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| publisher = [[Namco]]
| publisher = [[Namco]]
| designer = [[Kosuke Fujishima]](characters)<br />[[Takashi Hasegawa]] (game)
| designer = [[Kosuke Fujishima]](characters)<br />[[Takashi Hasegawa]] (game)
| composer = [[Motoi Sakuraba]]<br />[[Shinji Tamura]]
| composer = [[Shujun Zhang]]<br />[[Shinji Tamura]]
| released = '''GameCube'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=August 29, 2003|NA=July 13, 2004|PAL=November 19, 2004}}'''PlayStation 2'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=September 22, 2004}}
| released = '''GameCube'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=August 29, 2003|NA=July 13, 2004|PAL=November 19, 2004}}'''PlayStation 2'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=September 22, 2004}}
|series = ''[[Tales (role-playing game series)|Tales]]''
|series = ''[[Tales (role-playing game series)|Tales]]''

Revision as of 20:49, 24 June 2009

Tales of Symphonia
North American box art
North American box art
Developer(s)Namco Tales Studio
Publisher(s)Namco
Designer(s)Kosuke Fujishima(characters)
Takashi Hasegawa (game)
Composer(s)Shujun Zhang
Shinji Tamura
SeriesTales
Platform(s)GameCube, PlayStation 2
ReleaseGameCube
PlayStation 2
Genre(s)Role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer (cooperative)

Tales of Symphonia (テイルズ オブ シンフォニア, Teiruzu obu Shinfonia) is a video game first released for the Nintendo GameCube and later for the PlayStation 2. It debuted in Japan on August 29, 2003, in Canada and the United States on July 13, 2004, and in Europe on November 19, 2004. The game received a Japanese-only PlayStation 2 release on September 22, 2004.[1] It is the fifth mothership title in the Tales RPG series, and was the third game in the series to be officially released in the U.S., and the first to be released in Europe. Tales of Symphonia's characteristic genre name is To Resonate With You RPG (君と響きあうRPG, Kimi to hibiki au RPG). Tales of Symphonia takes place long before Tales of Phantasia (hence a distant prequel). The game sold 118,000 copies during its first two weeks of sales in the U.S.[2] and went on to sell over 1.2 million copies worldwide. [3][4]

The game was produced by Akira Yoshizumi, a producer from Namco. One notable characteristic of the game is its art direction by Kosuke Fujishima, a renowned Japanese mangaka (comic-book artist).

In June 2007, Ufotable released an OVA in Japan based on the events of Symphonia.[5] A spin-off titled Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World for the Wii was released in Japan on June 26, 2008 and in America on November 11, 2008 and TBA 2009 for Europe.

Gameplay

Battle system

File:Tosbattle.jpg
Lloyd attacks with a technique during battle.

Like previous games in the Tales series, Tales of Symphonia uses a version of the Linear Motion Battle System — a real-time battle system. When the party is on the overworld map, they can enter battles by running into monsters visible on the field. During battle, up to four players may each control one character. Characters not under the control of a player are controlled by AI, and can be set to operate according to specific tactics; players can determine which techniques or magic spells the character may use during battle. AI-controlled choices can be overridden by the player by pausing and selecting orders from a menu; the player may also map certain techniques, spells, or strategies to controller buttons, allowing quick use of them without pausing. Battle movement is relative to enemy characters. Each character and its targeted enemy define a plane perpendicular to the ground, to which movement is restricted. Characters can attack, defend, or use magic and special techniques. Guarding is of much greater importance than in previous Tales games, as Symphonia characters take more damage when unguarded than do their series counterparts, and guarding prevents attacks from stunning the character. However, being hit from behind while guarding triggers a "Guard Break," leaving the character briefly vulnerable.

Another feature of the Linear Motion Battle System is "overlimit." Characters enter overlimit after having obtained a certain number of tension points. Several things contribute to tension, though the most obvious factor is getting hit. For example, a character who cooks a meal featuring a liked ingredient will have points added to his tension. However, a character's tension points reset upon dying. Overlimit removes "staggering," allowing the character to perform actions without interruption; reduces the amount of damage the character takes; and allows spells to be cast more quickly. Some attacks may only be used while in overlimit mode; for example, Genis must be in overlimit to use "Indignation Judgment". Certain enemies can go into overlimit as well.

