Summary
- Release Year: 2014
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
- Developers: Nihon Falcom
- Publishers: Marvelous USA, Inc., Nihon Falcom, NIS America, XSEED Games
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II (2014)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II is a Japanese role-playing game developed by Nihon Falcom and published by Xseed Games. It was released in Japan in September 2014, and in North America and Europe in December 2015. It is the sequel to The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel, and the eighth installment in the Trails series.
The game follows the story of Rean Schwarzer, a student at Thors Military Academy, as he and his classmates become embroiled in a civil war between the Erebonian Empire and the Republic of Calvard. The game features a turn-based combat system, a deep crafting system, and a branching dialogue system that affects the story.
Gameplay
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II is a turn-based role-playing game in which the player controls a party of up to four characters. The game’s combat system is similar to that of its predecessor, with characters attacking enemies using a variety of physical and magical abilities. However, Trails of Cold Steel II introduces a new mechanic called “Crafts,” which are powerful special abilities that can be used once per turn.
In addition to combat, the game also features a deep crafting system. Players can collect materials from enemies and the environment, and use them to create weapons, armor, and items. The crafting system is very flexible, and players can experiment with different combinations of materials to create unique and powerful items.
The game also features a branching dialogue system that affects the story. Players can choose from a variety of dialogue options when speaking to NPCs, and these choices can have a significant impact on the story’s progression.
Story
The story of The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II takes place one year after the events of its predecessor. The Erebonian Empire is still reeling from the civil war, and the Republic of Calvard is preparing to invade. Rean Schwarzer and his classmates at Thors Military Academy find themselves caught in the middle of the conflict.
As the war rages on, Rean and his friends must fight to protect their homeland and their loved ones. They will face many challenges along the way, but they will also learn the true meaning of friendship and sacrifice.
Characters
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II features a large and diverse cast of characters. The main protagonist is Rean Schwarzer, a skilled swordsman and the leader of Class VII at Thors Military Academy. Rean is a kind and compassionate young man, but he is also strong-willed and determined to protect his friends and country.
Other members of Class VII include:
- Alisa Reinford: A brilliant engineer and the daughter of a wealthy noble family. Alisa is a cheerful and outgoing girl, but she is also fiercely loyal to her friends.
- Machias Regnitz: A skilled swordsman and the son of a high-ranking military officer. Machias is a serious and responsible young man, but he also has a playful side.
- Emma Millstein: A talented mage and the daughter of a famous doctor. Emma is a kind and gentle girl, but she is also very intelligent and resourceful.
- Jusis Albarea: A skilled swordsman and the son of a powerful duke. Jusis is a proud and arrogant young man, but he is also a skilled fighter and a loyal friend.
- Gaius Worzel: A skilled archer and the son of a nomadic tribe. Gaius is a quiet and reserved young man, but he is also a skilled fighter and a loyal friend.
- Sara Valestein: A skilled healer and the daughter of a famous doctor. Sara is a kind and compassionate young woman, but she is also very strong-willed and determined to protect her friends.
- Elliot Craig: A skilled mage and the son of a famous adventurer. Elliot is a cheerful and optimistic young man, but he is also very intelligent and resourceful.
Setting
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II is set in the fictional continent of Zemuria. The game’s world is a rich and detailed one, with a long and storied history. The game’s setting is inspired by real-world locations, such as Europe and Asia.
The game’s story takes place in the Erebonian Empire, a powerful nation that is on the brink of civil war. The Empire is divided between those who support the monarchy and those who support a republic. The game’s story follows Rean Schwarzer and his classmates as they fight to protect their homeland and their loved ones.
Themes
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II explores a number of themes, including friendship, sacrifice, and the meaning of heroism. The game’s story is a powerful and emotional one, and it will stay with players long after they finish playing it.
Reception
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its story, characters, combat system, and crafting system. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
Conclusion
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II is a must-play for fans of JRPGs. The game features a compelling story, memorable characters, a deep combat system, and a branching dialogue system that affects the story. If you’re looking for a JRPG that will keep you entertained for hours on end, then The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II is the perfect game for you.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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