Review of Tales of Graces f Remastered: A Comprehensive Analysis

Review of Tales of Graces f Remastered: A Comprehensive Analysis

Tales of Graces f Remastered: A Glimpse Into a Beloved JRPG

Tales of Graces is a noteworthy installment in Bandai Namco’s esteemed Tales series, marking the twelfth main entry in this long-running franchise. Originally released exclusively in Japan for the Nintendo Wii, it served as a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Tales of Vesperia and the more average Tales of Hearts. The game was later localized and re-released for PlayStation 3 as Tales of Graces f. While its initial reception was mixed due to its novel gameplay mechanics, over time, fans of the series have come to appreciate its rich narrative and combat system, which many consider to be among the best in the franchise.

In a recent bid to modernize its catalog, Bandai Namco has initiated a remastering project aimed at bringing earlier titles to contemporary platforms. Tales of Graces f Remastered stands as a flagship release within this “Tales of Series Remaster Project.”It is notable for being one of the few PS3-exclusive titles successfully adapted for modern consoles, showcasing the possibility of migrating games despite technical challenges posed by the original hardware. A common concern among fans is how this remaster compares to the disappointing Tales of Symphonia Remastered, leading to anticipation regarding Bandai Namco’s approach to remaking other classic entries.

Not only does Tales of Graces f Remastered represent the definitive version of a beloved game, but it also establishes a solid groundwork for potential future remasters. True to its roots, the game features an engaging cast of characters and a narrative filled with emotional depth, along with extensive combat mechanics that allow for significant customization. The remaster steadfastly preserves the original game’s essence while enhancing it with breathtaking HD graphics running at a consistent 60 FPS. Additionally, it introduces an array of quality-of-life enhancements and accessibility features to tailor the gameplay experience to individual preferences. Despite some ongoing pacing issues, including extended backtracking and lengthy dungeons, this remaster shines as an excellent gateway for newcomers to the Tales franchise.

The Magnetic Pull of Story and Characters in Tales of Graces f Remastered

Tales of Graces f Remastered Characters

The plot of Tales of Graces remains compelling across all its iterations, with its narrative and character development enduring the test of time. The story begins simply, following the adventures of two brothers who embark on a childhood excursion into a nearby meadow. Their lives take a dramatic turn upon encountering an enigmatic girl suffering from amnesia. This event propels the trio into an epic journey to save the world of Ephinea. Although the storyline follows familiar JRPG conventions, it delves into profound themes, exploring humanity, empathy, and the essence of friendship.

Protagonist Asbel Lhant strikes a balance between tradition and originality within the genre, embodying a hero who is optimistic and persistent—traits that highlight his dedication to his friends. His relationship with Sophie, characterized by her tragic past and innocent spirit, adds emotional weight to the narrative. The initial pacing may lag, but players will find themselves engrossed by the well-developed cast and poignant storytelling. The series’ signature skits contribute richly to character dynamics, further immersing players in their journey.

Combat Innovation: A Strong Claim for the Best in the Series

Tales of Graces f Remastered Combat

The combat system in Tales of Graces f Remastered is a pivotal aspect of its appeal, showcasing a refined version of the franchise’s well-known Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS) through its “Style-Shift”mechanic. This distinct feature allows characters to seamlessly alternate between two types of Artes—an enhancement that adds layers of strategy to combat. Artes, character-specific abilities tied to a Chain Capacity gauge rather than a traditional mana system, equip players with a variety of attack types and elemental advantages.

Players can further refine their combat experience by unlocking over 50 Titles for each character, granting access to diverse Artes and stat improvements. This elaborate system fosters extensive customization, empowering players to adjust combat strategies based on their preferences. Tales of Graces f Remastered also features a sophisticated auto-battling system reminiscent of Final Fantasy 12’s Gambits, which allows players to dictate characters’ combat behavior while retaining the option for manual control, thereby creating a flexible gameplay environment.

A High Bar for Accessibility and Gameplay Options

Accessibility Options in Tales of Graces f Remastered

A notable addition to Tales of Graces f Remastered is its comprehensive suite of accessibility features, which significantly enhance the player experience. At the outset, users can modify settings related to battle difficulty, message speeds, and auto-scrolling options. The innovative Grade system allows players to acquire and spend Grade points on various enhancements, akin to Boost features found in the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters. This integration of customizable gameplay options caters to both seasoned veterans and newcomers, promoting an engaging and replayable experience.

  • EXP multipliers
  • SP multipliers
  • Money multipliers
  • Encounter toggling
  • Discounted shop prices
  • Enhanced CC for characters

The flexibility of these options makes it easy for returning players to enjoy the remaster without excessive grinding, allowing them to focus on story and character development. For instance, employing the 2x EXP and SP multipliers can lead to rapid character progression without detracting from enjoyment. Regardless of the choices made, the combat system and item management retain their allure, paving the way for an immersive experience.

Additional Features Enhancing the Remaster Experience

Beyond the Grade Shop and accessibility upgrades, Tales of Graces f Remastered introduces several quality-of-life improvements that distinguish it from the original. These enhancements include a constant on-screen objective marker, auto-saving mechanics, and the capability to retry encounters immediately following any defeats. Moreover, it encompasses all previously released DLC content—completing the package and ensuring players have full access to the game’s extensive offerings.

In conclusion, Tales of Graces f Remastered serves as a comprehensive and definitive reimagining of a beloved classic, making it an excellent choice for fans and newcomers alike. Though the game grapples with pacing issues and an initial slow burn, the engaging combat, character-driven story, and rich customization options culminate in an enjoyable RPG experience. Anticipation grows as Bandai Namco further explores the potential of remastering additional titles within the series.

Set to launch on January 17, 2025, Tales of Graces f Remastered will be available for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. For this review, Game Rant received a PS5 code.

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