway until you reach a bossfight that unlocks an elevator to the next floor...5 times. So, 5 completely identical floors, filled with mostly the same enemies. So even the new content becomes a microcosm of the larger problems with the game. *SPOILERS OVER*
A complaint about the combat. There is a mechanic that is far too frequent in this game, in my opinion, and that is some form of "Endure+Rage Boost". Basically, among MANY different kinds of enemies in the game, they have a mechanic that will keep them alive (Endure/Indomitable), resurrect or heal themselves (Auto Thelas/Quick Repair) when you would normally kill them. Then, they immediately get to take a turn, often performing a much stronger attack than normal (Rage Boost). I personally find this okay for boss fights, as there are many ways to optimize your turns to where this doesn't end up a huge problem. But SO MANY normal enemies have these mechanics, where you end up mindlessly grinding your way through basic enemies that you can kill in 1-2 hits, only to have your time wasted by them coming back to life, taking their turn to nuke your party (sometimes with instant death mechanics!) and then you finally get to finish them off, despite being much higher level than the enemies. This mechanic is just so common that it elicits eye rolls every time you fight a new enemy type just to find out it has a new form of this shenanigan.
Alright, you may be thinking, "That's a lot of complaining for a game you recommend." You're right. It is. My thoughts on 1st Chapter were "A 7/10 game that I enjoyed like a 9/10" and I feel pretty closely to the same about this one. The lows are much lower in this sequel game, simply because of the sheer repetition of things we have already seen thoroughly, and that wasn't as much of a problem in the first game by nature of it being an introductory game. But the story highs are higher in this one. My favorite games all have a large cast of characters that you get to spend a lot of time with who matter to the story. Things like the Final Fantasy 7 Remakes, Dragon Age: Origins, Baldur's Gate 3, Expedition 33, Chained Echoes, and so on. And this game delivers on that front, and I just can't help but love that. I was surprised at how attached to the characters I was by the end of this, and sometimes you finish a game and get that feeling of longing that it's over, and you know you loved your time with it. That happened with this one, despite all of the flaws. Estelle made me care too, I guess.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\tThe things the game does very well:
The characters carry the game. If you enjoy a cheesy, trope-filled classic JRPG/anime story with a large cast of vibrant and reactive characters, this game will be for you. Every single character has a reason to be in the story, and it's a story about everyone, not just the main protagonists. But Estelle is a perfect protagonist. She has the "never give up" attitude so prevalent in these kinds of stories, but it's done very well. She is simple, but as Terry Pratchett said: "Simple is not the same as stupid." She drives the story forward by taking action, by being opinionated, and by caring about EVERYTHING. The world, the story, other characters, her friends, the villains. She cares, and that drives everything as a core tenet of the story. She's easy to relate to because she cares about so much, that you'll find yourself caring about what she does as well.
And yet, despite Estelle being the protagonist, and this ultimately being her story, every single character is woven into it so well that you can frame the story as being about them as well. It's a good thing Estelle cares about all of those around her and brings them together, because the story couldn't happen without all of them.
The combat is very fun, and it's a good thing it is because you will do a ton of it. When against more unique fights, it's one of my favorite turn-based combat systems in gaming. If you played the 1st chapter remake, it's more of the same with some very slight upgrades, but overall the same system.
Alright, time for the complaints:
Lack of new content outside of Story. And reused assets. You can FEEL the money-saving techniques used in this game. I have seen some people say that this game is an extremely faithful remake of the original games, and so this could be a holdover from the older game design, but I can't attest to that. All I can say is, if you played the 1st Chapter remake and were hoping for a lot of new areas to explore or a lot of new enemies to fight, you will find yourself extremely frequently disappointed. As soon as you're out of the prologue, you are dropped back into a city and zone you fully explored in the first game. The exact same exploration, exact same city, exact same routes, exact same monster spawns, just with higher levels. And then you find as you go through the game that 75% of the game is like this. You are exploring the exact same content you fully explored in 1st Chapter. And I do mean exact same. The most generous take I have on this is "It gives you more time to have a deep connection to the Kingdom of Liberl" a la Kirkwall in Dragon Age 2, but it's not what I was feeling when I was playing. I was mostly feeling that my time was being wasted, desperately wanting to get to the next new story beats just to get past the repetitive exploration. There are a few small new areas throughout the majority of the game, mostly as new dungeons added onto the old areas, but they are just as formulaic as the previous content and rarely offer new experiences due to the nature of the game. Almost all of the actual new content is saved for the end of the game, which I will touch on later.
