Tales of Graces f Remastered Review: Why It Retains Its Most Impressive Features

Tales of Graces f Remastered: A New Era for an Old Classic

Tales of Graces f, originally launched on the Nintendo Wii over a decade ago, is making a triumphant return with its Remastered edition. This updated version not only enhances the graphics but also preserves the vibrant anime aesthetics and a striking watercolor-like palette. As the first title in Bandai Namco’s initiative to remaster the beloved Tales series, it successfully amplifies the strengths of the original while addressing some of its shortcomings.

A Familiar, Yet Engaging Narrative

The storyline of Tales of Graces f may be seen as a conventional JRPG plot. The game centers on Asbel Lhant, heir to the Lhant territory, whose aspiration is to become a knight serving the king of Windor. During his childhood, Asbel, along with his younger brother Hubert and their friend Cheria, finds a mysterious girl named Sophie who has lost her memory. Their adventure kicks off following a monster attack on a carriage that carries Prince Richard, leading them to form a close bond with him. However, an encounter with a creature in Barona’s castle alters their lives forever.

Tales of Graces f remastered cutscene — Screenshot by Siliconera

As the plot unfolds, players follow Asbel into adulthood. Although the childhood segment may be deemed less captivating, it is instrumental in setting up the narrative’s emotional underpinnings. The friendship pledge made between Asbel, Richard, and Sophie recurs throughout the story, highlighting significant character development, especially as they confront the changes in Richard after his traumatic experiences.

Balancing Character Dynamics with Storytelling

While the plot may lack the depth or emotional weight compared to other entries in the series, such as Legendia, it steers clear of the divisive narratives found in titles like Xillia or Zestiria. Tales of Graces f revels in traditional JRPG tropes, which might make certain plot twists predictable for seasoned players. Nonetheless, the chemistry among party members more than compensates for the narrative’s weaknesses. Most characters share a history, fostering a relaxed atmosphere that evolves beautifully as their relationships deepen.

The party’s dynamic reflects a familiar familial archetype often seen in Tales games. Asbel assumes the father figure role, Cheria is the nurturing mother, and Sophie embodies the innocent child. Intriguingly, Pascal fills a sisterly role despite being older, adding to the quirky interactions among the group. For those who originally experienced Tales of Graces on the Wii, revisiting these characters offers a nostalgic lens through which to view personal growth.

Reflections on Growth and Perspective

Reflecting on the game’s family dynamics brings a new understanding, particularly when identifying with characters like Kerri, Asbel and Hubert’s mother. Viewing the narrative as an adult offers a different perspective — the decisions made by the parents resonate differently, especially when considering the responsibilities tied to being heirs. This deeper appreciation enriches the overall experience as it unfolds.

Tales of Graces f remastered combat — Screenshot by Siliconera

Fast-Paced Combat: A Highlight of the Remastered Edition

As Yusuke Tomizawa, the series’ producer, emphasized in August 2024, one of the standout features of Tales of Graces f Remastered is its exhilarating combat system. The fast-paced nature, combined with flashy visuals, creates an engaging experience, although it can appear overwhelming to new players. To maximize effectiveness in battle, players should familiarize themselves with each character’s unique A and B artes, which can offer strategic combat advantages.

For instance, Asbel’s ability to unsheathe and resheathe his sword influences his survival rate during tough battles. This knowledge can shift the tide in more challenging encounters since Asbel’s versatility allows him to sustain himself without relying heavily on healers—a crucial factor when navigating the remastered version’s battling sequences.

Tuning the Difficulty for Optimal Enjoyment

Players may find themselves grappling with difficulty settings, especially when utilizing experience multipliers. Starting with excessive boosts can render combat trivial, contradicting the core appeal of the game. Finding a balance that allows for both challenge and enjoyment can significantly enrich the gaming experience, particularly during essential early encounters.

Tales of Graces f mystic arte — Screenshot by Siliconera

Quality of Life Improvements for Modern Gaming

The remastered version introduces notable quality-of-life enhancements, such as an improved on-screen map that alleviates navigation woes in dungeons—an area where the original game struggled. This feature dramatically enhances gameplay by providing clear indicators of objectives and live events, a significant improvement over its predecessor’s often confusing realm navigation.

Visually Stunning on Current Consoles

The visual upgrade on modern consoles is impressive. While some low-poly backgrounds may become apparent, the character models remain polished and appealing. A nostalgic comparison with the PS3 version highlights just how far graphical fidelity has come, yet the watercolor-style aesthetic helps maintain a sense of style and coherence throughout.

Positive feedback on load times, which appear significantly faster in the remastered edition, contributes to a smoother gaming experience. The remaster maintains a purposeful visual choice that aligns with modern gaming trends, showcasing Bandai Namco’s commitment to quality.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for the Tales Franchise

With over a hundred hours of content to explore, Tales of Graces f Remastered is an excellent addition for both newcomers and long-time fans. Despite some references to prior titles that may confuse new players, the refreshing combat system sets a high standard for future entries in the Tales series. The upcoming release of this remastered classic, scheduled for January 17, 2025, on multiple platforms including PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC, heralds a potential renaissance for the franchise.

For more information about the game, visit the official site.

PC version reviewed.

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