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The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC

A superb second chapter with a fantastic storyline, great characters and compelling combat system.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC Game Cover
96%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, optimization
98% User Score Based on 3,014 reviews
Critic Score 85%Based on 1 reviews

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The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC Game Cover

About

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC is a single player role playing game with fantasy, anime and science fiction themes. It was developed by Nihon Falcom and was released on October 29, 2015. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

In "The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC," Estelle searches for Joshua while unraveling the Society of Ouroboros's mysteries. The Bracer Guild tasks her with this mission, which takes her across Liberl. Comrades, both new and old, join her in this story-driven RPG, which features new combat mechanics and improved gameplay.

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The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC screenshot
+10
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98%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,014 reviews
story874 positive mentions
grinding79 negative mentions
  • Incredible storytelling and character development that builds on the first game, providing emotional payoffs.
  • Expanded gameplay mechanics, including new arts and the introduction of Chain Crafts, enhance the combat experience.
  • Rich world-building with engaging side quests and NPC interactions that make the world feel alive.
  • The pacing can be slow, especially in the first half, with a lot of backtracking to familiar locations.
  • Some boss battles can feel tedious and unbalanced, leading to frustration during encounters.
  • The game may feel repetitive due to reused assets and similar quests from the first game.
  • story
    2,439 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Trails in the Sky: Second Chapter" (SC) is widely praised for its depth, character development, and emotional weight, serving as a direct continuation of the first game's narrative. Players appreciate the intricate world-building and the way NPCs have their own evolving storylines, making the game feel alive and immersive. While some reviewers note pacing issues and a reliance on familiar tropes, the overall consensus is that SC delivers a compelling and satisfying conclusion to Estelle and Joshua's journey, making it a must-play for fans of story-driven JRPGs.

    • “The writing, world building, and relationships are the real stars here, and finishing SC made the entire Liberl arc feel like a staple story I will think about for a long time.”
    • “The story is fantastic and just takes off since they took so long building the game's world in the first one and the villains' presence is always felt.”
    • “The story feels like it was written for convenience rather than for depth, with the plot following a predictable, repetitive and formulaic structure for the first half of the game so as to easily introduce each villain.”
    • “The story is very well written and the gameplay is fun (even if some of the bosses feel a bit unfair at times).”
    • “The story picks up immediately after the first game, where Estelle starts searching for Joshua while investigating this brand new evil organization called the 'Ouroboros'.”
  • gameplay
    525 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay in "Trails in the Sky: Second Chapter" largely mirrors its predecessor, maintaining a classic turn-based JRPG style with a grid-based combat system. While some players appreciate the minor enhancements, such as the introduction of chain attacks and improved orbment mechanics, others find the gameplay repetitive and lacking significant innovation. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging story and character development, which often overshadow the gameplay's shortcomings.

    • “The gameplay loop expands significantly on its predecessor.”
    • “While the combat serves the narrative, the resource management of sepith farming ensures that every battle contributes to your team's mechanical growth.”
    • “You'll seldom find another game with such a richly detailed world, such a thoughtfully told story, and such addictive and satisfying gameplay all in one package.”
    • “Irrefutably better than the first game, however the gameplay loop is pretty much the same and I find the game to be seriously boring at times.”
    • “The gameplay tries to present itself in a TRPG manner reminiscent of FF Tactics or Fire Emblem, but it fails miserably at this task in my opinion.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, it is a welcome improvement over FC, but everyone knows that the real treat in the Trails series is in the story.”
  • music
    522 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Trails in the Sky SC" has been widely praised for its exceptional quality, featuring a mix of nostalgic tracks from the first game and a variety of new compositions that enhance the emotional depth of the story. Many reviewers highlight the soundtrack's ability to evoke strong feelings during key moments, with standout tracks like "Silver Will" and dynamic battle themes receiving particular acclaim. Overall, the game's music is considered a significant strength, contributing to an immersive and memorable RPG experience.

    • “Visually, the game retains a charming retro isometric style that feels timeless, supported by an outstanding musical score that captures the game's soul.”
    • “The soundtrack is expansive and emotionally resonant, ranging from energetic battle tracks to somber piano pieces and stirring orchestral themes.”
    • “Each region and important story beat has a distinct audio identity, and recurring musical motifs throughout the game lend a sense of narrative continuity.”
    • “The area music is a bit hit or miss, unfortunately, with some songs being great, some being kind of boring, and others being genuinely annoying to listen to at times.”
    • “You’ll meet (mostly) the same party members, use (mostly) the same combat system, and visit exactly the same locations while listening to the same musical tracks.”
    • “A lot of music from the original game has popped back up without so much as an alternate mix, which is somewhat disappointing, honestly.”
  • graphics
    196 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Trails in the Sky" are often described as charming yet dated, reflecting its origins as a classic JRPG with 2D sprites and isometric environments. While some players find the visuals lacking by modern standards, many appreciate the nostalgic aesthetic and detailed character animations, which contribute to the game's overall atmosphere. Overall, the graphics may not impress everyone, but they are considered serviceable and fitting for the game's storytelling and character-driven experience.

