Rules
- All discussion of Tales related topics of subjects are allowed in the thread with the exception of the release of most recent Tales games which will be discussed in their respective OTs.
- Games not localized in the West are permitted for discussion but please be considerate of spoilers. As such using spoiler boxes liberally is advised.
- There are no bars on spoiler tags for games already released in the west with the exception of the new title which will be discussed in the OT as mentioned previously. (This rule is subject to change at any time)
- Please be civil whenever possible and be considerate. If you have to question whether you should post something, you probably shouldnt post it.
- Fanart and such is acceptable as long as it is safe for work and meets standard NeoGAF rules.
- All other GAF rules still apply.
- Additional rules will be added or currents will be changed depending on conflicts and such.
- DO NOT beg/ask/talk about Tales of Vesperia PS3 localization. Doing so will get you an instant ban. Its a tired subject and we dont need the community thread tainted with this subject.
For Your Information!
- Don't like the banner? Make a new one for me! I suck at it anyway.
- This section will be updated as the thread goes on for commonly asked questions, insightful posts, etc.
- The thread can be drastically changed due to community additions and such. Please help us make this thread better by offering suggestions and assistance!
- This thread is meant to be lax and chill. Have fun and go ballistic.
What is Tales?
Tales is a long running JRPG series. It celebrates its 17 anniversary this year in Japan and 15th anniversary in the West. It features an action-combat system with real-time combat. Each title in the franchise is grounded in the Linear Motion Battle system where characters move on a linear plane much like a side scroller. Over the years the series has evolved to allow characters to run freely without being restricted to a line or radial movement for dodging. The series has a deep combat system that encourages pulling off special moves called Artes and create unique combos.
Each title also features a unique story with varied characters. The story has a central theme that permeates throughout the game. For instance Vesperia is based on the idea of justice while Abyss hones in on the meaning of birth. The franchise focuses on character interactions and uses this dynamic to create interesting and often times funny moments. While sequels exist within the franchise, nearly all the titles are separate from each other with little to no ties connecting them making each entry into the franchise a new but familiar one.
Previously Namco Tales Studio developed the game with various teams working on each title, such as Team Destiny and Team Symphonia, but they have now consolidated under the Namco Bandai Games roof and exists as a single entity. Various teams exist within the company but they are no longer referred to by team names. Older games will still have their respective team name credits but newer games do not.
Hideo Baba is one of the key figures in the series as he has produced and direct on many of the Tales games released thus far including the most recent title Tales of Xillia. He oversees the games production and development as well as manages the Tales series brand. Kosuke Fujishima and Mutsumi Inomata act as the main character designers for the franchise. Each designer works on a single game but recently their works have been cooperative giving rise to Tales of Xillia and Tales of Xillia 2. In addition, Daigo Okumura is a veteran character designer most notable for his contributions in Tales of Xillia 2 and Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. Motoi Sakuraba composes many of the series soundtracks with many compelling rock and orchestral themes.
Feel free to ask questions about any of the Tales games and what sets each apart. Enjoy your time and have fun.
Tales is a long running JRPG series. It celebrates its 17 anniversary this year in Japan and 15th anniversary in the West. It features an action-combat system with real-time combat. Each title in the franchise is grounded in the Linear Motion Battle system where characters move on a linear plane much like a side scroller. Over the years the series has evolved to allow characters to run freely without being restricted to a line or radial movement for dodging. The series has a deep combat system that encourages pulling off special moves called Artes and create unique combos.
Combat system from Tales of Graces f
Each title also features a unique story with varied characters. The story has a central theme that permeates throughout the game. For instance Vesperia is based on the idea of justice while Abyss hones in on the meaning of birth. The franchise focuses on character interactions and uses this dynamic to create interesting and often times funny moments. While sequels exist within the franchise, nearly all the titles are separate from each other with little to no ties connecting them making each entry into the franchise a new but familiar one.
The cast from Tales of Vesperia
Previously Namco Tales Studio developed the game with various teams working on each title, such as Team Destiny and Team Symphonia, but they have now consolidated under the Namco Bandai Games roof and exists as a single entity. Various teams exist within the company but they are no longer referred to by team names. Older games will still have their respective team name credits but newer games do not.
Combat system from Tales of Xillia
Hideo Baba is one of the key figures in the series as he has produced and direct on many of the Tales games released thus far including the most recent title Tales of Xillia. He oversees the games production and development as well as manages the Tales series brand. Kosuke Fujishima and Mutsumi Inomata act as the main character designers for the franchise. Each designer works on a single game but recently their works have been cooperative giving rise to Tales of Xillia and Tales of Xillia 2. In addition, Daigo Okumura is a veteran character designer most notable for his contributions in Tales of Xillia 2 and Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. Motoi Sakuraba composes many of the series soundtracks with many compelling rock and orchestral themes.
Hideo Baba
Feel free to ask questions about any of the Tales games and what sets each apart. Enjoy your time and have fun.
