Characters like Agnès Claudel, Feri Al-Fayed, and Elaine Auclaire return, while Swin Abel and Nadia Rayne from Trails into Reverie join the cast. Unlike its predecessor, players will follow two branching paths with separate party members, tackling different problems. New mechanics like hacking and tailing suspects also come into play.

There’s also a new side activity, the Märchen Garten, where you can choose your own party and venture through various floors, earning rewards along the way. Check out our review for more details on all the ups (and downs).

Falcom hasn’t announced when The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki – Farewell, O Zemuria, the next chapter, will launch in the West, but stay tuned for more updates. It’s out now in Japan for PS4 and PS5.

New characters with different lifestyles and luxuries yet beset by their own dark pasts and worries accompanied an all-encompassing underworld, corruption, red tape, and new threats. The new engine, with its sleeker visuals and the combat changes, didn’t hurt either.

"Without getting into too many spoilers, the story also introduces a time-looping element, where players can return to previous plot points and make different decisions."

Much of that carries over into The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2, though the urgency of the series’ overall plot feels diminished. The characters and their developments still shine while the combat feels sleek and the pacing brisk, but be prepared for a story that will inspire a fair number of “huh?”s without contributing much to the bigger picture.

Occurring roughly a year after the first game’s events, Arkride Solutions is seemingly on more comfortable footing. That is until Elaine of the Bracer Guild informs Van of a mysterious crimson beast rampaging through Edith, committing massacres seemingly at random. Its resemblance to the Grendel is far from a coincidence and thus, Van and Elaine team up to track it down.

Of course, the crimson beast – known as Grendel Zolga – and its identity is only one of the core mysteries permeating the sequel. What is it after? Who is the accompanying AI? There’s also the matter of Almata’s legacy, an unknown item or treasure of sorts that remained after the organization’s downfall. And darn it if there isn’t a mysteriously enigmatic masked individual to deal with, Ouroboros members and their subordinates, or even more newcomers to the cast.

Without getting into too many spoilers, the story also introduces a time-looping element, where players can return to previous plot points and make different decisions. There’s even a visual timeline highlighting the branching nodes. As novel as this is for the series – and as excited as I felt, having enjoyed visual novels like Raging Loop – the time-looping doesn’t really work in the same way. It’s a plot contrivance that becomes severely overdone in some of the worst ways while diminishing some of the bigger stakes.

"There’s a certain warmth and familiarity in reuniting with beloved allies, aided by the (mostly) natural flow of the writing and conversations."

Even without it, the story proves problematic in other ways. It wouldn’t be that big of a deal if it furthered the series’ overall narrative, but that’s sadly not the case. However, not everything in Trails through Daybreak 2 is completely throwaway, thanks to the characters. There’s a certain warmth and familiarity in reuniting with beloved allies, aided by the (mostly) natural flow of the writing and conversations.

Hearing Van banter with just about anyone is a treat, and actor Damian Haas does an even better job this time around, shifting between sarcasm and concern without skipping a beat. Amanda Lee is also great as Agnès, balancing the cutesy and serious with equal aplomb.

Several other examples include Skyler Davenport as Mare (which sounds even more eerily like March 7th than before), Brittany Cox as Judith – the list goes on. Even Swin and Nadia feel more compelling than ever, even if some interactions can overplay the latter’s quirks. It’s a shame that their talents feel somewhat wasted in what’s essentially a filler arc.

Those who can vibe with the sequel’s atmosphere will find plenty to keep them busy. The story is split between two routes and parties across different locations that eventually converge. You take up various activities like a new card game, fishing, and hacking trials. Aside from the lame tailing mini-game, side quests present a few interesting tales and interactions, even if some can veer into absurdity. The LGC Alignment also returns, though it’s far less important than the previous game and ends up feeling superfluous.

"Though the Garten itself can underwhelm, with the limited objective variety and familiar layouts, it is a fun addition, especially for combat lovers."

Above all, there’s the Märchen Garten. The latter is a virtual space which has suddenly been taken over by an unknown individual for unknown reasons. It’s thus up to Van and the crew to take it back (at the behest of the Marduk Company, of course). The Garten consists of various floors with branching routes that you can select. Each area has different objectives, like smashing “X” number of objects or defeating “Y” number of medium-sized foes before you get a reward and the way forward opens.

If you want to stick around and fully clear the floor while exploring for treasure, that’s also possible. The final node culminates in a boss, and while I would have liked the choices of nodes to factor in a bit more, these encounters can get genuinely challenging if you waltz in unprepared.

Completing runs in the Garten provides Shard Tokens, which can be spent on the Mystic Cube. It’s a gacha-style system not unlike that seen in Trails into Reverie (but without the prospect of additional unlockable characters). You can still earn Sepith and Quartz alongside unlockables like alternate outfits, hairstyles and BGM to play on different occasions in the Garten.

Skill Gems are also doled out from the Cube, and during exploring for powering up different characters’ Crafts within the activity and even unlock stat bonuses within separate tiers. Though the Garten itself can underwhelm, with the limited objective variety and familiar layouts, it is a fun addition, especially for combat lovers.

