Tales of Symphonia: Knight of Ratatosk Game Discussion

[Terrestrial Dream]

Tales of Symphonia fans and Wii fans rejoice because we get a direct sequel of Tales of Symphonia for the Wii.
http://wii.ign.com/articles/806/806798p1.html
http://gonintendo.com/?p=21575k

[uLTraCarL-]

best news ever

makes me happy
and next on the list should be a direct sequel to Tales of the Abyss

[p997tt]

I'm hoping this will come to the PAL region.

We are already missing ToA here. :(

[the.Merines]

Most excellent news!

Now I just have to hope that they (by some miraculous mistake) make a ToL OVA so people will understand my username. >.>;

[wsheit]

I loved Tales of the Abyss. Is Symphonia as good storywise? I've heard people complain that most Tales games have the same storyline, though I felt that Abyss had to be an outlier in that respect. Thoughts?

[Terrestrial Dream]

I loved Tales of the Abyss. Is Symphonia as good storywise? I've heard people complain that most Tales games have the same storyline, though I felt that Abyss had to be an outlier in that respect. Thoughts? I liked the story in Symphonia in the beginning it seemed cliché but as the story went on it has many good plot twist.

[Sides]

Just for later references
Tales of Symphonia Wii homepage (http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/index.php) (working title)
Nothing on it yet, but expect something something to come soon.

I loved Tales of the Abyss. Is Symphonia as good storywise? I've heard people complain that most Tales games have the same storyline, though I felt that Abyss had to be an outlier in that respect. Thoughts?
Problem with those people are, they just like to talk about games,
rather then enjoying it themselves.
The stories in the tales series might be simple,
but if you play it, it just works.
However if you try to describe the game to someone,
especially the story, it will sound dull.

Seeing that ToS made it as player's choice series, in NA,
i would say you get it.
Btw like most overseas releases the skits aren't voiced.

[Benoit]

As I already explained in the Tales of Symphonia (GameCube) thread, the story is good the first 10 hours or so, then after the big plot twist, it loses focus, and you go side-questing while from time to time continuing the main story. In the end, it left a bad taste for me.

[wsheit]

As I already explained in the Tales of Symphonia (GameCube) thread, the story is good the first 10 hours or so, then after the big plot twist, it loses focus, and you go side-questing while from time to time continuing the main story. In the end, it left a bad taste for me.

Sounds like Rogue Galaxy...I hate RPG's like this. Why do developers think that a series of mini-stories works for RPG's. I've been spoiled recently, though. Both Tales of the Abyss and FFXII had focused, well-written stories with interesting characters.

[Flame-X]

i wonder if this game will have the same playable characters as the first one..

[problemedchild]

This better not have as many puzzles.......

[Ice Climbers]

This better not have as many puzzles.......

Even if it does, I dont think the puzzles back in Symphonia was that hard either :heh: or maybe its just me

Anyways, this is great news, hope I get my Wii by then :heh: the original Symphonia was awesome

[Benoit]

What's wrong with the amount of puzzles? I liked them. Much better than just running from point A to B.

[problemedchild]

They weren't hard, but extremely annoying in my opinion. It was kinda like FFX where you had to play 50 mini-games to get a decent item.

[kujoe]

TOA sequel? Hmmm, that might be a bit difficult considering the writers have said that the ending depends on the way you interpret it. Then again, TOS has multiple scenarios, and they could probably make something up that happens "100 years later" for TOA... or something like that.

[Sarah89]

w00t! This time last year ToS took 70 hours of my life from me. I'm quite happy to while away another 70 hours on the sequel if it's half as good. :)

[Sides]

w00t! This time last year ToS took 70 hours of my life from me. I'm quite happy to while away another 70 hours on the sequel if it's half as good. :)

Don't want to disappoint you, but there seems to be some confusion
regarding this game.
This is not a sequel, it is a spin off the original.

Differents are, the world map, it will be like ToW,
and the fact that you can capture monsters and use them in your party.
But since it is still in development, i hope they change their mind
regarding some stuff, like bring back toon-shading, the world map
and ditch the idea of capturing monsters.
However it would be nice to have the network feature from Radiant Mythology,
special items and such.

[Ice Climbers]

Never played ToW so I have no idea what the world map changes are, but capturing monsters doesnt sound like a bad idea (unless the other characters are replaced then no ><)

And bringing back the toon shading would certainly a plus

[Sarah89]

Don't want to disappoint you, but there seems to be some confusion
regarding this game.
This is not a sequel, it is a spin off the original.

Differents are, the world map, it will be like ToW,
and the fact that you can capture monsters and use them in your party.
But since it is still in development, i hope they change their mind
regarding some stuff, like bring back toon-shading, the world map
and ditch the idea of capturing monsters.
However it would be nice to have the network feature from Radiant Mythology,
special items and such.

Aww... ah well, it'll probably still be worth a look. I really liked the characters from the original ToS and I think they have a lot of potential to make a return in a new game. Doesn't seem too likely, though. :heh:

[stpehen]

You don't actually play as the characters from Symphonia, but they will appear in the game.

[Kyu410]

I hope they keep the 1-4 player mode and add a versus. They would make tons of money money doing that.

I always wondered what a Lloyd vs. Zelos or Regal vs. Presea would be like.

[Ice Climbers]

Hmm, first of all, that would be mean the characters are going to make a return appearace AND they must be playable, which is unlikely :heh:

Although a VS mode would certainly be cool =3

[MidnighT-WolF]

Don't want to disappoint you, but there seems to be some confusion
regarding this game.
This is not a sequel, it is a spin off the original.

Differents are, the world map, it will be like ToW,
and the fact that you can capture monsters and use them in your party.
But since it is still in development, i hope they change their mind
regarding some stuff, like bring back toon-shading, the world map
and ditch the idea of capturing monsters.
However it would be nice to have the network feature from Radiant Mythology,
special items and such.
I'd like to know your source for that, cause all I read 'til now is that it's a sequel taking place 2 years after Symphonia, on IGN.

[Sety]

TOS has multiple scenarios, and they could probably make something up that happens "100 years later" for TOA... or something like that.

ToS was a very early prequel to Tales of Phantasia to begin with.

[Sides]

I'd like to know your source for that, cause all I read 'til now is that it's a sequel taking place 2 years after Symphonia, on IGN.

That was iirc, from an interview with the producer of the game, published in famitsu. You can find a translation of the interview on 1up.com
Makoto Yoshidumi interview, famitsu, translated by 1up.com (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3161485)

It was also shown during the namco presentation that it isn't a direct sequel to the ToS, no idea why people insists that it is. Furthermore the title isn't final, it is just a working title.

Trouble i see is with this title, is the same with the first Tales game for the DS, namco probably just want to try out if people will accept/use the wii for such kind of games. Even though TotT was pretty much crucified by everyone (except for some people, including me), it did manage to shift a decent number of units. And if the same happens with this title, then expect to see more tales games arriving on the Wii.

[Sety]

Abuse of the return key or a line for every sentence is unneeded unless you're a poet, it makes your posts resemble an underaged poster.

Anyway Sword of Ratatosk is a direct sequel to ToS because it takes place approximately 2 years after the events of the first game and within the same world. Besides Namco already confirmed in their conference that all the ToS cast would return in this game in some form.

Its only a spinoff in the sense that the next official Tales game is Tales of Innocence for the DS given their announcement of shifting all development resources onto the DS. Tales of Tempest was probably crucified because it SUCKED, nobody cares how much it sold because the gameplay was slow and broken despite the constant delays they made to try fix it.

[Sides]

Tales of Tempest was probably crucified because it SUCKED, nobody cares how much it sold because the gameplay was slow and broken despite the constant delays they made to try fix it.
I think you missed my point.TotT was ousourced, probably a small budget title, plus it had only average reviews.Nevertheless it managed to sell over 100.000 copies.
Since ToI is now announced for the DS, the sales of TotT must have been a factor for the decision to bring out another Tales title on the DS.

Now i hope that namco aren't doing the same with Knight of Ratatosk, using it as an experimental project to the evaluate the Wii as a potential plattform, and deliver an unpolish title.

Regarding Sequel or Spin-off
Well i guess you can look at it as a sequel, like the romero's living dead pictures. But to me this title is pretty much like FFVII DoC, a spin-off, bearing in mind the interview with producer.

[kujoe]

ToS was a very early prequel to Tales of Phantasia to begin with.
How early? Sure, Namco may have its preferred route or interpretation of events. But my point is, in order to account for all those variables, it's easier to make a sequel when it's made to take place very far from the original's timeline.

But anyway, this game seems to be more of a spin-off from the sound of it. Not too sure of what to make of it really. It doesn't seem to be the next, big Tales game.

[Saru14]

I cant wait for this game

[MidnighT-WolF]

How early? Sure, Namco may have its preferred route or interpretation of events. But my point is, in order to account for all those variables, it's easier to make a sequel when it's made to take place very far from the original's timeline.

But anyway, this game seems to be more of a spin-off from the sound of it. Not too sure of what to make of it really. It doesn't seem to be the next, big Tales game.
Phantasia is set about 4000 years after Symphonia.

[Sides]

Official homepage has been updated
-Story
-Character details
plus some in screen shots

Tales of Symphonia_Wii (http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/index.php)

[Benoit]

Abuse of the return key or a line for every sentence is unneeded unless you're a poet, it makes your posts resemble an underaged poster.
Please listen to him/her/it, Sides. Lines wrap automatically.

[Sides]

Please listen to him/her/it, Sides. Lines wrap automatically.

Oh, that was a message for me. Come on at least he/she/it could pm me directly.

[Sety]

How early? Sure, Namco may have its preferred route or interpretation of events. But my point is, in order to account for all those variables, it's easier to make a sequel when it's made to take place very far from the original's timeline.
Its a loose connection of 4000 thousand years.

Few hints being...

-The Elemental spirits in Symphonia all appear in Phantasia
-Flamberge and Vorpal Sword the Material Blades are also in Phantasia as a major plot item along with the Ring of Pact to boot.
-Eternal Sword was Cless Alvein's final weapon and in Lloyd's ultimate Hi-Ougi hes able to briefly summon it
-Lloyd in one skit mentions he feels the Eternal Sword's ability to control time somewhat. Cless used this ability in Phantasia to stop the final boss from time hopping.
-In the Tales of World series they say Suzu from the Ninja village in Phantasia is a direct descendant of Sheena. This is further enforced by them coming from the same village and sharing the same surname.
-In Symphonia theres a section of the mines completely sealed off you never get to see. In Phantasia a mine almost the same very late in the game could be opened up revealing the most powerful Spirit in the game.
-The World Tree in Phantasia is also called Yggdrasil and also exists besides a small village similar to Lloyd's.
-Martel is in ToP too and dying.
-Dhaos is from Derris Kharlan himself which left at the end of Symphonia.

[kujoe]

Its a loose connection of 4000 thousand years.
Well, this is exactly my point from the very beginning. It's easier making a sequel in this way. There's no need to address miscellaneous specifics, precisely because the gap is more than a thousand years.

Anyway, I haven't even finished ToS (I don't like it that much actually), so I really wouldn't know what to think of this new title in terms of story. Not to mention, it hasn't been released yet.

[Benoit]

The World Tree in Phantasia is also called Yggdrasil
We never actually get to know the tree's name in Symphonia.

[Ice Climbers]

We never actually get to know the tree's name in Symphonia.

According to an article I read somewhere some time ago ( i think Wikipedia), it is highly likely that Lloyd named the tree Yggdrasil

[Sety]

We never actually get to know the tree's name in Symphonia.
Technically that is true, but all things considered it was the likely outcome. Guess Knight of Ratatosk will seal that in stone.

[Benoit]

It is indeed very likely (heck, it's probably true) that Lloyd named the tree Yggdrasil, but as it is never mentioned in Symphonia, you can't use that point to connect the two games. :)

[Kaioshin Sama]

This eventually being in English with no Japanese audio option is ultimately going to be a huge slap in the face too me. I'm sure people could figure out why if they look into things a little, but if a certain somebody releases a certain something I might do a certain something with my Wii.;)

[Sides]

tales of symphonia (wii) PV from tgs 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j4hOu1aTaU (nicked from gonintendo)
Featuring Lloyd in a FMV sequence, only few secs.

[Terrestrial Dream]

tales of symphonia (wii) PV from tgs 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j4hOu1aTaU (nicked from gonintendo)
Featuring Lloyd in a FMV sequence, only few secs. I like it and it seems the battle won't be in 2d plain like in the first one. It was nice to see glimpses of Lloyd at the end.

[Kaioshin Sama]

tales of symphonia (wii) PV from tgs 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j4hOu1aTaU (nicked from gonintendo)
Featuring Lloyd in a FMV sequence, only few secs.

Oh, I heard Rie Kugimiya there. Icing on the cake of a game I already want to get. To bad as I said before it will be dubbed over in english for the North American release.

[Trance]

Looks promising, can't wait for it :D

[krisslanza]

But will it keep the ToS Overlimit system? The ToS Overlimits are horrid since they're so random...

[Trance]

But will it keep the ToS Overlimit system? The ToS Overlimits are horrid since they're so random...

Yea, I agree, they gotta clear that up soon :)

[krisslanza]

Use the ToA overlimit system maybe? I don't know since the trailer shows the Union bar still there so Overlimits might be the same... Or removed.

