The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 119 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 96 out of 119
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 119
  3. Negative: 17 out of 119
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  1. Nagido
    Nov 29, 2016
    9
    Trails of Cold Steel II isn't a perfect game by any means and it isn't a game that will suit every taste either, but it definitely is one of the best J-RPGs (along the other The Legend of Heroes games) of the last few years with tons of content (I am at 100+ hours and am not done yet) cool systems, good story and characters, tons of side quests, fun mini games a.s.o. ... One of the seriesTrails of Cold Steel II isn't a perfect game by any means and it isn't a game that will suit every taste either, but it definitely is one of the best J-RPGs (along the other The Legend of Heroes games) of the last few years with tons of content (I am at 100+ hours and am not done yet) cool systems, good story and characters, tons of side quests, fun mini games a.s.o. ... One of the series biggest strengths lies in how it is connected with the other The Legend of Heroes games, meaning that having played Trails in the Sky for instance really adds to the overall experience. Honestly, the world is great.
    My only real gripe are the many, many cringe-worthy lines of dialog delivered by some of the main cast. It's not the worst I have seen in Japanese media but I can't help but think "no one would ever say something like that!" It never kept me from playing, though I do think it did somewhat harm certain scenes that could otherwise have had a much stronger emotional impact ...
    Bottom line? It's a great game and anyone who enjoyed Trails of Cold Steel 1 should enjoy the second installment just as much.    … Expand
  2. NexusTsunami
    Nov 19, 2016
    10
    1. Vorwort:
    Das Spiel setzt direkt an das Ende des Vorgängers an (Die Trails of Cold Steel Serie wird eine Trilogie). Und wieder war ich von der ersten Minute gefesselt. Das schöne dabei: ToCS2 liest den abgeschlossen Spielstand des Vorgängers ein und übernimmt somit z.B. das "Bonding" des Vorgängers. Im Klartext: Bei mir war Fie meine Romanze im ersten Teil und dies beeinflusst im    1. Vorwort:
    Das Spiel setzt direkt an das Ende des Vorgängers an (Die Trails of Cold Steel Serie wird eine Trilogie). Und wieder war ich von der ersten Minute gefesselt. Das schöne dabei: ToCS2 liest den abgeschlossen Spielstand des Vorgängers ein und übernimmt somit z.B. das "Bonding" des Vorgängers. Im Klartext: Bei mir war Fie meine Romanze im ersten Teil und dies beeinflusst im Zweiten die Dialoge und Sequenzen! Deshalb kann oder muss ich jeden der sich für dieses Spiel interessiert ans Herz legen erst den ersten Teil zu spielen (sonst fehlt ohnehin das Grundwissen)!!! Aber bitte beachten: Dieses Spiel ist komplett - aber gut verständlichem - Englisch.

    2. Spielmechaniken:
    ToCS2 bedient sich im Grundsatz an den Mechaniken des Vorgängers und erweitert diese um sinnvolle Art und Weise. Das Kampfsystem ist wie bereits im Vorgänger brilliant. Es läuft komplett rundenbasierend ab. Die Charaktere können verlinkt werden, was je nach "Link Level" (wird z.B. durch Character Events erhöht) verschiedene Effekte hervorruft (z.B. Link Partner greif nach einem Critical Hit des aktiven Characters an). Kern des Systems sind "Arts" (Magie) und "Crafts" (charakterbezogene Skills). Beides bedient sich einem von drei Wirkfeldern ("Line", "Area" oder "Singletarget") und diversen Elementen bzw. Effekten die mit dem Einsatz daherkommen.

    Auch in diesem Teil können "S-Crafts" eingesetzt werden. Hierbei handelt es sich um JRPG typische "ultimative" Skills welche schön anzusehen sind und dem Gegner natürlich ordentlich an der HP-Leiste knabbern.

    Erweitert werden die Mechaniken im zweiten Teil durch einen "Overdrive" Modus welcher es beim aktivieren erlaubt, mit seinem Link Partner dreimal in Folge anzugreifen. Auch gibt es nun noch mehr Crafts und S-Crafts, die man erlernen kann.

    Die Vielfalt der Charakterentwicklung ist durch ein interessantes "Quartz" System wahrlich endlos und es macht Spaß sich den Kopf über mögliche Setup´s zu zerbrechen.

