The Silent Protagonist – Tales of Symphonia

 

Hello, and welcome back to the Silent Protagonist; the corner of Ready Up where I incessantly chat about my favourite RPGs, or any up-and-coming titles. Last time I told you that I’m going to talk about Tales of Symphonia. If you can remember back to October 2011, when my debut blog was published, I told you that it is my all-time favourite game.

I have this thing when I complete a game. I tally the amount of times that I’ve completed it at the back of the instruction manual. I’ve always done it. But this tally stands out at 14. Seeing as Tales of Symphonia was released in November 2004 that means that, on average, I’ve completed it at least once a year since its release. There will be story spoilers in this blog, so if you’re interested in trying it, you’d better come back when you’re finished.

What is it about this game that keeps drawing me back to it? The addictive storyline, the character interactions, or is it the plethora of side quests that makes any RPG fan slightly moist downstairs?

What is it about this game that keeps drawing me back to it? The addictive storyline, the character interactions, or is it the plethora of side quests that makes any RPG fan slightly moist downstairs? To cut what could end up turning into a twenty-four page splurge of “IT’S AMAZING! AHHHHH!” short, it’s all of the above.

Until I played Symphonia, Final Fantasy was my favourite series, with IX being my number one. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, my top spot was replaced by Symphonia. Then in 2009, Zidane and Garnet were booted out of second place to be replaced by Vesperia. Only to now be holding on for dear life to the fifth position, as the other Tales titles have taken my top four spots, and Persona 4 is competing for fifth place.

Imagine a story where the fate of the world is determined by a “Chosen of Regeneration.” Where this person, rumoured to be a descendant of angels, has to journey around the world, face untold dangers and awaken the Summon Spirits in order to bring prosperity to the world. And finally, at the Tower of Salvation, becomes an angel, and regenerates the world.

That’s one hell of a story in itself… but that’s only a fraction of it! The rest of the story is about betrayal, a sibling’s manufactured religion causing it to be the root of all evil, parallel planets vying for mana, and Angels being generally bad-ass bitches that need shot.

When you play this game be prepared to feel all the feels ever. The game takes you on a roller-coaster of highs and lows, ranging from Raine’s highly amusing mania when it comes to ruins, or her distinct lack of cooking ability, to Corrine’s heart wrenching sacrifice. If you’ve played it and didn’t feel anything… you’re a stronger person than I.

*sniff* I’ll be… ok… eventually… *sniff*

There are some flaws in the gameplay, that much is obvious, but nothing is more annoying than the inability to free-run during battles. The controlled character can run left and right, jump and duck. There’s no way to run around an enemy… just jump over them. If you can. Some of the monsters you face are huge! If you are lucky enough to own and play the Japanese PS2 version of the rerelease, this issue has been rectified… lucky sods.

In battle, you control one member, while you are supported by another three in the same manner as the other titles, with direct hits reducing your HP, and using Artes consumes your TP.

This also brings me onto the Unison Gauge, which returns in the shitty sequel of which we do not speak. By attacking, taunting and receiving damage, this bar slowly fills. And I mean slowly in every sense of the word. Once this bar fills, you can unleash a Unison Attack from your entire party. Just get up close and personal with a baddy press the “Z” button and hope you don’t miss. Missing causes the bar to deplete!

A very early battle…

This Unison attack allows each of your conscious characters to do use one Arte attack, without consuming TP. Should two characters use complimentary attacks, this allows them to do a special co-op attack. My particular favourite is when Raine uses “Ray” and Genis uses “Cyclone,” which results in the special attack of “Prism Stars” which adds an additional 30 hits to your hit counter… and it’s really pretty.

If you have a Wii or a Gamecube and you’ve not had a go at this, I implore you to do so. It’s just freaking amazing!

In fact, with the release of Tales of Xillia on August 9th, I urge you to have a go at any tales game you can get your hands on. Just not Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World… it doesn’t live up to the name.

I’m going to go on a Tales rampage leading up the release of Xillia, so next up will be Tales of Phantasia.

…To be continued…


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