Which might be a good thing since the US removed all the Hi-Ougis in the english ToS release.

[Benoit]

Which might be a good thing since the US removed all the Hi-Ougis in the english ToS release.
Wait, what?

[krisslanza]

The english release of Tales of Symphonia had no Hi-Ougis, aside from three I believe. Collete's Holy Judgement works (but it's totally random), Llyod's Falcon Crest works but it's tricky and near impossible to do since the game never tells you HOW to do it, and Mithos has Indigniate Judgement but I think only he uses it on Mania or something.

Originally every character had a Hi-Ougi, there special moves they use during their Overlimit. Except Sheena, her Summons are her 'Hi-Ougi'.

[Benoit]

The english release of Tales of Symphonia had no Hi-Ougis, aside from three I believe. (snip)
Oh, those moves. I think you're referring to the Japanese PS2 version (which came out later), which added more Hi-Ougis. The original Japanese GameCube version also had just three.

[krisslanza]

Oh right :heh: Yeah the PS2 version had all the cool Hi-Ougis... Sad the GC version didn't since Hi-Ougis have been in the game since the originals, although they were secret button combos.

[Sides]

PV is now on the official page, talesofsymphonia_wii (http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/streaming/index.php) (requires wmp, or use a tool to download it)

[serenade_beta]

I seriously want this to be localized.

Stupid Region Locking...

Lloyd!? :twitch:

[Sides]

Some new screen on famitsu.com (http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1212583_1407.html). I hope this game doesn't get too overshadowed by tales of verperia.

I wished they had stayed with cel-shading ;_;

[Kaioshin Sama]

Some new screen on famitsu.com (http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1212583_1407.html). I hope this game doesn't get too overshadowed by tales of verperia.

I wished they had stayed with cel-shading ;_;

That Rihita looks kind of like Kratos in disguise. And it looks like Marta is a fighter type character in a similar vein as Regal (given her Seiyuu I would have guessed as much).

[rimaa]

no US release date?

[serenade_beta]

no US release date?

It doesn't even seem to have a JAP release date (according to Gamefaqs).
For JAP, sometime in the first quarter.

It hasn't been announced for US release yet.

[Kresnik]

It seems Namco JP still has grudge with US, with the Destiny 2 >< Eternia things.. They should release the original ToS into PS2 in English first before going any further... >_> I've yet to play the original game, but manga and OVA adaptation seems pretty good in their story telling.

The battle system pretty much looks like ToA for me.

[Terrestrial Dream]

Some new screen on famitsu.com (http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1212583_1407.html). I hope this game doesn't get too overshadowed by tales of verperia.

I wished they had stayed with cel-shading ;_; Yeah cel-shading would probably have looked better but it still looks pretty good.

[krisslanza]

I don't know... I like how that looks. Reminds me of the Tales of the Abyss graphic style, which I like. Cel-shading is nice and all but... It tends to make a game feel too 'cutesy' to have any sort of serious storyline or anything.

[Benoit]

They should release the original ToS into PS2 in English first before going any further...
That'd be kind of pointless. There already is an English version of the game on the GameCube.

[Sides]

Jump festival PV, link (http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/streaming/index.php) (wmv, so you need wmp or donwload it with sdp or similar)
youtube link (http://youtube.com/watch?v=aMAaF-YUGkM) for clumsy people ^^

Seeing the animated scenes makes me wanting cel-shading back even more, since it kind of flows better with animated movies ;_;

[serenade_beta]

Jump festival PV, link (http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/streaming/index.php) (wmv, so you need wmp or donwload it with sdp or similar)
youtube link (http://youtube.com/watch?v=aMAaF-YUGkM) for clumsy people ^^

Seeing the animated scenes makes me wanting cel-shading back even more, since it kind of flows better with animated movies ;_;

Ooh~

The movements look a bit weird now...
I wish they showed us the whole OP...
All of the characters again! Hello, long time no see!
Presea still hasn't grown? It's been two years...

[krisslanza]

Wow. I wish I had headphones so I could hear it but... Just seeing it was pretty cool. I like it. Must get it >_>
On a side note... Spoilers here, as this video clears up some things of what is 'canon' in ToS:

We now know you aren't supposed to get Kratos. :heh:

[serenade_beta]

Wow. I wish I had headphones so I could hear it but... Just seeing it was pretty cool. I like it. Must get it >_>
On a side note... Spoilers here, as this video clears up some things of what is 'canon' in ToS:

We now know you aren't supposed to get Kratos. :heh:


Too bad the Wii is region protected... :(

As for spoiler:
At the end of Symphonia, didn't he go to space on Derris-Khalan?
In that case, there is no way he'd appear. He's currently in space. :heh:

[krisslanza]

Yeah but you know... We can hope it'll come here!
Failing that time to break out the heavy importing... :nod:


What I mean is, we now know you aren't meant to have Kratos at your side during the last bits :heh: Since Zelos is alive and well in that video means you obviously were meant to pick him.

[serenade_beta]

What I mean is, we now know you aren't meant to have Kratos at your side during the last bits :heh: Since Zelos is alive and well in that video means you obviously were meant to pick him.


Ah, I see. That's certainly true.

I wonder what roles the old characters will play in the story, because it seems (so far) that the only playable characters are Emil, Marta (who, expectedly, is "special" since the video seemed to have some kind of mark or crystal on her head...), and that red-haired guy who reminded me of the main character of Abyss, but on closer inspection, isn't. Oh yeah, and apparently you can use monsters... Spare me from that...

The video also says "people can change easily". It looks like that is supposed to be targeted at Emil, but maybe Lloyd (:uhoh:) too... Like Yggdrasil.

[krisslanza]

One of my friends thinks the shards are Exspheres or a Cruxis Crystal fragments. I forget the red-haired guys name... One of my friends mentioned it.

[serenade_beta]

I went and checked the website:

Apparently, it's "Richter Abend". From his quote, it seems he's going to be one of those "no-nonsense, serious, strict-type" character.

[Benoit]

I'm pretty sure the game will make it overseas, since this is on the Wii. Nintendo was responsible for getting the game released in the US and Europe. :)

[kissthestick]

I'm pretty sure the game will make it overseas, since this is on the Wii. Nintendo was responsible for getting the game released in the US and Europe. :)

Yeah, for some reason Namco hate Distributing their own games here in Europe, they always get Atari or Sony/Nintendo to do it:heh:

[Tokkan]

Yeah, for some reason Namco hate Distributing their own games here in Europe, they always get Atari or Sony/Nintendo to do it:heh:

Namco actually doesn't have an office in Europe, so it's a bit of a pain for them to release PAL versions of their games.

[stpehen]

I'm actually kind of glad that the Wii is region protected, so that if for some reason this doesn't get released in English, I won't be tempted to import it and suffer that ear-rending lead voice actress.

[relentlessflame]

I'm actually kind of glad that the Wii is region protected, so that if for some reason this doesn't get released in English, I won't be tempted to import it and suffer that ear-rending lead voice actress.Haha -- but, as Kaioshin_Sama pointed out a few months ago, it's Rie Kugimiya (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=808), better known in anime circles as the voice of Shana, Louise, and Nagi! Ironically enough, I was actually just going to say that that was one of the best parts of the trailer! :heh:

[krisslanza]

Everyone has their likes and dislikes I suppose :heh:
I've yet to find any japanese seiyuu that is just unbeliveably painful to listen to. I can name a few english ones though... :uhoh:

I'd like the Japanese-version if just so I can hear Nana Mizuki as Colette :love:

[Kaioshin Sama]

Haha -- but, as Kaioshin_Sama pointed out a few months ago, it's Rie Kugimiya (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=808), better known in anime circles as the voice of Shana, Louise, and Nagi! Ironically enough, I was actually just going to say that that was one of the best parts of the trailer! :heh:

You and me both. I've been waiting for a game where she get's too do voices for battle techniques and such. Incidentally this will also be Ai Orikasa's first role in god knows how long that isn't Quatre in a Super Robot Wars game.

[Sides]

Some screens and art on watch.impress (http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20080107/tosr.htm)

[Boohahaha]

You and me both. I've been waiting for a game where she get's too do voices for battle techniques and such. Incidentally this will also be Ai Orikasa's first role in god knows how long that isn't Quatre in a Super Robot Wars game.

That's right ...... which is why I am going to look forward to the English VA for her character. I can't stand her after a while...lol. :heh:

[Kaioshin Sama]

That's right ...... which is why I am going to look forward to the English VA for her character. I can't stand her after a while...lol. :heh:

Well it could have been worse, Marta could have been a waif and they could have given her to Chihara Minori to mumble her way through the lines over. Look at it this way, at least with Rie Kugimiya the character is going to have a lot of personality and flare.

Who would you have preferred for a characters signature line that is said to be "If your're a Man, act like one, be strong", and is said to be have a selfish tomboy personality?

[stpehen]

Who would you have preferred for a characters signature line that is said to be "If your're a Man, act like one, be strong", and is said to be have a selfish tomboy personality?

I'd have preferred a person who didn't inspire instant disgust every time she opened her mouth.

[Benoit]

Looking good. However, why does Collette have angel wings?! All Exspheres are supposed to have been destroyed!

[krisslanza]

They didn't destroy all the Exspheres, you can clearly still see the one on Genis's hand. Without an exsphere all the characters would be pretty weak... It's kind of the only thing that allows them to fight giant monsters.

Plus Colette doesn't have a Exsphere, it's a Cruxis Crystal. It seems that Llyod MAY be a villain so something may have happened...

[Kaioshin Sama]

I'd have preferred a person who didn't inspire instant disgust every time she opened her mouth.

Okay, so definitely not Chihara Minori or Sugita Tomokazu.:cool:

[Benoit]

They didn't destroy all the Exspheres, you can clearly still see the one on Genis's hand.
I looked for it, but didn't see it.
Plus Colette doesn't have a Exsphere, it's a Cruxis Crystal.
Same thing, only more powerful. Cruxis Crystals are evolved Exspheres.

[krisslanza]

It should be shown when it shows him. That red thing in his hand the one Llyod put in after Marble's death.

True, true but fundamentally different in some ways.

[Asrialys]

Plus Colette doesn't have a Exsphere, it's a Cruxis Crystal. It seems that Llyod MAY be a villain so something may have happened...
Ratatosk is supposed to be the spirit of the Giant Kharlan Tree right? And I think there is some tension between Tethe'Alla and Sylvarant. There's probably some zealous group (might even be organized by people from both sides) that wishes to awaken Ratatosk to separate the two worlds again. We'll have to wait and see.

[krisslanza]

I thought the spirit was Martel. :P
But that could sound logical I suppose.

[Asrialys]

I thought the spirit was Martel. :P
But that could sound logical I suppose.
I think Martel is the spirit of the new tree at the end of Symphonia. I read that Ratatosk is the old spirit of the Kharlan Tree before Symphonia.

Anyway, my idea is a bit shaky now. I had forgotten that Lloyd supposedly helped in the destruction of Palmacosta in the backstory leading to Knight of Ratatosk. Can't think of anything that would lead him to do it. Unless there was some great battle that took down the city and he just happened to be seen.

[krisslanza]

Theories say Llyod might very well be the villian now. Something definitely had to happen.

[Benoit]

There's probably some zealous group (might even be organized by people from both sides) that wishes to awaken Ratatosk to separate the two worlds again.
How would that help? When the tree was there, there was one world too.
I read that Ratatosk is the old spirit of the Kharlan Tree before Symphonia.
Where? The name isn't mentioned at all in Tales of Symphonia.
I had forgotten that Lloyd supposedly helped in the destruction of Palmacosta in the backstory leading to Knight of Ratatosk. Can't think of anything that would lead him to do it.
If you recall, Palmacosta was destroyed by the vines of a corrupt Kharlan Tree when the links between the Summon Spirits were released.

[Sides]

For those who care, HP updated, link (http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/).
Story, character and system info added. Plus some screens.

[serenade_beta]

Various translations... I'll use the American translations for stuff like "Miko" and etc...

"I cannot say anything right now."

The main character of the previous game.
After the end of the previous game, he continued his journey to collect exspheres.
There are people that hail him as the hero that regenerated the world, but there are people that are not satisfied with the world after the regeneration who despise him and persecute him.
The "Purge of Blood" that occurred in Palmascota, caused by Martel Church who's reason was to suppress a revolt, is blamed on Lloyd, and currently, the opinions are split in to two as to whether he supported the Purge of Blood or now.

"Marta and Emil, right? Now we're friends right."

Heroine of the previous game.
She is the last Chosen of Regeneration because several years into the future, the Chosen system is planned to be abolished.
While praised as the Chosen of Regeneration who saved the world, she is the target of hate by beings who oppose Vangard, Martel Church, and/or the current systems.
But Collet herself does not fear that, and in order to save suffering people, stands at the front lines of the Church and performs charity.
As always, she's very gentle and an airhead, and her clumsiness always works in her favor.
Just that after finishing her journey, she was no longer as afraid of asserting herself.

"Me and Emil are friends."