    • “The visuals are the same style as FC, with the use of 2D sprites in a 3D world.”
    • “These visuals pack a lot of detail, with a lot of work put into animations despite the age of the game engine.”
    • “Visually, Trails in the Sky SC may show its age with its 2D sprites and isometric environments, but the aesthetic remains charming and expressive.”
    • “The game is clearly dated, especially with its graphics alongside its lack of voiceovers, and can easily be a turn-off for most.”
    • “While the graphics are poor by today's standards, the gameplay loop is fun and engaging, and the story is hands down among the best in gaming.”
    • “The graphics are extremely dated by modern standards, but also rather fitting for the game, matching its retro feeling.”
  • emotional
    191 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of *The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC* is widely praised for its profound storytelling and character development, delivering a deeply engaging and heartfelt experience. Players report a rollercoaster of emotions, with many moments eliciting tears of joy and sorrow, particularly through the intricate relationships and growth of characters like Estelle and Joshua. The game's soundtrack enhances these emotional beats, making it a memorable journey that resonates long after the credits roll.

    • “The emotional beats land harder, the character arcs hit deeper, and the political and philosophical layers of the world begin to fully unfold.”
    • “A truly touching tale of growth, love, and acceptance, with excellently-written characters that play out a journey you won't regret experiencing.”
    • “The story is deep, rich, and full of surprising plot twists that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster.”
  • character development
    113 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in "Trails in the Sky" is widely praised, particularly for its depth and emotional resonance, with many reviewers highlighting Estelle's significant growth as a standout example. Players appreciate the intricate backstories and evolving relationships of both main and side characters, which enhance the overall narrative experience. While some critiques mention weaker antagonists, the overall consensus is that the game excels in character development, making it a memorable and engaging JRPG.

    • “The world-building, long-term character development, and emotional storytelling are on another level.”
    • “Estelle has some of the best character development I've seen in a JRPG.”
    • “The character development arc for Estelle is very strong in SC, and she gradually grew on me from someone I was indifferent to, into a very reliable and resilient main character.”
    • “Not so great, featuring a collection of villains with weak motivations and a few character designs that feel straight out of a 2006 DeviantArt page.”
    • “I'm simply worrying about the drop in quality in the character development and worldbuilding departments.”
    • “But even from that angle, it sucks, since the characters are boring and no, having an exaggerated personality trait is not character development.”
  • grinding
    86 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game is a mixed experience; while some players find it necessary for character development and boss encounters, others describe it as tedious and frustrating, particularly in the late game. Many appreciate the balance that allows for minimal grinding on normal difficulty, but note that higher difficulties can lead to excessive grinding and repetitive battles. Overall, the game offers a blend of enjoyable combat and resource management, though it can become monotonous due to backtracking and lengthy fights.

    • “Normal mode is just the right amount of challenging; no grinding needed, avoiding enemies won't make you fall behind too much, no hyper-optimization needed.”
    • “Also, as with the first game, very little to no grinding is needed, which continues to make this unique amongst JRPGs.”
    • “It took me three tries and no grinding, just had to explore its weaknesses, change my magic setup a tiny bit and devise the right strategy.”
    • “The balancing at the beginning of the game is terrible, with grinding necessary in the prologue if you want to play on higher difficulties.”
    • “Unfortunately, after playing for 40+ hours, that slow burn burns out, leaving you with a really tedious slog toward the end of the game.”
    • “You'll spend hours and hours grinding and are still reliant on RNG to win.”
  • humor
    64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever dialogue, memorable character interactions, and self-referential jokes, particularly through the character Olivier, who adds a layer of adult humor. Players appreciate the witty treasure chest messages and the balance of lighthearted moments with more serious themes, creating a charming and engaging experience reminiscent of a sitcom. Overall, the humor is considered one of the standout features, enhancing both character development and the overall narrative.

    • “The humor is also some of the best I've seen in a JRPG, and in particular, I loved the chest messages and Olivier.”
    • “Trails in the Sky SC balances humor and drama better than most TV shows, books, and movies I've experienced.”
    • “The dialogue in particular made me laugh often, and the plot twists were actually pretty riveting.”
    • “Estelle will still threaten to beat others up with her staff; characters' gasps get replaced with unfunny one-liners and so on.”
    • “It's so hard it's not funny.”
  • replayability
    26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers significant replayability through multiple playable characters, diverging storylines based on character choices, and various difficulty levels, encouraging players to explore different strategies and narratives. However, some players note that the pacing and length may deter them from multiple playthroughs, despite the added content and customization options. Overall, while the game enhances replay value compared to its predecessor, it may not sustain long-term engagement after a couple of completions.

