Trails Through Daybreak Review: New Adventures in Calvard | Full Analysis & FAQs
Table of Contents
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak Review
As an enthusiast of epic narratives that span multiple entries, where the true payoff comes years or even decades later, I find comfort in expansive stories like Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe or the intricate plotlines of Kingdom Hearts. Since 2019, with the PlayStation 4 port of Trails of Cold Steel, the world of Zemuria has captured my heart, becoming one of my favorite fictional settings. That’s why I eagerly anticipated The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak, the beginning of the next major story arc set in the Republic of Calvard.
A New Beginning in Calvard
Is Trails Through Daybreak a good entry point into the series?
While starting at the beginning of an arc (like Trails in the Sky FC, Trails from Zero, or Trails in Cold Steel) is generally preferable, Daybreak is a decent option for newcomers. However, I recommend starting with the Steam release of Trails in the Sky FC or Trails from Zero, as they provide a better introduction without spoiling previous titles. That said, Daybreak is arguably the best jumping-in point among the recent entries for those wanting a taste of the Trails series.
Set a year and a half after the events of Trails into Reverie, Trails Through Daybreak follows Van Arkride, a Spriggan mercenary. After accepting a seemingly simple job to locate a Genesis, a keepsake of heroine Agnes’ late great-grandfather, Van is drawn into a conflict involving the mysterious Alamata mafia. This organized crime group has been gaining power in Calvard, and Van finds himself at the center of events that will shape the region.
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Characters and World-Building
Daybreak introduces a diverse cast of characters working alongside Van at Arkride Solutions, including a 13-year-old naive jaeger, a sultry actress, a maid-clad concierge from a powerful weapons manufacturer, Agnes, and others. Longtime fans can also look forward to cameos from familiar faces, some appearing in 3D for the first time in the series.
What makes Van Arkride stand out as a protagonist?
Van Arkride, the 24-year-old protagonist, brings a refreshing perspective with his experience and no-nonsense attitude, mirroring the seasoned audience of the series. Unlike the young and inexperienced protagonists of previous arcs, Van’s mature outlook and extensive network of contacts make him a compelling character who balances a “no bullshit” attitude with genuine care for those around him.
For the first time, Trails Through Daybreak explores the Republic of Calvard—a nation often in conflict with Erebonia in previous games and home to groups like the Heiyue crime syndicate. While Calvard’s capital, Edith, feels like a standard modern metropolis, the game surprises with varied locations such as a bustling desert oasis city and the Asian-inspired Longlai. These diverse environments emphasize Calvard’s vastness and enhance the game’s world-building.
Gameplay and Combat
Daybreak follows the familiar structure of other Trails titles, with about six and a half chapters taking players across Calvard’s varied regions. Each chapter offers numerous side quests—called 4SPGs—alongside main missions, providing ample opportunity to interact with the townsfolk. Some side quests are particularly poignant and emotional, enhancing the sense of a living, breathing world where even minor NPCs have unique names and personalities.
What new features does the combat system introduce?
Combat in Daybreak receives a significant update with the new action-based field combat mode, alongside an adjusted turn-based mode. The action mode allows players to engage enemies on the field, with stronger enemies requiring a switch to turn-based combat after breaking their guard. This system, while making combat more dynamic, could benefit from further fleshing out to allow for a full action RPG experience.
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The turn-based combat retains familiar elements such as unique craft attacks, S-crafts, and arts. New additions include the SCLM (Shard Circular Linked Metafield) and S-Boosts. SCLM allows characters to assist each other when in close proximity, boosting attacks or following up with basic attacks. S-Boosts, on the other hand, enhance a character’s stats and buffs for a set number of turns, proving essential in tougher fights.
The Xipha System
Daybreak’s Xipha system, an evolution of the Orbment system, combines familiar elements with new mechanics, requiring an adjustment period for returning players. Xipha consists of three main parts: Quartz, Holo Cores, and Arts Drivers. Quartz adjust stats and effects, while Holo Cores provide EP boosts and dictate S-Boost bonuses. Arts Drivers allow for customizable art assignments via Plugins, which can be shared across characters without needing multiple copies.
How does the Xipha system differ from previous Orbment systems?
The Xipha system offers more customization and flexibility compared to previous Orbment systems. Quartz is handled more like in pre-Cold Steel games, focusing on adjusting stats and adding effects, while Holo Cores function similarly to Master Quartz without being tied to specific arts. Arts Drivers provide a new layer of customization, allowing players to assign arts through Plugins that can be shared across characters.
Despite the complexity, the added customization allows for varied playstyles, though it may feel overwhelming at times. Daybreak’s combat balance makes it harder to create an overpowered party, a challenge for those who enjoyed exploiting the system in previous games.
Character Dynamics
The cast of Trails Through Daybreak is one of its strongest aspects. Van Arkride, the 24-year-old protagonist, brings a refreshing perspective with his experience and no-nonsense attitude, mirroring the seasoned audience of the series. Supporting characters like the playful Aaron, the actress Judith, and the naive jaeger Feri provide enjoyable interactions, though some characters, like Agnes, fall a bit flat.