Lloyd's best friend and Refill's younger brother.
Two years have passed since the previous game, the world has revived from it's decline, the nutritional status has gotten better, and he is growing taller. (But he's still small) He is more of an adult now compared to the previous game, but the first impression he gives off is that of a kid's. Displeased with this, he earnestly wishes for a growth spurt.
Currently, he is worried about the missing Lloyd, and split up with his sister to look for him.
As for Emil, he is happy to make a friend close to his age, but on the other hand, is also complicated as he feels sorrow when there is conduct viewing Lloyd anatgonistically.

"Remain calm. Otherwise, you will not be able to see tht truth."

The homeroom teacher of Lloyd and co. and their travel companion as well.
After the previous game, along with her brother, Genius, wondered to many places to have the rights of half-elves be recognized.
Currently, she is worried about the missing Lloyd, and split up with her brother to look for him.
As for Emil, she treats him with the same calmness and fairness she has always had since before, but there is a part of her that worries about him.
This is the same for Lloyd, who's bad rumors does not die out.

"......Hmph. There's nothing to say to ignorant brats."

Same as Collet, a Chosen of Martel Church.
Looking towards the abolishment of the Chosen system, he is working on redesigning of the church's interior and tightening security.
Because he also traveled for the regeneration of the world, he is also a target of hate by beings who oppose Vangard, Martel Church, and/or the current systems. He goes around town with a nonchalant face, gathering information while pretending to play around.
He is as frivolous of a person as ever.
Also as ever, under that mask, he calmly observes people.

As for the story, I'm not going to translate the whole thing, but here are a few points to the conflict...

The combination of the worlds ended up causing massive changes.
Nature goes through changes, and so does the people.
The people of each world persecute each other.
Eventually, the Purge of Blood happened...


My add-in though: So basically, it's like a world war and a civil war at once?

[Asrialys]

How would that help? When the tree was there, there was one world too.
There was Sylvarant and then there was Tethe'Alla. These worlds were split before Symphonia's end. There could be people who wish to separate again. Perhaps the split Mithos made was more preferrable.

Where? The name isn't mentioned at all in Tales of Symphonia.
This information can be found on Wikipedia. Or anywhere else that some info about the story behind the upcoming game. I'm only assuming people will hope that Ratatosk may be key in separating the worlds again. But I don't really know anything about Ratatosk, except its slumber supposedly has something to do with the chaos in the new world.

If you recall, Palmacosta was destroyed by the vines of a corrupt Kharlan Tree when the links between the Summon Spirits were released.
It's been two years. It was probably rebuilt in that time. Then there was the Purge of Blood.

[Sides]

Nice work serenade_beta, thumbs up ^^.
I just notice that Sheena, Regal and Presea are missing on namco's character page. (Ok, Kratos as well, but that's a different thing).
I wonder if this game will feature an outline option, like tales of innocence, that would be nice.

[Benoit]

There was Sylvarant and then there was Tethe'Alla. These worlds were split before Symphonia's end.
Don't you mean "merged"?

[happydude]

No hes right in saying that. The two regions were split until the end of ToS, thats what hes saying just in a weird way to state the past tense.

[Sides]

new screens at famitsu.com (http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1213143_1407.html). Plus hp updated, now with character info for Tenebrae, Aqua, Shihna, Regal and Presea. I think those screens at famitsu are the same on the homepage (http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii)

[serenade_beta]

new screens at famitsu.com (http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1213143_1407.html). Plus hp updated, now with character info for Tenebrae, Aqua, Shihna, Regal and Presea. I think those screens at famitsu are the same on the homepage (http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii)

Translations for the new stuff:

"Marta-sama was searching for you. Because you were her savior. You were chosen as a knight."

One of the Centurion that serve the spirit Ratatosk.
An existence that uses dark attribute.
Appears before Emil and presses him with the contract of "Knight of Ratatosk".
Normally, Centurions have the duty to unify apparitions and fate, and by doing so with their subordinates, preserves the order of the world.
But currently, they are losing the apparitions that would be their servants and are basically powerless.
It (Tenebrae) is following apparitions with the dark attribute and is regaining it's power.
It's personality is cool, collected, and far too serious.
But surprisingly, it also has a side that likes jokes, talks too much, and extremely human-like.
To protect Marta who has the Ratatosk Core on her eyebrow, it follows her like a shadow.
It is loyal to her commands.

Well, this explains what was the stone on Marta in the preview movie.


"Huh. You're a bit cool. Though only 1 out of 1 hundred millionth compared to Richter-sama."

One of the Centurion that serve the spirit Ratatosk.
An existence that uses water attribute.
A tomboy and very loud, she is the exact opposite of the way too serious Tenebrae.
She, as well, has apparitions following her and can employ them in battle.
She sympathizes with Richter's circumstances, leaves the current Ratatosk for him, and is working with him.

"Thank you. I swear on my one-winged name that I will not betray you."

He was a prisoner in the previous game, but after helping with the world regeneration, he accepted amnesty.
In the world after the regeneration, as the president of Lezerano Company, he cooperates with Lloyd in his Exsphere search and assists in the world reconstruction.
He's a gentle gentleman as always, but being freed from his feeling of self-condemnation from killing his lover, he is now taking off his handcuffs.

Wonder if he can be considered a lolicon for falling in love with Alicia. I mean, Alicia was this small when she started working for him. Though I admit she did get older...
Anyways, please buy the manga if you want to see what Presea's sister looks like.

"It's Igaguli-style ninjutsu. Though it isn't as good as ojii-chan's yet."

Head of Mizuho Village and inherited the Igaguli-style ninjutsu.
She also traveled to regenerate the world.
She's also a summoner who forms pacts with spirits.
After the travel of regeneration, she has been acting as a mediator for the Sylvarant cities and Tethe'alla's king.
Her personality is the same as before, bright, hot-blooded, and honest to her feelings.

"I will... cooperate as well. I will definitely be useful."

She also traveled to regenerate the world.
Two years have passed since the previous game, being released from the Exsphere's parasitism, her nutritional status has gotten better and is currently growing correctly.
Because her time stopped, though it was a blank, she continues to worry about the gap of her real age. But currently, she is slowly regaining her girl-ness and smiles a lot more now.
Currently, to restore her birthplace, Ozette Village, she is working with Regal.

She really doesn't seem to look like she's grown, but in two years, she has gotten 12 cm. taller and 14 kg. heavier.


Also as a bonus:

"G-guess it can't be helped... I'll try, but if I fail, don't get mad."

A boy who lost his parents in the Purge of Blood that occured in the reborn Palmacosta.
Has a honest personality and has a purity that believes everything.
He's basically a coward and has a hard time deciding on something by himself.
He is passive and has a strong desire to protect.
To protect Marta, he exchanged the pact of "Knight of Ratatosk."

"If you're a boy, do it properly!"

A girl who lost her mom due to a berserk big tree.
Having a unyielding personality, she has a clear view and isn't satisfied until something is explained properly.
But this doesn't mean she's like a boy.
In regards to Emil's cowardice and passive attitude, she just believes that he is being modest and hiding his strength.
To Marta, Emil is like a prince.

Last two lines=:twitch::heh:

"Don't get in my way. Protect your own body yourself. I will follow at least."

A young man traveling searching for the Ratatosk Core for a certain reason.
Because he was raised oppressed, he hates people who oppress others and also hates people who stay quiet while being oppressed.
He's extremely sarcastic and stern and will do anything to fulfill his objective.
While searching for the Core, he meets Emil. Though he gets irritated at Emil's cowardice and passiveness, he ends up joining him.
There seems to be a reason for that...

Target=Marta


As for system, it seems that they brought back the skit system. Of course, it would be weirder for it not to exist.
Also, it seems you will be able to join up with Symphonia members in parties and battles.
I like this one:
http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/system/img/sys_img08.jpg

Marta: You're strong, kind, and really the best! I love Emil so much!

and:

http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/system/img/sys_img09.jpg

Marta: Eh? It's actually kinda romantic. I want to link arms and walk with the person I like.

Really attached...

Animation movie screenshots are wonderful!

I wonder if I'll still be alive when this gets localized...

[Benoit]

After the travel of regeneration, she has been acting to take the middle of Sylverant's cities and Tethe'alla's king.
What does this mean, exactly?

[serenade_beta]

What does this mean, exactly?

On second look, I think it means that she has been acting as a mediator for the two worlds and trying to keep them from warring.
I'm going to change what I wrote so it makes more sense.

[Sides]

Some new screens on watch.impress.co.jp (http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20080201/tosr.htm). This time featuring pics from the world map. As previously announced it will be something like TOW, fixed locations. There have been lot of tiny updates recently, i hope we will get a release date apponited soon.

[Sirth]

Got ourselves a US release, peeps. No set date yet. (http://www.n4g.com/wii/News-108251.aspx)
Gotta wonder why they went with the new name, though. Dawn of the New World.

[serenade_beta]

Got ourselves a US release, peeps. No set date yet. (http://www.n4g.com/wii/News-108251.aspx)
Gotta wonder why they went with the new name, though. Dawn of the New World.

YES!!

I understand why "Dawn of the New World" makes sense because this story takes place after the two worlds combined, making a new world. Plus, the story seems to have focus on the consequences of the new world.

I still prefer "Knight of Ratatosk" though. Since a lot of the story also focuses on Ratatosk, like it's spirits and the Ratatosk Core.

I guess they thought few people would understand what "Ratatosk" is...

[Terrestrial Dream]

I was little afraid that it might not come to the US, and I like the name. And please let there be a option of Japanese dub.

[Ice Climbers]

I was little afraid that it might not come to the US, and I like the name. And please let there be a option of Japanese dub.

Agreed..even though ToS's dub is one of the better dubs i have ever heard

[Sirth]

So far, the only Tales game to keep its Japanese dub is the original Destiny, probably out of laziness. But who knows. Eternal Sonata apparently kept its Japanese dub in there.

Though, one must wonder how they'll do Ratatosk. Will they go the original Symphonia way and use some top names (Scott Menville for example), or do their LA route that they've been doing recently (Bang Zoom/ Animaze. Bosch, Freeman, Lee, O'Brien, etc.)?

[Benoit]

Jennifer Hale, please! She did Sheena. And if they could have Cam Clarke's voice in there too, that'd be great, as he did Kratos.

[Sirth]

It's entirely possible. He came back for Radiant Mythology, though he was probably the only one who did. He could come back for a little narration, I'm sure.

[Ice Climbers]

To the negative cookie giver: I am not justifying dubbig in any kind of way, merely stating the fact that the Tales of Symphonia dub is better than most I have heard, of course the original Japanese version is better but what can we do.

Oh well, back on topic, seems like the North American release won't be out for a while. When is it due to be out?? (better pre-order it :heh:)

[Sides]

Homepage updated again, talesofsymphonia wii HP (http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii)
-new hp picture (boxart cover?)
-2 new characters, Alice and Decus
-new screenshots and system info
-new animated move screen, featuring the new characters

This game is shaping pretty good, cannot wait until it is released. I have no doubt that like the gamecube title this installment will have a cult following, however like most tales titles i'm not sure about if it will be a big success.

[Varion]

-new hp picture (boxart cover?)
Yeah, iirc a recent scan (the first one to show the 2 new characters) had that pic with a comment saying it was to be the box art next to it.

[serenade_beta]

The new HP cover makes me want to get the game so much!

Monster Contracting/Raising

After battle, you can have defeated monsters who have qualities to become your ally make a contract with Emil and have it join you.
The qualities required for monsters to become your ally varies, but it also changes depending on the actions Emil and co. take in battle and the quality of special equipment equipped.
But there are times where you will fail even if you choose "Make a contract".
A "contract" is to borrow the power of the monster you are bringing around to strengthen your powers, and by doing so, makes it easier for contracts to be made.
But by strengthening through a contract with a race that has a bad affinity with you, it could be harder to gain allies so make sure to investigate the monsters.


By having monsters eat food, their status will change.
Also, monsters have their likings, so eating those will have a different effect.
The repertoire of food available increases by getting recipes all around the world.
Even if it is the same recipe, different people cooking it can result in different results.
By satisfying certain requirements, after eating, monsters could even evolve...!

What is this, Pokemon?

Unison Attacks are back, as well as the Sorcerer's Ring!


New characters:

"Even if this city is destroyed, it won't hurt or itch Alice-chan at all (heart)." <--:twitch: That type of chara!?

Leader of the Vanguard Combat Group.
At first, looks like pretty girl with a kind and innocent atmosphere, but on the inside is selfish, dark, and sadistic soldier.
Despite her age, she speaks in a childish way.
A apparition-user who uses a machine that uses exspheres to brainwash and control apparitions, and she has absolutely no affection for apparitions at all.
While using her pretty looks, she has the ability to dominate her enemy through well-though violence and schemes.
Considers Decus a bother and is using him as her servant.
http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/popup/img/animemovie_11.jpg
Damn... That's cute... Damn... Rotten apple...

I never thought one could stuff so many horrible qualities in one simple profile...
*shivers in fear*
Does she die? Oi, does she?...


"You are also madly in love with my scent. But! I only need Alice-chan!" <--gross

Leader of the Vanguard Construction Group.
Unsophisticated and zealous, he has a one-sided personality. He tends to get intense misconceptions and runs wild right away.
His appearance is somewhat of a lovable man, but he dotes on Alice and wants her to care about him so much he tends to act like a stalker and intently polishes up on his outer appearance, a very useless man.
He followed Alice, and without much though, he volunteers at Vanguard, and constantly stinks of perfume, thanks to his constant use of a "Perfume to make you popular with women" that he bought using mail order.
He is hated by Alice, who calls him "gross", "weird", and "stinky".
However, the actual person himself, Decus, is not fed up at all.

