Tales of Symphonia OVA Discussion

[Ice Climbers]

^I'm not really sure either how they're going to fit the game into 4 ep, seems like the 1st ep only touched the edge of the story, but I still loved it lol

ToS was the first Tales game I ever had so I have high expectations for this

[Mueti]

Originally Posted by Skyfall

Though i am worried about the pacing... i haven't played the game, obviously, but i can not imagine any decent game-based story to fit in to 4 episodes. Oh well - guess i will just pray for the best... though i bet i will end up with a summary of the game in hand.

It won't fit. And it was altered by a bit already in the first episode. It's been a while since I played the game but I remember it as really awesome.
With the OVA only having 4 episodes and the first one being no more than decent I can't really say my expectations for the anime are all that high though.

[Klashikari]

Originally Posted by Skyfall

I thought it was a decent enough 1st ep. Didn't know it was based on a game (picked it up on a whim), but 2 minutes in to the story i thought: "I will be damned if this isn't based on a game ". Well... i love good, old, traditional RPGs, so i like the premise. Though i am worried about the pacing... i haven't played the game, obviously, but i can not imagine any decent game-based story to fit in to 4 episodes. Oh well - guess i will just pray for the best... though i bet i will end up with a summary of the game in hand.

The pace is actually rushed, while you might think the story is a bit slow on the first OAV.

technically, it isn't even the prologue per se, considering it is simply the introduction of the given world and characters.

But truthfully, i would suggest you to play the game itself : the plot itself is rather bland on paper, but the development, the twists and other factors make TOS pretty unique, despite the "cliché" vibes you can get at first.


I'm satisfied with the first OAV, though the differences are either good or bad, depending of the situations :

Spoiler for game spoilers, basing on the start:

• The timing for the "prophecy" is rather weird to me. the prophecy wasn't supposed to be expected for X day, it was implied to be an unexpectable date, though they might think it will come soon, due the desians' presence.

• Lloyd's gift was also a weird change, considering it was one of his motive to meet colette back at triel. (since the necklace was broken initially). Of course, it has a deeper meaning after the "souless" part

• Minor but a bit too bad for colette : they remove her origin altogether, and her belief that Remiel was her father

• "Desians" arrive and the defense were well done. due the difference with the start, it make sense with the situation. (it is great that they kept the "so, just die by the hands of the desians you hate"

• ...Lloyd didn't have ANY saber until now?? Where is his development about strength and all?? sheesh... i know that wooden swords are rather laughable weapons to begin with, but that was exactly the point for Lloyd and his ability to fight against enemies, despite his age and weapons...

• Kratos : too bad his entrance isn't as classy (and cocky ) as it supposed to be. However, his skills are pretty much shown as they are.

• Lloyd used Koga Hazan... okay now this is creepy... why? because this change implied that lloyd can fight without the exsphere, and it only gives him the ability to activate some short super moves... this is one of the changes i hate the most.

• In the end, Genius didn't fight even once -___-"

• Refill's personality isn't changed, but it is a waste that they didn't kept the original settings, so she could use her infamous "lil brother" abuse

• Nice shot of Kratos on the tomb but... without Lloyd around, it doesn't really give hints, except for those who already played the game

• Dirk looks... really tall oO

• Flashback of Lloyd's Mother is great

• Colette's letter given by refill didn't make a lot of sense to me, meh...

• I understand that they can't put a lot of things with the OAV, however, the lack of "marble's case" is pretty much a problem. while they nicely set the assault because the angelus exsphere spotted, the drama was completely watered down, and it is obvious there is absolutely no chance they will introduce "chocolat's case"

• All the stuff about "Exsphere going bad" is really silly... i don't know why it turned like this, but in fact, Dirk said the Exsphere was important because it was from her mother, nothing more nothing less...

• Focysticius was... well... he looked dumb weak, despite the... stupid "nuke" shot -___-"

• Noische had finally some screentime (well... like 1-2 seconds...)

The oav is fine, regarding the chara design.
Plot wise, i liked some changes, but there were lots of points which were extremely weird...
i'm waiting for the OAV2... i hope they won't screw colette's angel transformation (and the drama around), or else, i think i will be vulgar...

