This is my first and only review on GOG so far, but I really felt like I owed it to this underrated gem. I'll start by admitting that the first episode was really slow-paced and might not have been to everyone's taste (I liked it anyway). I also have to mention the fact that Second Chapter lazily re-uses all the assets from the first episode: 90% of the environments, characters, music tracks, etc were recycled from FC, which is really disappointing. Trails in the Sky is as traditional and "by the book" as JRPGs can get, but what's on offer here is a real treat for all those who still long for the golden days when we could enjoy such games as Suikoden, the first Grandia or Skies of Arcadia. Games with simple but well-paced and interesting stories, immersive worlds, and a bunch of endearing characters you really cared for. Addictive games where you couldn't stop playing until you reached the final conclusion. These are exactly some of the strengths you'll find in the second chapter of Trails in the Sky. For those of you who liked the first chapter, you simply HAVE to buy this game. Basically, it's the same thing, but so much better on almost every aspect, and it brings the duology to an incredibly satisfying conclusion. The pacing is great, the story is full of unforgettable moments and features some of the most likeable characters I've seen in a video game for a long while. The battle system is still highly enjoyable, and some boss fights are truly epic thanks to the well-balanced difficulty (provided you don't skip the optional content). The attention to detail when it comes to NPC-writing or world-building is utterly staggering. Players who like to spend time talking to NPCs, exploring every nook and cranny, and looking for sidequests will be greatly rewarded for their dedication. Even the quality of the soundtrack has improved dramatically since the first chapter, and many of the new tunes contribute a lot to the overall quality of the game. As one other reviewer said, I felt a real sense of loss after compelting it. It's just that good. PS: Kudos to the localisation team for their amazing work.
