Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Review

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is a full remake of the classic JRPG sequel, continuing Estelle Bright's journey across Liberl to find Joshua and confront Ouroboros. According to the store page, it boasts an Overwhelmingly Positive rating from over 800 reviews, and the player feedback backs that up: this is a beloved story told with modern polish. Its biggest strength is the emotional core—players repeatedly praise the reunion of Estelle and Joshua and the growth of the cast. The biggest problem, as some note, is a slow, formulaic middle section that can test your patience before the payoff.

A Story That Still Lands

The narrative is the main event, and by most accounts it delivers. Players describe the bond between Estelle and Joshua as the heart of the journey, with one calling it an "emotional masterpiece" that swings from laughter to tears. Another long-time fan notes that the remake preserves the original's story almost 1:1, adding only minor clarifications for future arcs. That fidelity means newcomers get the classic experience intact, while veterans can relive it with fresh presentation. For you, it means the plot beats hit as hard as they did in 2006—provided you've played the first game.

The remake's presentation is a major step up. Multiple reviews highlight the 3D visuals, motion-captured cutscenes, and full voice acting as transformative. One player gushes that the cutscene direction is "absolutely stunning" and that key scenes from the original have been given new life. Another mentions the arranged soundtrack as a joy. The result is a game that feels both nostalgic and modern, though a few note that the hybrid action/turn-based combat makes it easier than the original—a trade-off for accessibility.

Combat blends real-time action with turn-based tactics, and players seem split on its evolution. Some appreciate the added depth from the new system and the challenge of certain bosses; others feel it's a side-grade that doesn't evolve much from the first game. One reviewer notes that the game gets harder with a few additions, but the core remains familiar. The freedom to choose party members (with limitations) is a plus for replayability. If you enjoy tinkering with orbments and party setups, there's plenty here, but don't expect a combat revolution.

Pacing is the sticking point. Several players mention that the first half—or the middle-to-end—drags, with repetitive tasks and one particularly disliked map. One reviewer says the first half frustrated them but the second half pulled them back in and concluded extremely well. Another notes the final chapter makes it all worth it. The lesson: expect a slow burn. If you can push through the formulaic stretches, the emotional payoff is significant, but those sensitive to pacing may struggle.

Content-wise, the game is hefty. Players report playtimes over 100 hours, with one noting they took 100 hours for a single playthrough. The world feels alive thanks to NPC dialogue and side quests, and the cast of playable characters is large. However, completionists should beware: one player mentions that A-grade BP is tighter than in the first game, making full collection tricky without a guide. The price is $59.99, which may give pause to budget-conscious buyers, but for a game of this size, many will find it justified.

Onboarding is a hurdle: this is a direct sequel, and reviewers emphatically warn against starting here. You must play the 1st Chapter first—the story picks up immediately from its cliffhanger. For those who have, the game does a good job of recapping and easing you back in. Technical issues aren't a major concern in the reviews, though one player mentions the lack of regional pricing for Southeast Asia as a frustration. Otherwise, the launch seems smooth.