Tales of Symphonia ...

[White Raven]

Is anyone getting this game when it comes out next month (or whenever for outside of NA:p)? I've preordered my copy from EB, and hopefully it rivals Skies of Arcadia: Legends for GameCube RPG supremecy.

Discuss.

[Lord Chainsaw]

I'll probably get it. I really enjoy the Tales battle system and liked Tales of Destiny (the last and only Tales game I've played)

I'm more interested in the Mega Man Collection for the GBA. I've got 1-8 so I'm not interested in the GC/PS2 one. But I'll be sure to grab the gameboy one since the only handheld Mega Man I have is 3.

I guess after I buy Mega Man I'll look into Tales.

[Rase]

I'll rent it, then if I like it, I'll by it. But from what I've heard, I should just skip the rental.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

I have a copy reserved, it looks rather good.

[Mr. Graves]

Yes, I'm getting it. This game looks so freaking awesome. About time a cool looking RPG came to the 'Cube.

[Black Mage]

Yeah, I'm getting it too.

Since my favorite game, Tales of Phantasia, is of the Tales series.

Though, I don't think it has a chance to live up to ToP's greatness. :S

[square_is_the_best]

Tales of Symphonia? Where have I heard that before? Oh yeah....when my friend that doesn't have a Gamecube called me and asked me if I was going to buy it. My reaction was huh? And he offered to buy it for me. I'll take a free game anyday. :D

[Meow]

Though reviews here and there questioned the appeal of the more "action-oriented" battle system for traditionalist roleplayers, they seem to agree that it's a highly playable (and for some, truly spectacular) RPG on a system starving for them. i'll definitely be picking it up - though not anytime soon, as fifty dollars is a strong spread of cash for a single game.

Personally, i think the battle system sounds refreshing.



Oh yeah....when my friend that doesn't have a Gamecube called me and asked me if I was going to buy it. My reaction was huh? And he offered to buy it for me. I'll take a free game anyday. :D

This is quite possibily the best gaming deal made since Atari hired Al Alcorn.

[BatChao]

HECK YEA! ToS is my #1 most wanted game right now! I spent over an hour playing around with the demo at E3... the battling is so fun! Though voice acting is pretty good, but not excellent. And of course, it's got character designs by one of my fave artists!

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

I just got the game today, so I'll give a first impression synopsis.

Battle System: This is the kind of fighting I've been wanting in RPGs for a long, LONG time. The multiplayer capability is a rather fun twist as well, the moves are easily executable, basically Smash Bros. moves, and the combat system is easy to master. If I had more characters with healing magic, that'd be great, but that's just me.

Storyline: I'm getting some major deja-vu in this department, it's looking a lot like the "Cycle of Death" from Spira in FFX, though I'm not totally sure as I haven't found out enough about the whole "Chosen One" bit to know what exactly it entails.

Graphics: Somewhat chibi-ish, but not bad. The anime cutscenes are rather good, and the battle's aren't that bad. The character outlines are bold black, and really noticable, which is an interesting technique that I'm not quite sure if I like or not.

Playability: As I've been playing it pretty much nonstop for about 4-5 hours, I'd say it's pretty good.

Other Notes: This is, so far as I know, the first duel CD game for the gamecube, and it boasts of having 80 hours of gameplay (though we'll have to see about that). Also, there are no random monster encounters, you see them on the field. Sometimes they run, sometimes they charge you down, it depends but you can probably avoid battles if you have to (though I never do).

[Rase]

Other Notes: This is, so far as I know, the first duel CD game for the gamecube,

Nah, there are others (Medal of Honor: Rising Sun, etc). But this still looks hella good.

[edczxcvbnm]

I do believe the original Resident Evil is the first dual Gamecube disc.

I am waiting for mine to arrive in the mail(i took the slowest and thus cheapest shipping method). I am kicking the living hell out of Xenosaga right now. Jr. is dealing over 1600 per turn and sometimes as high as 4000 per turn.

Tales and Star Ocean sport a similar style battle system but lets face it....Star Ocean blows in comparision.

