Tales of the Remaster
There is an extensive array of Tales games available, and with Bandai Namco consistently re-releasing them, players now have the opportunity to revisit these beloved titles on nearly every modern console. The latest addition to this lineup is Tales of Graces f Remastered, a game that, surprisingly, had previously eluded my attention. Over the years, I have played a considerable number of titles from the Tales series, but I must admit that I have not experienced all of them. Upon conducting some research, I learned that this particular game originally debuted on the Wii exclusively in Japan back in 2009, before finally making its way to America in 2012 as an enhanced port for the PS3. This means that, in a sense, this remaster marks the second time the game has been revitalized for a new audience. It’s quite remarkable to think that this installment is the twelfth entry in the expansive Tales series, showcasing the franchise’s longevity and appeal.
The narrative of Graces f centers around the protagonist, Asbel Lhant. At the outset of the story, he encounters a young girl suffering from amnesia, a common trope in RPGs, who ultimately sacrifices herself to protect Asbel and his companions from a formidable monster. This pivotal moment significantly alters the trajectory of Asbel’s life, and the game picks up the story seven years later. Asbel is on the verge of enlisting in the Knight’s Academy when he receives an unexpected summons to return to his home, a place he has not visited in many years. The plot is woven with traditional narrative threads, yet it manages to maintain a level of intrigue, even if some elements feel somewhat predictable.
MSRP: $39.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $39.99
What truly elevates the experience is the depth of the characters, who are crafted with care and attention. The game excels in developing these characters through numerous interactions and a wealth of side quests that further enrich their relationships. I found myself genuinely fond of the characters and the narrative that envelops them. While the storyline may lean towards predictability at times, the charm and likability of the characters make it an enjoyable experience, nonetheless.
No Tales game would be complete without its signature combat system, and Graces f is no exception. The game introduces a real-time combat mechanic that incorporates strategic elements, known as the “Style Shift Linear Motion Battle System.” While the name may be cumbersome, I prefer to refer to it simply as the Linear Motion System. This system allows players to navigate a confined space freely while engaging in real-time attacks. Combat is governed by a resource called Chain Capacity, which determines the number and type of moves available to the player. This resource is replenished through dodging enemy attacks and landing critical hits, creating a dynamic and strategic combat experience that keeps players engaged. With four party members, each possessing unique abilities, players can chain attacks together for more elaborate moves and spells that consume more of the Chain Capacity. The thrill of experimenting with different combinations to discover effective strategies against various enemies adds an exciting layer to the gameplay.
Having four characters actively participating in combat ensures that the action remains engaging, and the challenge of managing Chain Capacity becomes an addictive aspect of the game. As I progressed, I also had the opportunity to customize each character with new abilities, which contributed to the freshness of the experience from beginning to end. The Tales series is known for its commitment to innovation and evolution in combat mechanics, and Graces f continues this tradition admirably.
Visually, the remaster may not break new ground, but it effectively complements the simplistic, anime-inspired art style. The world is beautifully rendered, providing a vibrant and immersive experience, while the frame rate remains consistently smooth. The enemy designs are diverse, and I found the main characters to be particularly appealing. Their straightforward designs, a reflection of the game’s original Wii roots, work well within the context of this remaster. The soundtrack, composed by the talented Motoi Sakuraba, features the signature melodies that fans have come to love, enhancing the overall atmosphere with fitting and memorable tunes.
One of the most significant enhancements in this iteration of Graces is the introduction of game-breaking options that cater to players seeking a more relaxed experience. From the very beginning, a variety of customizable options are available to make gameplay significantly easier, allowing players to adjust factors such as damage dealt, damage received, and even movement speed. These quality-of-life improvements are particularly welcome, as many games in this genre were designed with extensive backtracking that could pad playtime. With these options, I can breeze through sections of the game with minimal effort, which I find incredibly enjoyable. It harkens back to the days of classic cheat modes, long before the prevalence of microtransactions and achievements. For me, the joy lies in being able to break classic games and relish the experience as I remember it, a sentiment that resonates with many long-time gamers.
In conclusion, Tales of Graces f is a commendable remaster of a title that may not have been widely experienced by many players. It successfully retains the classic Tales combat mechanics, memorable music, and endearing characters that fans cherish. With its availability on nearly every platform, there is truly no reason for RPG enthusiasts to miss out on this gem. As Bandai Namco continues to breathe new life into the Tales series, the only lingering question remains: which beloved title will they choose to remaster next?
Review copy of game provided by publisher.