    3. Charaktere:
    Kurzum: Wow! Ich habe viele RPG´s gespielt und in jedem gab es mindestens einen Charakter der mir auf die Nerven ging :-). Nicht bei ToCS (2)! Alle Hauptcharaktere haben ihre Beweggründe welche nachvollziehbar sind, Motive welche echt wirken und Geschichten die bewegen. Im ersten Teil wurde aus diesem Haufen der verschiedener nicht sein konnte, eine Gemeinschaft. Im zweiten Teil kämpft diese nicht darum die Welt zu retten oder das Böse aus ihr zu vertreiben. Sie kämpfen füreinander und dies um jeden Preis. Dies wird nicht nur (für japanische Verhältnisse :-)) realistisch sondern auch rührend herübergebracht. Man muss den Cast einfach mögen (besonders die Mädel´s ...und vorallem Fie ;-)). Wie auch im ersten Teil gibt es "Bonding Events" welche man "zwischen" den Missionen erleben kann und das Bonding Level erhöht. Natürlich kann man durch Priorisierung am Ende wieder seine Holde wählen ;-). Der Cast an spielbaren Charakteren wurde im Vergleich zum Vorgänger übringens erweiteret...

    4. Story:
    Hier möchte ich nicht zu viel verraten. Ich persönlich finde sie besser (vorallem epischer) als im ersten Teil... Aber vor allem eines: Mitreisend! Die Spielzeit bis zu den Credits betrug bei mir über 110 Stunden (wie bei Teil 1).

    5. Spielewelt:
    Im Grunde spielt sich alles in der gleichen Welt ab wie in Teil 1. Dies heißt auch, dass Gebiete "recycelt" werden. Was ich persönlich allerdings überhaupt nicht kritisch, fand da es sich irgendwie natürlich anfühlte die gleichen Gebiete zu besuchen wenn man sich in der gleichen Welt befindet. Als sehr positiv empfand ich, dass man anders als in Teil 1, Gebiete immer wieder besuchen kann! Kurzum wem ToCS1 zu linear war, wird hier glücklich.

    6. Grafik:
    "Der" Punkt für Kritiker. Ja auch ich habe The Witcher 3 gespielt und war von der Detailverliebtheit und der Immersion geplättet und habe erlebt zu welchen Maßstäben Videospiele der neuen Generation fähig sind.
    Wir reden hier aber von einem JRPG. Von Spielen die ohnehin nicht von ihrer Grafik leben WOLLEN (FF mal ausgenommen :-)). Dieses Spiel lebt von seinem minimalistischem Anime Look welcher, zumindest für mich, sehr treffend und ausreichend genug ist mich in der Welt versinken zu lassen.

    7. Sound:
    Perfekt! Mal wieder hat Falcom´s hauseigene Band/Orchester gezeigt wie episch, emotional und melanchonisch Videospielmusik sein kann! Top!!! Es wurden auch Lieder aus dem ersten Teil rearrangiert...

    8. Schlusswort:
    Für mich ist Trails of Cold Steel 2 (sowie sein Vorgänger) etwas ganz besonderes. Noch nie hat mich ein RPG/JRPG so in seine Welt gezogen, sei sie grafisch nicht auf dem Stand wir wie es heute erwarten. Noch nie haben es Charaktere vermocht
    mich so zu binden. Ich war Teil von "Class 7" - habe mit ihnen geweint und gelacht! Noch nie habe ich so viel Zeit damit verbracht mir die perfekten Setup´s/Build´s für meine Party zu überlegen (und ich bei vielen Spielen lange damit beschäftigt :-)).

    Fazit: 10 Punkte!!! 5 Sterne!!! 100 Prozent!!! - Für mich eine RPG Perle    … Expand
  3. FlareZer0
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Amazing game, it got even better from the first one, epic character, even the NPC are really good, the story is good, the battle system it's really awensome, on of the best turn based I ever played, the music it's really catchy, and some moments are really strabiliant, Impressive.
  4. lewdbeat
    Mar 30, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If you don't get this game before you die, then your life was not worth. With breathtaking plot twists and absolute epic music to fill those moments, everything in this game is perfect! But make sure to play the first game. It's like an introductory game for a bigger one!

    I couldn't believe I could be in tears by the death of a mere NPC.    … Expand
  5. Woad_Brah
    Dec 28, 2016
    10
    The best JRPG released in 2016! Yes, it's even better than FFXV (which is also terrific)!

    Buy this! Support the devs so they can release the 3rd game on PS4!
  6. chronofantasy
    Nov 20, 2016
    10
    It's a bit different from the first Trails of Cold Steel game, but the story continues on right from the first one. You should play the first one before you play the second one. Personally I prefer the first one, but this one also has a lot to it in terms of making new story discoveries and going to several new areas.

    It's a bit of a mash-up between suikoden, persona, Final Fantasy, and    It's a bit different from the first Trails of Cold Steel game, but the story continues on right from the first one. You should play the first one before you play the second one. Personally I prefer the first one, but this one also has a lot to it in terms of making new story discoveries and going to several new areas.