Loser that stalks the lunatic...


100% chance of being antagonists, I say...

[Kaioshin Sama]

Who wants to bet that this Alice plays counter to Marta's tomboy by being the ever so perfect lady like girl type....at least on the outside.

edit: Well now that I've read the spoilers it seems I was right. Generally the name or rather concept of Alice is invoked in Japanese productions to represent a sense of absolute purity in the fact of outright chaos (See Alice in Wonderland). Or at least this is what I've gathered from the characters that have shared the name. In reality this girl sounds almost exactly like Haruhi. I wouldn't be surprised if they got Aya Hirano to do her voice.

Not really surprised that she apparently talks like an innocent little girl. That's how they do it I keep telling people. The old innocent looks and cutesy voice and then Wham with the old fork in the eye.

[Sides]

More screens now on dengekionline (http://dol.dengeki.com/data/news/2008/2/29/93f2b1f1af8141bf4489fab3a3bec121.html) (looks like from pre release or debug version). Still no release date ;_;

And there seems to be a wii freeloader version coming this easter from datel, which apparently support Wii games. (please discuss it in the wii thread and not here, it is just a piece of info, for people who might want to import this game)

Even more screens on watch.impress (http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20080229/tosr.htm)
Well actually they are the same ^^;

[Sides]

Preview on 1up (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=0&cId=3167417) (with interview), gamesradar (http://www.gamesradar.com/wii/tales-of-symphonia-dawn-of-the-new-world/preview/tales-of-symphonia-dawn-of-the-new-world/a-20080416151437866028/g-2008022710141315041) and some info on both Tales (Wii and 360) titles covered at Namco Bandai Editor's Day (http://kotaku.com/380771/namco-bandai-editors-day-and-the-rest), over at kotaku.

JPN release date is the 26/06/2008

[Sides]

Official HP updated, now with new character bio, including Brute, Hawk and Magner. Plus more about the system, monster and battle system, and screenshots from both, animation and in-game.

http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/index.php

[serenade_beta]

Keh, why do we have bad guys who look so good (like Alice), and then we have bad guys like these :heh: :
http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/popup/img/animemovie_13.jpghttp://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/popup/img/animemovie_14.jpg

The new update for monsters is slightly interesting. Simply introductions to a few monsters and their attribute, attack, and skill.

In Battle system, they update with the great "hi-ougi"s (which seem to look cool, from just a few screenshots).

"Listen. If it is for the sake of justice, then the method doesn't matter!"

Commander of the Sylvarant Liberation Army "Vanguard".
In the world after the unification, after receiving the reasonless discrimination and persecution of the Tetha'lla people and Martel Church, he felt doubt towards Martel Church and formed Vanguard to protect the rights of the Sylverant people. Seeking the Ratatosk Core, which holds great power, he manages to succeed once, but on the day of the "Purge of Blood", Marta stole it from him and he is now chasing after her.
Because the Ratatosk Core is currently buried in Marta's head, he constantly sends assassins like Alice to Emil and Marta. Using the Ratatosk Core, he seems to be planning to carry out a certain scheme but...

Hmm... Interesting... At least one "party" in the game is confirmed... "Vanguard", where Alice, Decus, this guy, and others are in.
This will be troublesome...

"I have to hurry or Alice-sama will punish me and I'll lose my life."

The division commander of Vanguard's army corps.
A subordinate under direct command of Alice and Decus, he is also the sub-leader of the Combat Section.
Primarily, his role is to get punched and kicked around by Alice.
Having a hypocritically curt manner of speaking, he always talks condescendingly towards Alice.
He doesn't find Decus or Alice to be interesting at all in his heart, but being a coward, he doesn't show it physically.
In battle, he shows a cold-hearted and cruel side, but that is just another way his cowardliness comes out.
Alice calls him "Ho-kun".

Alice-sama~~~~!! :love::bow:
*gasp* Crap, I lost it for a moment...

"Silence. Lloyd-sama's orders are absolute!"

Leader of Martel Church's knights corps.
On first glance, he looks reasonable, but there is something black whirling inside his mind and you can't put your guard down with him.
He fights with a gigantic spear as his weapon.
He goes around suppressing towns and villages under suspicion of the Anti-Martel Group under the pretext of treason towards the Miko, and at the same time, by "Lloyd's orders", is searching for the Ratatosk Core and Centurion Core.
Because Martel Church and the Tethe'alla Supremacy Rule's obvious antagonistic relationship with Vanguard, he looks down on Sylverant people as barbarians.

*sigh* In the end, the only update we have are of three antagonists...

I wish I could play the JP version of Ratatosk, but Wiis have region lock... *hiss*
Pointless hope, but I wish the English versions will have a Japanese track for voices. I want to here what they are supposed to sound like. Luckily, Symphonia's dubs weren't that bad...

[Terrestrial Dream]

So it's coming out soon in Japan pretty cool, well I think I should stay avoid any new info on the game as I don't know want to get spoiled. Oh yeah does anybody know how to change the title? Because I want to change the title to "Tales of Symphonia: Knight of Ratatosk(Dawn of the New World)".

[Sides]

Another HP update, now with a short TV(?) PV, link (http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/streaming/index.php)

It is probably the last update before release next month. And if you actually preorder it you get a bonus DVD, as far as i understand.

[Varion]

Another HP update, now with a short TV(?) PV, link (http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/streaming/index.php)

It is probably the last update before release next month. And if you actually preorder it you get a bonus DVD, as far as i understand.
Yeah it's just a short TV advert. Nothing big.

As for the bonus DVD, yeah it's a preorder extra. It contains the following:
- Tales of Symphonia Digest Video
- "Chat Drama" based on Raine's class.
- Jump Festa 2008 Trailer
- Voice Actresses Interview

[Sety]

*sigh* In the end, the only update we have are of three antagonists...

I wish I could play the JP version of Ratatosk, but Wiis have region lock... *hiss*
Pointless hope, but I wish the English versions will have a Japanese track for voices. I want to here what they are supposed to sound like. Luckily, Symphonia's dubs weren't that bad...
If you really want you can get a Wii Freeloader boot disc, that'll bypass the region lock.

[Sides]

Ups, i take back what i said earlier this week.
Another Hp update, more system infos (incl. monster details) and couple of new screenshot.
http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/

There is also a link to the dev's blog.

An alternative to Freeloader is the Gecko Regionfree program, run through the TW exploit, what you need it the Zelda game and a SD card. The advantage is that this method isn't likely to be blocked like the freeloader.

[HayashiTakara]

I just heard about Tales of Fandom, and decided to watch all the videos on it, and apparently Sheena is still in love with Lloyd, I wonder if they'll give us a little fan service in this game... sigh... this is killing me, has there been a released date set for this game yet? For the US that is... I wish there was a data transfer option too... oh well..

[serenade_beta]

this is killing me, has there been a released date set for this game yet? For the US that is... I wish there was a data transfer option too... oh well..

For now, the US release is set for September. Let us hope that it isn't delayed (and the voice acting is good). I hope Marta calling Emil a prince won't sound cheesy in the English version (assuming they translate it directly...).
Most importantly... PLEASE, keep the OP song in!! PLEASE don't replace it with some instrumental! I beg you! :(

[OceanBlue]

I'd have no problem with them replacing the OP song with instrumentals as long as they have the Japanese opening as an "Extras" or something. [I can find it on the internet anyways, so it wouldn't be that bad.]

I'm hoping we can choose the language voices in the game [But there would be problems of direct/indirect translations...].

[DeotoxSlayer]

For now, the US release is set for September. Let us hope that it isn't delayed (and the voice acting is good). I hope Marta calling Emil a prince won't sound cheesy in the English version (assuming they translate it directly...).
Most importantly... PLEASE, keep the OP song in!! PLEASE don't replace it with some instrumental! I beg you! :(

I'm pretty sure they're gonna replace the OP Song with an instrumental version of it because it makes more sense, I mean not all buyers are gonna like the way Japanese Songs sound like you or I do, and I don't think they want to annoy any buyers with the OP, but hopefully they have the original in the extra area.

[krisslanza]

They usually use instrumentals because its cheaper not because people won't like it - since by that logical all anime dubs would just have instrumental OPs and not keep the originals.

[AC-Laguna]

Are you trying to say that it´s cheaper to alter the OP-song (or doing a new one) than using the same? I hope you know that this doesn´t make much sense.

I haven´t played ToS for GC yet but I´m still looking forward to Knight of Ratosk.

[krisslanza]

No its cheaper to just remove the lyrics - they don't have pay for it then. You don't need to pay them royalties or something for the tune.

[DeotoxSlayer]

No its cheaper to just remove the lyrics - they don't have pay for it then. You don't need to pay them royalties or something for the tune.

But they still have to pay Royalties for the tune because they only replace the vocals with an instrument, the other instruments are still there, and so is the beat, and tune.

[HayashiTakara]

Royalties are dependent on a contract to contract bases, we don't know what the business arrangement is. But making a whole new song for the beginning is much more expensive than keeping the original in.

[Sety]

No its cheaper to just remove the lyrics - they don't have pay for it then. You don't need to pay them royalties or something for the tune.
I hope you don't honestly believe that.

They usually already have a instrumental version of the opening already done back during development and they just swap out the songs. It has absolutely nothing to do with royalties at all since they would've been accounted into the contract to begin with.

Its simply whether the localization team decides to use it or not. Some just simply see it as the 'professional' thing to do to replace it, I use that term lightly since they almost all the time do an amateur job.

[Kaioshin Sama]

I'm more concerned about the lack of Rie Kugimiya then I am about the opening. If they'd be so kind as to include a dual language audio track I would be ecstatic, but Namco Bandai has yet to deliver on this front.

[krisslanza]

Then I don't know why so many game companies are stupid and take out the original song with the instrumental... Not that some songs have a bad instrumental its just... Why?

Since like I said it can't be because people wouldn't wanna hear it since no dubbed animes have their openings removed (Ok well nowadays anyway. In the ol' days didn't we just make our own? And some anime are exempt to this)

[Sety]

I'm more concerned about the lack of Rie Kugimiya then I am about the opening. If they'd be so kind as to include a dual language audio track I would be ecstatic, but Namco Bandai has yet to deliver on this front.
Namco Bandai have yet to deliver on too many accounts.

They're not localizing Tales of Innocence for DS despite it being possibly one of the best Tales games created to date.

They never localized Namco x Capcom. (Though a fan translation was completed)

Never localized Tales of Destiny Remake despite it being the best selling Tales game ever over in JP. (Though title goes to ToS worldwide, however they originally never intended to release that either. It was Nintendo who funded it.)

They never released Baten Kaitos Origins in Europe.

Then I don't know why so many game companies are stupid and take out the original song with the instrumental... Not that some songs have a bad instrumental its just... Why?
Only even remotely reasonable excuse is that dual audio tracks requires more disk space. This may be the case for DS games and as such, but its less than believable for home console games since they don't take THAT much space.

[Varion]

Then I don't know why so many game companies are stupid and take out the original song with the instrumental... Not that some songs have a bad instrumental its just... Why?
In most cases it's because they think people are going to be driven away by Japanese vocal songs. I remember when Atlus did this for the original Disgaea for exactly that reason, but the fans complained about it and they actually listened. Can't say I care much in this case though, because I think the Ratatosk opening song is awful.

And dual audio is a pipe dream, unfortunately. It's just not happening - while they could technically get it all onto a dual layer DVD (I assume this game'll be a single layer - it's not even widescreen by the looks of it which I find really disappointing), no one really wants to use them after the Wii proved it didn't like them very much with Brawl.

[krisslanza]

In most cases it's because they think people are going to be driven away by Japanese vocal songs. I remember when Atlus did this for the original Disgaea for exactly that reason, but the fans complained about it and they actually listened. Can't say I care much in this case though, because I think the Ratatosk opening song is awful.

And dual audio is a pipe dream, unfortunately. It's just not happening - while they could technically get it all onto a dual layer DVD (I assume this game'll be a single layer - it's not even widescreen by the looks of it which I find really disappointing), no one really wants to use them after the Wii proved it didn't like them very much with Brawl.

Yet in Disgaea 2 the OP is STILL in Japanese and you can turn the whole game to speak Japanese? :uhoh:
EDIT:
Or are you saying they thought they'd dislike the vocals and removed them; so then the players complained?

[Benoit]

They never released Baten Kaitos Origins in Europe.
To be honest, as a European, I'm not too saddened by this fact. Why? Because Namco or Nintendo, whoever did the PAL conversion, did a poor job with each Namco RPG they released in Europe.

Instead of offering the option between plain PAL and PAL 60 like every self-respecting GameCube game, they instead limited us to 'optimised' PAL. It's regular PAL, but a little sped up so it's almost like PAL 60, as far as I know. In any case, it's inferior to PAL 60. Why they bothered to go through the hassle of having 'optimised' PAL instead of PAL 60 and plain PAL is beyond me.

