The remake of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter masterfully updates the gameplay and timeless story, adding visual enhancements and phenomenal voice acting to create what is now the Trails series’ defining entry and one of the year's best RPGs. It earns a score of 9.5 out of 10.
2nd Chapter serves as the latter half of the original Trails in the Sky narrative, picking up directly where the first game concluded. While this continuation is a hallmark of the Trails series, this installment deliberately builds upon the events, locations, and systems established in its predecessor, feeling more like a significant upgrade than a departure.
The story follows Senior Bracer Estelle Bright after a coup has overthrown Liberl’s Queen. Estelle finds herself alone after her adopted brother, Joshua, reveals a troubled past and departs unexpectedly. Grappling with these revelations, Estelle embarks on a journey to thwart the sinister experiments of the shadowy organization Ouroboros, while simultaneously searching for her own purpose.
Given its direct continuation, playing the first game is essentially a prerequisite for understanding 2nd Chapter. However, this sequel is where the narrative truly expands with significant developments that pay off handsomely.
At its core, 2nd Chapter is a powerful exploration of positivity and human connection. The narrative emphasizes the significance of personal choice, the strength found in relying on others, and the importance of resisting despair. Despite its origins nearly two decades ago, the game's message about community and empathy resonates strongly today, illustrating these themes through side quests, character arcs, and Estelle's personal growth. Estelle herself stands out as a richly layered and complex protagonist.
It remains rare to find such a brilliantly written female protagonist in RPGs. Estelle's character arc, from learning independence without her father or Joshua's aid to her unwavering optimism, is intelligently explored. Her initial portrayal as a cheerful, optimistic hero trope is subverted numerous times, making for a deeply affecting and emotional story with a satisfyingly slow build.
While the narrative remains faithful to the original, the remake includes subtle story adjustments and new content that align it with later entries in the franchise. These changes provide additional context for villains and ongoing story arcs. The game is further elevated by its superb voice acting, with the cast delivering powerful performances in the game's many emotional scenes. Ray Chase's portrayal of Kevin Graham, a warrior priest with a hidden, sharp personality beneath a bumbling exterior, is a particular highlight.
Narrative and writing enhancements extend to combat and gameplay. The hybrid combat system, identical to the first game, allows players to engage enemies in an action-based field combat before transitioning to turn-based battles. Characters feature new arts and crafts, and a new Brave Rush ability enables deadly team strikes during field combat.
Other improvements include a completely overhauled fishing minigame, now surprisingly complex with various baits and rods for different fishing spots. The enhanced map and quest tracking systems greatly assist players in finding quests that were easily missed in the original release. These additions feel organic and enriching.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is a rare game that succeeds on nearly every level, with few faults. The only notable drawback is occasional dated RPG design, particularly in dungeons that can feel excessively long. Minor trims to the original's content could have further improved the pacing, representing the remake's sole misstep.
The remake effectively answers the question of why it was made, enhancing the original's strengths. It features a lavish visual presentation with increased color and detail, alongside a refined approach to the original's dramatic storytelling.
The original 2nd Chapter was instrumental in establishing the Trails series' unique identity. This remake signifies a culmination of Nihon Falcom's development, creating an RPG powerhouse worthy of standing among the genre's greatest.