    It's a bit of a mash-up between suikoden, persona, Final Fantasy, and other classic JRPGs. There's some new added battle features added in, and there's new mini games. In act 2, about 2/3rd through the game, you gather students to join you, but they do not fight with you, but they have their own small part to play in the game.

    The soundtrack and animation is beautiful, and the story is great. The game itself has at least 50 to 60 or more hours worth of gameplay, and there's replay value in the game.

    This game as well as the other Trails games is a definite recommend for a modern JRPG. There's also fast travel and retry for failed battles for the lazy gamers.    … Expand
  7. akamawen
    Sep 13, 2016
    9
    If you are big fans of classic JRPG like Wild Arms 2 and Grandia series, these series will bring back old memories. You will experience unique TB battle system, good-twisting stories, good soundtrack & beautiful anime-style art once more!
  8. OwtDaft
    Feb 14, 2020
    6
    + Great battle system returns.
    + Still has great characters.
    +- Lots of revisiting old locations from the first game. - First game ended on a climax. The 2nd game starts by killing that intensity. - The game some how has worse pacing than the first game. - Large part of the story is simply finding your class mates. - More open world this time, but it it's easy to miss stuff as a    + Great battle system returns.
    + Still has great characters.
    +- Lots of revisiting old locations from the first game.
    - First game ended on a climax. The 2nd game starts by killing that intensity.
    - The game some how has worse pacing than the first game.
    - Large part of the story is simply finding your class mates.
    - More open world this time, but it it's easy to miss stuff as a result and slows pacing.
    - Mech battles are too basic and easy to be fun.    … Expand
  9. Vadrael
    Apr 7, 2018
    10
    The game is amazing! Rich Character,Story and a good Battle system.
    Obviously the Graphic isnt the strong point since its made by a small Company with limited ressources, but a good jrpg was never about Graphics thats why i give it a 10 out of 10
  10. karmic_devil
    Jul 18, 2019
    7
    Love the world. Love the story. Love the characters. Love the combat system. HATE the difficulty curve.
    Sadly this game is a cakewalk. Even on the nightmare setting.
    If you played the first game, yes you should play this one. It continues the story and introduces a couple new characters and that is very cool - the narrative elements are a huge reason why we play JRPGs after all. On    Love the world. Love the story. Love the characters. Love the combat system. HATE the difficulty curve.
    Sadly this game is a cakewalk. Even on the nightmare setting.

    If you played the first game, yes you should play this one. It continues the story and introduces a couple new characters and that is very cool - the narrative elements are a huge reason why we play JRPGs after all.

    On the other hand, if you found that about halfway through the first game there was no more challenge in combat, you will get there even faster in this title and that is a real disappointment.

    Magic is very powerful in this game. We nicknamed Emma "the finisher" because she basically only needed 1 turn to wipe out any group (yes group!) of non-boss enemies.

    The boss battles were more satisfying but still often felt procedural after using spells/abilities that protect the entire party from a magic attack and a physical attack. At that point you are in something of a lather, rinse, repeat cycle for the next 30 minutes until you bring that big guy down.

    I shouldn't be so down on this game - honestly it is the best JRPG you are likely to get these days. It has a good story and likable characters and fortunately has stuck with a turn-based combat system instead of trying to convert it into an MMO (RIP Final Fantasy). The problem is just that with a little more effort it could have been so much more than it is.

    If this games combat had scaled to be appropriately difficult throughout the game it would be an easy 10. The fact that a lot of the game just made me feel like I was going through the motions, however, really brought the whole experience down.    … Expand
  11. coldnorth89
    Mar 11, 2019
    10
    Great Game with a traditional rpg battle system unlike the most so called rpgs that are released today.
    Thats how a rpg should be great battle system great story great characters.
    Probably the best rpg in the generation ps3, xbox360,(with part 1 of course)
    I wish more rpgs like these would be made today.
  12. Ikrus
    Aug 23, 2023
    1
    Why do Falcom & XSEED Games continuously put out games with heavy undertones and straight up scenes of sexual assault in their games and brush it off as comedy? I've seen people call this Japanese humor and what not, but cultures and mindsets should always be challenged and made more accessible to all groups of people.
  13. Rafa_Vyr
    Apr 10, 2023
    10
    Simply incredible. Super recommend. Very good!!! One of the best JRPG i have played on the PS3. This game is the best of Cold Steel series.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Meristation
    Nov 16, 2016
    88
    The Legend of Heroes Trails of The Cold Steel II It arrives demonstrating that the formula of Falcom continues working almost to the perfection.
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  2. Digitally Downloaded
    Sep 21, 2016
    100
    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.
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  3. We Got This Covered
    Sep 10, 2016
    80
    The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel II is a content-rich adventure that mixes excellent JRPG mechanics with wonderfully scripted character relationships. For those unfamiliar with the series, though, it may be best to start with the original.
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