[Persona7]

You are in for a treat. It seems Namco (or Baba at least) understand the fact that heavy marketing and promotion is required to increase Tales presence in western markets. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8Soo...eature=g-all-u Skip to 2:50.

I have already played part of a import copy, it is just not a high priority for me right now.

[BlackIronCount]

if this is a mothership title, didn't mater whatever platform it will be, in the end it will always ended up on Playstation one way or another.

i am still dreaming scamco would slowing down in japan and speed up the localization of tales game

[SMT]

Yeah, same. Xillia's plot was interesting. The way it was executed was probably not the best way, but at least the underlying premise was interesting enough. Add "clamouring for Vesperia PS3" to that, since I don't see that mindset going away any time soon. There are too many Tales games announced per annum for the west to catch up. Like duckroll said, they'll always be behind because it takes a while to localize them, and also because several are announced simultaneously and thus Namco picks the mothership title to localize. Then sometimes (or lately) they release a better version of the product a year later, and then we see complaining along the lines of the Vesperia PS3 situation where the west got the 360 version (which, while I haven't played that version, still seems like a competent game regardless of the additions made to the PS3 version).

There's a translation being worked on for one of those games, I'm not saying which because I don't want to jeopardize the operation if it was ever searched on google, but it made me buy a Japanese version. Woohoo.

[Tears For Fears]

I prefer they start fresh again, so Wii U or 3DS\Vita would be awesome.

[R_thanatos]

There's a translation being worked on for one of those games, I'm not saying which because I don't want to jeopardize the operation if it was ever searched on google, but it made me buy a Japanese version. Woohoo.

teh translation for vesperia PS3 will require (probably ) an old ps3 firmware unless a new hack is found... also i dunno if buy a game because a translation is underway a good choice as the project is not garanteed to reach final stages ...

Especially at vesperia price ATM ( very high )

[Aeana]

Guys, I know you're not expecting this... But I just had a great idea that will lift the new Playstation handheld off the ground. Just listen to this... TALES OF VITA! Translated to: Tales of Life! Makes sense. [IMG]http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg688/scaled.php?server=688&filename=talesofvitasmt.png&res=landing[IMG]

Tales of Vita will be for 3DS, not Vita. Tales of 3D will be for Vita.

I can tell you're new to Namco.

[charlequin]

the west got the 360 version (which, while I haven't played that version, still seems like a competent game regardless of the additions made to the PS3 version).

It is an extremely competent, complete, self-contained game that is excellent on its own and already has far, far more content than 90% of players will experience anyway. The Vesperia PS3 whining is far and away the single most annoying element of the already pretty high-maintenance US Tales fanbase, especially given the ridiculous console-warz undertones of the whole thing.

[Hcoregamer00]

hopefully this is with Fujishima

Agreed, I love Mutsumi Inomata but her stuff would fit a shojo-style Tales game with a stronger romance aspect.

[Hydrargyrus]

I'm sure it will be for PS3 after seeing what Xillia did

[Datschge]

Sounds good to me given how nice Vesperia looked.

Minoru Iwamoto was Vesperia's art director, Okumura did Abyss and Xillia.

[kayos90]

Agreed, I love Mutsumi Inomata but her stuff would fit a shojo-style Tales game with a stronger romance aspect.

You just made me not want Fujishima.

[RPGCrazied]

Can we have Go Shina do the soundtrack? They did a fantastic job with Legendia. I don't mind Motoi, but I think he needs a vacation.

[shintoki]

It is an extremely competent, complete, self-contained game that is excellent on its own and already has far, far more content than 90% of players will experience anyway. The Vesperia PS3 whining is far and away the single most annoying element of the already pretty high-maintenance US Tales fanbase, especially given the ridiculous console-warz undertones of the whole thing.

Supposed Tales fans sad about receiving a brand new game, with most impressions posted here saying it was the best combat system yet. For an another readily available one, but its GOTY edition.

While Namco fumbles the franchise so badly. Its a title that really isn't going to light up charts anyways, so we're pretty damn lucky to just keep getting main entry ones. So by chance if they announce a Western release for Xillia even with a new one coming. I'd be pretty damn stoked.

[Datschge]

Can we have Go Shina do the soundtrack?

At this point I'm kind of expecting Shina to keep himself busy with the on-going God Eater series instead.

[Dark Schala]

Minoru Iwamoto was Vesperia's art director, Okumura did Abyss and Xillia.

I thought Okumura was in the credits for Vesperia (art design or something?) so I had assumed he still had something to do with direction. Oops, lol.

Ah well. Il Fan and Shan Du looked nice. I hope the environments look nice in this new game since Xillia's left a lot to be desired.