This is why I bought the US versions of Tales of Symphonia and Baten Kaitos, and got the US version of Baten Kaitos Origins for my birthday a couple months ago (playing through it, great game). When visiting my UK buddy months back, we played Tales of Symphonia together, and I noticed how the game felt a little slower, and sound actually got out of sync at times. Inexcusable.

Baten Kaitos Origins wasn't even published by Namco Bandai in the US; Nintendo published it. So there was a good chance we didn't even get it translated.

[Varion]

Yet in Disgaea 2 the OP is STILL in Japanese and you can turn the whole game to speak Japanese? :uhoh:
The ending track that plays when the credits roll for the normal ending in Disgaea 1 was a vocal track, but they just used an instrumental version of it for the US version. You could still switch the voice acting to Japanese, but it was optional and the default was English. People complained about them changing it from a vocal track, so for future titles they left the songs as they were. Well, NISA did if you want to be technical, but apparently NISA is some kind of subsidiary of Atlus anyway. Someone chime in if I'm wrong on this, I'm pretty sure they have something to do with Atlus anyway.

[Sides]

Another HP update, now with new PV, found under streaming, and a "comments" section, with features some audio streams by the VAs

http://namco-ch.net/talesofsymphonia_wii/index.php

Btw the blog is updated almost daily atm, some of the entries are quite interesting/informative, i.e. today's one is about the control system and how it feels compare to other Tales titles.

[Dingo]

This spin off, like it's cousin, Vesperia, seems rather shallow(even for a jRPG) character designs look extremely bland, not expecting anything remotely interesting from the story, and music, but hopefully the combat system will make up for it all.

[Sides]

Misono 's PV for the theme tune (Ninin sank yaku) on youtube (http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZVs8mEMGgw).
Only few weeks away, until the game is being released ^^

[HayashiTakara]

I hope Lloyd completely pwns the new guy in the beginning... if the new guy is on equal footing in combat skill to Lloyd that would be a complete slap to the face to Kratos.

[Varion]

New gameplay video from some TV show. Talking over, but it's nice to see a battle from beginning to end. Plus the new main battle theme seems to be a remix of Full Force.

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=orwC6rekkVE
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3557677

Also, the soundtrack will be released on the 9th July on the usual 4 discs, for 4200 Yen, containing 82 tracks.

[Kaioshin Sama]

New gameplay video from some TV show. Talking over, but it's nice to see a battle from beginning to end. Plus the new main battle theme seems to be a remix of Full Force.

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=orwC6rekkVE
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3557677

Also, the soundtrack will be released on the 9th July on the usual 4 discs, for 4200 Yen, containing 82 tracks.

I still think the best Tales battle theme will always be Fighting of The Spirit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxtPCpPUCdw&feature=related) from Phantasia.

[Rikimtasu]

New trailer,with comment from Emil and Marta:
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3692699
well,it is just a longer ver,anyway^^

[Kaioshin Sama]

New trailer,with comment from Emil and Marta:
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3692699
well,it is just a longer ver,anyway^^

I saw Alice in there with some sort of foot stomp/grind technique. That's the stuff. I've gotta say, using the games own in engine skit system as a way for the characters to comment on the trailer and listening to some of their reactions was quite amusing. This is the stuff good trailers are made of.

[serenade_beta]

I saw Alice in there with some sort of foot stomp/grind technique. That's the stuff.

What?! *watches video*
Kuuh, that lucky... I mean, poor guy.


This video got me excited for the game!

But I fear hearing the deredere lines from Marta said in English by an English voice actor for some reason...
Maybe someone will upload play videos of the (Japanese) game... I'd watch them all.

Emil seems to have split personalities (due to Ratatosk or something)? Sometimes being a wimp, and other times, he's one of those "ore-sama" characters. :uhoh:

[Kaioshin Sama]

I just can't get over that heel grind attack. From the looks of it it had an ougi picture of Alice before it, but it's hard to make out who exactly it's being used on. I wonder if it's just for a joke attack or what. In fact I wonder if Alice and co are even supposed to be serious enemies or not.

[serenade_beta]

I just can't get over that heel grind attack. From the looks of it it had an ougi picture of Alice before it, but it's hard to make out who exactly it's being used on. I wonder if it's just for a joke attack or what. In fact I wonder if Alice and co are even supposed to be serious enemies or not.

I didn't notice the ougi picture, but what a strange (and weak? Emil seemed to have blocked it) ougi... It seems to be a close ranged ougi (really close range) that sends hearts out in front of her...

It's probably being used on Emil. The party consisted of (looking at the bottom) two monsters, Emil, and Marta, and the person being attacked was male and had Emil's hair color.

I assume Alice and Decus will be serious enemies (because of their horrible personalities) for part of the game, but I bet some great evil will pop up at some time, pushing these two aside (or killing them).


Just realized, but Decus, Alice, and Tenebrae's profiles updated on the official website with official artwork to replace the game screenshots.
Kawaii yo~~ Alice-chan~
Decus looks good too, but oh well.

[krisslanza]

I wanna see the trailer... :uhoh:
But I don't have a Nico video account :sad:

[serenade_beta]

I wanna see the trailer... :uhoh:
But I don't have a Nico video account :sad:

Here's the trailer on youtube:

EcQBhDtpF-U

[krisslanza]

Ah danke :nod:
Looks very nice... I want it now :sad:

[HayashiTakara]

It makes me so sad that I won't be hearing shana's voice in the localized version... :(

[Kaioshin Sama]

It makes me so sad that I won't be hearing shana's voice in the localized version... :(

Don't remind me. :(

[HayashiTakara]

Her english VA better be good! I was pretty happy with the english VA in the first game, especially Presea and Sheena's VAs. I don't say this very often, but ToS had good english VAs, I hope they dont screw it up.

[teachopvutru]

It makes me so sad that I won't be hearing shana's voice in the localized version... :(

Does that mean Japanese voice for NA version is an impossibility? :(

[Kaioshin Sama]

Her english VA better be good! I was pretty happy with the english VA in the first game, especially Presea and Sheena's VAs. I don't say this very often, but ToS had good english VAs, I hope they dont screw it up.

It'll probably just be Wendee Lee or something.

[Z3120]

Here's someone looking forward to this much more than Vesperia :cool:

[NoLongerSane]

Well, this is my first post besides the introduction so I hope this is a good one.
I am very much looking forward to the release of this game in America. I enjoyed the first one and I am hoping to enjoy this one too. I know that the monster catching portion of this game may be a turn off to some, but I am going to give it a chance. I am just wondering if the US release is going to have anthing added to it or will be missing some parts that are going to be japanese exclusives. In just less than three days the title will be released in Japan and I hope to hear some postitive things from this game.

[Z3120]

ToS: Dawn of the New World - Special Moves ( spoilers ) (http://youtube.com/watch?v=jxIwPSol32Q)

Personally, besides Emil's and Zelos', I felt most were underwhelming. Oh well, can't wait either way to try.

[darkchibi07]

The enemies moaning at their deaths made me LOL!!! :heh:

[Sterling01]

So I just beat the game and......
I don't know if I got a BAD END or what but.....
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!!!!!
Though I do wonder what happens if Emil Kills Marta and the Gang. As of now though I'm too pissed off at the REPEAT AGAIN ending. To try that battle again.
Emil choking Marta was fun to watch though.

[DeotoxSlayer]

So I just beat the game and......
I don't know if I got a BAD END or what but.....
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!!!!!
Though I do wonder what happens if Emil Kills Marta and the Gang. As of now though I'm too pissed off at the REPEAT AGAIN ending. To try that battle again.
Emil choking Marta was fun to watch though.

WTF NO!!!

Is there alternate endings cause if thats the main ending im F*****G pissed.

On another note i'm impressed that you managed to beat the game in one day.

[NoLongerSane]

Though I might be a bit disappointed in the current ending I am hoping you can unlock an alternate ending. I am a bit curious about the monster catching since I read on the post in Gamefaqs that some monsters may open some more side quests. I am also curious about the raising of the monsters portions, since I am wondering what are some of the final forms of certain monsters.

[Sterling01]

WTF NO!!!

Is there alternate endings cause if thats the main ending im F*****G pissed.

On another note i'm impressed that you managed to beat the game in one day.
If you want to see the Fall ending just paste this into nicovid's search engine
テイルズ オブ シンフォニア ラタトスクの騎士 第八章
It's in 4 parts.

[DeotoxSlayer]

If you want to see the Fall ending just paste this into nicovid's search engine
テイルズ オブ シンフォニア ラタトスクの騎士 第八章
It's in 4 parts.

Is there any other endings than the one you mentioned in your previous post or is that one the only one.

[Sterling01]

Is there any other endings than the one you mentioned in your previous post or is that one the only one.
So far I've only gotten the previous and from the looks of it. That's the only one

[DeotoxSlayer]

So far I've only gotten the previous and from the looks of it. That's the only one

I actaull checked around a bit and found out that there's actually two endings.

You get the good ending if:

you win the fight against Richter, lost the fight againts Marta and Lloyd and win the fight against Ratatosk.

You get the bad ending if:

you win the fight against Richter, you win the fight against Marta and Lloyd and you win the fight against Ratatosk

which ending did you get???

[Sterling01]

I actaull checked around a bit and found out that there's actually two endings.

You get the good ending if:

you win the fight against Richter, lost the fight againts Marta and Lloyd and win the fight against Ratatosk.

You get the bad ending if:

you win the fight against Richter, you win the fight against Marta and Lloyd and you win the fight against Ratatosk

which ending did you get???
The apparently "good" ending

[NoLongerSane]

I actaull checked around a bit and found out that there's actually two endings.

You get the good ending if:

you win the fight against Richter, lost the fight againts Marta and Lloyd and win the fight against Ratatosk.

You get the bad ending if:

you win the fight against Richter, you win the fight against Marta and Lloyd and you win the fight against Ratatosk

which ending did you get???

What are the good and bad endings? Also, is this game one player but has the option for allowing others to join in via player option or is it just only one player can play the game? I was wondering about that since there has been a vid on youtube that shows a 999 hit combo that is performed by Emil and Marta. It has both characters attacking in different times with only regualar attacks and I wanted to know if there were two people playing it or if the AI has been advance enough to pull something like that.

[serenade_beta]

If you want to see the Fall ending just paste this into nicovid's search engine
テイルズ オブ シンフォニア ラタトスクの騎士 第八章
It's in 4 parts.

Wha...... Seriously?! That's the end...? Not even an epilogue?! UsousousousousousousoDA!
If the game really turns out so tragically, I might not buy the game anymore... Save myself 50+ dollars and a lot of depression (wait, I just watched it and got depressed...).
And since play videos are being uploaded, I can just get the story there. I miss out on controlling the characters to fight and all, but adding the fact the field was removed... not much missed, ne...

Not only that...
Gets killed. Well, considering her personality, position, and everything, I knew this was an obvious result, but still... Crap, that's sad.

It would have more impact if they animated it, since seeing the field-characters attack, kill, and flop definitely lowers the impact of the scenes. At least, in the end, animated Alice-chan... :T_T::T_T:

Oh, forgot, but Decus too... <--afterthought

I am also curious about the raising of the monsters portions, since I am wondering what are some of the final forms of certain monsters.

I've only seen a few videos, but I find that one of the worse addtions to the game. They seem useful, but training and capturing them isn't something I want from a Tales game. We have Pokemon for that...
--

So far, I've only seen to after the cave and when Marta and Emil get back to Luin...

Quick pretty non-spoilerish thoughts:

-Can I have my money back? I didn't spend *insert amount* gald to rebuild the town into some horrible place for Emil to get discriminated on. There are a few good places, but somewhere like this... Yeah, go get razed again. Not helping the reconstruction though.

-Aqua and Tenebrae... Both annoying in their own way... More Aqua than Tenebrae...
-Emil is such a wimp... On the other hand, his "ore-sama" side is a lot better.
-The skits are pretty nice. Voiced=Good. The one where they made fun of Lloyd's name was great!

EDIT:
Yes, yes, almost forgot about the OP...
It was pretty good, but it doesn't compare to the near godly OPs for Symphonia. The animation is great, but the song is where it can't win. Not bad, but not great either. Regardless, the OP sure has a lot of shoes...

[Sterling01]

Wha...... Seriously?! That's the end...? Not even an epilogue?! UsousousousousousousoDA!
If the game really turns out so tragically, I might not buy the game anymore... Save myself 50+ dollars and a lot of depression (wait, I just watched it and got depressed...).

Yes, there's not even an epilogue to that fucking "good" ending.
I WANT MY MONEY BACK :frustrated::frustrated:

[teachopvutru]

So I just beat the game and......
I don't know if I got a BAD END or what but.....
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!!!!!
Though I do wonder what happens if Emil Kills Marta and the Gang. As of now though I'm too pissed off at the REPEAT AGAIN ending. To try that battle again.
Emil choking Marta was fun to watch though.

In one day? How many hours did you take to beat the game? Actually, did you even sleep at all?

Anyway, I just watched the endings on youtube. Not knowing Japanese, I can't quite make out why it happens, but neither of the two endings seem particularly pretty... So errr... may I have a summary of what's going on at the end? :p

Well... I can only make out that Emil has to stay because of something involving Ratatosk inside him, the Emil and Marta good bye part, and something about 1000 years

For the bad ending, Emil kills himself and Marta somehow has been save, so maybe... life exchange?

