I'm 29 years old and just over 2 months ago i lost my job. I have worked hard since i left school at 17 and in the past 2 years i grinded my way into a nice promotion at a job where a lot of people hate or see as a dead end career wise. I'm going through the toughest time of my life right now with personal issues and the troubles that come along with being unemployed during a crisis in your life is weighing heavy on me. Don't worry this is not a sob story, everything ties in with the game.

So, being depressed and unable to get out of bed and generally live my life ( no exaggeration i swear ) i found myself reading up on old video games that i loved as a kid, in an attempt to try and feel happy again. Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VIII were my favorite games growing up. In recent years i haven't been that much into games as i was as teenager. Work commitments and adulthood takes a hold of you and gaming kind of took a back seat.

Anyway, i stumbled upon Trails In The Sky FC whilst reading up on good JRPGS on Steam ( JRPG's were my thing as a kid ). I saw one review that described Trails as better than Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VII, and it was going so cheap on Steam, i had to see what the fuss was about. Thank god i did.

As i played FC and SC consecutively i'll count this as a combined review but as i mentioned above. I haven't played games much in recent years and an in depth review is something i wouldn't be good at so i'll keep it short and sweet.

First things first, the storyline in this game is absolutely fantastic, So many good characters and interactions, a lot of text to read through but i love that. A game without good text/dialogue will struggle to be a good game. Trails has the best storyline i have ever came across in a game. It's very long but well worth it, look at it this way. Would The Lord Of The Rings be the story it was if it were not a gigantic beast of a novel? This kind of is the same with Trails. It's a slow burner at the the start but about 20 hours into FC it picks up and does not stop. It grips you in and will have you laughing, crying and screaming before you know it.

The characters and character relations are amazing. Sometime the highlights for me weren't beating a tough boss or finishing long quests/chapters it was the small moments when the full team are together and each individual character shines through in the dialogue. Simply fantastic.

I had mentioned before playing SC that the only thing i could say that was keeping it from being the complete game was the music, although the music is great i did say that it wasn't comparable to say a Nobou Uematsu score ( but what is eh? ). I'm going to backtrack on this now, after playing SC ( Which is considerably longer than FC ) i can say that the music is absolutely fantastic. It's up there with Nobou's Chrono Trigger soundtrack for me now.

Well, that's about as much as i can say without tangling myself up in knots over a game review. The reasons i wanted to write this wasn't to critique the game but to get the message out there that games ( no matter what your preference is ) are magical. I'm now in better spirits and feeling more optimisitc about life after finishing this game. Yes, that may sound sad to some people but the joy this game brought to me will be something i will forever cherish. Given the impact this game has had on me, it will now be my " Greatest Game Of All Time ". Sometimes you need somthing in your life to pick you up and Trails was my shoulder to cry on. Thanks Falcom and Xseed, you basically saved my life.

If you like long JRPG's with amazing storytelling, characters, combat systems and addictive side quests. You need to get this game. It's an absolute must.

10/10

I don't even know where to begin. I finished the game today and loved it enough to immediately want to write a review, but... frankly, I can't find the words. Let's start with the ending, perhaps: this is by far the best JRPG on Steam, and one of the best of all time.

With that aside, let's gets down to business: this game is a direct sequel to another game on Steam entitled simply "The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky". You should absolutely not play this game if you haven't played the previous title first, because this game is an incredibly direct sequel to it. That game, henceforth "FC" (for "First Chapter"), should prove to be a pretty decisive litmus test determining whether or not you'll like this game -- and if you're on the fence, know that SC has everything FC did well and more.

As you should know from FC, there are a few things that will either make or break the game for a lot of people:
-This is a turn-based game
-This is a game from the mid-2000s
-This game heavily involves anime-like aesthetics in its character and world design

And if any of those things turned you off, SC won't really change them. If you're fine with all three of those things, though, then you're in for a real treat. SC is basically the perfect sequel to FC, expertly answering many questions FC asked and resolving a great number of personal conflicts, taking great pain to give character even to those who previously had little. The orbment system is drastically refined for the better, and while combat is largely the same, the greater focus on crafts makes it feel significantly more strategic. The game as a whole feels more challenging than FC even from the outset, but never to the point where it feels unfair -- at least, on Normal mode -- so that extra bit of strategy is necessary. Even the artwork is nicer and crisper than anything from FC, and the soundtrack is just as excellent as you'd expect from Nihon Falcom. And, of course, the localization -- the part that took four years, you might remember -- is just as high-quality as the excellence that was this game's predecessor, worth every second of effort XSEED and others put into it.

