Tales of Vesperia

[Robotech Master]

This is the game that, believe it or not, made me buy an Xbox 360. I'm sure I'll get more games in the future, but this is the one I'm devoting my time to now.

Its the tenth main installment of the Tales series, my personal favorite franchise as far as traditional JRPG's go. The series is very popular in Japan, but is underrated in America. Most people only know of it because of Tales of Symphonia's domestic popularity on Gamecube. Others may have known about Tales of the Abyss, or the earlier games that were translated for PS1. In any case, this is the newest title.

I'm really digging the characters. The skits are nice, and the action is very nice. I have to say that the bosses provide a nice challenge.

Anyone else playing?

[Young Avenger]

I want to buy a 360 just for this game. Everything looks so awesome and it pains me that there's no PS3 version (yet).

[Alex]

I can't figure out why these JRPGS keep getting exclusive 360 releases.
Are they much more popular then i was lead to beleive? Because if im not mistaken, the system still isn't selling in Japan.

[Young Avenger]

I can't figure out why these JRPGS keep getting exclusive 360 releases.
Are they much more popular then i was lead to beleive? Because if im not mistaken, the system still isn't selling in Japan.

While the 360 is still at the bottom of the hardware sales in Japan the release of this game has raised the sales of the 360 in Japan. It's risen to the point that the country was completely sold out of the console.

[Robotech Master]

Yeah, in Japan the Tales series is considered to be the third "big name" in RPG franchises, after Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, so having the next main game on Xbox was going to sell systems there.

As for JRPG's in general jumping to 360, well, it certainly does seem like a lot of company's are losing faith in releasing exclusives for PS3. Either it goes multi-console or, if they only choose one, they're choosing 360.

[Daiyoukai Ramza]

As I mentioned in the "what are you currently playing?" thread, I've been playing Tales of Vesperia pretty much exclusively since the day it was released.

In fact, I just beat the game about fifteen minutes before posting this.

I was a bit surprised... I found the final dungeon pretty easy, enemy-wise... but the final boss's final form gave me more trouble than most the final bosses in pretty much every Tales game I've played. Mostly because A LOT of his attacks inflict status effects, often multiple ones at once.

It would have helped if Estelle had hung back and actually healed without me forcing her to. Seriously, she does NOT follow the AI settings I set for her... at all. Not a problem with normal enemies, but with bosses it became freaking annoying.

Anyway, in a while I'm going to load up my most recent save, leave the final dungeon, and then build up a bunch more GRADE before I start a New Game+.

Also, one more thing... what's your preferred team?

Mine's Yuri, Judith, Estelle, and Rita. In other words... Yuri and the Beauty Brigade.

Poor Karol, though... he hardly got used. Hell, one time a skit popped up where he COMPLAINED about not getting used in battle.

[Robotech Master]

LOL, yeah, but Karol is pretty good. I used him plenty of times in key situations. When he's using oversized swords for instance, and you pair him up with Judith, the two of them are monstrous anti-air fighters. Also, if I wanted to give Estelle some rest, HP/TP wise, I would sometimes have Karol act as my support, using that Healing technique of his to heal Yuri whenever I took too much damage.

I also occasionally switch out Judith for Repede when the enemies tend to be coming in large quantities of small, ground-based creatures, and I occasionally switch out Rita or Estelle for Raven, because Raven is awesome--though he burns TP like hell when he's being awesome.

In general I'd have to say my favorite team is the one you posted. Yuri as my Player, Judith for combat support, Rita for spellcasting, and Estelle for healing. The second most common one is to switch out Rita for Raven. But the Yuri/Estelle/Judith/Rita combo is probably my favorite for taking on bosses.

I believe I just made it past the conclusion of the second story arc

where you're forced to kill Belius

but I haven't gotten started on the third story arc yet.

[lazykarateguy]

I picked it up on launch day. I think it's great. I wasn't digging the story at first, but now that I'm further into the game it's really pulling me in. I've played all the more recent Tales games (expect for Legendia) and the combat in this one is probably the best yet.

