The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II Reviews
A compelling sequel that should not be missed for fans of the Legend of Heroes series.
Trails of Cold Steel II continues in the series' tradition of lengthy, narratively expansive JRPGs that will have fans up late theorizing about their favorite characters.
While not a perfect port, this incredible entry in the Trails series lands on PS4
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II manages to hit both the best and worst parts of JRPGs. Where gameplay and visuals feel dated, even when it was brand new, it's hard to argue with the story. It's deep, engrossing and all about giving players a reason to invest in an otherwise okay adventure. For some this won't be enough, but if you can put up with an average gameplay experience, you'll be rewarded with story that more than makes up for it.
Not so much a sequel, as the second episode in an epic saga.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II stumbles with its pacing in places where the first game doesn't, but it's still an RPG worth playing.
While Trails of Cold Steel II doesn’t always lend itself to on the go gaming, it deserves a spot in your Vita library regardless.
More a continuation of the events of the first game than a proper sequel, Trails of Cold Steel II is "more of the same" done right, as the basic gameplay of the prequel didn't need changes. While a no brainer for veterans, this second chapter is not recommended for newcomers, who should pick up the first title to have an understanding of the world and characters.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II is a modern JRPG masterpiece.
Overall, the differences between the PC and PS4 ports are minuscule. The game plays very well on both with little to no lag.
We enjoyed Trails of Cold Steel II as much as the first chapter, and that's a great compliment, as we're talking about two of the best JRPGs available at the moment for PS4. Just be sure to play Trails of Cold Steel first.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 2 is a worthy sequel. The stakes are higher, the bonds of Class VII remain a high point, the combat system is as engaging as ever, and the port is perfectly executed. I cannot recommend this series enough.
For every 20 lazy console ports, once in a while there comes a game that really gets what PC gamers want. This is that game.
It's definitely more "continuation" than "sequel," with Trails of Cold Steel II following on from not only the story of the prequel, but also with the already accessible (by JRPG standards) battle mechanics and character customisation features, which prove to work well to add a little strategy to the proceedings. Despite some shortcomings, there is a lot to like here, especially for Persona fans who have become so familiar with the calendar-based narrative and party member bonding sessions that affect gameplay, with a mature storyline that doesn't stray too far from its anime roots, but strikes a perfect balance with its wonderful characters.
Just like Trails of Cold Steel before it, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II is an excellent game, and a fitting second act after the first game’s exquisite setup. I can’t recommend it highly enough – just make sure you play Cold Steel first, otherwise you’ll miss so much of what this game has to offer.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 2 is a solid and enjoyable sequel. The tone has changed, but the characterization and combat are back in full force. There are a few nagging complaints here and there but nothing that should sour the experience for people who enjoyed the first game. At worst, it feels too familiar in both strengths and weaknesses. Almost every complaint and praise about the first game can be leveled at the second. ToCS2 is not a game for newcomers at all and is only for fans of the first. Likewise, be prepared for a game that leaves as many questions as it answers. It's a more satisfying ending than the first game, but there's still a lot more going on in Erebonia.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II is a fun JRPG that has a lot to offer the patient player. It doesn't take as long to get off the ground as its predecessor but its complexly woven narrative nevertheless makes it a slow burn. For those who weather that burn, however, satisfaction on an unprecedented scale awaits. Not even the mechanical issues can overshadow just how fantastic the story of Cold Steel II is, how rich the world is, and how compelling the characters are. This is a must-play for those who enjoy jumping into a game for the long haul. Cold Steel III can't come soon enough.
Cold Steel II personally went above and beyond my expectations of what I was expecting from a sequel and is a must play for any JRPG fan.
Trails of Cold Steel 2 might not be a flawless title, with its few cheesy story moments aside, the game never lets down the strong momentum it built up from the predecesor. Falcom has proven time and time again that it can make an engaging JRPG, which while sticking to the norms of the genre, is polished enough to stand out from the crowd.
We are getting another strong entry in The Legend of Heroes series thanks to Trails of Cold Steel II and a strong follow up that takes everything the first one did right and making it better. I’m really excited to see where things go in the next entry, because after writing my he Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II review I’m certainly ready for more!