To those who find no issue with the three points above, this game might well be one of the best things you ever play. In all my hours of playing the game (66, and not even on a completionist run), I only had two trivial issues: a somewhat slow prologue and enemies that feel a touch too bulky at two specific points in the game. Both of these things are fairly transient and do little to diminish the game's overall quality, which shines through at almost every other point.

This game's predecessor released in English over four years ago. Ever since then, I've been waiting patiently for this title. Four years of hype, four years of expectations... and I'm the sort of person too prone to disappointment to ever get hyped for anything anymore. And with this game finished, it would be an understatement to say that I'm not disappointed. Every expectation I had was met, every bit of hype I had was exceeded, and this game will likely end up being one of the most satisfying experiences I've ever had. If you're reading this, you had the luxury of not waiting that long -- and you'll likely find the game even better for it.

I give this game no less than the highest recommendation I possibly can. This game is the culmination of practically a decade of work between Nihon Falcom's development and XSEED's localization; I thank both of them, from the bottom of my heart, for the many wonderful hours I spent playing the game. My only wish now is that other people can share in the joy I felt while playing Trails in the Sky SC.

It's the best JRPG you'll never successfully convince any of your friends to play.

If you haven't played Trails in the Sky: First Chapter, let me STOP YOU RIGHT HERE and tell you to go purchase that and play it ASAP. The Trails series is NOT Final Fantasy, it NEEDS to be played consecutively because the entire series is one massive interconnecting story. Second Chapter is a direct sequel to the events of the first game and if you haven't played the first game before going into this one, you'll be completely lost. It'll be like starting The Lord of the Rings trilogy on Return of the King instead of The Fellowship.

Now that I've said that piece, if you HAVE played First Chapter and you're reading reviews instead of purchasing this game INSTANTLY after that jaw-dropping ending of the first game. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR? PLAY THIS GAME NOW. It takes everything you loved about the first and amplifies it 10 fold. The story, characters and lore of the world are greatly expanded upon and developed even further, the combat is even more refined and varied with extra attack options like chain crafts and 3rd tier artes and the music is just as beautiful as the first game. If you thought First Chapter was a masterpiece like I did, you haven't seen anything yet because SC surpasses it in every-way possible.

Honestly if you're a J-RPG fan and you still haven't gotten into the Trails series in 2020, you're missing some of the absolute best the genre has to offer and should rectify that IMMEDIATELY.

I brought this to vote with my wallet that WE WANT XSEED TO TRANSLATE THE 3RD ONE TOO, SO THE TRILOGY WOULD BE COMPLETE.

Thank you.

I was planning to just write ''best game ever'' and leave it at that. But eh, knowing ol' Nepiki here, he isn't satisfied with just that.

Actually, I am, but allow me to elaborate. There are few games out there that to world building and character development as well as this game (and the first game of course). This game does take it's time for that, but look past that and you have a masterpiece on your hand. Likewise, I also took my time because I wanted to see and know everything the world of Trails has to offer. Half of the game's dialogue is just optional world building, but I wanted to read them because it's done so well. And even though you revisit Liberl again in this game, it is not a repetitive and boring return. The sequel does enough to make Liberl a lively place yet again. And yeah, the characters in the first game return, and become even better in this game with more story behind them. Also a few new faces I definitely welcome.

That is not to say the gameplay is lacking either. The gameplay is well done for a JRPG. Nothing that stands out from other JRPGs, but it is very engaging, and some of the boss battles in this game were some of the most intense I had in any JRPG out there. The OST also helped with that, setting the mood perfectly in whatever situation it demanded.

I mean, I could go on and on, but I think I made my point clear. The only negatives I could come up with relate to personal preferences, like the game being long and taking it's time. If you do mind that, then maybe this isn't the game for you, and that's exactly what Trails in the Sky is: a masterpiece if you can appreciate it taking it's time to develop itself. If not well.. then I can't guarantee you'll like it. You can play the first game, which is also very good and while the games are directly related to each other, the first game's still has an ending for that game, though with a cliffhanger for the second game. If you enjoyed that game, you can always come back here and see if you want to play the game.