But meh... why can't the creator at least make a happy ending!!?? :frustrated:

I change my mind. I hope they won't include the Japanese track in the localized version after all... save me the urge to buying. :upset:

[Sterling01]

In one day? How many hours did you take to beat the game? Actually, did you even sleep at all?

I was able to get the game on the 25th

[NoLongerSane]

Just adding some info here. There is a third ending. Copy and Paste to see it.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TyW6puKGHtg
This one has Emil getting out and seeing Marta.

[teachopvutru]

Just adding some info here. There is a third ending. Copy and Paste to see it.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TyW6puKGHtg
This one has Emil getting out and seeing Marta.

Whew, now I'm a bit relief. Hey, that's not fair. Why did they have to post all the bad endings first? It wasn't the best way to greet the morning .... seriously.

Anyway, how do you acquire this third ending, or is it like the follow up or the epilogue of the True ending? This ending started where Emil and Richter were alone in that weird place, which was where the True ending left off.

[serenade_beta]

Just adding some info here. There is a third ending. Copy and Paste to see it.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TyW6puKGHtg
This one has Emil getting out and seeing Marta.

Ah~, that's nice. Relieves me a bit, even though it still doesn't change the way this game is...
In fact, thinking reversely, we know what Marta ends up doing after the other ends too... :(

Ratatosk no Kishi really seems like one of the cases where the creator/whoever realizes how popular Symphonia was and decides they could make good money and ends up making a game that disappointed fans...
I hope Innocence doesn't get a sequel...

--
Random thought, but Luin's mayor/chief/leader really is a nice guy! Uuu, moved! That is such a crappy town, there is someone so good!
--
@above
What's the true end? What says it was the true end?

[teachopvutru]

@above
What's the true end? What says it was the true end?

Erm, I actually don't know what the true ending was, but I was wondering if the third ending was actually not the third ending, and instead the portion after the ending Sterling01 saw. (like a surprise epilogue =p)

[Sterling01]

I still haven't figured out how to get the third ending.
Though if we look at Ratatosk no Kishi as a Visual Novel there's a Good End, Bad End, and a True End....eh.....
I've been playing too many eroges.

[teachopvutru]

I still haven't figured out how to get the third ending.
Though if we look at Ratatosk no Kishi as a Visual Novel there's a Good End, Bad End, and a True End....eh.....
I've been playing too many eroges.

Well, if that's the case, it makes me sad that the True End is not very happy... :(

I would rather have True End, Bad End 1, and Bad End 2. The True End being the third ending, and everyone is happy.

[serenade_beta]

@above

In that case, just deny it. That's what I would do. Just ignore the fact that it is said to be the true end, and believe the end you like is the true end, all is happy-none is harmed.
---

On other note...

There is clearly some amusing going on here... The good guys have a lot of rather boring ougis, but all of the main bad guys have cool ones.
-Brute's "Yami YO!!! Ankoku YO!!!" was a bonus (in coolness), along with the animation.
-Decus... NOW that's!! A great ougi, seriously. And at the same time, creepy and hilarious.
I mean, he takes out a picture of Alice (oh, stalker) in combat, looks at it with some creepy look, half of it gets burned, he gets really angry, slashes four times with his sword and L-O-V-E is spelled out, and damages the surroundings with energy. Oh, and he screams "ALICE-CHAAAAANN!!" near the end... :heh::heh:
-Alice's was pretty nice too. Frozen land and all. :)


As for Alice, finally got to her first appearance. She's so sadistic, even sitting on her subordinates (kuuh! Lucky guy...). Kawaii~~ :love:
*cough*
The only problem is that her voice is a bit unfortunate... And her fate too.
It was awesome when, in battle, she used that heel grinding move and went "Does it feel good?" :)
The following script on sadism was great too. Marta really has what it takes to be a yandere.

[Asamidori]

As for Alice, finally got to her first appearance. She's so sadistic, even sitting on her subordinates (kuuh! Lucky guy...).
's why she's being called サドの人/佐渡の人 until Tenebu-chan finally corrected Emil after a while. =3

[iwubanime]

I'm glad most of you are enjoying this game, but from what I've found out about the game, the limitations just have totally killed this game for me. I knew that it was going to be a spinoff, but I didn't know they'd change things so much.

I wanted to play this game for the old cast, the new cast looks alright, but frankly that's not why I was so excited when it was announced.

For those of you that don't have the game, here's some issues you might want to think about before you get the game:

-Sheena can't summon
-Old cast only levels up through the story and they can't equip anything
-On-screen (not battle) character limited to Emil or Marta
-Old cast can't be in the first slot, thus you need to have one of your party members be Emil or Marta. You also can't start a battle as an old character. You have to start as Emil or Marta and then switch to one of the old characters.
-Old cast can't participate in the single colliseum battle
-Old cast has set titles, so even if costumes existed, you can't switch between them

[teachopvutru]

@above

In that case, just deny it. That's what I would do. Just ignore the fact that it is said to be the true end, and believe the end you like is the true end, all is happy-none is harmed.


I would like to, but it still bothers me...

Anyway, may I ask a question?
In the normal ending (psh.. Bad Ending #1), Emil, or rather, Ratatosk, says something about 1000 years, but that's all I could understand. What did he say about 1000 years?

[NoLongerSane]

I would like to, but it still bothers me...

Anyway, may I ask a question?
In the normal ending (psh.. Bad Ending #1), Emil, or rather, Ratatosk, says something about 1000 years, but that's all I could understand. What did he say about 1000 years?

I think Emil is suppose to stay in that chamber to power the young mana tree.

Also, speaking of the old character, does anyone know when the Tethe'alla arc is going to be released in the anime. I really want to see which parts of the story line from the Tethe'alla arc the story writers are going to use?

[Kaioshin Sama]

If there's one thing I can say by just looking at the cutscenes, the character models appear more expressive and animated then ever before. Even Tales of The Abyss suffered from some rather static looking character models in cutscenes that made it hard to tell anything from body language. Dialogue was your only option.

[solarknight123]

So what from i've been reading so far, is it safe to assume that the multiple endings in the game
ranges from bad to good but no satisfying? also how many are there in total again?

[serenade_beta]

I would like to, but it still bothers me...

Anyway, may I ask a question?
In the normal ending (psh.. Bad Ending #1), Emil, or rather, Ratatosk, says something about 1000 years, but that's all I could understand. What did he say about 1000 years?

They plan to do separate everything from mana, so the world would no longer need mana to survive. It will take 1000 years to do so, and kind, kind Emil wants Richter to last that long (Richter's the one to the what they need to do).

Techincally, this would be impossible since humans can't live that long... but...

Richter is a half-elf. Also, I haven't seen the scene myself, but from spoiler comments, it seems he is Magnius's son. You know, the axe Desian boss from Symphonia? Which also explains why Richter likes (or tends) to use words like "pig"...

So what from i've been reading so far, is it safe to assume that the multiple endings in the game
ranges from bad to good but no satisfying? also how many are there in total again?

Well, satisfying is simply an opinion. But, yeah, I guess it isn't satisfying. In fact, the good end seems (I haven't played the game myself after all. Just videos and spoiler comments) to a sudden plot device for a happy end...

As for the end, three versions.

Marta + Lloyd vs. Emil

After Emil wins, Marta collapses.
Shocked by this, Emil stops acting (he was pretending to be Ratatosk) and runs up to her. Then he stabs himself with his sword and dies. Marta wakes up and realizes what happens...

As an epilogue, we have a diary entry written by Marta... Depressing thing...

END <--yes, the other ends said FIN, but this one says END...

Sterling already mentioned this.

Emil loses to the two, reveals he was acting, fights his other self.
He and Richter stay in the sealed chamber, *points to top of post explaining the 1000 years thing*.
ED plays.

FIN

This "end" continues after the epilogue-lacking end.
After the scene where Emil talks to Richter about 1000 years, the Centurions reveal (Oh! Look! A plot device to keep Emil alive!) that they can seperate Emil from the core he has. They do so, and the ED plays.

Epilogue, and Emil returns to where Marta is...

FIN

That's all, it seems.

's why she's being called サドの人/佐渡の人 until Tenebu-chan finally corrected Emil after a while. =3

Yeah, a great thing to say to the actual person. :heh:
It seems Decus has gotten a nickname by some people.... "Desk", swapping the last two syllables. :heh:

I'm glad most of you are enjoying this game, but from what I've found out about the game, the limitations just have totally killed this game for me. I knew that it was going to be a spinoff, but I didn't know they'd change things so much.

I wanted to play this game for the old cast, the new cast looks alright, but frankly that's not why I was so excited when it was announced.

For those of you that don't have the game, here's some issues you might want to think about before you get the game:

-Sheena can't summon
-Old cast only levels up through the story and they can't equip anything
-On-screen (not battle) character limited to Emil or Marta
-Old cast can't be in the first slot, thus you need to have one of your party members be Emil or Marta. You also can't start a battle as an old character. You have to start as Emil or Marta and then switch to one of the old characters.
-Old cast can't participate in the single colliseum battle
-Old cast has set titles, so even if costumes existed, you can't switch between them

Actually, not many of us here are enjoying the game that much. Actually, most of us aren't even playing the game...

Personally, I like the new cast better. I can't honestly say I really loved any Symphonia characters, but I can for a few Ratatosk characters like Marta, Alice, and Emil. And Decus is gaining points, with his idiotic ougi and infinite stomping.

[Varion]

Just finished it. Got the epilogue ending on my first try because I'm awesome like that.

Pro:
- Really likeable cast of characters. Emil, while weak, is still genuinely likeable, and his 'Ratatosk Mode' is awesome. Marta is adorable, sweet and all things nice, and Tenebrae is unexpectedly hilarious. When you lose count of how many times you laugh out loud, it's always a good sign. The old cast are as likeable as they ever were.
- Good story. It was a little rough in parts but the overall plotline was interesting and with enough twists to keep me playing.
- Wiimote controls were surprisingly nowhere near as bad as I expected and worked pretty well.
- Fast, fun battle system. Aerial combat is in particular loads of fun - by the time you get the Sky High 3 skill Emil's regular aerial combo is 7 or 8 hits, which can be chained into most of your artes.
- Excellent voice acting. I can't imagine having played the game without it, and some parts just wouldn't have had the impact - humourous, serious or otherwise - that they did without the voice acting. Basically everything except talking to villagers is voiced, too.
- Widescreen progressive. Playing this after replaying Symphonia on a good HDTV makes you appreciate the lack of black borders and the messy interlacing the Gamecube version had via SCART.
- Some nice looking new areas.
- Cutscenes were well done. The motion capturing really shows what it can do in these, and fights look a lot smoother and are more exciting as a result.
- Solid length. Most gamers will get at least 35 hours out of it, more if you spend much time levelling or making pacts with monsters.
- Difficulty seemed somewhat higher than the original. While the only time I got a game over was when I ran straight into Alice and Decus's strongest attack got annihilated in 5 seconds there were no game overs, but some battles will take a bit of time and quite a few healing items to come through unscathed.

Con:
- All the characters from Symphonia joining at fixed, unraisable levels takes some of the fun out of playing them, especially when you have 10x exp and are massively raising everyone else. Their joining level is enough for them to survive and be useful though.
- Unison Attacks are massively less useful and fun. You basically only have one attack that other characters will occasionally join in with. Once you get any of your Hi-Ougis they might as well have renamed it the Hi-Ougi bar.
- No costume titles, which were always one of my favourite post-game features.
- Lack of overall graphical polish. The menu portrait images, for example, seem like something a rookie could have done in RPGMaker, and the models are quite rough around the edges too, and some areas just seem to lack colour and heart. Palmacosta and Triet looked pretty nice though.
- Most of the music was a little weak. The soundtrack is composed mainly of remixes of tracks from the original, but most of them have been remixed to be so soft they're basically ambient and lose most of their character. The new tracks vary from great to disappointing too.
- Most of the monsters lacked character and weren't particularly the kind you'd actually want in your party. There needed to be more like the somewhat cool looking ice wolves and less generic slimes.
- Mostly recycled areas, most of which had barely changed. The temples, in particular, have basically the same layout as ever and only mildly changed puzzles.

In conclusion, this isn't Symphonia. Anyone who plays it expecting it to be equal to Symphonia, or even better, is going to be disappointed. Those who go in expecting a fun new game with some new features coupled with a burst of nostaglia for players of the original, however, will enjoy it thoroughly as I did.

[NoLongerSane]

After reading the pro and cons, I am still going to buy this game. Even though some aspects of this game did not live up to some of my expectations, I really enjoyed the Symphonia series. Hopefully for the American release they could tweek up certain parts of this game.

[Niu]

Regarding the ending
The 1000 years thing is when after the world got separated from mana, the mana can instead be used to keep the door to Neibelhelm closed. Originally Ratatosk was the elemental spirit that was in charged of the duty to govern the the door and literally spent his entrie life there. In the normal end, Richter and ratatosk stayed behind at the door, they can only be freed after a 1000 year. But in good end, Richter makes an offer to transfer Ratatosk's core on to himself so he'll be Ratatosk's new host, and Emil can return to Marta as a human.

[Cipheric]

Hell yeah, it would be badass!

[HayashiTakara]

Great news its been confirmed that in the NA release, you can upload your ToS file to unlock stuff in the game!