Mothership Titles
Generation 1 (SNES)
Tales of Phantasia - The game launched first for the Super Famicom and later received ports for the PlayStation, PSP, and the GBA. Phantasia brought out an action-based combat system known as the Linear Motion Battle system allowing for real time attacks against an enemy. Like a fighting game, players scrolled left and right defeating enemies that were in the field. The games story focuses on Cless Alvein on his quest to take revenge on a dark knight who wiped out his home town. Along the way he becomes entangled on a journey much grander than he initially thought and gains comrades on the way. Dhaos, an evil sorcerer sealed away awakens and its up to Cless and his comrades to defeat him.
Generation 2 (PlayStation)
Tales of Destiny - Released on the PlayStation and later for the PlayStation 2 as a revamped game, Destiny follows the journey of Stahn Aileron. Seeking fame, glory, and and adventure he sets off to travel the world. While taking a ride on a flying airship, he is attacked by hostile airships. He equips himself with a living sword known as a Swordian and fights back. However, by partnering up with this sword he enters a journey that he never wouldve thought possible. Destiny takes the action based combat from Phantasia and adds a combo based system allowing for a faster paced and flashier experience.
Tales of Eternia
Generation 3 (Gamecube, PlayStation 2)
Tales of Destiny 2
Tales of Symphonia
Tales of Rebirth
Tales of Legendia
Tales of the Abyss
Generation 4 (Xbox, PlayStation 3, Wii, Nintendo DS)
Tales of Innocence Innocences story starts with the birthing of new powers within the people around the world. Ruca Milda, the games protagonist is also developing these powers. As the world begins to divide itself fearing those who have power and those who dont, Ruca is on a journey of understanding his power, his dreams, others dreams and the world around him. Innocence uses the trademark linear battle system like Destiny but adds the free roam elements like Abyss.
Tales of Vesperia - While Vesperia fails to expand on the free-roam system from Abyss, Vesperia brings a plethora of additions for a deep experience. Featuring a new Overlimit system allowing for infinite Arte stringing and varied characters with new ways to fight, Vesperia boasts an intuitive and fun combat system. The story is centered around the idea of justice and what it means for a person to carry out justice. Protagonist Yuri takes matters into his own hands when a thief steals a Blastia from the lower quarters of the capital city Zaphias. Blastia control everything from the light that runs in houses to the barriers that keep the monsters outside the city at bay. Its up to Yuri to search for the thief but is there something greater for him?
Tales of Hearts - Hearts was initially a DS title and later reimagined as a PSV title. Hearts follows the story of Shing Meteoryte and Amber Hearts. Shing finds Amber drift ashore and becomes entangled in a journey to look for Soma, a weapon and defeat monsters called Zerom who eat peoples hearts. Shing is joined by Ambers brother Jadeite including others as they dabble in the worlds politics, the characters deep interconnected relationships, and the meaning of love. Hearts is similar to the Destiny games using a fast paced combo based system relying on aerial maneuvering. Just like the other games, Hearts confines the party to a linear movement but allows for great depth in how to approach your enemy due to the Emotional Gauge system allowing unlimited attack combinations as long as the gauge isnt empty.
Tales of Graces - Originally released for the Wii and later a directors cut titled Tales of Graces f for the PS3, Graces is a different game than its predecessors. While the battle takes place with linear movement, players have the ability to dodge enemy attacks using circular movements. This radial maneuvering in combination with the Chain Capacity system which allows for limitless combo gives player the ability to dynamically attack foes. Very reminiscent of the Destiny games, Graces places a heavy emphasis on constant attacks and simultaneous dodging. Graces focuses on the story of Asbel who wishes to protect everyone and journeys around the world to become a full-fledged knight in both name and in meaning.
Tales of Xillia - Acting as the 15th anniversary title, Xillia takes Tales to new places with new additions. Character designers Kosuke Fujishima and Mutsumi Inomata cooperate to round out Xillias cast. Featuring a dual protagonist narrative system, players can choose either Jude or Millas perspective of Xillias story. While a large chunk of the story remains the same, you get to view the world through their individual eyes offering varying perspectives. The game is set in Lieze Maxia where Spirits and humans live harmoniously. When something goes wrong Milla Maxwell steps in to set the world right again. Xillia expands upon the free-roam battle system by adding Links. Characters in battle can link up together to focus enemies, assist each other in battle, and pull of devastating Link Artes.
Tales of Xillia 2 - Xillia 2 is a direct sequel taking one year after the events of first game.
Generation 1 (SNES)
Tales of Phantasia - The game launched first for the Super Famicom and later received ports for the PlayStation, PSP, and the GBA. Phantasia brought out an action-based combat system known as the Linear Motion Battle system allowing for real time attacks against an enemy. Like a fighting game, players scrolled left and right defeating enemies that were in the field. The games story focuses on Cless Alvein on his quest to take revenge on a dark knight who wiped out his home town. Along the way he becomes entangled on a journey much grander than he initially thought and gains comrades on the way. Dhaos, an evil sorcerer sealed away awakens and its up to Cless and his comrades to defeat him.
