Ethan Crossfield 
The 2026 Game of the Year conversation is becoming increasingly competitive, with acclaimed releases arriving alongside major franchise launches. One of the biggest surprises so far is Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, a newly released JRPG remake that has quickly climbed to a 92 OpenCritic score and now ranks as the year's second-highest-rated game.
A sequel that has exceeded a highly rated predecessor
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter launched on September 17 as a remake of Nihon Falcom's 2006 JRPG The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC. It follows Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, which arrived almost exactly a year earlier and earned a 90 OpenCritic score. The new release has therefore improved on an already well-received foundation rather than simply matching its predecessor's reputation.
The story continues Estelle Bright's journey as a young Bracer from Liberl. After Joshua disappears abruptly, Estelle sets out to uncover the truth behind his absence. The game combines real-time action with turn-based combat, giving its battles a hybrid structure that can appeal to fans of both JRPG approaches.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter sits just behind Mythmatch
OpenCritic currently places Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter second among 2026 releases. The Steam match-3 game Mythmatch leads with a 93, leaving the Trails remake only one point behind. Other highly rated games include Dave the Diver: In the Jungle, Mina the Hollower, and Forza Horizon 6, each at 91.
Critical praise has focused on the remake's visual presentation, updated mechanics, and overall polish. Reviewers have also highlighted its character writing, detailed world, and carefully paced narrative. Those strengths appear to have helped the sequel turn an established RPG into one of the most prominent releases in this year's awards discussion.
The awards picture remains open
A 92 is not a guarantee of a Game of the Year win, particularly with major releases still expected before the 2026 awards season concludes. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake and GTA 6 are both identified as upcoming heavy-hitters, and their reception could reshape the field.
For now, however, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter has a strong position in the RPG category and a credible chance of competing beyond it. Its audience response is also encouraging: the game currently holds a 96% Very Positive rating from Steam users.
Key points
- Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter released on September 17, 2026.
- The remake has a 92 OpenCritic score, second only to Mythmatch's 93.
- It continues Estelle Bright's story after the events of 1st Chapter.
- The game currently has a 96% Very Positive Steam user rating.
Top 2026 OpenCritic scores mentioned
| Game | OpenCritic score |
|---|---|
| Mythmatch | 93 |
| Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter | 92 |
| Dave the Diver: In the Jungle | 91 |
| Mina the Hollower | 91 |
| Forza Horizon 6 | 91 |
Expert View
The reception suggests that the Trails series can attract major awards attention when its older RPG foundations are paired with modern presentation and mechanics. For the franchise community, the sequel's score validates the remake project while giving the series a stronger profile beyond its established fan base. The remaining 2026 releases will determine whether that momentum becomes a Best RPG win or a broader GOTY breakthrough.
