Yes, this thread is late by a week
Release Date:
Jul 5, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Platforms:
PS5, PS4, Switch, PC (Steam & GOG)
Metacritic - 83
Opencritic - 85
RPGFan - 93/100
RPG Site - 7/10
IGN - 8/10
TheSixthAxis - 9/10
Push Square - 8/10
Siliconera - 10/10
Console Creatures - Recommended
Entertainium - Recommended
SpazioGames - 7.5/10
RPGamer - 4.5/5
Nintendo Life - 8/10
Noisy Pixel - 8.5/10
Twinfinite - 5/5
GamingBolt - 8/10
Hardcore Gamer - 4.5/5
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE1ibf0m9g0
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFxhomZEhsk
Release Date:
Jul 5, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Platforms:
PS5, PS4, Switch, PC (Steam & GOG)
Metacritic - 83
Opencritic - 85
Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed by Trails through Daybreak. I love the Trails series, but I did not expect to enjoy the start of this new story arc nearly as much as I did. The more mature and complex storyline, handled with surprising thoughtfulness and filled with believable characters, really drew me in. Given how enjoyable previous games were, most gameplay aspects are polished to a shine I wouldn't have thought possible. Trails through Daybreak is easily one of the most robust starter games of the series and an almost perfect entry point for newcomers if they don't want to start with Trails in the Sky FC. It might even be my new favorite game from the series, at least until Trails through Daybreak II comes out! I can even easily say without a shadow of a doubt that it's by far the best game I've personally played this year. Fans should pick up Trails through Daybreak, as should anyone simply craving an excellently made and wonderfully written JRPG experience!
RPG Site - 7/10
Despite my issues with some of the characters, Almata, and the underlying Xipha system, I still enjoyed my time at Calvard, seeing old friends and meeting new ones, and I am eager to return. The Trails series is one of my favorite long-form fictional works, and I look forward to the months and years' worth of discussions and seeing how all the new teases and hints end up paying off in Daybreak II
IGN - 8/10
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is an exciting new start for the series. With a fresh cast of characters joined by a handful of familiar faces, it's a welcoming point for potential new fans to jump in while also rewarding veteran players for returning. Daybreak's updated hybrid battle system still has a few kinks to work out with its real-time elements, but enhanced movement options and other impressive tweaks make the turn-based aspects better than ever. Wrap that up in an engaging story full of political drama and a compelling new setting, and Daybreak is exactly what the Trails series needed to reach new heights.
TheSixthAxis - 9/10
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is the spark that this series needed, and an incredible new chapter for such an iconic franchise. The shift in tone for the story and the addictive dual-mode combat had me hooked from beginning to end. If you play any game in this series, make it this one.
Push Square - 8/10
Trails through Daybreak is one of the series' best games, and its most impressive in terms of scope. It's a robust, engrossing RPG that often demands patience, but it's hard to turn your back on such a strong cast of characters and a story that's stuffed with memorable moments. Throw a fantastic combat system into the equation, and Daybreak is right up there with Falcom's finest releases.
Siliconera - 10/10
Trails through Daybreak is a triumph for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series. For veterans, it builds upon and expands nearly every aspect that makes the series great, from its intricate storytelling to its deep character development and strategic gameplay. For new players, while it's a challenge to dive into such a complex series, the game makes a commendable effort to provide an accessible starting point into the rich world and lore without feeling overwhelmed.
Console Creatures - Recommended
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak is another hit in the beloved series, delivering a darker narrative, revamped combat, and an excellent cast of characters. It has a ton to offer to both new players and existing fans of the series.
Entertainium - Recommended
Even if you have yet to experience any of The Legend of Heroes up to this point, it's safe to say that Trails through Daybreak is a fantastic starting point as it doesn't lean as heavily on the references as the previous games, and in case you start feeling a little lost on the lore, the material included does a decent job at summarizing the series' rich backstory. This is one of the best games so far that I've played in this long-running saga and you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not at least giving it a chance. Daybreak is a brilliant new start for The Legend of Heroes and I can't wait to see what will come next.
SpazioGames - 7.5/10
Trails through Daybreak marks the first time Falcom takes a bet with its franchise, changing its combat system to a degree and some of its gameplay mechanics. The changes are all good for newcomers, which will find an ideal entry point here, but are not so for the longtime fans, who could dislike the action-focused shift and the decrease in the overall level of challenge.
RPGamer - 4.5/5
Offering an incredibly welcome refresh for the series with its story, cast, and gameplay, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is a delightful way to re-enrapture existing fans while being an excellent opportunity for newcomers to get on board.
Nintendo Life - 8/10
Trails through Daybreak stands as another great entry in the storied Legend of Heroes series, making the most of its new setting with its memorable characters and engaging turn-based combat. Though it's held back a bit by things like the awkward introduction of action-based combat and some irritating quirks (and nearly unreadable text in portable mode), this is still an entry that we would strongly recommend to both series fans and, yes, newcomers, too. Trails through Daybreak is a strong inaugural outing, offering another fresh start for this franchise; we'd suggest you give it a shot.
Noisy Pixel - 8.5/10
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak brings a fresh start to the Trails series with its new Calvard arc. Featuring an ambitious narrative, innovative gameplay systems, and a compelling new protagonist, Van Arkride, this entry captivates both new and returning players. Despite some issues with difficulty and the LGC alignment system, Daybreak stands out as a remarkable and modern addition to Falcom's storied catalog.
Twinfinite - 5/5
Though I will always have a soft spot for the Cold Steel games, Trails Through Daybreak arrives as the new best game of the series. Between giving a more mature protagonist and redefining the combat, the Calvard arc starts with its best foot forward. The fact that things have already become this hectic with the very first game means we're looking at probably the craziest arc to date. Sadly, these take a bit of time to localize, and we'll be two behind in September, but I will be right there when the next one hits.
GamingBolt - 8/10
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak establishes its own identity in the extensive franchise, offering fun new characters, compelling combat and a relatively strong presentation despite some familiar flaws.
Hardcore Gamer - 4.5/5
Nihon Falcom needn't have gone about overhauling things as radically as they have. But with a newfound energy and purpose to its real-time/turn-based hybrid of a premise, as well as a bountiful amount of new and returning mechanics to experiment with, Trails Through Daybreak is nothing less than another fantastic reinvention for what was already some of if not the best turn-based combat in any JRPG series. Aided on top by that familiar dedication to player customization, intriguing world-building and that ongoing desire to spend a bit longer in getting the most out of the systems on show. Countless entries later, Trails continues to prove itself as one of the most satisfying and engaging role-playing experiences available. It wasn't exactly begging for such reinvention, but with The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak, Nihon Falcom's opener to the Calvard arc is as close to perfect a new chapter, as you can possibly get.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE1ibf0m9g0
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFxhomZEhsk
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