I mean, I have played tons of JRPGs, and for over a decade Final Fantasy VI was my favourite game. And then suddenly this game comes along and aims to rob that place, with the both of them sharing the honour of being my favourite game now. I love this game to death, and even after finishing it I just wanted to continue. This game is wonderful, an experience I am glad I was able to play myself.

In my ongoing and likely futile effort to write a Steam review for every game in my library (#30 out of 500+)... it's time for Trails in the Sky SC.

Listen, I'm an RPG snob. I've played almost every Japanese-style and Western-style RPG out there. I know the classics like the back of my hand. I may be an idiot in every other respect, but when it comes to RPGs, I know what I'm talking about. This is my lane, precisely my lane, is what I'm saying. So when I tell you the Trails in the Sky SC is the single greatest Japanese-style RPG I have ever seen, please trust that I know what I'm talking about.

If you're here, you should have already played the first game. If not, what's wrong with you? Go fix that immediately. You probably don't have the highest expectations for the next game, right? Sure, that end-game twist was pretty impacting, but as a whole the game wasn't really all that impressive, right? Don't worry: I know exactly what you mean, and I agree. The first part of the Trails in the Sky duology is a solid 7/10 game. Engaging, sure, but not exactly impressive.

Well, here's the thing--Trails in the Sky SC isn't a sequel, it's the latter half of the same game. Falcom cleaved the game in two because it was too big, see? And the first game, the one you've already played? That was nothing but build-up. It was setting stage and establishing the characters and then ending *right* before the good stuff.

SC picks up immediately where the first game left off, and from that point on... it's all pay-off. Please excuse my vulgarity in naming the trope specifically here, but it's all just one Crowning Moment Of Awesome after another. All the way through.

I've tried many times to write a review for Trails in the Sky. Each attempt--this one included--has been a failure. Words alone are insufficient--this is a game that must be played to be believed. If you consider yourself a fan of the genre, you owe it to yourself to play through the Trails in the Sky duology at least once--make no mistake, this is--at the very least--one of the bedrock CLASSICS of the genre.

Note: also played on Sony Playstation Portable.

In Chapter 4, there is a segment of the story where, if you choose to visit the general store, you can spend a little bit of money to buy chocolate for your party members that have been staying up patrolling the whole night. This action does not change the course of the main story or unlock additional sidequests or equipment. It provides absolutely no benefit other than a couple of lines of dialogue.

It is the little details like these, put into the game with the hearts of the developers, that are what makes Trails in the Sky SC amazing.

Trails in the Sky is not an open world sandbox game, but the amount of effort put into the world and characters of the story is simply astounding. Your party members are a vibrant, well-developed cast of some of the most memorable characters you will meet, and a great deal of thought was put into each and every line of dialogue as the characters interact with each other, bringing their personalities to life. The NPCs which inhabit the cities and villages of Liberl are also lavished upon the same treatment, with almost all the NPCs having unique names and distinct personalities, down to even the airship crew and shop owners. And given that all of the NPC dialogue changes after each segment of the main story, you'll also be able to follow the little happenings in their daily lives. Yes that's right---most NPCs in the game have their own mini-storylines, a few which will tie into your Bracer Guild sidequests, but most which are just their to simply add life to the world.

My favourite of these even spans multiple regions and games, involving the grandma of Rinon, your Rolent General Store owner, who wants to find a wife for her son. She eventually gives up on Rolent and travels to Grancel at the end of FC, to no success. On the airship back though, she meets Kitty, a tea seller girl from Edel Department store, who is on the way to Bose, and gets along quite well with her (while her sister rejoices at being able to take over as #1 tea seller). Well, thanks to the airships being grounded, Kitty ends up working at the store in Rolent, and Rinon while suspicious of his grandma, can't help but admire the girl's enthusiasm and hard work. Later, in Chapter 8 the wedding of a couple (whose story began in FC, and whose ring you retrieve on a sidequest in Chapter 4) takes place, and well, no points for guessing who catches the bridal bouquet.

To anyone who loves a sprawling world with many secrets and lifelike characters, I can't recommend Trails in the Sky more.

I just finished Trails in the Sky the 3rd after playing all three games - and while they're all fantastic, I have to say of the three Sky games that Trails in the Sky SC is my favourite. The characters are all incredible, the story is lovely, and the script writing is fantastic! The music, in my opinion, is the best in the whole Trails series. (Although the 3rd was a close second!)

