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A rare gem for the Gamecube
posted by Meekus (ROCKLIN, CA) Apr 18, 2006
Member since Oct 2005
39 out of 42 gamers (93%) found this review helpful
It's easy to sound like every other game review done when telling you about 'Tales of Symphonia'--compelling storyline, beautiful graphics and sound, blah blah blah. The difference this time, is it's true with 'Tales.'
Graphics: The look of the game is no 'Final Fantasy X', but for what it is, is wonderful. The cel-shaded, cartoony, and colorful character designs lend themselves well to the games light-hearted humor, yet somehow doesn't seem to distract from the powerful dramatic moments. With that said, the graphics are the game's weakest aspect.
Sound: The sound fx are good but nothing innovating. The voice acting is better than most. You may recognize a few voice talents. The music is average mostly. It properly sets the mood for the area or dramatic scene. Occasionally you might get stuck on a puzzle or lost in an area and the music can get repetitive.
Game play: What makes this game so remarkable isn't how it looks or sounds but how it plays. The storyline starts out as your stereotypical RPG plot, but quickly trashes that for it's own unique premise. The battle sequences combine AI tactics (which you strategize) and good ol' fashioned real time button mashing. There are countless AI strategy combinations, although only a few are effective. All the main characters' traits are more 3D than 2D-cookie-cutter. Although the main storyline is linear, various sections of the plot will pan out differently depending on how you've played through previous plot points. There are tons of side quests that more than double the length of play and also add to the plot's depth. Initial run though of the game only took me about 30 hours (maybe less) but I've clocked over 70 completing most of the side quests (no joke). And with various "endings," this game (unlike most RPGs) has an inviting replay value.
This has been a welcome addition to the GC console. 'Tales of Symphonia' can keep you busy for days on end.
Graphics: The look of the game is no 'Final Fantasy X', but for what it is, is wonderful. The cel-shaded, cartoony, and colorful character designs lend themselves well to the games light-hearted humor, yet somehow doesn't seem to distract from the powerful dramatic moments. With that said, the graphics are the game's weakest aspect.
Sound: The sound fx are good but nothing innovating. The voice acting is better than most. You may recognize a few voice talents. The music is average mostly. It properly sets the mood for the area or dramatic scene. Occasionally you might get stuck on a puzzle or lost in an area and the music can get repetitive.
Game play: What makes this game so remarkable isn't how it looks or sounds but how it plays. The storyline starts out as your stereotypical RPG plot, but quickly trashes that for it's own unique premise. The battle sequences combine AI tactics (which you strategize) and good ol' fashioned real time button mashing. There are countless AI strategy combinations, although only a few are effective. All the main characters' traits are more 3D than 2D-cookie-cutter. Although the main storyline is linear, various sections of the plot will pan out differently depending on how you've played through previous plot points. There are tons of side quests that more than double the length of play and also add to the plot's depth. Initial run though of the game only took me about 30 hours (maybe less) but I've clocked over 70 completing most of the side quests (no joke). And with various "endings," this game (unlike most RPGs) has an inviting replay value.
This has been a welcome addition to the GC console. 'Tales of Symphonia' can keep you busy for days on end.