Dealing combos on an enemy fills the Unison Gauge. When filled completely, a Unison Attack can be triggered, during which each character uses a special attack chosen by the player consecutively; certain attacks, when used, result in a combined attack to cause additional damage. Lloyd, Genis, and Colette also possess special moves, or "hi-ougis," that can be activated under specific conditions. The PS2 version contains hi-ougis for additional characters, including some bosses and every member of the party.

Grade is awarded after each battle. It is awarded or subtracted based on specific criteria that are fulfilled in battle. For example, scoring multi-hit combos increases Grade, but having a character die will subtract it; the length of the battle also has an effect. Grade can be used to purchase items for customization and EX gems, or to buy bonuses when starting a New Game Plus.

Skill system

Tales of Symphonia uses an experience point system, in which characters gain strength and abilities with the accumulation of battle experience. Several player-controlled factors determine which strengths and abilities the characters gain.

Each character can equip up to four EX Gems of varying strengths; each Gem can be set to a specific ability, from strengthening stats to providing out-of-battle bonuses. For instance, Zelos's level 2 Personal EX-skill lets him charm items out of women. For the most part, EX-skills are different for each character. Available EX-skills also determine the character's type, either Technical (T) or Strike (S). EX-skills and the Technical-Strike balance can be altered at any time, though it will take a fair number of battles before the balance shifts. This balance determines what battle techniques a character gains access to, opening certain abilities while closing off others (including replacing ones that have already been learned). Finally, certain combinations of EX-skills will result in compound EX-skills, which provide added bonuses in addition to the effects of the standard EX-skills that comprise it.

Each character has up to 25 titles, which are earned by completing certain events or challenges. Titles reflect aspects of the characters' personalities or their achievements. Titles may be gained at certain points in the main plot, by participating in side events, by leveling up, by triggering special circumstances in battle, and by meeting unique conditions. Most titles determine which stats the character will increase in when they level up, but a few have other side effects instead, such as enabling minigames or changing the character's costume.

Items

Tales of Symphonia takes a varied approach to character recovery. The RPG standbys of inns and recovery items exist, but characters can also learn recipes from an eccentric character known as the Wonder Chef, who is usually disguised as an out-of-place item, like a magazine rack. If the character possesses the required food items, they can prepare a dish that will have beneficial effects upon the party, such as recovery of hit points and technical points, curing of ailments such as poison, or temporary boosting of character status. However, sometimes a recipe may be cooked unsuccessfully, resulting in wasted ingredients and greatly reduced benefits. Though each recipe requires a specific set of raw ingredients; for instance, a sandwich always requires bread, characters may add a variety of secondary ingredients. Furthermore, not all characters are equally talented at cooking; the character's talent at any given dish is indicated by a row of empty star icons, which may vary in length and are gradually filled in as the character gains proficiency.

Symphonia also features a "Customization" system, in which certain NPCs will upgrade equipment if given the proper ingredients (often a weapon of the same type, along with at least one other item gathered via gameplay). The ingredients required and equipment resulting depend on the NPC. Certain weapons and armors are only available via customization.

Skits and affection

In addition to cut scenes, various skits between the characters can be viewed while on the overworld, in towns, and in dungeons. They involve animated character portraits, subtitles, and, in the Japanese version, full voice acting. There are two varieties: those that are accessed by pressing the Z button, and those which are tied to physical locations on the overworld map. A few are mandatory, and are called up automatically. Skits concern anything from character development to side details to comedy. In the original Japanese version of the game, the skits, known as Z-Skits, were voice-acted, but this feature was dropped for the North American and European version.

Overworld map skits also affect Lloyd's relationships with other party members. The player will be able to make certain decisions that imperceptibly affect how the other characters think of Lloyd, such as choosing characters to travel with or assist Lloyd at certain points in the game. Some of these choices will have minor ramifications for the game's storyline. In addition, the affection system will influence the story as the party member who cares for Lloyd the most will be "paired off" with him after an important story point. Depending on which character this is, the effects of their friendship on the plot can vary from slight to major. For example, if Lloyd is paired off with Sheena, she will become Lloyd's new love interest, while pairing him with Regal only minimally affects the game's plot.

Plot

Characters

Main article: List of characters in Tales of Symphonia

The main character of the game is Lloyd Irving, who accompanies his childhood friend, the Chosen Colette Brunel, as she journeys to regenerate the world. Colette's other protectors are her friend Genis Sage, her teacher and Genis' older sister Raine Sage, and Kratos Aurion, a mercenary with a mysterious past. Later on in the game, the party is joined by four other people: Presea Combatir, a strong but strange girl; Zelos Wilder, an arrogant playboy that is the Chosen for Tethe'alla, the other world; Sheena Fujibayashi, a female ninja; and Regal Bryant, an ex-convict.

