JRPG monsters are often a source of delightfully grotesque design, but the recent remake of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter has introduced a creature that ranks among the most unsettling in the genre. The Faerie Epitaph, a monster found in the Kaldia Tunnel within the game's Zeiss region, now exhibits a chilling behavior inspired by the Weeping Angels of Doctor Who fame.
While the Faerie Epitaph in the original Trails in the Sky was already unnerving with its resemblance to a melted angel statue, the full 3D remake imbues it with a new horror. This creature does not move when observed directly. Instead, it shifts position only when the player looks away, subtly advancing towards them. This mechanic was discovered when the player, after opening a chest, turned to find a Faerie Epitaph inexplicably closer than before.
The realization that a monster was stealthily following, only to strike when attention wavered, proved uniquely terrifying for the player. This addition is indicative of the effort Falcom has invested in updating the beloved Trails in the Sky series for modern players. The developer previously impressed with the remake of the 1st Chapter, and the 2nd Chapter continues this trend, offering a polished experience that, at times, serves up genuine scares.