PlayStation 5 Critic Reviews

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is a fantastic conclusion to Estelle and Joshua's chapters in the Sky series. The story is fantastic, with fantastic reunions and dark moments that really stay with the player. You get to revisit and actually see the consequences of your past actions, where even smaller side characters are fun to see again. The core cast is as strong as ever, a joy to hang out with. Combat stays fun and engaging, with small tweaks that make it even better than before. Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is a must-play for those who played its predecessor, and if you haven't, let this month's launch serve as a reminder to play 1st Chapter so you can experience 2nd Chapter properly.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter picks up everything 1st Chapter introduced and improves upon it. It features outstanding combat, an impeccable narrative, and a captivating cast, while cutting the slow-burn segments of the first game. It's a flawless execution and a fitting conclusion to the Bracer duo's story, while also setting the stage for what is to come in a thoroughly engaging way. This remake proves that it's entirely possible to craft a title that satisfies every single side of a JRPG fan and cements itself as one of the finest titles the genre has to offer today.

Building upon the already excellent work done in the remake of the first game, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is a masterclass in how to make a JRPG. Its story holds up as one of the best the genre has ever seen, even 20 years after its original release, and its completely updated gameplay further enhances the already great structure of 1st Chapter. Fans of the genre must play it.

Building on the already-great remake of the first game, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter masterfully updates the gameplay and timeless story, adding up to what is now the Trails series’ defining entry, and one of the best RPGs of the year.

Another swing and another home run for GungHo. Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is another stellar remake that provides plenty of quality of life improvements over the first game but also tells a fantastic story with plenty of added cutscenes and fantastic voice work. Though the majority of the games exploration and combat haven't gotten many updates, they don't really need to as the Trails games have some of the best combat in JRPG's going right now.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is a masterful remake that elevates an already beloved RPG with stronger presentation, refined combat, meaningful quality-of-life improvements, and excellent character work. While its opening chapters drag and some supporting material feels underdeveloped, the experience ultimately stands as one of Falcom’s strongest Trails games and the definitive way to experience Sky SC.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is the payoff 1st Chapter was building toward. The dungeons and backtracking keep it just short of perfect, but the storytelling and presentation are as good as RPGs get right now.

Can you enjoy this remake if you’ve already played through SC? I can wholeheartedly say yes, as replaying the story again illuminated some plot points for me in ways I hadn’t expected. From a storytelling standpoint, even the remake’s 3D graphics and voice acting help present key story reveals, shedding additional light on things. Is this game worth playing if you’re a relative newcomer to the Trails series? Absolutely, especially if that newcomer has prior FC or 1st Chapter knowledge! In that regard, this game is easily the best of both worlds and a shining example of how a remake can offer something new while maintaining what made the original so special to begin with. I’m extremely grateful that I got to return to Liberl with Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, especially knowing how the Trails series in general evolves from here!

Building on the remake expertise of the first game, Trails in the Sky the 2nd is a masterclass in modernizing a classic. With snappier pacing, deeper turn-based combat, and dynamic direction that easily overshadows modest visuals, it effortlessly hooks you for a relentless 20-plus-hour ride.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter captures everything that made the original so endearing while giving it an impressive makeover that enhances its elegant storytelling and charismatic cast.