Fights in the open world are optional! You can run right past them. However, I don't believe that the proper solution to a badly designed, repetitive world is simply to give an option not to engage with it.
Okay, so you explore all of the world against as you go throughout the story, until you complete the entire same world from 1st Chapter a 2nd time. Surely, you'll be rewarded with new content at the end, like I previously touched on. Well, actually, in some sick joke, NOPE! Explore the entire world again, for the third time, except this time there's no fast travel, and a lot of your abilities are locked! And of course we're not going to change any enemies, just increase their levels and move on! This was by far the lowest point of the game for me, even though story-wise it was quite good. The difference between my story experience and gameplay experience was never more stark than this moment, and I was desperately craving something new.
What about the new content added? Is it better? Well, yes, it is nice to see new content, but it is ultimately more of the same formula wearing different clothes. *SPOILERS* There is a point at the very end of the game where you reach an absolutely massive tower as the final dungeon. The Tower's layout? A hallway until you reach a bossfight that unlocks an elevator to the next floor...5 times. So, 5 completely identical floors, filled with mostly the same enemies. So even the new content becomes a microcosm of the larger problems with the game. *SPOILERS OVER*
A complaint about the combat. There is a mechanic that is far too frequent in this game, in my opinion, and that is some form of "Endure+Rage Boost". Basically, among MANY different kinds of enemies in the game, they have a mechanic that will keep them alive (Endure/Indomitable), resurrect or heal themselves (Auto Thelas/Quick Repair) when you would normally kill them. Then, they immediately get to take a turn, often performing a much stronger attack than normal (Rage Boost). I personally find this okay for boss fights, as there are many ways to optimize your turns to where this doesn't end up a huge problem. But SO MANY normal enemies have these mechanics, where you end up mindlessly grinding your way through basic enemies that you can kill in 1-2 hits, only to have your time wasted by them coming back to life, taking their turn to nuke your party (sometimes with instant death mechanics!) and then you finally get to finish them off, despite being much higher level than the enemies. This mechanic is just so common that it elicits eye rolls every time you fight a new enemy type just to find out it has a new form of this shenanigan.
Alright, you may be thinking, "That's a lot of complaining for a game you recommend." You're right. It is. My thoughts on 1st Chapter were "A 7/10 game that I enjoyed like a 9/10" and I feel pretty closely to the same about this one. The lows are much lower in this sequel game, simply because of the sheer repetition of things we have already seen thoroughly, and that wasn't as much of a problem in the first game by nature of it being an introductory game. But the story highs are higher in this one. My favorite games all have a large cast of characters that you get to spend a lot of time with who matter to the story. Things like the Final Fantasy 7 Remakes, Dragon Age: Origins, Baldur's Gate 3, Expedition 33, Chained Echoes, and so on. And this game delivers on that front, and I just can't help but love that. I was surprised at how attached to the characters I was by the end of this, and sometimes you finish a game and get that feeling of longing that it's over, and you know you loved your time with it. That happened with this one, despite all of the flaws. Estelle made me care too, I guess.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Xavi\"](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/7f107a531b36683d90acd9e7f38d526430a50a40.jpg\")
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRecommended
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t92.4 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t(90 hrs at review time)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: October 10\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDirect from Steam\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tI've finished what is arguably the peak of series (although The 3rd is my favorite)
I have played every Trails game released so far, all the way through Beyond the Horizon, and coming back to Liberl after everything that has happened across Crossbell, Erebonia, Calvard, and the wider story of Zemuria felt strangely emotional. Returning to Liberl really does feel like coming home.
I've a lot of thoughts right now, but all I can say is that the remake did justice to SC.