"And yet, Trails through Daybreak 2 doesn’t feel like more than the sum of its parts…It could have been so much more narratively, cheap gimmicks notwithstanding."

Speaking of, battles in Trails through Daybreak 2 follow many of the same tenets as its predecessor. Attack enemies on the field in real-time and stun them, then activate Shards to begin turn-based combat. Attack weaknesses with Arts, unleash Crafts, boost to increase damage (and unlock S-Crafts for use), stand near allies to activate follow-ups with the SCLM, etc. Field battles allow for wielding Quick Arts and swapping to another character after dodging an enemy’s attack for a counter-blow.

It does add some more variety, especially when dealing with weaker enemies. There are also EX Chains, which can activate fancy double-team attacks where two characters unleash their Crafts. Overall, it’s a solid combat system, even if it can get repetitive in terms of tactics, and the Quick Arts don’t feel nearly as impactful as I’d like.

Presentation-wise, the visuals suffer a few of the same issues as its predecessor on PS5. Anti-aliasing at a distance doesn’t look too sharp, and there is noticeable pop-in. Performance is improved, though some dips are noticeable during the more over-the-top S-Crafts. The art direction remains solid, especially the character models, and it’s backed by some pretty good music. The moody tones while roaming the streets of Edith, fast-paced beats and the violin play during combat – it all comes together pretty well.

And yet, Trails through Daybreak 2 doesn’t feel like more than the sum of its parts. If you’re a fan – and you must be to keep track of everything that’s happened thus far, even with the multitudes of recaps – the gameplay, characterization, presentation, and side content can be enjoyable. It just could have been so much more narratively, cheap gimmicks notwithstanding.

This game was reviewed on the PS5.

Lost Soul Aside

Lost Soul Aside is currently in development at UtilZeroGames, and it revolves around saving your family and the larger world from the clutches of evil. With its fast-paced combat that revolves around stringing together a flurry of attacks and popping art direction, Lost Soul Aside is a game that definitely demands your attention. It’s scheduled to come out sometime this year for PC and PS5.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

One of the biggest games of the year, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 expands on the first game in every single way. The combat is improved with new ranged weapons and movesets added. There are two giant maps to explore, including the massive city of Kuttenberg. The world is more dynamic, allowing for emergent gameplay and an extensive range of consequences with every decision.

It promises roughly 100 hours of gameplay and the conclusion of Henry’s journey. If its launch goes smoothly, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 could be a Game of the Year frontrunner when it launches on February 4th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered

If Aspyr’s previous remastered collection is meant to highlight the better years of Lara Croft’s life, then Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered goes in the other direction. Aside from Tomb Raider 4, it packs two of the worst games in the franchise – Tomb Raider: Chronicles and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness. Nevertheless, the team is going all out, vastly improving the character models and visuals, adding a new Fly-by Camera, and even restoring content cut from the sixth game.

It may be a coin toss for those who remember the bad old days. However, if you’re going to experience the most definitive versions, then Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered is worth watching out for when it launches on February 14th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2

As the English version of Kuro no Kiseki 2 -CRIMSON SiN-, Trails through Daybreak 2 once again returns to the Republic of Calvard and stars Van Arkride, a morally grey Spriggan. Things are slightly more black and white when a serial killer is on the loose, identified as a massive crimson beast akin to Grendel.

Thus does the investigation begin, but this time, players can select routes with different parties, each with unique gameplay mechanics a la Trails into Reverie. With new combat mechanics like EX Chains and Cross Charge, Trails through Daybreak 2 looks to be a worthwhile follow-up. It’s out on February 14th for PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Lost Records: Bloom and Rage

Despite Tape 2 being delayed to April, Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is still set to debut Tape 1 on February 18th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The story jumps between 1995 and 2022 as protagonist Swann enjoys the Summer with best friends Nora, Autumn and Kat. Something dire occurs, however, resulting in the group breaking up and cutting off all communications…until 2022, when their secret comes back to haunt them. Much like DON’T NOD’s other narrative titles, Lost Records: Bloom and Rage promises choices that affect the story, multiple endings, and more than a few mysteries that we can’t wait to unravel.

Avowed

You wouldn’t have thought that this newest RPG would face this many delays, but it’s finally on track to launch on February 18th for PC and Xbox Series X/S. Though set in Eora, the story plays out in the Living Lands, where players control an Aedyr Empire envoy, seeking to stop the Dream Scourge from infesting the land.

Things become complicated when multiple factions come into play, but you’ll have the freedom to find your own way, approaching quests in different ways and recruiting allies to your cause. Avowed is certainly a dark horse compared to all the other titles coming soon, but it could stand out if the writing, combat, and quest design hold up.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s newest spin-off asks an important question: Would Goro Majima not be a manic knife-wielding fighter with a heart of gold if he lost his memory? The answer is no, and he also becomes a captain of a ship and crew for good measure. Spanning various islands, including Honolulu from Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Pirate Yazuka in Hawaii packs new combat mechanics (including jumping attacks), naval combat, crew management, and much more into one massive experience.