[Osaka15]

I hope they pick a tone similar to that of Xillia and not Grace.

[SMT]

teh translation for vesperia PS3 will require (probably ) an old ps3 firmware unless a new hack is found... also i dunno if buy a game because a translation is underway a good choice as the project is not garanteed to reach final stages ... Especially at vesperia price ATM ( very high )

I got the Japanese version new for under $90 at Yes-Asia, everywhere else it's $110+. You can also downgrade the firmware on your PS3 from 4.11 to 3.55, it's still possible for some reason. But the translation is taking forever! They've gone weeks without translating a phrase at times.

Tales of Vita will be for 3DS, not Vita. Tales of 3D will be for Vita. I can tell you're new to Namco.

Haha, I'm hoping the new Tales for 3DS will be visually appeasing, just like all the other Tales, but built from the ground up with 3D in mind.

I think Tales of Vita will come out first however, as Abyss was already released.

[shinkansen.3000]

I got the Japanese version new for under $90 at Yes-Asia, everywhere else it's $110+. You can also downgrade the firmware on your PS3 from 4.11 to 3.55, it's still possible for some reason. But the translation is taking forever! They've gone weeks without translating a phrase at times.

I wonder why it's so expensive, during my stay in Tokyo last year it was everywhere above 5000 Yen (about €45 - $65) used, no trace of new copies either.
The group also said that they'll be releasing the translation in script format, so even if you can't patch the game you can just play along with the script. It's not bad as it looks, I've already played Abyss and Rebirth that way.

Are you sure you can downgrade by the way?

[SMT]

I wonder why it's so expensive, during my stay in Tokyo last year it was everywhere above 5000 Yen (about €45 - $65) used, no trace of new copies either. The group also said that they'll be releasing the translation in script format, so even if you can't patch the game you can just play along with the script. It's not bad as it looks, I've already played Abyss and Rebirth that way. Are you sure you can downgrade by the way?

Yep, you can still downgrade from 4.11 to 3.55 or less, it said to make sure that I have PS3 phat or slim PS3, what other PS3 is there lol?
Unreal, well I got a new version off of there, so there must have been a reprint or something, the back of mine says 'JAPAN ONLY'. Yeah right.

If you want to save $10, you can get the Korean version for $79, it is in essence the Japanese version, only with 2 extra Korean manuals, and works with the patch and Japanese DLC.

[shinkansen.3000]

Yep, you can still downgrade from 4.11 to 3.55 or less, it said to make sure that I have PS3 phat or slim PS3, what other PS3 is there lol? Unreal, well I got a new version off of there, so there must have been a reprint or something, the back of mine says 'JAPAN ONLY'. Yeah right. If you want to save $10, you can get the Korean version for $79, it is in essence the Japanese version, only with 2 extra Korean manuals, and works with the patch and Japanese DLC.

I still have a phat 40GB Ps3, even if unfortunately it's having some slight fan/overheating trouble :( I hope it stays alive until I can play Graces later this year.

Every Japanese game says Japan Only on the back. You got lucky to find a new copy!
I plan on going back to Tokyo next year, I'll get it by then. Thanks for the hint on the K version!

[Datschge]

I thought Okumura was in the credits for Vesperia (art design or something?) so I had assumed he still had something to do with direction. Oops, lol.

As of late both Okumura and Iwamoto usually are involved together in varying capacities in TS style main and plenty side games it seems. Okumura had "art design supervisor" in Vesperia, Iwamoto had "design support" in Xillia. If they (being NBGI staff) aren't involved the art direction is handled within the development team (i.e. NTS in the past) instead which last happened with Hearts and Graces.

[ZealousD]

Oh god guys, I had a nightmare last night.

For some reason, I was dreaming about the Nintendo E3 conference. Part of the presentation was actually devoted to this next Tales game. They were hyping it up that it would actually be the first simultaneous worldwide release for a Tales game.

And it was called "Tales of Bhant". A Tales crossover title for the Wii.

Even my subconscious is pessimistic about Namco's bullshit.



Also, apparently Shigeru Miyamoto was thrown into an Angry Birds ball pit?

[BishopLamont]

Doubt Vita will get Tales anytime soon.

It'll be 3DS, WiiU/PS3. Even PSP has better chance.

[Host Samurai]

I hope it's a home conslole game. Or hell, why not a PS3/Vita compatible game. Hit both markets = everyone happy.

[Hcoregamer00]

You just made me not want Fujishima.

You want more romance in your Tales game?

[shinkansen.3000]

Doubt Vita will get Tales anytime soon. It'll be 3DS, WiiU/PS3. Even PSP has better chance.