The remake also benefits enormously from Falcom being able to look back at Sky with decades of hindsight. They have expanded certain scenes and added connections to things that would not be introduced until much later in the series. For someone who has played every arc, noticing those additions is incredibly satisfying. They rarely feel like the game is desperately pointing at future events. Instead, they make Zemuria feel more coherent, as if pieces that were written many years apart now fit together even more naturally.
I loved it. It's all I can say at the moment. I hope for a remake of The 3rd sometime in the future but for now I'm ready to move forward with Horizon 2. Can't wait to see where everything goes.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\tI have played every Trails game released so far, all the way through Beyond the Horizon, and coming back to Liberl after everything that has happened across Crossbell, Erebonia, Calvard, and the wider story of Zemuria felt strangely emotional. Returning to Liberl really does feel like coming home.
I've a lot of thoughts right now, but all I can say is that the remake did justice to SC.
The remake also benefits enormously from Falcom being able to look back at Sky with decades of hindsight. They have expanded certain scenes and added connections to things that would not be introduced until much later in the series. For someone who has played every arc, noticing those additions is incredibly satisfying. They rarely feel like the game is desperately pointing at future events. Instead, they make Zemuria feel more coherent, as if pieces that were written many years apart now fit together even more naturally.
I loved it. It's all I can say at the moment. I hope for a remake of The 3rd sometime in the future but for now I'm ready to move forward with Horizon 2. Can't wait to see where everything goes.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tReviewer's PC Specs:
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWindows 11
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-Core Processor - RAM: 31 GB
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAMD Radeon RX 9070 XT - VRAM: 16 GB
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Brunson](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/ff119f894cc2df75521414eccbabbc8ce36b7638.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRecommended
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t59.8 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: September 29\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDirect from Steam\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tunbelievable game, 10/10 in every single way. cried a whole bunch, smiled a whole bunch. GOTY\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t9 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Forged](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/ad8e6e9d3de677444eec9a69ca7c8a796b1f91a7.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t126.9 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: October 7\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDirect from Steam\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNow that I've completed the game 100% with 2 nightmare playthroughs under my belt Time to weigh in with a good review.
It's still sky SC at the core so the game was always going to be great. Like FC remake I have a couple disagreements on some visual elements and game balance but those are mostly nit picks because I've played this franchise to death by now.
The new side quests featured in remake while not seamless are well implemented and feel natural for the points in the story they appear, definitely made me sweat that I'd missed some bonus bp somewhere though lol!
As for the actual gameplay most of my battles usually revolved around agate spamming his s-craft with the occasional spice of an aggro control strategy with zin for a few bosses and very rarely infinite turns with schera which was great fun. The game can and will ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ you but the player will usually have enough tools to combat the game on it if they're ready for it which is perfect imo. Though agate can be a bit over-centralizing especially with Lone blade.
Overall would highly recommend to anybody even if you've played the original a lot you'll find new side content and battle challenges alike.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\tIt's still sky SC at the core so the game was always going to be great. Like FC remake I have a couple disagreements on some visual elements and game balance but those are mostly nit picks because I've played this franchise to death by now.
The new side quests featured in remake while not seamless are well implemented and feel natural for the points in the story they appear, definitely made me sweat that I'd missed some bonus bp somewhere though lol!
As for the actual gameplay most of my battles usually revolved around agate spamming his s-craft with the occasional spice of an aggro control strategy with zin for a few bosses and very rarely infinite turns with schera which was great fun. The game can and will ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ you but the player will usually have enough tools to combat the game on it if they're ready for it which is perfect imo. Though agate can be a bit over-centralizing especially with Lone blade.
Overall would highly recommend to anybody even if you've played the original a lot you'll find new side content and battle challenges alike.\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\tWas this review helpful?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4 people found this review helpful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"i'm](\"https://avatars.akamai.steamstatic.com/87bf20cfd4540ee88aeedbc6af268359885b8638.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t100.3 hrs on record\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: October 12\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDirect from Steam\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tA wonderful conclusion to the 1st Chapter, and probably the best release of 2026.
I'm definitely hooked now, time to play every game in the series, thanks Falcom.
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\n\n\t\t\t\tI'm definitely hooked now, time to play every game in the series, thanks Falcom.
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