Tales of Symphonia Review (no fat)

Game Description

Tales of Symphonia was one of the most awaited games for the Nintendo GameCube. It’s a real time RPG that has made itself the talk of GameCube owners. In this game, Lloyd Irving is a young man who lives in the village where the Chosen of mana resides. When things start to go awry, the Chosen and her group find themselves in a struggle where the line between good and evil isn’t always clear.

Introduction

The Tales series’ history extends clear back to the Super Nintendo. The first Tales game to come out was Tales of Phantasia. Tales of Phantasia was so vastly popular that it was the only one of the Tales games to have been made twice—it was later ported to Playstation. Even today, many fans regard Tales of Phantasia to be the best in the series.

Even for the most loyal gamer, though, Tales of Symphonia just might place a new favorite on their gaming list. The Tales series returns in a new game with shining glory. Gamers dare not miss this game, especially not the fans of the Tales.

Graphics

In this cell shaded work of wonder there is much to spark your curiosity. The graphics may make the game come off as cheesy, especially in the first few minutes. Like any worthwhile game, though, the graphics will easily be recognized as being part of something much greater.

In the fields of battle or even just running through a town, the brilliance of the game comes through the graphics. The game is simply marvelous once you stop to take a look at it for what it is really worth. Everything has been crafted carefully to perfection, and it won’t take long for you to grow attached.

Sound

Also, the sound is every bit as captivating. Tales of Symphonia simply has to have one of the best soundtracks of any RPG made on any of the consoles. I’d even be bold enough to say it’s about as good as any Final Fantasy soundtrack.

The characters in the game have also been given a set of excellent voice actors. This is especially helpful when the scenes become a little lengthy or hard to understand. Although the characters don’t always talk, you will become appreciative of this small yet delicate detail.

Gameplay and Control

As to be expected with any standard RPG, there are many controls to be mastered. At first it will seems like a very slow process but once the basic controls have been learned the rest will come in due time. The A button is used mainly to attack and later is used in combination with the directional stick for various character moves or maneuvering around the enemies on the battlefield. The X and Y buttons are used to bring up menu screens such as the item screen or the escape option. The Z button in the meanwhile is used for skits. Triggering the Z button when the purple icon of the button flashes on the screen will automatically interrupt the game play to display conversations between characters.

All that aside, the game allows for character build ups through various features like titles, EX skills, and items that are equipped. Everything in the menu screen can be used to benefit the character. It’s up to you to decide what kind of fighter each character becomes.

Value

Any Tales fan knows the value of any of the Tales games. For newer gamers, the Tales of Symphonia game is an opportunity not meant to be missed. It is easily one of the best games available for the GameCube. To pass it up would almost unthinkable.

Final Verdict

Tales of Symphonia is purely one of the best games to have come for the GameCube. Anybody would easily love this game. It’s one of the elite. There’s nothing more to say about it.

Review written by Stephanie Thuer.