It's kinda depressing however to think that the PSP only got ports and crossover spinoffs, while the DS got 3 full titles.
Vita at least already got a full remake.

[Datschge]

It's kinda depressing however to think that the PSP only got ports and crossover spinoffs, while the DS got 3 full titles. Vita at least already got a full remake.

PSP got a full remake that was even of better quality than what Vita got. It sold significantly worse that the crossover spinoffs on the same system.

[gamergirly]

Wouldn't mind a really gripping story again. I haven't played Tales of Abyss yet(just got it on 3DS) but Tales of Symphonia/Vesperia were awesome

[Hcoregamer00]

It's kinda depressing however to think that the PSP only got ports and crossover spinoffs, while the DS got 3 full titles. Vita at least already got a full remake.

In the the defense of Radiant Mythology, the games are pretty good for the hardcore fans.

I would buy a Vita in a heartbeat if Radiant Mythology 4 was announced for PS Via.

[BishopLamont]

It's kinda depressing however to think that the PSP only got ports and crossover spinoffs, while the DS got 3 full titles. Vita at least already got a full remake.

Yeah after so many spinoffs and remakes, they didn't even bother to release a mainline game for the PSP, practically every other system got a mainline game besides the PSP.

[SykoTech]

I hope they pick a tone similar to that of Xillia and not Grace.

Agreed. What I've seen of Xillia looks pretty appealing, but Graces is a major turn off tone-wise.

[Hcoregamer00]

Agreed. What I've seen of Xillia looks pretty appealing, but Graces is a major turn off tone-wise.

While many may not agree with me, my issue is not the tone (I like the theme of friendship mixed with a lighter tone), but rather the horrible execution of the theme and the tone. With a better script and a better character dynamic both of them would create an amazing game.

Grandia 1 and Skies of Arcadia have a light tone and had a strong focus on friendship, but had a far superior execution.

[SykoTech]

While many may not agree with me, my issue is not the tone (I like the theme of friendship mixed with a lighter tone), but rather the horrible execution of the theme and the tone. With a better script and a better character dynamic both of them would create an amazing game. Grandia 1 and Skies of Arcadia have a light tone and had a strong focus on friendship, but had a far superior execution.

Agreed. I definitely don't mind friendship stuff at all. Friendship is pretty much One Piece in a nutshell, and I'm a huge fan of it. I just don't like it when it comes off so cringeworthy. I loved the way Skies of Arcadia handled things.

[shinkansen.3000]

In the the defense of Radiant Mythology, the games are pretty good for the hardcore fans. I would buy a Vita in a heartbeat if Radiant Mythology 4 was announced for PS Via.

Ah I forgot about Radiant Mythology.

PSP got a full remake that was even of better quality than what Vita got. It sold significantly worse that the crossover spinoffs on the same system.

Which one? PSP got ports of Destiny, Desitny 2, Eternia, Phantasia and Rebirth. All were ported from their PS1/2 versions, am I missing something?

[Aeana]

Ah I forgot about Radiant Mythology. Which one? PSP got ports of Destiny, Desitny 2, Eternia, Phantasia and Rebirth. All were ported from their PS1/2 versions, am I missing something?

Narikiri Dungeon, I assume.

[shinkansen.3000]

Narikiri Dungeon, I assume.

This? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tales_o...kiri_Dungeon_X

I never heard of it, it went completely under my radars...

Is it good? It seems interesting.

It looks like a Phantasia sequel like Dawn of the New World is to Symphonia.

[grandjedi6]

You want more romance in your Tales game?

An actual romance story in a Tales of game might not be that bad. However I wouldn't call anything the Tales of series has done so far "romance". So far its just been minor things like "X and Y are hinted to like each other but there is never any path off or plot attention to it" or, ever worse, "Y likes X but X is too oblivious/gay-for-Richard to notice".

[SatelliteOfLove]

Oh god guys, I had a nightmare last night. For some reason, I was dreaming about the Nintendo E3 conference. Part of the presentation was actually devoted to this next Tales game. They were hyping it up that it would actually be the first simultaneous worldwide release for a Tales game. And it was called "Tales of Bhant". A Tales crossover title for the Wii. Even my subconscious is pessimistic about Namco's bullshit. Also, apparently Shigeru Miyamoto was thrown into an Angry Birds ball pit?

This is truly divination, but what does it portend?!?! lol

While many may not agree with me, my issue is not the tone (I like the theme of friendship mixed with a lighter tone), but rather the horrible execution of the theme and the tone. With a better script and a better character dynamic both of them would create an amazing game. Grandia 1 and Skies of Arcadia have a light tone and had a strong focus on friendship, but had a far superior execution.

