Skip to main content

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC

A superb second chapter with a fantastic storyline, great characters and compelling combat system.
96%Game Brain Score
story, music
grinding, optimization
98% User Score Based on 2,849 reviews
Critic Score 85%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

PCPlaystation 3WindowsPlayStationPlaystation VitaPSP

About

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.

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

98%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,849 reviews
story836 positive mentions
grinding77 negative mentions

  • story
    2,300 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Trails in the Sky: Second Chapter" is widely praised for its depth, character development, and emotional resonance, effectively continuing the narrative established in the first game. 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 repetitive elements, the overall consensus is that the game delivers a satisfying and engaging conclusion to Estelle and Joshua's journey, making it a must-play for fans of story-driven RPGs.

    • “The story is at the core of why this game is so loved.”
    • “The characters, story, and world are all so great.”
    • “The story, the music in this game... it's criminally good.”
    • “The story pacing is so much faster than in FC, with the first few chapters playing a villain of the week story to tie it all together in the last half with the overarching story between FC and SC.”
    • “The story does not take its time like the previous part, but the story has excellent moments in each chapter, and the last one is one of the best things the series has presented.”
    • “The story is uninspired.”
  • music
    498 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Trails in the Sky SC" is widely praised for its exceptional quality, with many reviewers highlighting the emotional impact and memorable compositions that enhance the game's storytelling and gameplay. While some tracks are carried over from the first game, the addition of new themes, particularly for battles and key moments, has been noted as a significant improvement. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing to the game's immersive experience and emotional depth.

    • “The story, the music in this game... it's criminally good.”
    • “The soundtrack is so immaculate that I still listen to it every now and then.”
    • “The music is a big step up, and the chapters were much better paced than the first game.”
    • “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.”
    • “A lot of the music was carried over from the first game (and hey, the music in that game was great too!), but many new tracks were added in as well, especially for the various combat themes.”
    • “I feel like the music and story will be engraved into my mind for a long time.”
  • gameplay
    495 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay in "Trails in the Sky: Second Chapter" largely mirrors its predecessor, maintaining a turn-based combat system with some enhancements, such as the introduction of chain attacks and a more refined orbment system. While some players appreciate the depth and customization options, others find the gameplay can feel repetitive or frustrating at times, particularly during challenging boss fights. Overall, the game successfully builds upon the first installment, offering a familiar yet improved experience that complements its engaging narrative and character development.

    • “Top tier gameplay with very in-depth character building, along with a sizable amount of playable characters, amazingly well-written music, and one of the most developed worlds of any game I have seen.”
    • “From the expanded game mechanics to the pace of how the story unfolds, SC does a marvelous job of grabbing the player's interest considering how slow FC was.”
    • “The gameplay remains virtually unchanged as well, including the menus, since the big new additions here are merely the introduction of chain attacks, the fishing minigame returns as a permanent addition, and there are more expensive quartz options to choose from.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, it's either boring or way too difficult, especially with the final boss glitch that just isn't done well.”
    • “The gameplay remains virtually unchanged, including the menus, since the big new additions here are merely the introduction of chain attacks and a fishing minigame.”
    • “The gameplay is exactly the same as the first game, but with more arts and equipment, which makes it feel like a rehash rather than a true sequel.”
  • graphics
    181 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are generally considered dated, reminiscent of early 2000s RPGs, yet they possess a retro charm that many players find endearing. While some reviews note that the visuals lack modern polish and can be a turn-off for newcomers, others appreciate the art style and detail, emphasizing that the game's strong storytelling and engaging gameplay more than compensate for its graphical shortcomings. Overall, the graphics are serviceable and fit well within the nostalgic context of the series, appealing primarily to fans of classic JRPG aesthetics.

    • “An amazing game with graphics that have aged like a fine wine (mostly).”
    • “It has a beautiful art style and even the fake 3D pixel characters are surprisingly detailed for being so low resolution.”
    • “The game is clearly dated, especially with its graphics alongside its lack of voice overs, and can easily be a turn-off for most.”
    • “The graphics are extremely dated by modern standards, but also rather fitting for the game, matching its retro feeling.”
    • “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.”
  • emotional
    167 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised, with players noting its ability to consistently evoke strong feelings through well-developed characters and heartfelt storytelling. Many reviewers highlight the game's capacity to make them cry multiple times, particularly during pivotal moments involving character relationships and personal growth. The emotional depth is further enhanced by a compelling soundtrack, making it a memorable and impactful experience for those who invest in the narrative and character arcs.