Story

File:HeroToS.jpg
Lloyd Irving, the game's protagonist.

The game begins in the world of Sylvarant, a land that is dying due to a steady loss of mana, the energy source that is needed both for magic and to support life itself.[6] As crops begin to wither and hardship sets in, the people turn their hopes to the Chosen, a servant and messiah of the Goddess Martel, who can reverse the ills of the world by completing the Journey of World Regeneration.[7] In order to regenerate the world, the Chosen must travel from continent to continent, awakening the Summon Spirits that sleep at ancient shrines known as "seals." With every seal released, the Chosen comes closer and closer to becoming an angel. Once the Chosen fully transforms into an angel, the world will be regenerated. The Chosen of this generation is Colette Brunel; she travels with main character Lloyd Irving, former schoolteacher and healer Raine Saige, Raine's younger brother Genis, and a mercenary named Kratos Aurion.

As the game progresses, many revelations are made about World Regeneration and the hidden plots that complicate the scenario. One of the earliest revelations is that becoming an angel forces the Chosen to give up the aspects that make him or her human.[8] With the release of the first seal, the Chosen loses the need to eat; with the second, the ability to sleep; with the third, the ability to feel physical sensations; and after releasing the fourth seal, the Chosen can no longer speak. The fifth and final seal requires the Chosen to give up his or her heart, memory, and life. When this process has been completed, the Chosen's body will become one with the goddess Martel.

Because the pilgrimage of the Chosen means life for Sylvarant, many of its citizens are supportive of Colette's efforts. However, some oppose the journey, including the Desians, a terrorist organization of half-elves who resent the discrimination their kind have suffered over the years. Another is an assassin, Sheena Fujibayashi, who claims that life for Sylvarant means death for her world. Eventually, after making peace with the party, she explains that she comes from a second world known as Tethe'alla, which lies parallel to Sylvarant.[9] Replenishing Sylvarant's supply of mana changes the flow of mana, thereby draining it away from Tethe'alla - much like the sand in an hourglass - and will cause decline there even as Sylvarant prospers.[10] Sylvarant and Tethe'alla were once a single, united world, but were divided by the legendary hero of the Kharlan War, Mithos, as an effort to prevent the mana overuse which led to that conflict. Even worse, the object which was supposed to be the source of all mana, the Tree of Mana, does not exist; a single seed for this tree does exist, but Mithos has prevented it from germinating.

The party succeeds in releasing all the seals, and Colette becomes Martel's vessel. However, they learn that the angels that they are trying to serve have been using them. The party is betrayed by Kratos, who is then revealed to be an angel. The remaining party then goes to Tethe'alla to find answers, where their goal ultimately changes to saving the two worlds. In order to do this, they decide that they must sever the ties between Sylvarant and Tethe'alla to separate the worlds, thus ending the competition for mana.[11] In doing so they must face the opposition of the Desians, who are controlled by a half-elf villain named Yggdrasil. The party is shocked to learn that this Yggdrasil and the legendary hero "Mithos" are one and the same; during the Kharlan War, Mithos' sister Martel was slain, and the entire efforts of the church have been focused towards resurrecting her. The Desians, meanwhile, are Mithos' efforts to punish both worlds for their unending discrimination against half-elves such as himself. While his two remaining companions from the Kharlan War, Kratos Aurion and Yuan, once supported his goals, the two have since begun undermining him, Yuan by leading an underground resistance movement and Kratos by helping Colette and Lloyd. Kratos, in particular, teaches Lloyd that Mithos used the power of the "Eternal Sword," a semi-mythical blade of immense power, to sunder the two worlds; however, Lloyd would not be able to wield sword until its current master, Kratos, was defeated. The duel is particularly poignant for both characters, as Kratos had recently revealed himself to be the orphaned Lloyd's father.

Lloyd and his companions succeed in obtaining control of the Eternal Sword, as well as breaking the links holding Tethe'alla and Sylvarant together, defeating Mithos to do so. However, this causes the Great Seed to go out of control.[12] In the end, the party revives an ancient tree of ever-flowing mana, which, with the aid of the Eternal Sword, merges the two worlds once more.[13]

Development

File:ToSBox PS2.png
PlayStation 2 box art.