Boom. Anyone, after playing the game, could surmise it FAR BETTER than the yuckleheads who charted out the script and wrote the dialogue. Has no charm and little chemistry outside of Malik and Pascal ; they punch above their weight and come out bloodied for it.

An actual romance story in a Tales of game might not be that bad. However I wouldn't call anything the Tales of series has done so far "romance". So far its just been minor things like "X and Y are hinted to like each other but there is never any path off or plot attention to it" or, ever worse, "Y likes X but X is too oblivious/gay-for-Richard to notice".

After how they handle heavier topics like racism, lifelong friendship, and the like, that is something I'd rather not see.

[Man God]

Who needs romance when you have extremely creepy obsessive love in ToS2?

[Dark Schala]

As of late both Okumura and Iwamoto usually are involved together in varying capacities in TS style main and plenty side games it seems. Okumura had "art design supervisor" in Vesperia, Iwamoto had "design support" in Xillia. If they (being NBGI staff) aren't involved the art direction is handled within the development team (i.e. NTS in the past) instead which last happened with Hearts and Graces.

Ohhh, okay. Thanks for the info. I was a little confused since I saw both names in Vesperia's credits, and since I'm more familiar with Okumura as of late, I figured he was in charge.

You want more romance in your Tales game?

Let's put it this way: Tales narratives aren't the best, but I'd like to see their spin on a genuine romance. Dawn of the New World at least gave us a kiss, kind of. But, uh, the relationship seemed founded on obsession which developed into something... more, I think.

For example, Valkyria Chronicles is one of the very very very very few games that have done romance correctly. I don't see Tales even approaching that calibre at all given how it's handled other subject matter.

This? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tales_o...kiri_Dungeon_X I never heard of it, it went completely under my radars... Is it good? It seems interesting. It looks like a Phantasia sequel like Dawn of the New World is to Symphonia.

Narikiri Dungeon takes place more than 100 years after Phantasia, yeah, so it reuses locations from ToP. The original GBA GBC (thanks Datschge!) version used the P-LMBS (Petit Linear Motion Battle System). It was turn-based.

Narikiri Dungeon X is pretty good, especially towards the latter half when it expands on Phantasia's story and stuff. It comes with Tales of Phantasia X, which just adds a few things (including a new character which ties into Narikiri Dungeon X) to Phantasia Full Voice Edition.

It doesn't use P-LMBS this time. It now uses the XAR-LMBS (Cross Arts Aerial Linear Motion Battle System). It's alright. You can use attacks and stuff in the air, juggle enemies, and it has an overbrave gauge. Sometimes artes don't link well to each other so when enemies fall to the ground after you juggle them, you should probably use a ground arte.

It also has a job system; 8 job branches for each character, and 3 ranks of jobs. And it's fun to switch 'em around to keep battles fresh. Like, if you're wearing the Beast Tamer costume, you can capture monsters, if someone wears the martial artist costume, you have access to a bunch of moves that feel like they're Senel's but they flow well (much like Jude's in Xillia's), Hunter feels overpowered, etc. You also get to have the entire cast from Phantasia with their complete movesets and they can attack and juggle enemies, which is a plus.

I think that's about it. I didn't care for the dungeons. Music's great. Skits are good. I'd get it if you could find it for a decent price. I preordered it so I got the big DVD thing that came with it, and ToPX felt like it was worth it despite being another version of ToP. Edit: Oh yeah, and the sprites look amazing. Seriously.

[Datschge]

This? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tales_o...kiri_Dungeon_X I never heard of it, it went completely under my radars... Is it good? It seems interesting. It looks like a Phantasia sequel like Dawn of the New World is to Symphonia.

It's a full remake of the GBC game, it's the only (new) game by Tales Studio itself on PSP and effort wise it compares to Hearts. The battle system, while somewhat simplified, compares to the instant fun all 2D Tales games offer since Eternia. It's so far also the last 2D Tales game.

Its sales were so bad I can't image a fully new game having done any better. PSP was the crossover spinoff platform.

Edit: Once again beaten, but the original most certainly is not a GBA game. ;)

[kayos90]

You want more romance in your Tales game?

I'm a sucker for romance. Even if it's subpar. Though I could not stand "romance" in Xillia. It was horrendous.

Romance is a big narrative likey for me. I mean, there's a reason why FFVIII is my favorite FF.