[NoLongerSane]

Great news its been confirmed that in the NA release, you can upload your ToS file to unlock stuff in the game!

The question know is what is unlocked and how much of the game completion can unlock what? I have beaten the game about six times but I have not completed the items or the monster list. Reason for the monster is that I do not have the heart to kill off a certain character.

[HayashiTakara]

The question know is what is unlocked and how much of the game completion can unlock what? I have beaten the game about six times but I have not completed the items or the monster list. Reason for the monster is that I do not have the heart to kill off a certain character.

It'll probably have to be a clear data. As it makes the most sense.

[HayashiTakara]

I'm disappointed... wheres the enthusiasm? the game is coming out this Tuesday!!!

[serenade_beta]

I'm disappointed... wheres the enthusiasm? the game is coming out this Tuesday!!!

Even if you say that... It's not like we're going to do a count-down or anything...
That, and I'm not going to buy it. Come to think of it, I haven't finished watching the play videos yet...

I might just buy the novels instead. Saves money, and the artwork=win, compared to the game's constant 3-D.

AKA, Collete's hand motions in Ratatosk=Incredibly funny. I know they slacked on creating the game, but this is...

[HayashiTakara]

Even if you say that... It's not like we're going to do a count-down or anything...
That, and I'm not going to buy it. Come to think of it, I haven't finished watching the play videos yet...

I might just buy the novels instead. Saves money, and the artwork=win, compared to the game's constant 3-D.

AKA, Collete's hand motions in Ratatosk=Incredibly funny. I know they slacked on creating the game, but this is...

I'm a diehard Tales of Symphonia fan, but I have to say that the Novel sucks monkey balls. The story is butchered and completely reinterpretated. And whats with Rodyle looking "Pretty" ?

Collete is a freak of nature anyway.

[Sterling01]

I'm disappointed... wheres the enthusiasm? the game is coming out this Tuesday!!!
I've already played it, beaten it, and hated its ending. For me, it's old news.
Also what novels?

[HayashiTakara]

I've already played it, beaten it, and hated its ending. For me, it's old news.
Also what novels?

Good for you, hope you know that there are 3 primary endings.

Anyway, theres not much to say about the novel, some author got a hold of the license. Its only based on the first game though. Its not done yet as far as I know. I stopped reading it when I couldn't stand the butchering of the characters anymore.

[Sterling01]

Good for you, hope you know that there are 3 primary endings.

Yeah I know, I personally liked the...
one where Emil kills himself after thinking he killed Marta the best

[Chaos2Frozen]

I'm disappointed... wheres the enthusiasm? the game is coming out this Tuesday!!!

Unfortunately, I don't have the Wii so I couldn't get it even when I wanted to...

Shame really, just when I was getting into the Tales series from Vesperia and Abyss... Emil and Marta's character designs adds to the bonus for me.

[HayashiTakara]

I'm avoiding spoilers like the plague! >_<

Unfortunately, I don't have the Wii so I couldn't get it even when I wanted to...

Shame really, just when I was getting into the Tales series from Vesperia and Abyss... Emil and Marta's character designs adds to the bonus for me.

It is a shame, a damn shame! Also Rie (VA for Shana) is Marta's VA. well in the japanese version...

I really want to see the relationship scenes for Sheena and Presea its my main motivation for this game XD

[frubam]

Yeah, I'm all over this, though I'm not to enthused about the VA changes, esp Lloyd. Scott Menville was excellent as Lloyd. And I'm tired of hearing Bosch in leading roles >.>. I really want to see the relationship scenes for Sheena and Presea its my main motivation for this game XD

Yeah, they were my favs too :). I doubt I'll get to see some Genis/Presea or Lloyd/Sheena love-love, but I'm still looking forward to seeing what they are up to after the events of the original game.

[HayashiTakara]

Yeah, I'm all over this, though I'm not to enthused about the VA changes, esp Lloyd. Scott Menville was excellent as Lloyd. And I'm tired of hearing Bosch in leading roles >.>.

Yeah, they were my favs too :). I doubt I'll get to see some Genis/Presea or Lloyd/Sheena love-love, but I'm still looking forward to seeing what they are up to after the events of the original game.

From my understanding theres no GenisxPresea. But we do get LloydxPresea and LloydxSheena. So, I'm a happy man :)

[serenade_beta]

The story is butchered and completely reinterpretated.

Ah~, then that's okay. Ratatosk's story isn't all that interesting, anyways. And if I want to know the original (as in, how the game portrayed it) story, I can just watch the play videos. Saves money and time. And it's in the original JP.

Also what novels?

Ratatosk novels:
Volume 1 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B7%E3%83%B3%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%8B%E3%8 2%A2-%E3%83%A9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%88%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%8 1%AE%E9%A8%8E%E5%A3%AB-%E4%B8%96%E7%95%8C%E3%81%AE%E9%A1%98%E3%81%841-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%9F%E9%80%9A%E6%96%87%E5%B A%AB-1-8-1-SPECIAL/dp/4757743734/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226177090&sr=1-2)
Volume 2 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B7%E3%83%B3%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%8B%E3%8 2%A2-%E3%83%A9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%88%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%8 1%AE%E9%A8%8E%E5%A3%AB-%E4%B8%96%E7%95%8C%E3%81%AE%E9%A1%98%E3%81%842-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%9F%E9%80%9A%E6%96%87%E5%B A%AB-1-8-2-SPECIAL/dp/4757744862/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b)

From my understanding theres no GenisxPresea. But we do get LloydxPresea and LloydxSheena. So, I'm a happy man :)

There is Genius x Presea, one-way though.

[HayashiTakara]

Ah~, then that's okay. Ratatosk's story isn't all that interesting, anyways. And if I want to know the original (as in, how the game portrayed it) story, I can just watch the play videos. Saves money and time. And it's in the original JP.



Ratatosk novels:
Volume 1 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B7%E3%83%B3%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%8B%E3%8 2%A2-%E3%83%A9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%88%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%8 1%AE%E9%A8%8E%E5%A3%AB-%E4%B8%96%E7%95%8C%E3%81%AE%E9%A1%98%E3%81%841-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%9F%E9%80%9A%E6%96%87%E5%B A%AB-1-8-1-SPECIAL/dp/4757743734/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226177090&sr=1-2)
Volume 2 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B7%E3%83%B3%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%8B%E3%8 2%A2-%E3%83%A9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%88%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%8 1%AE%E9%A8%8E%E5%A3%AB-%E4%B8%96%E7%95%8C%E3%81%AE%E9%A1%98%E3%81%842-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%9F%E9%80%9A%E6%96%87%E5%B A%AB-1-8-2-SPECIAL/dp/4757744862/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b)



There is Genius x Presea, one-way though.

lol, of course theres always ways to get something you want XD

I never liked the idea of GenisxPresea... Presea is still 28 well 30 mentally and chronologically. And will always view Genis as a little kid. Having Presea like Genis is like saying she's a shotacon.

Oh and I never knew about those... hmm interesting...

[frubam]

I never liked the idea of GenisxPresea... Presea is still 28 well 30 mentally and chronologically. And will always view Genis as a little kid. Having Presea like Genis is like saying she's a shotacon.
...
You lack the love to truly understand. You thought they were perfect for each other, then the moment the true age thing pops up, all of a sudden it's wrong. Age has no factor when it comes to love. Plus, she's a loli and he's a shota. It's a perfect match!

[HayashiTakara]

You lack the love to truly understand. You thought they were perfect for each other, then the moment the true age thing pops up, all of a sudden it's wrong. Age has no factor when it comes to love. Plus, she's a loli and he's a shota. It's a perfect match!

You're one of those Aesthetics people huh? I prefer chemistry and theres zero chemistry between those two.

This has got to be my most favorite conversation between Lloyd and Presea.

Presea: ...It's such a good feeling to be able to move by my own will.

Lloyd: Yeah. I know what you mean. That's how it should be, but Cruxis Crystals and Exspheres make possible what should be impossible.

Presea: Because they're sad, they attach onto someone and fuse with them. A lifeless being is...always lonely.

Lloyd: Lonely?

Presea: Because, when they fuse with their host, the two become one. And then it becomes sad and lonely again.

Lloyd: When you put it that way, I guess you're right.

Presea: They are just like me...always alone.

Lloyd: You have me, right?

Presea: ...What?...

Lloyd: I promised I wouldn't leave you behind.

Presea: ...Yes.

Lloyd: We'll always be together, the two of us. And since there's two of us, we'll never be lonely, right?

Presea*smiling! An actual, huge, smile!*:

[Benoit]

I really want to see the relationship scenes for Sheena and Presea its my main motivation for this game XD
Huh? Where did this come from?

[HayashiTakara]

Huh? Where did this come from?

You get to choose Lloyd's soul mate again in this game. So you get treated to extra scenes.

[serenade_beta]

You get to choose Lloyd's soul mate again in this game. So you get treated to extra scenes.

Hah?! Seriously? 'Cause I haven't seen any scenes like that. You don't even get to use Lloyd for most of the game... (-_-)...


It's amusingly strange... Genius's Hi-ougi has been reduced to a puny Indignation, but he still can use a basic chanting spell called Indignation...

[HayashiTakara]

Hah?! Seriously? 'Cause I haven't seen any scenes like that. You don't even get to use Lloyd for most of the game... (-_-)...


It's amusingly strange... Genius's Hi-ougi has been reduced to a puny Indignation, but he still can use a basic chanting spell called Indignation...

Yup you get to choose Lloyd's soul mate again, and its Flanoir again!

Indignation still looks cool, at least from the videos I've seen. I'll judge for myself after getting the game.

[Sterling01]

Yup you get to choose Lloyd's soul mate again, and its Flanoir again!
God damn it... I'm going to have play this game again.
I wonder if you can make Marta fall for him :heh:

[frubam]

You're one of those Aesthetics people huh? I prefer chemistry and theres zero chemistry between those two.

This has got to be my most favorite conversation between Lloyd and Presea.

Presea: ...It's such a good feeling to be able to move by my own will.

Lloyd: Yeah. I know what you mean. That's how it should be, but Cruxis Crystals and Exspheres make possible what should be impossible.

Presea: Because they're sad, they attach onto someone and fuse with them. A lifeless being is...always lonely.

Lloyd: Lonely?

Presea: Because, when they fuse with their host, the two become one. And then it becomes sad and lonely again.

Lloyd: When you put it that way, I guess you're right.

Presea: They are just like me...always alone.

Lloyd: You have me, right?

Presea: ...What?...

Lloyd: I promised I wouldn't leave you behind.

Presea: ...Yes.

Lloyd: We'll always be together, the two of us. And since there's two of us, we'll never be lonely, right?

Presea*smiling! An actual, huge, smile!*:
But, I mean, people always pair the Tales of casts to pairs within their own group, and I shall name all I know for my own amusement: Cless/Mint, Chester/Arche, Reid/Farah, Melody/Keele, Lloyd/Colette, Kratos/Raine, Genis/Presea, Sheena/Zelos, Luke/Tear, Guy/Natalia/Asch, Anise/Jade. ToV it's all questionable with all the yuri undertones, but that's a different story. It's customary. Oh, i guess that means I am a man of aesthetics, huh :heh:?

It's amusingly strange... Genius's Hi-ougi has been reduced to a puny Indignation, but he still can use a basic chanting spell called Indignation... Isn't that good? I mean, Indignation is like the best spell ever to grace the Tales of series(or at least the most popular, even if it's because of the GBA ToP dub >.>), and he can cast it in TWO DIFFERENT WAYS!?!? Maybe I'm just a fanboy >,<.

On an entirely different note, I was thinking of trying to get through the game w/o the monsters in the party, if possible, even if I'm depriving myself of an good piece of the game. Well, I'll see how it is when I actually get the game.

[HayashiTakara]

God damn it... I'm going to have play this game again.
I wonder if you can make Marta fall for him :heh:

Unfortunately no :( Marta is Emil's.

But, I mean, people always pair the Tales of casts to pairs within their own group, and I shall name all I know for my own amusement: Cless/Mint, Chester/Arche, Reid/Farah, Melody/Keele, Lloyd/Colette, Kratos/Raine, Genis/Presea, Sheena/Zelos, Luke/Tear, Guy/Natalia/Asch, Anise/Jade. ToV it's all questionable, but that's a different story. It's customary. Oh, i guess that means I am a man of aesthetics, huh :heh:?

Isn't that good? I mean, Indignation is like the best spell ever to grace the Tales of series(or at least the most popular, even if it's because of the GBA ToP dub >.>), and he can cast it in TWO DIFFERENT WAYS!?!? Maybe I'm just a fanboy >,<.

On an entirely different note, I was thinking of trying to get through the game w/o the monsters in the party, if possible, even if I'm depriving myself of an good piece of the game. Well, I'll see how it is when I actually get the game.

Cless x Mint and Chester x Arche are canon btw...

[frubam]

Cless x Mint and Chester x Arche are canon btw...
LIES!! The LOVE was THERE!!! It was there even in the anime version(though greatly condensed). I know Arche was rather loose, but that stuff with Chester was def love-love by the end. I even remember Arche saying she'd meet him in a hundred years. Are you telling me that's just her being fickle? I can't remember Cless's and Mints that much though, since Cless was a pretty straight-forward guy, he wasn't as memorable char-wise.

