The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II (2014)

Peace now exists only in memories. Following the occupation of Heimdallr by the Noble Faction, Erebonia is engulfed in a civil war. The provincial armies, loyal to the aristocracy and the Four Great Houses, have seized numerous significant cities under the banner of the Noble Alliance. Meanwhile, the Imperial Army, summoned from all corners of the Empire, has only recently commenced a large-scale counteroffensive. After Rean successfully escapes from Trista with Celine and Valimar, he finds himself in the mountains near his hometown, uncertain of the fate that befell his friends, who bravely sacrificed themselves to give him the time to flee. Faced with an uncertain future, Rean decides to resume his journey, once again taking up his sword and setting out across Erebonia with his Divine Knight, Valimar, in search of his friends from Class VII. His mission is to put an end to the conflict before the consequences become even more devastating.

Set on the same continent as the critically acclaimed Trails in the Sky series, a spin-off of Nihon Falcom’s prestigious The Legend of Heroes franchise, Trails of Cold Steel II is a direct continuation of the first game. Picking up one month after the major event that altered the course of Erebonia’s future, this sequel offers an even deeper dive into the world of Erebonia, filled with tactical turn-based combat, new mechanics, and a renewed sense of urgency as Rean struggles to restore peace to his war-torn nation.

Key Features

A Seamless Continuation with Memory of the Past

Progress from Trails of Cold Steel carries over into this sequel, providing bonuses and, most notably, preserving the relationships that Rean built with his classmates and allies at Thors Military Academy. These bonds influence in-game conversations and provide a more personalized experience throughout the story. Players who have completed the first game will find that their choices and relationships are remembered and impact the events that unfold.

Explore Erebonia by Land and Sky

The game introduces new modes of transportation, allowing players to travel across the vast landscapes of Erebonia more efficiently. A customizable airship enables fast travel across the land and sky, allowing Rean to quickly reach both familiar and unexplored locations. Horseback riding returns, offering a classic way to navigate the map, while Angelica’s orbal bike is a new addition, enabling even faster traversal across the terrain.

The Return of the Combat Link System and Overdrive Mode

Bonding with allies continues to play a crucial role in Trails of Cold Steel II. The Link System returns, allowing players to strengthen their connections with party members to unlock powerful combat benefits, including healing, guarding, and more. Additionally, the new Overdrive Mode adds an exciting layer of strategy to battles, enabling linked characters to perform up to three consecutive attacks, offering fresh tactical possibilities during combat.

A Richer Experience with New Content

The PC release of the game introduces several exciting features, including 50% more English voice lines compared to the console version, enhancing the narrative experience for both new players and returning fans. Players can also enjoy a variety of quality-of-life improvements, such as support for ultrawide aspect ratios, turbo mode for faster gameplay, and an instant resume feature that allows players to jump directly into their most recent save from Steam.

With its immersive world, complex characters, and refined gameplay mechanics, Trails of Cold Steel II is an essential chapter in the Legend of Heroes series, providing an unforgettable journey through a war-torn nation on the brink of collapse. As Rean’s journey unfolds, players will face moral dilemmas, form unbreakable bonds, and fight to determine the fate of Erebonia.

The game adds meaningful improvements like the Overdrive combat mode, faster travel options, and more voice acting, which make exploring Erebonia even more enjoyable. It’s easy to get lost in the game’s world and its detailed storylines, and the link system keeps battles fresh and strategic.

If you liked the first Trails of Cold Steel or are looking for a JRPG with a strong story and rewarding gameplay, this sequel is definitely worth playing. It’s a clear recommendation for fans of tactical RPGs and long, character-driven adventures.