[Dark Schala]

It's a full remake of the GBC game, it's the only (new) game by Tales Studio itself on PSP and effort wise it compares to Hearts. The battle system, while somewhat simplified, compares to the instant fun all 2D Tales games offer since Eternia. It's so far also the last 2D Tales game. Its sales were so bad I can't image a fully new game having done any better. PSP was the crossover spinoff platform. Edit: Once again beaten, but the original most certainly is not a GBA game. ;)

Whoops. Fixed now, thanks.

I was going to say that I think I enjoyed it more than Hearts, just because the jobs really made the battle system fun, and made all the characters feel very versatile. It's almost like you're playing with a ton of characters as opposed to just the ones you have by default. It's too bad that it did badly, but I liked it.

I'm a sucker for romance. Even if it's subpar. Though I could not stand "romance" in Xillia. It was horrendous.

That didn't feel like romance. :/

[kayos90]

That didn't feel like romance. :/

Hence the quotes. Honestly, while Xillia's character interactions were awesome and interesting, this was the one aspect that was lacking for me. Well, I guess then again we can't really have Jude and Milla since... well... hmm.... And Leia... Uhh... well.. Hm.... Yeah, you get the point.

Anyway, I want more romance in Tales. And this time it better be good, not some crappy tacked on stuff. I just want it somewhat like FFVIII. Also, Schala, F/Z this week, yeah?

[Synless]

Did Xillia have better characters than Graces, or rather, is it less cliche than Graces? I am having a hard time finishing the game due to how predictable and irritating the characters are.

[kayos90]

Did Xillia have better characters than Graces, or rather, is it less cliche than Graces? I am having a hard time finishing the game due to how predictable and irritating the characters are.

Alvin is infinitely superior to all of the Graces cast. The only appeal for Graces' cast was Malik trolling everyone.

[Hcoregamer00]

I'm a sucker for romance. Even if it's subpar. Though I could not stand "romance" in Xillia. It was horrendous. Romance is a big narrative likey for me. I mean, there's a reason why FFVIII is my favorite FF.

Oh, I completely understand. I am a sucker for a good romance, which is why I got into Anime/Manga through Shojo manga eons ago. That's also why I like the shojo-manga style of Mutsumi Inomata.

I haven't played Tales of Xillia, but I do agree that Tales games in general tends to develop romance between characters fairly poorly. The issue with RPG's is that they really don't develop romances that well in the first place. It also doesn't help that everyone has different ideas for what is a good romance in an RPG. For example, I think that Final Fantasy 8 and 10, Xenogears, Lunar 1 and 2, Valkyria Chronicles, and Grandia 1 have amazing romantic development between characters, I am sure that there will be some people who disagree with my notions of a good romance story.

[Datschge]

I was going to say that I think I enjoyed it more than Hearts, just because the jobs really made the battle system fun, and made all the characters feel very versatile. It's almost like you're playing with a ton of characters as opposed to just the ones you have by default.

Right, that was the main feature of the game really. Really lovely sprite work as well. How many different costumes were there again? 5 jobs for both Mel and Dio, with 7 costume variations each plus 7 additional cameo and joke costumes, makes for over 80 costumes altogether. Should have advertised that instead the included tweaked re-re-re-re-release of ToP PS1.

[Spiegel]

It's a full remake of the GBC game, it's the only (new) game by Tales Studio itself on PSP and effort wise it compares to Hearts. The battle system, while somewhat simplified, compares to the instant fun all 2D Tales games offer since Eternia. It's so far also the last 2D Tales game. Its sales were so bad I can't image a fully new game having done any better. PSP was the crossover spinoff platform. Edit: Once again beaten, but the original most certainly is not a GBA game. ;)

Namco might have put a comparable effort but at the end of the day one was the 'next' (at that time) main Tales game and the other was a remake of a GBC spinoff + the 5th release of TOP.

And this is not a jab against TOH. It's to clarify that ToPNDX is in no way a good game to measure potential sales of an original mainline 3D Tales (think TOA, TOS, TOG) on psp.

[Hcoregamer00]

Thinking about it through discussion in here, I do think that it would be interesting to see the Tales Studio have a hand at a serious romance story where it is the driving force for the main storyline, as opposed to being tacked-on to the main story. Like I pointed out with Tales of Graces and its friendship theme and light tone, the tone and the theme is not the problem, it is how it is executed, written, and developed.

A great romance can greatly enhance the experience since it tugs on one of the greatest emotions that we have, which is love. A great romantic story can attach the user to the characters far more than any other emotion, but it needs to be executed right. In some instances, the Tales team succeeds in bringing out the main theme successfully, in other times they fall flat on their face because it is not focused well enough or the theme doesn't integrate with the narrative that well.

I hope that when romance is the main focus of the storyline that it is done right, so that we are not left with an ambitious goal that is never met and we are left with disappointment.