In the realm of Role-Playing Games (RPGs), the Tales Of franchise holds a distinctive niche, cherished by an enthusiastic fanbase. A reboot of Tales of Symphonia coinciding with the release of Nintendo Switch 2 could serve as an ideal catalyst to boost its popularity to unprecedented levels.
For several years, Tales enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated a revamped version of Symphonia, especially amidst the trend of remakes and remasters. Unfortunately, Bandai Namco unveiled a disappointing remastered edition in 2023 for Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One. This unfortunate event has only heightened the longing for a genuine comeback to the series’ original quality.
Symphonia holds a cherished spot in the hearts of RPG enthusiasts. In numerous aspects, it played a crucial role in establishing the franchise’s prominence in the West, standing out as the most beloved title in the series upon its release in 2004. Even though the game can be found on various systems today, the deep-seated nostalgia that comes from being a Nintendo GameCube exclusive initially (outside Japan) would add an extra layer of excitement if a hypothetical Symphonia Remake were to launch simultaneously with the Switch 2.
If you’re not acquainted with the series, Tales Of originally debuted as a franchise for Super Famicom, with Tales of Phantasia being launched in 1995. What set it apart from games like Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy was its distinctive combat system, which featured real-time battles in a 2D setting.
The formula was firmly established as a cornerstone of the series when Symphonia was released, captivating fans completely. Similar to modern RPGs that prioritize action-based combat systems, it allowed you to link basic attacks with powerful special moves, known as Artes, to produce high-damage combos in 3D settings.
Combine unique game mechanics with an endearing group of characters who possess diverse abilities, a heartfelt narrative tackling profound topics that may seem unexpected in such a vibrant-looking game, and you’ve got a timeless piece, to put it mildly.
More recently, I revisited Tales of Symphonia. Although time has barely tarnished the charm of its unique art design, the humorous and captivating 2D cutscenes, and a tale that keeps you hooked from start to finish, it’s the gameplay that feels somewhat outdated.
In simpler terms, exploring dungeons can be quite tedious and unengaging due to their rudimentary design. The combat aspect is disappointing as it’s inconsistent, and even though you have the option to control each party member, it lacks the intuitive feel and fun factor. Setting the AI to assist only leads to frustration because of its poor performance. Essentially, you’re forced to choose between a complex battle system requiring extensive unit management or a simplistic one that feels like button mashing.
The original gameplay feels quite dated now, which makes a remake even more appealing. The latest installment in the series, Tales of Arise, represents a strong evolution of the franchise’s signature battle system. However, let’s push things a bit further.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the masterful design of the combat system in Final Fantasy VII Remake games. It’s an action RPG blueprint that flawlessly accommodates multiple controllable characters and offers numerous skill combinations to create your unique playstyle. The fast-paced, flashy gameplay keeps me on my toes, while its occasional challenging moments keep things engaging. Dreaming about Lloyd and his crew unleashing their skills within such a system, with subtle tweaks that preserve some of the Tales Of combat essence, is nothing short of a dream come true for me.
Now is the perfect moment to reintroduce a cherished character and game. In the past, Lloyd Irving was voted number one in a poll asking fans which characters they wanted added to the Super Smash Bros. series. So it’s clear that Nintendo enthusiasts still remember the protagonist who fights with two swords. It might just be wishful thinking, but it’s something worth considering.
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2025-04-02 10:42