However, this may seem obvious but just in case - I recommend that you do not pick up Trails in the Sky SC unless you have beaten Trails in the Sky FC first, as it is the second half of a story and picks off immediately after the ending of FC.

This review is aimed to help players interested in, but not yet resolved to buy the game, so to say it is not yet a complete review but I will definitely update it as I progress in the story.

Just a quick overview of what I can already tell you.
For this game, even more so than the first one - you will be reading. A lot. But even if you are not into reading I do advise this game to you, it may even change your opinion on the topic altogether.

If you haven't played through The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (First Chapter) yet, don't consider playing this game either.
Better head back there, read my review ;-), get this masterpiece of a game, play through it and then come back here!
Seriously, this is in your best interest since this game is a direct spoiler to the first one, the best would be to not even watch the trailer and not to go into the community hub of this game!

If on the other hand you played through the first one and still couldn't get yourself to buy this one - then I don't understand you...
Second Chapter takes off where FC left you and you will definitely feel right back at home in this game, the music is great as ever, the atmosphere takes you in and you want to keep playing until the end.
In the first two hours I played the game it already brought me to the edge of tears and made me laugh out loud in front of my PC - just to convey some of the early feelings in the game.
So do yourself a favor and grab it!
And if that still couldn't change your opinion - you can defeat enemies with Estelle's cooking - I guess some Monsters would die to get a bite ;-)

You can really tell they made an effort to improve the combat in this sequel and... they succeeded.
If you read my review of FC you know about my opinion on turn-based combat and the combat in this series and they made me enjoy myself even more with the additions they made.

• OK, I'm not to sure on this one, this will need some confirmation ;-). I used the 'moving' in my first 12h more than in the 52h of playing the first one. Somehow it felt more useful and the delay until the next attack not so huge.
  At certain points 'moving' is the only logical move to make - to dodge an enemy's attack, get into the healing range of an AoE-heal or position yourself for your own AoE attack.
  I still have a slight problem with the mechanic of it, but then again I found it more useful.
  
• Secondly, the introduction of a brand new - fresh out of the Central Factory - Orbment, (check back my review of FC for explanations) which enables you to use more quartz resulting in higher stats and, more importantly, more arts to play with, turns diversity in combat up a notch.
  
• Last but not least due to your extensive training as a 'Senior Bracer' you acquire the ability to utilize a new, so-called 'Chain-Craft' which lets your party members join in an attack that grows stronger in range and damage the more combatants take part in it.
  Naturally you will also gain access to new 'normal' crafts for each bracer you get to add to your fellowship, as their levels increase.
  
• Additionally, as I already mentioned above - you can now use certain kinds of food to hit your foes with, with different damage and varying 'target systems' (if anyone knows a better word, tell me please), meaning if it will effect a circle around your enemy, a line outgoing from the point you are standing at, etc.

Oh boy, I love minigames and they added some in this game, namely gambling and fishing.
Of my first about 8h or so, about 1.5h were spend doing these activities.

• While gambling you can choose from a slot-machine, poker, black-jack and roulette.
  After exchanging some of your mira for medals, you can start in the fun of losing it to the bank again. Personally, I enjoyed poker the most (as I did not lose as hard there).
  
• For fishing, you will need a fishing rod, bait and obviously - a place to dip your pole into. Different combinations of all these factors will result in a different game (mostly location and bait, but without the right rod and line you can't utilize higher level bait), but stay focused not to let those slippery suckers get away.

On the one hand to Nihon Falcom who developed this series and on the other one, even more so to XSeed and Carpe Fulgur for putting in all the localization work including all the extras they made for us to enjoy and the great translation.
Also, remember that it cost these companies a lot of blood, tears, sweat and the tiny thing that some people tend to forget - money. Well, we can't help much with all those body liquids but the latter one is something we can help them with.
So don't be a cheapskate, get this game - full price - so that we all may enjoy wonderful localizations of this series to come.

Quite a few bugs already got fixed, for those still in the game read this thread to see how bad it still is and how to fix problems if you encountered some yourself.
Personally, I didn't have any problems whatsoever.

As this is a pre-review you might as well not do anything yet, since I will change the whole thing over but otherwise --
I hope this review helped you in deciding to buy this game and if it did, I would be grateful for a 'thumbs up', if you didn't like it, you can give me a 'thumbs down' but I would be glad to hear your opinion on what you didn't like.