I too am using Yuri, Judy, Estelle and Rita (though I swap Rita out for Raven now and then)

Does anyone know yet whether or not titles effect stat building? They did somewhat in Tales of Symphonia. Also, does anyone know if acessories like the Black Hat and Sun Glass effect gameplay or are they just extras?

[Robotech Master]

Symphonia was the only recent one where Titles effected stat growth. In Abyss certain Titles sometimes had small effects, but stat growth was affected by a seperate system (I forgot the name of it, but it was customizeable). I've yet to see anything in Vesperia that customizes stat growth.

Black hat etc are extras, as far as I know, just like the costumes.

[Daiyoukai Ramza]

LOL, yeah, but Karol is pretty good. I used him plenty of times in key situations. When he's using oversized swords for instance, and you pair him up with Judith, the two of them are monstrous anti-air fighters. Also, if I wanted to give Estelle some rest, HP/TP wise, I would sometimes have Karol act as my support, using that Healing technique of his to heal Yuri whenever I took too much damage.

I also occasionally switch out Judith for Repede when the enemies tend to be coming in large quantities of small, ground-based creatures, and I occasionally switch out Rita or Estelle for Raven, because Raven is awesome--though he burns TP like hell when he's being awesome.

In general I'd have to say my favorite team is the one you posted. Yuri as my Player, Judith for combat support, Rita for spellcasting, and Estelle for healing. The second most common one is to switch out Rita for Raven. But the Yuri/Estelle/Judith/Rita combo is probably my favorite for taking on bosses.

I believe I just made it past the conclusion of the second story arc

where you're forced to kill Belius

but I haven't gotten started on the third story arc yet.

I don't use Karol much, because... well, I know he eventually gets monstrous stats, but he's a 12 year old named KAROL.

I mean, I know that Polish version of Charles/Carl, but... whenever I hear it I think "Carol", which is, ya know, a chicks name. In any case, even if his name were Manly McHammerKill, I still wouldn't use him. His fighting style just doesn't appeal to me.

As for the conclusion of the second story arc... you're still in the second arc. You can tell when you're in the third arc when the normal battle music changes again.

[Daemon]

I'm annoyed that this is now the 2ndm or 3rd if you count the Symphonia Sequal on the DS, Tales game that I can't play since its not on a sony console.

I hope all you 360 tales owner's choke on a pretzel. =p

[Len Ikari145]

I'm annoyed that this is now the 2ndm or 3rd if you count the Symphonia Sequal on the DS, Tales game that I can't play since its not on a sony console.

I hope all you 360 tales owner's choke on a pretzel. =p

And I hope you PS3 users who are getting Disgaea 3 and White Knight Story burn in fire and acid.:tongue:

Man, I haven't even bought Tales of Vesperia yet. -_-;

[Daiyoukai Ramza]

Since everyone's wish bad stuff on console owners, I hope the Wii owners accidentally throw their Wiimotes, which will then bounce off their TV and lodge itself inside their skull... and then explode.

*looks over to the left*

Ah crap, I own a Wii. Although I haven't played it for...


...

Well, let's see... Smash Bros. Brawl came out in early March. I played that for abour 2 weeks... and haven't touched the system since.

So... for about five months, my Wii has just been sitting there gathering dust. I don't see that changing anytime soon, either.

*wiitmote flies out of nowhere and lodges itself in his ear* OH MY GOD, MY COCHLEA! *runs around screaming*

[Astonishing X-Fan]

I own all three consoles.

Neener neener.

[ezekielreigns]

I own all three consoles.

Neener neener.

We should make a club. Where we make fun of people based off the consoles they dont own as opposed to the ones they do.

[Astonishing X-Fan]

We should make a club. Where we make fun of people based off the consoles they dont own as opposed to the ones they do.

Can we throw dollar bills out of balloons at the poor, unwashed masses?

[Robotech Master]

Currently I have both a 360 and a Wii. I still play the Wii all the time, mostly due to either Smash Bros. or Mario Kart, which I play online every night or so. Tales of Vesperia is getting all my casual afternoon and weekend time though.

And pretty soon Tales of Symphonia II comes out for the Wii, so I'll have that to look forward to as well.

[Astonishing X-Fan]

I've never actually played a Tales game before. So far I'm enjoying this one.

[Alex]

I own all three consoles.

Neener neener.

...
Well i don't want a smelly Wii anyway!
So there!

[Lester C.]

I've never actually played a Tales game before. So far I'm enjoying this one.

For the most part each Tales game is a full length game that takes place on a seperate planet with a brand new cast so each game is new user friendly. If you want to try other Tales games you can start in any order but like the Persona games a few of the older ones are hard to get at a good price.

[Miburohunter929]

For the most part each Tales game is a full length game that takes place on a seperate planet with a brand new cast so each game is new user friendly. If you want to try other Tales games you can start in any order but like the Persona games a few of the older ones are hard to get at a good price.

*Nods*

Yeah, the only ones that are related are TOS/TOP, and...Tales of Destiny 1 and 2...

Or was it tells of Eternia? There was some big snafu with TOD2.

Bah, I'll go read up on it later.

Anyways, TOD 1 and 2 are more or less sequels, while TOS/TOP Are set a couple thousand years apart.

...There's also a theory it's an alternate version or somehing, but meh.

[Daemon]

Tales of Eternia and Tales of Destiny2 are the only ones related IIRC.

Tales of Desinty2 in the states was actually a different name in japan but they called it Tales of Destiny2 since the first ToD did fairly well in the states.

edit:

I think Tales of Eternia is what Tales of Desinty2 was called back in japan.

And that it was the one related to the original Tales game back on the Snes Tales of Phantasia.

[Len Ikari145]

Tales of Eternia and Tales of Destiny2 are the only ones related IIRC.

Tales of Desinty2 in the states was actually a different name in japan but they called it Tales of Destiny2 since the first ToD did fairly well in the states.

edit:

I think Tales of Eternia is what Tales of Desinty2 was called back in japan.

And that it was the one related to the original Tales game back on the Snes Tales of Phantasia.

Daemon, you're getting a little mixed up and incoherent there. Tales of Eternia (which was renamed Tales of Destiny 2 when localized) isn't related to the first Tales of Destiny. It was simply referred to as such since it was the second Tales of game to be released in the US. The actual sequel, which was named Tales of Destiny 2, never made it to US shores thanks to Sony's anal policy against sprite-based graphics for PS2.:rolleyes: (Damn, I hate Sony sometimes)

Tales of Phantasia is a part of the same continuity as Tales of Symphonia, in which it's a distant sequel(chronologically speaking).

[Robotech Master]

The release chronology of Mothership Titles is:

Tales of Phantasia
Tales of Destiny
Tales of Eternia (Had its title changed to Tales of Destiny 2 in the States; the actual reason for this was the fact that the word "Eternia" is trademarked-owned by the He-Man creators--I really hate the fact that you can legally 'own' such a simple word creation in this country)
Tales of Destiny 2: Actual Sequel to Tales of Destiny, taking place a little under 2 decades later, starring the son of the main character from the previous Destiny game.
Tales of Symphonia: Related to Phantasia as a Prequel, taking place thousands of years before.
Tales of Rebirth (Never released stateside)
Tales of Legendia
Tales of the Abyss
Tales of Innocence (DS game, supposed to be awesome but never released stateside so far)
Tales of Vesperia
Tales of Hearts (Close to being finished, will be released on DS)
Unnamed Mothership Tales Title (Going to be developed, allegedly by Team Destiny, for the Wii in the future)

Tales of Symphonia 2 is unfortunately an Escort Title, though it looks likes its the biggest Escort Title so far.

[Daemon]

hey did we ever get Tales of Destiny 2 for the states then?

[Miburohunter929]

hey did we ever get Tales of Destiny 2 for the states then?

IIRC, no, but dont quote me on it.


Also, anyone here play Legendia? I can never find another one who's played it, let alone liked it.

[Robotech Master]

I played Legendia. I thought it was Ok, but one of the weaker entries in the series. It felt like a step backwards for me. I mean, I know some Tales games still use the old LMBS from time to time, but even games like Tales of Hearts and Tales of Rebirth used variations on it. Legendia felt too much like a throwback to Destiny, and the random encounters rather than seeing enemies on screen, the short main story, etc. It just doesn't compare with Symphonia, Abyss, or Vesperia as a modern Tales game, and I don't think its as good as the older ones either, but it had its moments, and a few of the characters were endearing.

[Len Ikari145]

hey did we ever get Tales of Destiny 2 for the states then?

Nope, and a part of my soul will forever hate Sony for that injustice.

[Robotech Master]

Was that really Sony's decision? But yeah, there are powers in the higher ups of video gamedom that decree that 2d sprite games won't sell in the modern gaming age, so they don't let those games come stateside.

Hell, Tales of Symphonia was the first Tales game to get massive sales and local popularity, but its immediate successor, Tales of Rebirth, never even got a nod because it used 2D sprites instead of 3d cell-shading, and a 3-line LMBS instead of the LMBS imposed on a 3d battlefield.

[Miburohunter929]

I played Legendia. I thought it was Ok, but one of the weaker entries in the series. It felt like a step backwards for me. I mean, I know some Tales games still use the old LMBS from time to time, but even games like Tales of Hearts and Tales of Rebirth used variations on it. Legendia felt too much like a throwback to Destiny, and the random encounters rather than seeing enemies on screen, the short main story, etc. It just doesn't compare with Symphonia, Abyss, or Vesperia as a modern Tales game, and I don't think its as good as the older ones either, but it had its moments, and a few of the characters were endearing.

Yeah, I found the battle system fairly frustrating, and I'd often end up going trough enemies or something on Manual or Semi.

After playing Symphonia, the battle system gave me hell, and I honestly thought the phantasia system was alot better then Legendias in execution, which was amusing to me.

That was annoying as hell.

And I kinda liked the character quest; Although, I was given the impression that was actually part of the main story and the US didnt know that, which is why theres no dialogue the whole way through.

With that said, It would have been nice to have an overall enemy or goal or something besides helping the crew with their problems. Although, I really liked those quests, and it did give us better development, I think.

But yeah, I wished we got to see what was outside the Legacy since it's being brought up all the time, and we had a more....prominent villian aside from...Umm...Swartz or something.

That said, I though Legendia had a nice...personal feel between its characters (the Character Quests helped abit), and I suppose that's why I like it.

But yeah, I certainly wouldnt say it's the best Tales to date.

I do, however, think Chloe is a wicked swordsman. Honestly, I think she's probally better then Lloyd and Luke, and could give Cless a run for his money.

I'm bummed she wasnt in That PSP tales crossover game. (I need to finish that one day)

[Robotech Master]

Chloe was probably the only character in Legendia that I thought was memorable. Jay and Magic Hammer-dude were somewhat entertaining/interesting, but I didn't get into the others so much.

RE: But yeah, I wished we got to see what was outside the Legacy since it's being brought up all the time, and we had a more....prominent villian aside from...Umm...Swartz or something.

The big guy in the red armor was the main villain right? I think his name was Vaclav. But yeah, he was one of the more boring villains in the whole Tales series: a fact I attribute to the fact that a team responsible for Soul Caliber fighting games made Legendia, instead of one of the RPG teams. He feels like the last opponent in an arcade fighting game imposed on an RPG.

Most Tales final villains, with the exception of Miktran or whatever his name was from Destiny (cause he was just a dick), are either tragic, pitiable, or somewhat understandable, even if their methodology is screwed up. Mithos and Shizel maybe less so, while Dhaos, Van, Duke, and Goddess-obsessed chick moreso.

But then you have Vaclav. "Bwahahaha, I shall uncover the hidden secrets within plot device alpha and use it to unlock plot device beta which under my control shall give me ultimate POWAHHH."

[Len Ikari145]

I've only this to say:

Raven is the one of the funniest SOBs to grace the Tales games since Zelos and Jade.

He's also an evil bastard for scaring the crap out of Rita during the Ghost Ship mission.:biggrin:

[Lester C.]

I hope this isn't considered spamming but the regular edition copy of this game on Ebay/Gamestop is on backorder, which means that very soon stores won't have them. The Premium edition is already going for 120 on ebay. I strongly advise all holdouts to get this game first and pick up other games like Lost Oddessy later as that will be around for a while.

Oh and a warning. Tales of Legendia has a romantic relationship that kind of creepy but is otherwise a decent game by most standards when not compared to other Tales games.

[Lester C.]

I hope this isn't considered spamming but the regular edition copy of this game on Ebay/Gamestop is on backorder, which means that very soon stores won't have them. The Premium edition is already going for 120 on ebay. I strongly advise all holdouts to get this game first and pick up other games like Lost Oddessy later as that will be around for a while.

Oh and a warning. Tales of Legendia has a romantic relationship that kind of creepy but is otherwise a decent game by most standards when not compared to other Tales games.

Never mind. The game might be on back order on various online sites, but I'm seeing it everywhere in the real world.

[Robotech Master]

Yeah, but in my area I am seeing it sold out in casual places like Target and Best Buy. Pretty good sign for how well it will do in America, for a Tales game. In Japan, of course, it always does well; selling X-boxes pretty much.

I'm starting the Extra Dungeon today.

[Len Ikari145]

Yeah, but in my area I am seeing it sold out in casual places like Target and Best Buy. Pretty good sign for how well it will do in America, for a Tales game. In Japan, of course, it always does well; selling X-boxes pretty much.

I'm starting the Extra Dungeon today.


I'm currently at the Zaude Shrine right now. Damn puzzles! I don't know how arrange those blocks to get to the red orb in the eastern section.

[Robotech Master]

I don't remember which one was which, as far as east and west goes.

I do remember the one that gave me pause was the one where there were several blocks in the room, but the puzzle is actually more simple that you think it is, because only one block needs to be moved. The others are extras for reaching different stuff. I think there was one that just needed to be scooted over so that you can raise the water up while you're standing on it and it will take you right to the orb.

At least I *think* that's the section where you're at. Its been a long time since Zaude for me, so I might be confusing it with another puzzle. Can you give a description?

[Fallman]

Can we throw dollar bills out of balloons at the poor, unwashed masses?

If you have any. Getting games for all three puts me in nigh-perpetual poverty.

My sister likes the Kingdom Hearts games. Is this similiar enough that she'd like the battle system? She's not much for fighting games, by the way.

[Robotech Master]

Its similarities to fighting games is superficial, in that it involves combos and buttom mashing. If you like Kingdom Hearts then you'll like Tales games in general, but they're a bit more RPGish than Kingdom Hearts.

The battle system takes place in a 3-d playing field, where an invisible 2-d line links a character with their targeted enemy. By switching targets, you establish a new line that allows you to b-line towards that target; or, you can hold a button down to initiate free run, which allows you to move in unrestricted 3-d; but you can only execute combos when moving along the LMBS (Linear motion battle system).

Your attacks change depending on which direction on the control stick you press. Normal attacks are relegated to one button, and can be strung together a number of times (limit is affected by skills/character, etc). At the end of a combo, you can string it together with a super move, called an arte, by pressing the special attack button. You execute different artes, again depending on the direction you press along with the button.

The early artes you learn are called Base artes. The more powerful ones are called Arcane Arte Later in the game, you can extend your combo's by performing your max number of normal hits, followed by a base arte, followed by an Arcane arte. Vesperia added "altered artes" to the mix. There's a skill that allows you to link Altered artes to base and arcane ones, which allows for some pretty crazy 30+ hit characters from just one character.

Battles are real time; you block in real time. Hits are scored by actual connections; damage is done by HP units; artes use TP, the Tales version of Mana. You enter battles with parties of up to 4 characters. You control one, while the AI handles the others. You can bring up a menu, which pauses the action, allowing you to give orders to characters, change strategies, use items, change weapons, etc. You can jump. You can learn and equip skills that change your performance in battle.

That's the gist of it. There's a few other things to it, but that's the battle system. Its fun, frantic, and pretty enjoyable. Fights are individually carried out--so its not like Kingdom Hearts where the exploration and battle screens are the same, but at the same time the battles aren't random, as you see a representative of the enemy party on screen while you're moving.

[Lester C.]

Also if the battles are hard remember this is an RPG. Just go to an easier area and proceded to power level your characters. Then go back to the area that was giving you trouble and blow them away with the greatest of ease.

[Lester C.]

I'm playing the game now. It's good but the charactes are nowhere near as fun as Tales of The Abyss. Even Luke was fun in that game once you got past part one.

[Miburohunter929]

I'm playing the game now. It's good but the charactes are nowhere near as fun as Tales of The Abyss. Even Luke was fun in that game once you got past part one.

You know, I couldn't have traveled with part one Luke, simply because he was annoying--The only Tales char to ever get that reaction out of me (I'M THE AMBASSADOR!!!!"-- there would have been a dead noble, and I'm black, and--

Well, I just can't see anything good coming from it.

[Len Ikari145]

You know, I couldn't have traveled with part one Luke, simply because he was annoying--The only Tales char to ever get that reaction out of me (I'M THE AMBASSADOR!!!!"-- there would have been a dead noble, and I'm black, and--

Well, I just can't see anything good coming from it.

Y'know, that's weird, because I always found Pre-spoiled Noble Luke to be rather amusing. Yeah, his obnoxious attitude rubbed me the wrong way sometimes, but I thought most of his tantrums and reactions were hysterical.

Now, Asch, he pissed me the fuck off. I started to appreciate his character and even began to like him towards the end of the game, but damn.

Asch:"You stole my life!"

Luke:"I didn't have a say in it, and it's not like anyone was keeping you from coming back. Hell, I even gave you a chance to reconcile with Mom and Dad."

Asch:"Yeah, well---You're a replica!"

Luke:"So? At least you're not the one dealing with a major identity crisis and existential issues. Not to mention I was created for the sole purpose of being a sacrificial lamb. Hell, our old man was even in on it. Plus, once I died, you'd have been saved. So, I don't see what YOU have to bitch about."

Asch:"Okay, point. But you're the one who came back!"

Luke: "After all the crap I went through, damn skippy. I'M THE GODDAMN MAIN CHARACTER! Namco isn't dickish enough to kill off their heroes, especially with all character development I went through. Besides, you decided to pass the torch onto me halfway through the game after you realized your life was over. Plus, you died a badass death and gave me a cool power-up, so everyone wins."

Asch:".....I hate you."

Luke: "So you keep telling me.":rolleyes:

[Lester C.]

You know, I couldn't have traveled with part one Luke, simply because he was annoying--The only Tales char to ever get that reaction out of me (I'M THE AMBASSADOR!!!!"-- there would have been a dead noble, and I'm black, and--

Well, I just can't see anything good coming from it.

I almost stopped playing toward the end of part one. They deliberately made Luke as unlikable as possible toward that point in the game it I just couldn’t take it anymore. Thankfully the other party members made up for Luke extreme initial unlikabiltity otherwise I’d have quit.

[Lester C.]

What do you guys think of Namco giving players the option to pay real world money for in game content? Yes I know some people hate level grinding so giving them access to in-game level ups, money, items, etc is all well and good but charging them to do so is shady.

As for the game itself I love it. It took a while for me to get past the fact that the characters were are sterotypes but once I did I really fell in love with the characters and story.

[Donald M.]

What do you guys think of Namco giving players the option to pay real world money for in game content?

If there are people out there dumb enough to pay extra so that a game they already paid $60 for can essentially play itself, then Namco deserves whatever money they manage to make off the scheme.

[Lester C.]

If there are people out there dumb enough to pay extra so that a game they already paid $60 for can essentially play itself, then Namco deserves whatever money they manage to make off the scheme.

So you do think of it as a scheme? I have no problem paying extra money for bonus content but paying for in-game content just seems wrong to me.