[Sephex]

I got it on the release day, and I must say I am having lots of fun with the game. Sure, the story has a "been there, done that" feel to it, but the characters and the voice acting make it fun to experience. Kratos' voice is done by the same guy who did Liquid Snake! :)

The battle system is GREAT! I love how normal fights are easy, but the challenge is getting grade points. Once the boss fights come, you are forced to work your ass off to win! It's a perfect balance!

And does this game look ****ing beautiful or what? Even in an enviroment as bland as a desert, the game looks marvelous! I hope to see more games use this sytle of cel shading in the future (Yeah, yeah. It's not a big difference, but you still can tell).

Overall, I am having a fun time with this game. It's slowly becoming one of my favorite GameCube games.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

The battles are really fun. The character Kratos is pretty cool, but I don't fight with him because I don't know how to make his heal target other people. Also, since I tend to overuse healing techs quite a bit in any game, I tend to find it easier if he's computer controlled.

[White Raven]

Yay!

I picked up my reserved copy at EB Games yesterday and started playing it this morning.

ONE AMAZING GAME!

The battle system is so fun and original, the characters are nicely designed (especially Kratos), a sweet story thus far, and so many more cool things about it.

I even got a cool little poster and Tales of Symphonia art book because of the pre-order. A very wise investment indeed.

[edczxcvbnm]

By far the best Tales game I have played to date. I don't know if it is better than the phantasia remake on PSX but it is probably right there or better.

The only problem I have had with the series is it basically has the same story or close to it each time. I will not spoil what the similarities are for those who have not played any other tales game but this still has the best story yet.

I am probably verging on disc 2 right now and I think I have met all the characters I can get in my party.

The only thing I can really complain about is that they didn't voice over the skits which is really ackward(yes they were voiced over in the land of the rising fun). The 3D aspect to the game makes the battles more interesting and a bit easier than they were in past tales of games.

Overall I am very satified. Make me want to go back and try and beat Tales of Eternia the right way.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

The only qualm I have about the battles is that the camera centers on player 1, making it difficult for the other players to keep track of their own characters when player 1 engages an enemy off to the side (as tends to happen with me, especially considering the skills that I use).

Also, It seems I was quite right in my earlier comment about the game being like FFX. Furthermore, the fact that Kratos turned out to be a "traitor" (though that is still up in the air where I am, especially since I think he's Lloyd's father) and I can't use him anymore and thus must make do with that dandy Zelos annoyed me more than a little, as well as the lack of voice overs in the skits and the fact that I've seen but one short anime cutscene thus far. Otherwise, still good.

[edczxcvbnm]

Well...I just beat the game and DAMN was it good. I still have some things to do in the final dungon so before I do mah new game plus(which is a hell of a nice system the way they did it), I will finish up the final dungon.

I swear this is the game that would not end. Reminded me of Xenogears a lot in the way the story was really big and a lot of history. Also like Xenogears the game would not just end. It always found a way to keep on going.

This is the one RPG I really wish had an epilog mode to it like Lunar 2 because there is obviously more questing and things that could be done...but given that it took me 40 hours to beat(second game ever to break that barrier for me) and all the great dungons...I will over look this.

Simply a fantastic game in every aspect.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

Heh, the box boasts 80 hours of gameplay. I haven't beaten it yet, but I've been playing ZOE2 a lot as well. And I like the concept of a story that goes on and on and on, that means you can keep enjoying the game.

[edczxcvbnm]

Keep in mind I really didn't go out of my way to find side quests. There was a puzzle in the final dungon that I didn't even do and it let me go to then end of the game. I also didn't master all of the abilities and I was not even at level 60 when I beat the game(I spent 0 hours leveling up the whole game...and I avoided a lot of battles or ran away). I am sure if I did more that it would be longer by at least another 10 hours.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

That's rather interesting. I'm almost level 60 and I JUST defeated Shadow in the Darkness temple. But I rarely avoid fights because I like to kill things.

[Rostum]

*adds another reason to get Gamecube*

[White Raven]

Heh, I just beat the game last night (over 80 hours). And picked up the strategy guide yeasterday. I was looking over it this morning, and gosh, how much have I missed! There is so much more in this game that I misssed.