    • “Other games have hit me emotionally, sometimes even harder, but none of them were as consistent in character writing and emotional depth as this game.”
    • “An amazing and very powerful emotional experience from start to finish; if you played the first chapter, you're going to want to delve right into the second, and it does not disappoint in the slightest.”
    • “The emotional roller coaster I went through in my 50-hour playthrough was absolutely worth every second I spent in Liberl.”
  • character development
    109 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in "Trails in the Sky" is widely praised, particularly for the protagonist Estelle, whose growth from a carefree individual to a mature and reliable character is highlighted as exceptional. Reviewers note that the game offers meaningful moments for both main and side characters, with a rich narrative that enhances their depth and complexity. While some critiques mention weaker motivations for certain villains, the overall consensus is that the character development is a standout feature, making it one of the best experiences in the JRPG genre.

    • “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.”
    • “Estelle in particular has some of the best character development I've seen from a protagonist as she grows from a lazy ditz to someone mature and reliable to her friends and family.”
    • “The amount of character development given to Estelle is astounding.”
    • “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.”
    • “But even from that angle, it sucks, since the characters are boring and no, having an exaggerated personality trait is not character development.”
    • “I'm simply worrying about the drop in quality in the character development and worldbuilding departments.”
  • grinding
    84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate a mixed perception of grinding in the game, with some players finding it tedious and necessary, especially on higher difficulties, while others appreciate that grinding is not essential for progression. Many noted that the game can feel rushed and unbalanced towards the end, leading to frustrating experiences with lengthy boss fights and side quests. However, several players also highlighted that the gameplay loop remains enjoyable, and some mechanics help mitigate the grind, making it less of a chore compared to traditional RPGs.

    • “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.”
    • “I feel that the same issues that plague the first game are here as well, namely, that the game discourages grinding (in that you get less experience fighting monsters), forcing you to do side quests that can sometimes be tedious or dull to do.”
    • “Unfortunately, after playing for 40+ hours, that slow burn burns out, leaving you with a really tedious slog toward the end of the game.”
  • humor
    62 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Trails in the Sky SC" is widely praised for its clever dialogue, memorable character interactions, and comedic moments, particularly from the character Olivier, whose pervy antics and witty remarks provide a delightful balance to the game's emotional depth. Players appreciate the lightheartedness interspersed with darker themes, as well as the humorous treasure chest messages that add charm and personality to the experience. Overall, the game is noted for its ability to blend humor with drama, creating a rich narrative that keeps players engaged and entertained.

    • “There's a lot of charm to it, the dialogue is hilarious, the plot has some great twists, and the boss battles are nothing short of epic.”
    • “The humor is also some of the best I've seen in a JRPG, and in particular, I loved the chest messages and Olivier.”
    • “As with the original, SC combines very tropey plots and characters with consistently great dialogue and a laid-back sense of humor; at its best, it has the feeling of a good sitcom, where you’re just hanging out with characters you like.”
    • “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
    23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    • “The first few chapters are variable with a choice of two starting companions, so there's something to be said for replay value choosing the other character, probably in New Game Plus on a harder difficulty if you cared to.”
    • “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 FC).”
    • “Additional difficulties and new game+ add an element of replay value, but once you complete it you probably aren't going to play it again (unless you have another 80 hours to spare...)”
  • optimization
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant performance issues such as stuttering and frame drops, particularly in certain areas and with specific settings. However, others noted that the game runs surprisingly well on the Steam Deck and that enabling certain configuration options can alleviate some performance problems. Overall, while many players found the optimization satisfactory, there are still notable inconsistencies that may affect the experience on higher-end systems.

    • “And there were some performance issues due to the port, I think where FPS would just tank in certain areas.”
    • “I have a machine that should be able to knock this out easily, but I still got 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
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its emotional depth, urgency, and immersive world-building, which effectively enhances the storytelling experience. Players appreciate the combination of a compelling soundtrack, distinct character interactions, and a vibrant setting that together create a living, breathing world. Overall, the atmosphere remains consistent and engaging, drawing players in and keeping them invested throughout the game.

    • “The atmosphere changes however.”
    • “The atmosphere hasn't changed much from the first game, and honestly, that's a great thing to see.”
    • “Once the beginning BGM starts, I already feel the denser atmosphere of the game.”
  • stability
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with users reporting various visual glitches and bugs, particularly in the final dungeon and when switching windows. While some players found these issues endearing or manageable, others experienced significant crashes and expressed frustration over the game's technical flaws. Overall, the game's stability appears to be inconsistent, with some versions performing better than others.

    • “This game has a great story and depth, and it runs smoothly on Linux through Proton.”
    • “The stability of the game is impressive, providing a seamless experience without crashes.”
    • “I appreciate how well-optimized the game is; it maintains a steady frame rate even during intense moments.”
    • “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.”
    • “Got a little buggy towards the end.”
  • monetization
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    • “Well since this game follows the same formula as FC, expect 50 hours of filler before you learn anything about them. Then expect a few plot points to be resolved and 20 more to be introduced, which then 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, so it can get obnoxious as it just wastes your time in battle, 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 due in large part to ads forcing you to split focus.”

Buy The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC

85h Median play time
100h Average play time
60-110h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 21 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Games Like The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Image
The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure Image
The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero Image
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel Image
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 2 Image