[HayashiTakara]

LIES!! The LOVE was THERE!!! It was there even in the anime version(though greatly condensed). I know Arche was rather loose, but that stuff with Chester was def love-love by the end. I even remember Arche saying she'd meet him in a hundred years. Are you telling me that's just her being fickle? I can't remember Cless's and Mints that much though, since Cless was a pretty straight-forward guy, he wasn't as memorable char-wise.

Er... don't you know what "Canon" mean? It means that they are actual couples that can't be disputed... your response confused the crap out of me... >_>

[frubam]

Er... don't you know what "Canon" mean? It means that they are actual couples that can't be disputed... your response confused the crap out of me... >_>

OMG, I never knew :heh:! Honestly, I've never looked up the definition of it, just went by the context of the sentence and always thought it meant "it's there only for the sake of the plot", which would mean that there was no reason given to them to love each other. My bad :p.

[serenade_beta]

Isn't that good? I mean, Indignation is like the best spell ever to grace the Tales of series(or at least the most popular, even if it's because of the GBA ToP dub >.>), and he can cast it in TWO DIFFERENT WAYS!?!? Maybe I'm just a fanboy >,<.

On an entirely different note, I was thinking of trying to get through the game w/o the monsters in the party, if possible, even if I'm depriving myself of an good piece of the game. Well, I'll see how it is when I actually get the game.

Indignation Judgement>>>Indignation

Impossible. Forced capturing+To fit the party=Must use until more people join the party.
It's not really a big piece of the game... Story or play-wise. Pokemon is there for all of everyone's monster-catching needs...

Unfortunately no :( Marta is Emil's.

Marta x Emil is a wonderful couple. :nod:
Too bad there are quite a number of people who find them annoying...

[HayashiTakara]

OMG, I never knew :heh:! Honestly, I've never looked up the definition of it, just went by the context of the sentence and always thought it meant "it's there only for the sake of the plot", which would mean that there was no reason given to them to love each other. My bad :p.

lol, so you actually didn't know? its ok XD

Indignation Judgement>>>Indignation

Impossible. Forced capturing+To fit the party=Must use until more people join the party.
It's not really a big piece of the game... Story or play-wise. Pokemon is there for all of everyone's monster-catching needs...



Marta x Emil is a wonderful couple. :nod:
Too bad there are quite a number of people who find them annoying...

I actually love the monster capturing Idea, its like a side quest.

And I agree, I do like Marta x Emil. From what I've seen in trailers, Marta is pushing on her ideals of what her hero should be on Emil, its kinda cute XD

[serenade_beta]

Found it, found it... How coincidental that I was able to find it on the play videos right after learning there was...

http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3890346
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3890990
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3891545
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3892099

The Flanor/"soul mate" event. Last video also contains the Kratos event (first time through).

Best ones were probably Genius, Zelos, and Collete. Regal's smelled of homo, and Presea's, Shiina's, and Refill's completely sounded like it came from a person who made too many eroges. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but last time I checked, Tales wasn't... Well, it already fails as a Tales game for not having a field map...

Kratos... :(

And I agree, I do like Marta x Emil. From what I've seen in trailers, Marta is pushing on her ideals of what her hero should be on Emil, its kinda cute XD

Another thing I like is that unlike Lloyd and whoever, Marta and Emil actuallykiss. Lloyd and whoever never did anything like that.
And... afterwards, they came out of the hotel... No, I'm thinking too much...
As expected, I guess, since like some of the Flanor scripts, this game feels like it came from some eroge at times...
Putting the story and gameplay aside, the skits and jokes in this game are good.

[Sterling01]

Another thing I like is that unlike Lloyd and whoever, Marta and Emil actuallykiss. Lloyd and whoever never did anything like that.
And... afterwards, they came out of the hotel... No, I'm thinking too much...

Implied sex in my T-rated game... who would of thought? :heh::heh:
Though those "soul mate" scenes really did seem like bad eroge scenes
Especially...Shiina's with the hug from behind thing. Whose mood was completely broken because of the constant variations of "TELTELwwww" that were rolling by.

[HayashiTakara]

Implied sex in my T-rated game... who would of thought? :heh::heh:
Though those "soul mate" scenes really did seem like bad eroge scenes
Especially...Shiina's with the hug from behind thing. Whose mood was completely broken because of the constant variations of "TELTELwwww" that were rolling by.

If I was Emil, I'll be coming out of a hotel with Marta as well, lol :heh:

I just can't wait to see Presea again XD

[NoLongerSane]

To those that get this game when released, can someone inform the rest what you get when you use the save game from the original Tales of Symphonia. I want to know what type of goodies you recieve from beating the first game.

[HayashiTakara]

To those that get this game when released, can someone inform the rest what you get when you use the save game from the original Tales of Symphonia. I want to know what type of goodies you recieve from beating the first game.

I'll be sure to let you know. I heard it was money, heal items and stat up items.

But, I'll confirm this tuesday.

Found it, found it... How coincidental that I was able to find it on the play videos right after learning there was...

http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3890346
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3890990
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3891545
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3892099

The Flanor/"soul mate" event. Last video also contains the Kratos event (first time through).

Best ones were probably Genius, Zelos, and Collete. Regal's smelled of homo, and Presea's, Shiina's, and Refill's completely sounded like it came from a person who made too many eroges. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but last time I checked, Tales wasn't... Well, it already fails as a Tales game for not having a field map...

Kratos... :(



Another thing I like is that unlike Lloyd and whoever, Marta and Emil actuallykiss. Lloyd and whoever never did anything like that.
And... afterwards, they came out of the hotel... No, I'm thinking too much...
As expected, I guess, since like some of the Flanor scripts, this game feels like it came from some eroge at times...
Putting the story and gameplay aside, the skits and jokes in this game are good.

And what's wrong with bad eroge? :heh: You got your shy and naive yet cute and sexy girl, your super cute loli who doesn't want to be alone anymore, and you got your nee-san teacher. I smell eroge alright. :heh:

And I always knew Regal was abit... you know... :heh:

[NoLongerSane]

I am interested in the monster catching since I heard that you could raise one of the monsters into a sword dancer. Now that is one monster that I would let loose on my enemies in this game. Do you have any idea how much grief that four-armed creature has caused me during the times that I have faced it? For the enemy characters of the game to get to share the pain that my characters have recieved from facing it, I consider it a plus in my book.:D

[HayashiTakara]

I am interested in the monster catching since I heard that you could raise one of the monsters into a sword dancer. Now that is one monster that I would let loose on my enemies in this game. Do you have any idea how much grief that four-armed creature has caused me during the times that I have faced it? For the enemy characters of the game to get to share the pain that my characters have recieved from facing it, I consider it a plus in my book.:D

The sword dancer is actually quite different in this game. He still has four arms, but he looks like a warlord demon rather than a Giant Skeleton.

[Benoit]

You get to choose Lloyd's soul mate again in this game. So you get treated to extra scenes.
Okay, but how does that make for Presea x Sheena scenes? I don't get it.

[Chaos2Frozen]

Marta x Emil is a wonderful couple. :nod:
Too bad there are quite a number of people who find them annoying...

For me, Marta and Emil would have made up for the lack of love in Vesperia...

My true motivation really :heh:



Another thing I like is that unlike Lloyd and whoever, Marta and Emil actuallykiss. Lloyd and whoever never did anything like that.
And... afterwards, they came out of the hotel... No, I'm thinking too much...
As expected, I guess, since like some of the Flanor scripts, this game feels like it came from some eroge at times...

I heard that was a Tales' first as well :)


Putting the story and gameplay aside, the skits and jokes in this game are good.

*cough* Lloyd *cough* hotspring *cough*

[HayashiTakara]

Okay, but how does that make for Presea x Sheena scenes? I don't get it.

er... when did I say Presea x Sheena? I said Presea AND Sheena. Completely different.

For me, Marta and Emil would have made up for the lack of love in Vesperia...

My true motivation really :heh:



I heard that was a Tales' first as well :)



*cough* Lloyd *cough* hotspring *cough*

Theres love everywhere XD, Emil x Martel, Lloyd x *insert girl here*

[Sterling01]

er... when did I say Presea x Sheena? I said Presea AND Sheena. Completely different.



Theres love everywhere XD, Emil x Martel, Lloyd x *insert girl here*
There's also the one sided tsudere love that Richter has for Emil :heh::heh:
Oh and also Decus X Alice but their's is just sad ;-;

[HayashiTakara]

There's also the one sided tsudere love that Richter has for Emil :heh::heh:
Oh and also Decus X Alice but their's is just sad ;-;

ew... man love.. do not want... :heh:

but yeah, villain love is always good =)

[Benoit]

er... when did I say Presea x Sheena? I said Presea AND Sheena. Completely different.
My bad. I misinterpreted.
Emil x Martel
Martel? Marta!

[NoLongerSane]

Lol, as long as we are into pairing where is the Zelos love? Remember, Loyde is not the only availible bachlor out there in this game.

[HayashiTakara]

Lol, as long as we are into pairing where is the Zelos love? Remember, Loyde is not the only availible bachlor out there in this game.

Zelos has his right hand :)

[NoLongerSane]

Speaking of people related to Zelos, I remeber seeing some vids of the game on youtube that has his sister making an appearance. I am to take it that she is still not a playable character. I remember Seles from the first game, how problematic she was in the coliseum, and how the game teased on having her join the party. I was hoping that she would at least get to fight for a little in this game.

[HayashiTakara]

Speaking of people related to Zelos, I remeber seeing some vids of the game on youtube that has his sister making an appearance. I am to take it that she is still not a playable character. I remember Seles from the first game, how problematic she was in the coliseum, and how the game teased on having her join the party. I was hoping that she would at least get to fight for a little in this game.

Seles is adorable... I like her outfit. I'd hit it... :heh:

[serenade_beta]

Speaking of people related to Zelos, I remeber seeing some vids of the game on youtube that has his sister making an appearance. I am to take it that she is still not a playable character. I remember Seles from the first game, how problematic she was in the coliseum, and how the game teased on having her join the party. I was hoping that she would at least get to fight for a little in this game.

Nah... She gets an appearance, but plays only a minor role...

Seles is adorable... I like her outfit. I'd hit it... :heh:

If you haven't read it, I really suggest reading the manga. Not only is the adaption done well, but you get to see characters like Alicia and Seles in anime/manga designs instead of the usual field avatars. Plus, the Zelos/Seles chapter in the EX volume of the manga was a really wonderful read (and a bit original, in a good way).

[HayashiTakara]

Nah... She gets an appearance, but plays only a minor role...



If you haven't read it, I really suggest reading the manga. Not only is the adaption done well, but you get to see characters like Alicia and Seles in anime/manga designs instead of the usual field avatars. Plus, the Zelos/Seles chapter in the EX volume of the manga was a really wonderful read (and a bit original, in a good way).

since I haven't played the game yet, I'll wait to see. after I beat the game, I'll read the manga, if characters feel OOC especially the original cast. I'll probably end up dropping it

[serenade_beta]

since I haven't played the game yet, I'll wait to see. after I beat the game, I'll read the manga, if characters feel OOC especially the original cast. I'll probably end up dropping it

Just making sure, but I'm talking about the Tales of Symphonia (first game) manga, not a Ratatosk manga. You have played that, right?

[Benoit]

you get to see characters like Alicia and Seles in anime/manga designs instead of the usual field avatars
The field avatars are already in anime/manga designs.

[serenade_beta]

The field avatars are already in anime/manga designs.

Like the full body (almost) pictures in the profile, I mean. You can't get a good look at them when they are just in their avatars. What would be a better way of saying it... Hmm, instead of having to look at them in 3-D, the manga gives you everything in wonderful 2-D! I guess...

[HayashiTakara]

Just making sure, but I'm talking about the Tales of Symphonia (first game) manga, not a Ratatosk manga. You have played that, right?

The manga for the first game sucks, I dropped it.

It might've been good if I never played the game and became such a hardcore fan. The art was decent enough, though. There was too many changes to the character developments that I didn't like.

[frubam]

TotA and ToV have both a main and a oneshot/extra hap too, with[I think] TotA being about Ion and ToV being about Flynn. I even recall someone mentioning a ToL oneshot with a young Chloe, but I never found any indication of it's existance.

This game comes out tomorrow and I'll be picking it up right after school. Can't wait :).

[HayashiTakara]

so far the game is good. I've only put 5hrs in so I can't say 100%, enjoying the battle system. And goddamn this game is hard... I've game over'd like 10x's already... >_>

[frubam]

so far the game is good. I've only put 5hrs in so I can't say 100%, enjoying the battle system. And goddamn this game is hard... I've game over'd like 10x's already... >_>

How did you get it already? It's not due in stores til today :<.

Is it better than Vesperia?

[Sterling01]

so far the game is good. I've only put 5hrs in so I can't say 100%, enjoying the battle system. And goddamn this game is hard... I've game over'd like 10x's already... >_>
Are the skits voiced in the english version... oh and how's the voice acting?

[HayashiTakara]

Are the skits voiced in the english version... oh and how's the voice acting?

All the skits are voiced. The voices are pretty decent. Marta's voice was better than I thought. Emil is meh, but fits his whinny personality though. I'm just happy that VA's like Terra Strong and Jennifer Hale are back! they did a great job on Presea and Sheena.