If any of ya have any questions aboot this game just aske moi, and I'll look it up for ya.

[Mr. Graves]

I've not had hardly any time to play it lately. =( (My total time on my game is about 2 hours so far...) This game is most impressive. This reminded of Kingdom Hearts without the shitty aspects of the real-tome gameplay. I'd go as far as to say it's like a Kingdom Hearts-FF9 hybrid. The battles are very well done, and easy to get into. I'm not sure as of yet just how the cooking feature works, but all in due time.

[RSL]

I bought this game two days ago. I'm about 5 hours in and am enjoying the hell out of it.

[Rostum]

I am so jealous, I want this game! What's the story like? Is the interaction between characters good? What are the characters like? It looks like a great game! I love the cartoonish/cell type graphics, and I love Kingdom hearts and FF9!

[RSL]

I am so jealous, I want this game! What's the story like? Is the interaction between characters good? What are the characters like? It looks like a great game! I love the cartoonish/cell type graphics, and I love Kingdom hearts and FF9!

Here's my take on it (keep in mind that I'm only 8 hours in).

"What's the story like?"

Upon first starting the game, it seems like a really big cliche. Something about a mana tree withering and the world starting to die. Been there, done that. However, once you get a little ways into the game, it really starts to get interesting. I guess I would word it as saying they have taken a cliche storyline and made it fairly interesting.

"Is the interaction between characters good?

I think this is one of the high points of the game. At various points through out the game, you can stop and view an optional sequence between the characters. Basically little chat sessions. These things really flesh out the characters in my opinion.

"What are the characters like?"

So far I've only had five in my party (I think there are probably more to be found). The main character can be described as not overly bright but with a heart of gold and always means well. Then there's the chosen girl, who doesn't seem very imposing but can be brave when needed. Then there's a sort of generic heartless mercenary who says he's only helping out for the money, but seems to be less heartless than he lets on. Not the most original character types, but they are really well done. The voice acting is so so. It passes.

[BatChao]

[QUOTE=edczxcvbnm]

I swear this is the game that would not end. Reminded me of Xenogears a lot in the way the story was really big and a lot of history. Also like Xenogears the game would not just end. It always found a way to keep on going.
QUOTE]

Haha, I know what you're talking about... this game is the longest game is a looooong time! I was quite pleased that I couldn't blast through this game in a week...and I still have a crapload of sidequests and collection items to go through.

But the main thing in this game that sets it above the rest: the battle system. This is the absolute BEST battle system I have ever played. It's packed with action, yet still has strategy (1-on-1 battle are awesome!). It's refreshing to play an RPG where you actually welcome battles, even towards the end, instead of fearing them. Tales of Symphonia is my #1 of the year so far...and I don't see it getting beat.

[SpikingZero]

I'm currently on Disc 2. I like the multiplayer option that doesn't require a fricking Game Boy Advance, so my sister uses the other controller as we kick the enemies' butts.

So far, the game is rather impressive storywise and graphic-wise. Characters are a bit one-dimensional. But the thing is, with the whole two worlds thing and the action-based battle system thing, it reminds me a lot of both Chrono Cross and Star Ocean 2. So basically, I've kinda sorta been there before.

Still a decent game so far; since the game boasts about 80 hours of gameplay, and so far I'm close to 40, I wonder if it really is that long. When Dragon Warrior VII said 100 hours of gameplay, they weren't kidding.

Anywho, it's a good game for an RPG-starved system. Skies of Arcadia is still the best, although it's merely a Director's Cut from the Dreamcast version.

[Rase]

Well, I've only rented it (short on cash am I) once, but from that I'd have to say I think it'd be well worth it to buy. Unless it just completly falls apart (highly doubt it), it's gonna get in my collection sometime.

[BatChao]

Still a decent game so far; since the game boasts about 80 hours of gameplay, and so far I'm close to 40, I wonder if it really is that long. When Dragon Warrior VII said 100 hours of gameplay, they weren't kidding.



ToS will take around 80 hours if you decide to complete the game 100% and get all the items and weapons and side stuff. Otherwise a regular runthrough is probably aropund 50 hours.