    • “Trails has a very in-depth, strategic turn-based system that encourages you to look for opportunities in the turn order, and SC improved on this with an expanded orbment system (more hours spent tinkering with your quartzes!), balance on the combat (nerf on the late-game spells), more playable characters, another faction entering the world stage, and simply more things to do.”
    • “Each character that you do play with has a lot of unique dialogue which adds to replayability.”
    • “Your choices on whom your party is made up of greatly affects the important and minor dialogues, this really increases the game's replay value as well as giving the player a personal touch on how to influence the flow of the story.”
    • “That being said, it is for this reason that, as I mentioned before, I don't see any replay value in this game.”
    • “Highly recommended, but replay value is hampered by tedium (battle animations, backtracking, menu system - similar issues with the first game).”
    • “The bad: it probably doesn't have a load of replayability after two play-throughs.”
  • optimization
    21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant performance issues such as stuttering and frame drops, particularly on certain hardware configurations. However, others noted improvements over the previous title, especially on the Steam Deck, where it performed better despite being labeled unsupported. While some users found success in tweaking settings to enhance performance, others struggled with persistent issues, indicating that optimization may vary widely depending on individual setups.

    • “A bonus - this game is somehow more optimized running on the Steam Deck than the first game.”
    • “If Trails in the Sky: First Chapter was peak JRPG performance, then SC is a JRPG ascending to godhood and surpassing its mortal limits.”
    • “Bugs aside, the optimized performance and engine scaling means anyone can enjoy SC the way they wish on most PCs, even toasters.”
    • “There were some performance issues due to the port, where FPS would just tank in certain areas.”
    • “I have a machine that should be able to handle this easily, but I still experienced occasional stuttering, which was a bit disappointing.”
    • “Took a while to find a setting that worked, and even then the stuttering would happen if I ever alt-tabbed out.”
  • atmosphere
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is described as a rich blend of melancholic yet hopeful tones, enhanced by strong character interactions and a grand political backdrop. Players appreciate the emotional weight and immersive world-building, complemented by a captivating soundtrack that elevates the overall experience. Despite some technical limitations, the game's personality and engaging narrative create a living, breathing world that resonates deeply with players.

    • “The atmosphere is melancholic yet hopeful, balancing intimate character moments with a grandiose political scope.”
    • “Falcom did a superb job at creating a sense of atmosphere, emotional weight, and huge hype factors for all of its story scenes that allow the player to really immerse themselves.”
    • “Truly a living, breathing world and breathtaking storyline, characters, setting, and atmosphere that all left me feeling with indescribable amounts of joy, that you will just have to start with Trails FC like everyone else and experience yourself.”
    • “The atmosphere changes, however.”
    • “The atmosphere hasn't changed much from the first game, and honestly, that's a great thing to see.”
    • “What SC lacks in technical graphical power, it more than compensates for in personality and atmosphere.”
  • stability
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant issues such as crashes and visual glitches, particularly in the final dungeon. However, others found that playing at a fixed 60 fps or restarting the game could mitigate these problems. Overall, while there are notable bugs and localization issues, many players still appreciate the game's story and depth despite its technical flaws.

    • “This game has a great story and depth, and it runs smoothly on Linux through Proton.”
    • “The stability of the game is impressive; I haven't encountered any crashes or major bugs.”
    • “I appreciate how well the game performs across different platforms without any noticeable issues.”
    • “Game crashed several times and the final dungeon in particular is very buggy.”
    • “I wish I could get a refund for this buggy mess of a game.”
    • “In particular, the visual glitches tend to be related to switching windows, so simply saving and a good old close and reopen fixes them.”
  • monetization
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy of the game has drawn criticism for its reliance on ads that disrupt gameplay, particularly during boss battles, leading to frustration and wasted resources. Players feel that the narrative is stretched with excessive filler content, creating a perception that the game is designed as a cash grab, encouraging purchases of sequels without providing satisfying resolutions to plot points. Additionally, in-game NPCs further promote this monetization approach, reinforcing the feeling of being constantly marketed to.

    • “Well since this game follows the same formula as FC, expect 50 hours of filler before you learn anything about the characters. Then expect a few plot points to be resolved and 20 more to be introduced, which will never get resolved. At this point, you can either play the sequel and hope it gets answered, or just stop and realize it's a cash grab to make you keep buying the games; why else do the games never resolve in a satisfying manner?”
    • “Some, but not all, bosses can summon or call in new ads to replace those you just took down, which can get obnoxious as it wastes your time in battle. You end up spending points burning through spells and craft points when you could've focused that damage on the boss.”
    • “There is also the issue of massive difficulty spikes when it comes to bosses, though the spike is largely due to ads forcing you to split your focus.”
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85%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews
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86h Median play time
99h Average play time
60-110h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 22 analyzed playthroughs
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The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC is a role playing game with fantasy, anime and science fiction themes.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC is available on PC, Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation and others.

On average players spend around 99 hours playing The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC was released on October 29, 2015.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC was developed by Nihon Falcom.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC is a single player game.

Similar games include The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 2, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd and others.