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Who are some standout characters in Trails Through Daybreak?
The standouts include Aaron, the charming playboy who loves teasing Van about his age, Judith, the lovely actress with questionable acting skills, and Feri, the young jaeger whose limited life experiences lead to amusing moments. These characters shine in their interactions with Van and each other, bringing more depth and personality to the story.
Unfortunately, other characters in the cast felt less compelling. Agnes, the main female protagonist, didn’t live up to expectations. She comes across as bland and lacks the depth and surprises that elevate other characters. Hopefully, her role and personality will evolve in future installments to match the series’ other standout heroines.
Antagonists and Plot
While Daybreak’s villains and their intricate plots have always been a highlight in the series, this entry’s Almata Mafia and their plan feel less convincing. Despite this, some villains, including Almata’s leader Dantes, offer surprising and memorable moments.
How do the villains in Trails Through Daybreak compare to previous entries?
Daybreak’s villains, particularly the Almata Mafia, lack the depth and complexity of previous antagonists like Ouroboros or the DG Cult. Their plan has noticeable flaws and holes in its logic, making it less compelling. However, individual villains, such as Dantes and the Executives of Almata, still provide some intriguing and revelatory moments.
Overall Experience and Future Prospects
Trails Through Daybreak leaves players with many unanswered questions and tantalizing hints for future installments. Despite some character and system issues, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Calvard, meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones. The Trails series remains one of my favorite long-form fictional works, and I eagerly anticipate the discussions and developments to come in Daybreak II, Kai no Kiseki, and beyond.
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What can fans expect from future installments in the series?
Fans can look forward to more intricate plotlines, character development, and expansive world-building in future installments. With Daybreak laying the groundwork, Daybreak II and Kai no Kiseki promise to delve deeper into the mysteries and conflicts introduced in this game, offering long-term fans the epic narrative payoffs they crave.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Trails Through Daybreak a good starting point for new players?
While it’s possible to start with Daybreak, I recommend beginning with Trails in the Sky FC or Trails from Zero for a more comprehensive introduction to the series. Daybreak offers a decent entry point among recent titles but might not provide the best understanding of the overall narrative.
2. How does the combat system in Trails Through Daybreak differ from previous games?
Daybreak introduces a new action-based field combat mode alongside an adjusted turn-based mode. The action mode allows for engaging enemies on the field, while the turn-based mode retains familiar elements like craft attacks, S-crafts, and arts. New features include SCLM and S-Boosts, adding more strategic depth to combat.
3. What is the Xipha system, and how does it work?
The Xipha system is an evolution of the Orbment system, consisting of Quartz, Holo Cores, and Arts Drivers. Quartz adjust stats and effects, Holo Cores provide EP boosts and S-Boost bonuses, and Arts Drivers allow for customizable art assignments via Plugins. This system offers more flexibility and customization but can feel overwhelming initially.
4. Who are the standout characters in Trails Through Daybreak?
Van Arkride, the 24-year-old protagonist, stands out for his mature perspective and no-nonsense attitude. Other notable characters include Aaron, Judith, and Feri, who bring depth and personality to the story through their interactions with Van and each other.
5. How do the villains in Trails Through Daybreak compare to those in previous games?
While the Almata Mafia lacks the depth and complexity of previous antagonists, individual villains like Dantes and the Executives of Almata still provide some intriguing and memorable moments. The overall plot involving the Almata Mafia has noticeable flaws, making it less compelling than past entries.
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6. What can fans expect from future installments in the series?
Future installments like Daybreak II and Kai no Kiseki will delve deeper into the mysteries and conflicts introduced in Trails Through Daybreak, offering long-term fans the epic narrative payoffs they crave. Fans can look forward to more intricate plotlines, character development, and expansive world-building.
7. Are there any notable technical or performance issues in Trails Through Daybreak?
The game runs smoothly on modern hardware, with minimal technical issues. The graphics are a step up from previous entries, taking advantage of the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5’s capabilities. However, some minor bugs and glitches may still occur, as is common with large-scale RPGs.
8. How long does it take to complete Trails Through Daybreak?
A typical playthrough can take around 60-80 hours, depending on the player’s engagement with side quests and exploration. Completing all side quests and optional content can extend the playtime significantly, offering ample opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of Calvard.
9. Is there a multiplayer or online component in Trails Through Daybreak?
No, Trails Through Daybreak is a single-player RPG with no multiplayer or online components. The focus is on the narrative and character interactions, providing a rich and immersive solo experience.
10. How does Trails Through Daybreak compare to other entries in the Trails series?
Trails Through Daybreak introduces new gameplay mechanics, characters, and a fresh setting in Calvard, making it a unique entry in the series. While it may not surpass the heights of Trails in the Sky or Trails from Zero, it stands as a strong beginning to a new story arc with potential for future greatness. Longtime fans and newcomers alike will find much to enjoy and anticipate in this latest installment of the Trails series.