And even with all the over-the-top elements, RGG Studio promises an emotional story like previous games. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii arrives on February 21st for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Monster Hunter Wilds

After years of waiting for a true follow-up to Monster Hunter World, the series is finally delivering with Monster Hunter Wilds. Players travel to the Forbidden Lands this time around with new biomes, endemic life and monsters to hunt. Seamless traversal between locales is the biggest change alongside herds and dynamic weather, which morphs the landscape.

Further adding to this free-flowing approach is the ability to set up camp anywhere and start quests without returning to base. The Focus system allows for finer aiming with attacks, while Focus Strikes allow for extra damage when inflicting Wounds on monsters. Whether you’re new to the franchise or poured thousands of hours into World over the years, Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be an unforgettable hunting adventure when it launches on February 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

PGA Tour 2K25

What more could you want in a month packed with role-playing games? A new PGA Tour, apparently. Launching on February 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, PGA Tour 2K25 promises the most immersive MyCareer mode with MyPlayer customization leveraging new Attribute Points and equipment progression. New tournaments like the US Open and PGA Championship debut while seasons promise regular content (that too without expiring, at long last). Between designing courses, experimenting with new shot types, and more, PGA Tour 2K25 could be a decent palate cleanser in this month of blockbusters.

Project Tachyon

The year has already started pretty strong for side-scrolling platformers with Blade Chimera and Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist. Studio N9 seemingly looks to continue that trend with Project Tachyon, a run-and-gun action title with rogue-lite mechanics. As agent Sigma, players venture back in time to halt a nuclear fallout. Armed with ranged and melee weapons, you’ll take on hordes of enemies while selecting from 200+ genes to enhance your abilities (though malicious genes can also pop up and cause harmful effects). With the freedom to select your route, unlock and upgrade weapons, and uncover more about the narrative, Project Tachyon looks like it could be a solid rogue-lite addition.

Rift of the NecroDancer

From dungeon crawling to the beat to a more traditional but still action-heavy rhythm title, Rift of the NecroDancer sees Cadence eliminating monsters on a beatmap. Discovering their unique properties and eliminating them with the right timing is key, and there are more than 30 tracks to groove to. Those seeking a challenge can ramp up the difficulty to Impossible (which, despite the naming, isn’t completely impossible).

There’s even Remix Mode, which concocts a new beatmap when playing a song and daily challenges to compete in for daily leaderboards. Rift of the NecroDancer arrives on February 5th for PC, with a Nintendo Switch release planned for later.

The Battle demo lets you choose from two different parties and battle through the Märchen Garten, a virtual simulation with various locations and threats across the story. It plays a key role in the story, not unlike the Reverie Corridor from previous titles. On the other hand, the Story demo contains the beginning of the game, allowing one to experience the plot early.

Progress from the second demo can transfer to the second game when it launches. The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2 is available on February 14th for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Check out our review of the first game – we gave an eight out of ten.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

The Metroid Prime series has always received renown for fun gameplay loop while packing challenging bosses, incredible environments and devious puzzles. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond looks to offer just as much, but really, the promise of a new Retro Studios title after all these years is enough for us.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Years of no information, a reboot in development at Retro Studios, and long-awaited gameplay finally confirmed that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is indeed on the way. Arriving for Nintendo Switch, it features Space Pirates, Samus’s rival Sylux, and the Morph Ball. Even with so much hype around the Switch’s successor, if any Nintendo title deserves a closer look, it’s definitely the next Metroid Prime.

As for the sequel, it sees Van Arkride and Agnès Claudel returning and the Calvard Republic at relative peace. However, a strange crimson beast appears, causing havoc and murdering several bystanders. While the duo investigate the creature (and its equally mysterious AI), they run into other factions and persons of interest.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2 launches on February 14th, 2025, for PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. It features the same combat system, with players switching between real-time hack-and-slash and turn-based command battles. New mechanics include all-out attacks and tagging in others for additional Charged Attacks on the field. The story also plays out in a format similar to Trails through Reverie. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

Trails through Daybreak 2 improves on its predecessor’s combat, adding Cross Charge and EX Chains. The former triggers after a Perfect Dodge, causing another party member to tag in and execute a charged attack during Field Battles. The latter will cause the party to go all-out against every enemy in Command Battles when meeting specific conditions.

The sequel also takes a similar approach to The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Reverie, with multiple playable characters per chapter that can be played in any order. Each has a unique cast and offers different missions, like stealth and hacking.

Stay tuned for more details and gameplay from Trails through Daybreak 2 in the coming months, and check out our review of the original.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2 is releasing in the West in early 2025. A specific release date hasn’t yet been announced, but NIS America has confirmed that like its predecessor, Trails through Daybreak 2 will launch for PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC, which means Xbox players miss out once again.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2 launched in Japan in September 2022. Its sequel, dubbed The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki – Farewell, O Zemuria, launches in Japan this September.

In our recent review of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak upon its Western launch, we awarded it a score of 8/10, saying, “The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak establishes its own identity in the extensive franchise, offering fun new characters, compelling combat and a relatively strong presentation despite some familiar flaws.” Read the full review through here.

Falcom and NIS America have also announced that Ys 10: Nordics will finally be coming westward this October. Read more on that through here.