[SpikingZero]

Just finished it last night. I liked the clever twist in the ending. It's really not that bad of a game; RPGamer certainly didn't give it a very high rating, and to be honest, I'm not gonna go all out and say stuff like "OMFG TEH BEST GAME EVAR". Totally is hurting in the originality department, but other than that, if you haven't played Star Ocean 2 or Chrono Cross then it'll be a great experience.

[edczxcvbnm]

Here are my stats for beating the game twice

Common Data
Max Play Time: 80h 20m 11s
Max Gald: 114,878
Total Gald Used: 678,504
Saves: 110
Game Cleared: 2

Battle Data
Encounters: 862
Escapes: 54
Max Combo: 57(I suck)
Max Damage: 10764
Max Grade 2744

Everything is combinded stuff except for Max combo, Max Grade and Max damage...DUH!

Took about 32 hours or less the second time through where it took me about 20 minutes over 40 the first time through(The numbers don't add up to my total because I left my console on or fell asleep while playing and added tons of non-play-time time to the game :erm: ).

[White Raven]

Darn, I forgot to write down the stats from the first time through...oh well.

I just started my second game with 2x Experience, More Grade, and all the Item and Monster collections transfered over. It will take me aprox. 3 times through to get all the titles for everyone, and to get all the items because

During the Flanoir Event you can either get Colette's Snow Hare, Kratos' Locket, or Zelos' Cruxis Crystal.

[edczxcvbnm]

You can still view your stats. It on the main menu under game records.

[White Raven]

Oh yesh, for got aboot that...so here be my record thus far...

Gameplay ~ 70hr.45min.13sec.
Max. Gald ~ 625,626 Gald
Total Gald Spent ~1,459,250 Gald
Game Saves ~ 102
Games Beaten ~ 1
Encounters ~ 1068
Escapes ~ 3
Max. Combo ~ 65 hit
Max. Damage ~ 21,873
Max. Grade ~ 1726 Grade

[Ellerkerm]

I'm doing ok in this game. I'm having problems with the Wind boss after I did the water boss.

[StarlightAngel]

I think I skipped something so I have to go back before I can go to Palma Costa. I know a lot about what happens tho because I have helped my brother on his log.

[Shadow8017]

It's a fairly new RPG for the GC ( that's right the GC ) has anyone played it? I'm having trouble in this early bossfight so speak up if you have ...

[White Raven]

T'iss a great game. I'm just aboot half way through my second time, and still not sick of it yet.

For more discussion on this game check out this previous thread: Another Tales of Symphonia Thread (http://forums.eyesonff.com/showthread.php?t=47569)

[Dixie]

I love Tales Of Symphonia! It's so much fun!

[RSL]

I finally beat it! It took almost exactly a month but I'm glad I beat it. Lately I've been getting about halfway through games and never playing them again (like FFX-2)

My stats for one play through (and I play to go through again):

Max play time: 45h 05m 48s
Max Gald: 518,784
Total Gald Used: 517,610
Saves: 269 (apparently I save way more often than you guys)
Games Cleared: 1
Encounters: 1032
Escapes: 1 (hmm, don't remember when I did it, oh well)
Max Combo: 75 (It was like 48 until the final boss. I hadn't figured out good ways of comboing, but now I have, so I hope to do better the second time through.)
Max Damage: 13746
Max Grade 1438

I never did figure out grade. I almost always seemed to lose grade on boss fights.

I was sort of disappointed by the ending. But overall, it was a fantastic game, better than any of the Final Fantasy's made after VII in my opinion.

[Eternal Sphere]

I just bought this game a few days ago and I mind as well dump my data here for my first time around.

Max Play Time: 44h, 11m, 27s
Max Gald: 153,875
Total Gald Used: 337,157
Saves: 172 (It felt like I had more :D )
Game Cleared: 1

Encounters: 627
Escapes: 4
Max Combo: 48
Max Damage: 10,571
Max Grade: 1308

I hope I can bring myself for at least another game. I really rushed the last few parts of the game for no reason.