[Skyfall]

Thanks for the rundown As expected, quite a lot of changes, though it might be them trying to alter the story a bit, in order to cram it in to 4 episodes, ne ? Play the game? Hm ... i would, but as i understand it is not available on PC, and there is only a japanese version for PS2, right ? *sigh*

[Klashikari]

No, the Game was originally released on Nintendo Gamecube.
it had been translated in various language and is available in US and Europe.
(however, don't expect a Grade A english dub... it is decent though)

The PS2 version is indeed only for Japan : it is the same game, with some change (basically : extended dungeon, new moves/Hi-Ougi, new costumes, etc).
for obvious exclusivity and right issues (since the translation rights belong to nintendo, and not Namco for the American and European version of TOS GC), this version won't be adapted outside of Japan


As for the content itself, it is absolutely impossible to squeeze the plot into 4, even butchering it won't be enough. (the story itself worth like 2 season of 26 episodes to say the least). While Tales of Phantasia was quite cut like mad, TOS would have a pretty much worse demise if they try to do the same thing.
i think they will simply stay on the first "arc" of the journey.

[Ice Climbers]

Originally Posted by Klashikari

No, the Game was originally released on Nintendo Gamecube.
it had been translated in various language and is available in US and Europe.
(however, don't expect a Grade A english dub... it is decent though)

The PS2 version is indeed only for Japan : it is the same game, with some change (basically : extended dungeon, new moves/Hi-Ougi, new costumes, etc).
for obvious exclusivity and right issues (since the translation rights belong to nintendo, and not Namco for the American and European version of TOS GC), this version won't be adapted outside of Japan


As for the content itself, it is absolutely impossible to squeeze the plot into 4, even butchering it won't be enough. (the story itself worth like 2 season of 26 episodes to say the least). While Tales of Phantasia was quite cut like mad, TOS would have a pretty much worse demise if they try to do the same thing.
i think they will simply stay on the first "arc" of the journey.

Oww man I kinda want to see

Spoiler for game:

either Zelos or Krato's betrayal and the Abysscion battle

[Klashikari]

well... you should put the spoiler title as "end game spoiler ^^"

there is however no chance for any of the 2 points you mentionned, especially the last point : this is really a sub quest, which is really irrelevant to the main plot, sadly.

but i understand this part would be an epic animated battle.

Spoiler for end game:

Shin no chikara O misete aro! METEOR SWARM !

that thing alone, along with absurd spam of Absolute, Prism Swords and Indignation would be really eye candy XD

sometimes, I just wish to got the PS2 version, for his Mania Mode. (the amount of Hi-Ougi in this fight is just indecent )

[Ice Climbers]

Spoiler for end game:

Oww man Abysscion will be totally crazy ><

However why is Zelos and Krato's betrayal not likely? I thought that was an important part of the original story line

Hmm those are pretty crazy, but I would rather see some animated versions of:

Spoiler for Game Spell:

Indignation Judgment
Holy Judgment
Shining Bind <-- omg this one will be crazy

[Radiosity]

Klashikari - this game has an english version, so please use english names when talking about it. I haven't got a frickin' clue what you're on about with some of those names, and I've played this game some 8 or 9 times.

Also:

Spoiler for Genis:

Genis does fight, albeit briefly. Remember he uses Aqua Edge as they arrive to fight the Desians.

[Ashlotte]

Lol same here radiosity...Granted its been a while since I beat the thing but yea.

As for the episode count and whats gonna happen...

Spoiler:

At this pace all I can see is like...They release the fire seal then jump straight to the fight with mithos I guess? I just dont see what else your gonna do with 3 lousy episodes given how long and deep the game story is... *sobs quietly wishing for a full 26 episode run*

At the very least id like to see presea smack something with her axe a few times dangit...But yea...

[Klashikari]

Originally Posted by Radiosity

Klashikari - this game has an english version, so please use english names when talking about it. I haven't got a frickin' clue what you're on about with some of those names, and I've played this game some 8 or 9 times.

my bad
actually, i used some original terms, since i don't have any english version, but the french one, and it ISN'T really a faifthul translation. (example : Victory Light Spear became "Super Lance de Lumière", which is translated in EN as "Super Victory Light Spear", and so forth). also this was an habit used on a TOS forum ^^"

Spoiler for Skills Names:

Koga Hazan : "Tiger Teeth" => "Tiger Blade".
This attack became quite too fancy, doesn't really suit the level of that stage of the story, and looks like a "special" attack due the exsphere -___-"

Shin no chikara O misete aro! : Abyssion Catchy Phrase "I'll show you my true power!"