The game that was later titled Tales of Symphonia was first announced during a press conference on May 8, 2002.[14] Although the game was originally intended to be a GameCube exclusive, a port for the PlayStation 2, released only in Japan, was announced in April 2004.[15] The PlayStation 2 version contains additional features, such as two extra anime cut scenes, several additional optional story scenes and side quests, new monsters, more Techs and Unison Attacks, and additional costumes.

Themes

The game has constant Norse mythology references in it. Mithos Yggdrasill's name is taken from Yggdrasil, the world-tree that was believed by the Norse to support and nourish the world. This concept of a world-tree is manifested in the Great Kharlan Tree. Norse Mythology also inspired the name of the towns of Heimdall, Ymir and Asgard, as well as the underworld, Niflheim. Arabian mythology was drawn upon for the names of Summon Spirits. Japanese mythology contributed the legendary sword Kusanagi, which is the Japanese equivalent of Excalibur. This, along with two other legendary objects of Japanese mythology, the Yata mirror and Yasakani jewel are items found in the game. Pagan themes are evident in the concept of the Goddess Martel and the general nature themes present in the game. The universal theme of death and renewal can be seen in the seesawing parallel worlds and the Chosen ritual, and it is specifically mentioned during one encounter with a unicorn. Typical high fantasy elements abound in the game as well, such as dwarves and elves. There are also elements from the Bible; the Seraphim came from the angel caste system, and the theme of achieving salvation is espoused by the Church of Martel. In a book that Genis keeps in his room, humans who have turned to the side of the Desians are known as the "Fallen", which is a reference to the dualistic views of good and evil as taught by Christianity.

The game also carries the reappearing motif of facing discrimination and racism. Half-elves are distrusted and despised by humans and elves in both Sylvarant and Tethe'alla. In Tethe'alla, half-elves are considered to be inferior and are at the bottom of the caste system, while in Sylvarant, a group known as the Desians, who wreak havoc upon the world, make up the majority of the half-elves there. This leads to a vicious cycle in which humans persecute half-elves due to their hatred for the Desians, and the half-elves then join the Desians in their mutual hatred and in order to escape persecution.

Theme songs

Each version of the game has its own opening theme. The opening theme for the original Japanese version of Tales of Symphonia on the GameCube is "Starry Heavens", by the Japanese band Day After Tomorrow. For the Playstation 2 version of the game, "Soshite Boku ni Dekiru Koto", also by Day After Tomorrow, takes its place. The opening theme for the North American and PAL versions of the game is an orchestral arrangement by Japanese composer Motoi Sakuraba. For each of the three versions of the opening theme, there is a "heroic" version that is played either during epic battles (Japanese versions) or right before them (North American and PAL versions).

Reception

Tales of Symphonia garnered both positive reviews from critics and a strong cult following from fans. It was praised for its endearing art style, battle system, storyline, and audio, and was considered a welcome entry in the "RPG-starved" GameCube library.[16][17] The camera has been criticized for making it difficult to see obvious enemies at times.[16] The January 2009 issue of Game Informer listed it at #24 in its "Top 25 GameCube Games".

Anime adaptation

File:ToS OVA.jpg
Tales of Symphonia OVA Ad.
Main article: Tales of Symphonia: The Animation

On June 20, 2006, Namco announced an official OVA series for Tales of Symphonia. The four episodes were released in Japan on June 8, August 10, October 24, and December 21. They were directed by Haruo Tonosaki and featured character designs by Akira Matsushima.[20] The first four episodes cover the Sylvarant section of the game, ending with the party's first visit to Tethe'alla, and with Zelos, Presea, Regal, and Mithos being introduced only in the last seconds of the final episode. At Tales of Festival 2008, a second series of the OVA was announced. [21]