Generation 2 (PlayStation)
Tales of Destiny - Released on the PlayStation and later for the PlayStation 2 as a revamped game, Destiny follows the journey of Stahn Aileron. Seeking fame, glory, and and adventure he sets off to travel the world. While taking a ride on a flying airship, he is attacked by hostile airships. He equips himself with a living sword known as a Swordian and fights back. However, by partnering up with this sword he enters a journey that he never wouldve thought possible. Destiny takes the action based combat from Phantasia and adds a combo based system allowing for a faster paced and flashier experience.
Tales of Eternia
Generation 3 (Gamecube, PlayStation 2)
Tales of Destiny 2
Tales of Symphonia
Tales of Rebirth
Tales of Legendia
Tales of the Abyss
Generation 4 (Xbox, PlayStation 3, Wii, Nintendo DS)
Tales of Innocence Innocences story starts with the birthing of new powers within the people around the world. Ruca Milda, the games protagonist is also developing these powers. As the world begins to divide itself fearing those who have power and those who dont, Ruca is on a journey of understanding his power, his dreams, others dreams and the world around him. Innocence uses the trademark linear battle system like Destiny but adds the free roam elements like Abyss.
Tales of Vesperia - While Vesperia fails to expand on the free-roam system from Abyss, Vesperia brings a plethora of additions for a deep experience. Featuring a new Overlimit system allowing for infinite Arte stringing and varied characters with new ways to fight, Vesperia boasts an intuitive and fun combat system. The story is centered around the idea of justice and what it means for a person to carry out justice. Protagonist Yuri takes matters into his own hands when a thief steals a Blastia from the lower quarters of the capital city Zaphias. Blastia control everything from the light that runs in houses to the barriers that keep the monsters outside the city at bay. Its up to Yuri to search for the thief but is there something greater for him?
Tales of Hearts - Hearts was initially a DS title and later reimagined as a PSV title. Hearts follows the story of Shing Meteoryte and Amber Hearts. Shing finds Amber drift ashore and becomes entangled in a journey to look for Soma, a weapon and defeat monsters called Zerom who eat peoples hearts. Shing is joined by Ambers brother Jadeite including others as they dabble in the worlds politics, the characters deep interconnected relationships, and the meaning of love. Hearts is similar to the Destiny games using a fast paced combo based system relying on aerial maneuvering. Just like the other games, Hearts confines the party to a linear movement but allows for great depth in how to approach your enemy due to the Emotional Gauge system allowing unlimited attack combinations as long as the gauge isnt empty.
Tales of Graces - Originally released for the Wii and later a directors cut titled Tales of Graces f for the PS3, Graces is a different game than its predecessors. While the battle takes place with linear movement, players have the ability to dodge enemy attacks using circular movements. This radial maneuvering in combination with the Chain Capacity system which allows for limitless combo gives player the ability to dynamically attack foes. Very reminiscent of the Destiny games, Graces places a heavy emphasis on constant attacks and simultaneous dodging. Graces focuses on the story of Asbel who wishes to protect everyone and journeys around the world to become a full-fledged knight in both name and in meaning.
Tales of Xillia - Acting as the 15th anniversary title, Xillia takes Tales to new places with new additions. Character designers Kosuke Fujishima and Mutsumi Inomata cooperate to round out Xillias cast. Featuring a dual protagonist narrative system, players can choose either Jude or Millas perspective of Xillias story. While a large chunk of the story remains the same, you get to view the world through their individual eyes offering varying perspectives. The game is set in Lieze Maxia where Spirits and humans live harmoniously. When something goes wrong Milla Maxwell steps in to set the world right again. Xillia expands upon the free-roam battle system by adding Links. Characters in battle can link up together to focus enemies, assist each other in battle, and pull of devastating Link Artes.
Tales of Xillia 2 - Xillia 2 is a direct sequel taking one year after the events of first game.
Escort Titles
Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon 1, 2, and 3
Tales of the World: Summoner's Lineage
Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 1, 2, and 3
Tales of the World: Material Dungeon
Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon X
Tales of the World: Dice Adventure
Tales of the World: Tactics Union
Tales of Fandom Vol.1 and 2
Tales of the Tempest
Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
Tales of VS.
Tales of Kizna
Tales of the Heroes: Twin Brave
Tales of Card Evolve
Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon 1, 2, and 3
Tales of the World: Summoner's Lineage
Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 1, 2, and 3
Tales of the World: Material Dungeon
Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon X
Tales of the World: Dice Adventure
Tales of the World: Tactics Union
Tales of Fandom Vol.1 and 2
Tales of the Tempest
Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
Tales of VS.
Tales of Kizna
Tales of the Heroes: Twin Brave
Tales of Card Evolve
Animation
Tales of Phantasia: The Animation
Tales of Eternia: The Animation
Tales of Symphonia: The Animation
Tales of the Abyss
Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike
Tales of Phantasia: The Animation
Tales of Eternia: The Animation
Tales of Symphonia: The Animation
Tales of the Abyss
Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike
