Tales of Symphonia, originally released in 2003, is considered one of the best RPGs of all time. The game had a gripping storyline, an outstanding cast of characters, and an innovative battle system. Recently, Bandai Namco announced a remastered version of the game, which was released for various platforms. This review covers the remastered version of the game, highlighting the improvements, and how it holds up in 2023.
The remastered version of Tales of Symphonia brings many improvements to the game’s visuals. The game now runs at a smooth 60fps, which makes the combat feel more fluid and responsive. The game’s resolution has been increased, and the textures have been improved, giving the game a cleaner, crisper look. The character models have been improved, and their facial expressions and movements are more realistic. The game’s environments also look better, with improved lighting and shadows. The game now supports widescreen, which is a welcome addition for players who prefer to play on modern displays.
The remastered version of the game also includes new content that was not available in the original game. The game now includes new costumes for the characters, which can be unlocked by completing various tasks. These costumes are not just cosmetic; they also provide the characters with new abilities and stats. The game also includes new Mystic Artes, which are powerful moves that can be used by the characters once they have learned them. The game also includes new skits, which are short conversations between the characters that provide more insight into their personalities and relationships.
The gameplay of Tales of Symphonia is still as engaging as it was in 2003. The game’s battle system is innovative and fun. Battles take place in real-time, and the player controls one character while the others are controlled by the AI. The player can switch between characters at any time, and each character has their own set of moves and abilities. The game’s magic system is also unique. Magic spells are learned by equipping certain items, and the player can only equip a certain number of items at a time, so they must choose which spells they want to use wisely.
The game’s storyline is still as captivating as it was in 2003. The game follows the story of Lloyd Irving, a young man who sets out on a journey to save the world of Sylvarant. The game’s storyline is full of twists and turns, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. The game’s themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption are still relevant today, and the game’s message of hope and perseverance is inspiring.
The game’s music is still as memorable as it was in 2003. The game’s soundtrack is composed by Motoi Sakuraba, who is known for his work on other RPGs such as Star Ocean and Dark Souls. The game’s soundtrack features a mix of orchestral and rock music, and each track fits perfectly with the game’s setting and tone. The game’s opening theme, “Starry Heavens,” is still one of the most iconic RPG themes of all time.
In conclusion, the remastered version of Tales of Symphonia is a must-play for RPG fans. The improvements to the game’s visuals and the addition of new content make it worth playing even for those who have played the original game. The game’s engaging gameplay, captivating storyline, and memorable soundtrack still hold up in 2023, and the game’s themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption are still relevant today. If you are a fan of RPGs, do not miss out on this classic regenerated.
