I loved this game when it was originally released on the GameCube. The main story is about 40 hours long (and supposedly 80 with sidequests), and takes you for an absolute ride, with twists and turns in ample supply. The game has aged fairly well, and while this version was lacking polish on release, they managed to fix it up to the level of a perfectly serviceable port (even if the 30 FPS here compared to the original 60 FPS on the GameCube is somewhat baffling) - just compare the 73% total review score to the much-improved 97% recent review score.

Tales of... series games are action RPGs. Instead of turn-based combat, you'll be running around and attacking in an arena with your foe(s). You can choose which character to control, with each having their own unique class (swordsman, magic-user, healer, etc.) and attacks. This helps keep combat fresh and exciting over a traditional turn-based RPG. Outside combat, you have a world filled with secrets and a few ways to make the story different.

Tales of Symphonia is popularly considered one of the best, if not THE best, in the franchise so far, and I certainly agree with that statement. Now stop reading and buy it. Now. Do it.

I loved this game when it was originally released on the GameCube. The main story is about 40 hours long (and supposedly 80 with sidequests), and takes you for an absolute ride, with twists and turns in ample supply. The game has aged fairly well, and while this version was lacking polish on release, they managed to fix it up to the level of a perfectly serviceable port (even if the 30 FPS here compared to the original 60 FPS on the GameCube is somewhat baffling) - just compare the 73% total review score to the much-improved 97% recent review score. Tales of... series games are action RPGs. Instead of turn-based combat, you'll be running around and attacking in an arena with your foe(s). You can choose which character to control, with each having their own unique class (swordsman, magic-user, healer, etc.) and attacks. This helps keep combat fresh and exciting over a traditional turn-based RPG. Outside combat, you have a world filled with secrets and a few ways to make the story different. Tales of Symphonia is popularly considered one of the best, if not THE best, in the franchise so far, and I certainly agree with that statement. Now stop reading and buy it. Now. Do it.