A power struggle begins in a civilization dependant on an ancient technology, the blastia, and the Empire that controls it. The fates of two friends traveling separate paths intertwine in an epic adventure that threatens the existence of all. Tales of Vesperia marks the first Tales RPG release in high-def with detail and graphics never before seen in the series. Now, real-time battles are more exciting than ever with over limits, the ability to unleash fatal strikes, combinations and burst artes. The next evolution of the revered role-playing series comes to the Xbox 360.
Key Features
A classic series returns: The newest installment of the Tales RPG series keeping the established gameplay formula that fans love
Next Gen sights and sounds: First Tales RPG game with high-definition graphics, broadcast quality animation, and Dolby surround sound
Evolved real-time battle system: New refinements and additions to the trademark Tales real-time battle engine making for dynamic, action-packed RPG fighting
Fan favorite character designs: Characters designed by famous manga artist, Kosuke Fujishima, responsible for popular series' Ah! My Goddess, Sakura Taisen and You're Under Arrest
Immersive look and feel: Detailed environments, animation and an artistic style so good, it's like playing a cartoon
Dramatic story: Gripping tale of a young hero on a quest for justice, trust and friendship filled with unexpected twists and turns at every step
A decade of Tales: The first game celebrating the Tales 10 year anniversary
Characters designed by famous manga artist, Kosuke Fujishima View larger image
A classic series returns. View larger image
Customer Reviews:
Your Ticket to JRPG Goodness on the 360October 18, 2008 C.C.(Vancouver, BC Canada) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
If you're itching for your JRPG fill, Tales of Vesperia will help you satisfy your urge.
Story: Unfortunately this game suffers a bit from your typical JRPG elements and stereotypes. However it redeems itself with its melodramatic story and amusing characters, and not so much on dwelling in deep dark pasts as it may have been in any of the previous Tales.
Graphics: Vesperia's graphics were heavy on cell-shading, however don't let the cartoonyness scare you off. The visuals are diversely attractive and bright and it also features CG and animated scenes. One might find the graphics in general to be too cutesy, but you'll get used to them in no time.
Sound: This game comes alive with full voiced dialog and a diverse cast with a sense of humor (as it's a bit of a running theme for Tales characters - but who doesn't love humor?). There's a number of great memorable BGM pieces, once again mainly composed by Sakuraba Motoi. They all bare that unique Tales charm you'll immediately recognize if you follow any of the other Tales games.
Gameplay: The battle system is what makes Vesperia (and the Tales series for that matter) stand out of the RPG crowd. It may be seen as button mashing, but button mashing itself will not win you the game without proper strategy. As the player, you control one of the characters on screen actively and execute attacks which you assign to your controls. You can successfully make combos and with the right requirements, unleash lethal attacks at your enemy.
Overall: The localization could have used a bit more work in certain places however the hype definitely lives up to its name. One does not need to be familiar with the Tales series to pick this 360 exclusive gem up.
My new favorite gameAugust 30, 2008 Jean-marc Therrien(Candiac,Qc, Canada) 4 out of 5 found this review helpful
If you played any Tales game or if like me you only played Tales of Symphonia and liked it, you're going to love this one. I'm not that far into the game but I already can't stop playing it. Storywise so far I can't say much but I like what I saw. Something I find quite nice is that the voices are done by the same people who made Tales of Symphonia so you'll recognize them the minute you hear them. The combat is in realtime like in Symphonia but you can now move around in 3D instead of just left and right. The graphics are anime style like the other games but with the power of the 360 everything looks really great.
It's been a long time since a game hooked me like that. This is a must buy in my book. If you're not convinced, rent it and before long you'll be back to buy it.