Meteor Swarm : obviously "Meteor Storm"

did i forgot a term?

Also:

Spoiler for Genis:

Genis does fight, albeit briefly. Remember he uses Aqua Edge as they arrive to fight the Desians.

That is correct. however, my summary was following the pace of the OVA. the comment, whilst vague, was referring of the Prophecy scene, where he didn't act at all. (collette did, but not really had the chance to do so...)


@Kimichi : what i can imagine here : they will probably set a seal for each next OVA, and will show an open end, where the party will goes to the Tower of Salvation.
ho well... more possible/fancy theorycraft when the OV2 is aired.

[Radiosity]

Thanks for clearing those up I play with voices off (erg, horrible dubbing...) so I don't hear anything bad guys say when fighting them. I prefer silence when fighting though.

And in fact, it kinda looks more like Tiger Rage than Tiger Blade. Tiger Blade is a simple up down attack, but Lloyd attacks midway as well, turning it into something more like Tiger Rage. Guess it was simply to look more impressive.

[Klashikari]

Originally Posted by Radiosity

Thanks for clearing those up I play with voices off (erg, horrible dubbing...) so I don't hear anything bad guys say when fighting them. I prefer silence when fighting though.

i suggest you to search for various Youtube/Holystar videos of PS2 version.
Many "baddy" voices are just too sexy (abyssions is one of these pure "sexy" voice. lots of angst and rage unlike the... half ass distorded and funny US voice...)

And in fact, it kinda looks more like Tiger Rage than Tiger Blade. Tiger Blade is a simple up down attack, but Lloyd attacks midway as well, turning it into something more like Tiger Rage. Guess it was simply to look more impressive.

yes indeed, i was also hesistating between the 2. as you said, it is somewhat a Tiger Blade with a mid air addionnal attack.
Tiger Rage woud be Lloyd spinning, dealing like 5-6 attacks while mid-air

Hope he will use someday Akuzamene (Swords Rain Alpha) and Renkuuzan (Tempest)

[Radiosity]

If the voices were Japanese I'd leave them on. It's precisely because they're horrible dubs that I leave them off. Though hearing attack names screamed out constantly gets on my tits anyway, so I'd be unlikely to leave them on permanently. And i've already seen plenty of PS2 youtube videos thanks, it just reinforces my opinion that europe always gets the shaft.

Originally Posted by Klashikari

Hope he will use someday Akuzamene (Swords Rain Alpha) and Renkuuzan (Tempest)

I want to see Genis casting high level magic like Indignation or Explosion (Meteor Storm is too much to hope for though heh). I'd also like to see some of Colette's angel abilities, though how exactly they intend to handle the whole angel thing I really don't know.

[Ice Climbers]

Talking about skills in ToS now lol

Iono, I guess seeing the spells would be really awesome, but how about some UNISON ATTACKS????

Fiery Beast would probably look cool

and also any of the Hi-ougi's would be great visually

[Ashlotte]

Open endings...blah...Probably will be though.

And yea some of genis' higher level spells or one of the heavier hitting unison attacks would be lovely to see animated.

[Radiosity]

Prism Stars ftw Same as Meteor Storm though, don't see it happening. They might surprise us though I guess

[AlphaDragoon]

Episode was pretty cool, although the changed stuff really makes the fact that it's non-canon stand out. However, I preferred the anime version of a few things:

- Lloyd pwning the Desian with Tiger Blade, even though it did look like Tiger Rage.

- Lloyd vs. Forcystus, and the fact that he didn't look like a chump (both Lloyd and Forcystus, particularly the latter who got owned by a single slash).

- Nixing Marble and making the reason the Desians attacked being the "Exsphere" (you who played the game know the reason for the parenthesis )

- Lloyd leaving the village on his own accord instead of the entire town losing their "grapefruits" and bitching. Bugged me in the game that he'd take guff for saving their asses, just like it bugged me in Secret of Mana when the same thing happened.

[Ice Climbers]

OMG I would love to see this animated :

Spoiler for Abyssion:

The Abyssion dance!!!!

[Klashikari]

Episode 2 of the OVA is now available. (Raw is currently floating around on usual places)

i didn't get my hands on it yet, but 2 confirmed characters are there : Sheena and Zelos!

i don't have any clue how they were able to go so batshit in timejump, but it looks like it will be hell confusing like TOP OVA.
let's wait for the subs.