References

  1. ^ "Tales of Symphonia Release Dates". GameSpot. Retrieved 2006-02-18.
  2. ^ Preziotte, Mathew (August 16, 2004). "July 2004 Sales Figures for America". Nintelligent Network. Retrieved 2006-02-18.
  3. ^ "News from February 15, 2005". themagicbox.com. February 15, 2005. Retrieved 2006-02-18.
  4. ^ "2003 Top 100 Best Selling Japanese Console Games". themagicbox.com. 2003. Retrieved 2006-08-09.
  5. ^ "Tales of Symphonia Anime". 2006-06-20. Retrieved 2006-09-07.
  6. ^ Namco Tales Studio. Tales of Symphonia (GameCube). Namco. Sheena: Yeah. Sylvarant's mana is flowing to Tethe'alla. Therefore, Sylvarant is in decline. Without mana, crops won't grow and magic becomes unusable. If there is no mana, the Summon Spirits that protect the world alongside the Goddess Martel can't survive in Sylvarant either. As a result, the world slips even further down the path of destruction./Raine: Then the Chosen's world regeneration is actually the process of reversing the mana flow?/Sheena: Exactly. When the Chosen breaks the seal, the mana flow reverses, and the Summon Spirit that governs the seal awakens. I was sent to prevent the world regeneration from happening.
  7. ^ Namco Tales Studio. Tales of Symphonia (GameCube). Namco. Raine: Tell us about the journey of world regeneration./Colette: It is a journey to seal the Desians. Upon passing the trials of the Goddess Martel, the Summon Spirits that protect the world awaken, and mana is restored.
  8. ^ Namco Tales Studio. Tales of Symphonia (GameCube). Namco. Lloyd: Colette is growing closer to becoming an angel. Now, she can't sleep or feel hot or cold or pain or anything. She can't even cry! Becoming an angel means losing her humanity!
  9. ^ Namco Tales Studio. Tales of Symphonia (GameCube). Namco. Sheena: The two worlds lie directly adjacent to each other. They just can't see one another. Our scholars say they exist on shifted dimensions. Anyway, the two worlds can't see or touch each other, but they do in fact exist next to and affect each other.
  10. ^ Namco Tales Studio. Tales of Symphonia (GameCube). Namco. Kratos: What good will saving the Chosen do? The relation of the two worlds vying for each other's mana will not change. Their positions have merely been reversed by the regeneration ritual.
  11. ^ Namco Tales Studio. Tales of Symphonia (GameCube). Namco. Lloyd: Does that mean that Sylvarant and Tethe'alla have stopped competing for each other's mana?/Volt: …/Raine:I do not know. The only thing certain is that the flow of mana between the worlds has been severed./Undine: Yes. Eventually the worlds shall separate…/Genis: You mean the two worlds will split apart?/Zelos: That's perfect! Then they'll stop competing for each other's mana!
  12. ^ Namco Tales Studio. Tales of Symphonia (GameCube). Namco. Kratos: Having lost the stability afforded by the protection of the Summon Spirits, the Great Seed has gone out of control./Yuan: No! The purpose of the Summon Spirits was to isolate the Great Seed from the outside world and prevent it from growing!/Kratos: That was only half of it. The two worlds were forced out of phase by Yggdrasill. They should have drifted apart from each other and have been consumed by the void. But this was prevented from happening because the Great Seed was placed in the center between the two worlds./Yuan: I don't need a lecture from you to know that!/Kratos: The Great Seed is constantly being pulled upon from both worlds as they try to separate from one another. It's a miracle that this delicate balance held up for even this long./Yuan: Wait! So the mana links served as a cage to contain the Great Seed in the space between the two worlds? Is that what you're saying?/Kratos: Exactly. And because you provided the unstable Great Seed with mana, germinated in a twisted form and has gone out of control. It's even engulfed Martel.
  13. ^ Namco Tales Studio. Tales of Symphonia (GameCube). Namco. Lloyd: This is my final wish. Eternal Sword…/Colette: Please…awaken the Great Seed!/Lloyd: I beg you, please, wake up!/Colette: Please!/Lloyd: Rise Giant Kharlan Tree!
  14. ^ "Namco Brings GCN Support". IGN. 2002-05-08. Retrieved 2006-09-07.
  15. ^ Hitmitsu, Suppai (2004-04-04). "New Tales Games for PS2". IGN. Retrieved 2006-09-07.
  16. ^ a b c Massimilla, Bethany (2004-07-06). "Tales of Symphonia review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2006-09-07.
  17. ^ a b Irwin, Mary Jane (2006-07-04). "Tales of Symphonia". IGN. Retrieved 2006-09-07.
  18. ^ Turner, Benjamin (2004-07-05). "Tales of Symphonia review". GameSpy. Retrieved 2006-07-04.
  19. ^ "1Up Review".
  20. ^ "Tales of Symphonia THE ANIMATION".
  21. ^ "Anime News Network.com".
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