In this modern era of games getting rereleased, it’s crazy to think it’s been over 12 years since Tales of Graces f was released on western shores. Thankfully you no longer need to dust off your ancient PS3 to play, as Bandai Namco has spruced up this classic RPG for modern consoles with Tales of Graces f Remastered.
As you’d expect from a remaster, as well as improved graphics, there are some fairly nice quality-of-life and accessibility improvements; everything from being able to switch between English and Japanese voiceovers, to a faster run speed and autosaves.
You also get access to the Grade Store at the beginning of the game; a staple in Tales games usually reserved for New Game Plus, you can select gameplay enhancements like quintupling the amount of EXP you get from battles. Great for those who just want to experience the story, and easily ignored for those who want to experience the game as it was originally intended.
The story of this colourful RPG takes a little bit of time to truly get going. A lengthy prologue chapter begins with the young protagonist Asbel, the son of a local lord, getting up to mischief in his home town. You’ll get to know his friends as well as find and help a young amnesiac girl, before the game jumps forward seven years. In this time the adorable kids are now young adults and have been pulled in opposite directions by events outside of their control. The adventure is a little bit cliché and predictable but it definitely gets more engaging as you progress, and it’s helped along by its endearing cast of adventurers.
What makes Graces one of the more beloved Tales games is its addictive battle system. Taking place in real time, you can use your skills freely as long as you have enough stamina (known as chain capacity). It’s great fun to time your attacks with your computer-controlled companions to keep the combo meter ticking upwards and exploiting enemies' weaknesses to really maximise damage.
Tales of Graces f Remastered is a fantastic action-RPG where an array of quality-of-life improvements make this a fun adventure for both new and returning players. Push through the sluggish opening hours and you’ll find an entertaining tale with characters who are full of charm.
Comments 10
Not a fan of the grace store being open from the start, it’s usually a nice reward and incentive for another playthrough. Other than that, this all looks god and I’ll certainly pick it up at some point.
I'm still a little sour from playing it through on my PS3 mere days before the announcement of a remaster, but it was the 11th time so it's okay...there will be a 12th time...and a 13th...and 15th and those will all be on PS5/6, baby^^ with collecting the platinum trophy again of course xD
@McBurn and then on the PS7 the reRemaster!
I still got my PS3 copy complete with the 100 pages mini artbook, CD soundtrack, behind the scenes, and Tales of Destiny 2 DLC costume.
So i'm gonna skip this one but i reccomend it for anyone who never play it.
@TechaNinja Hehe, if I still like to play it by then, sure^^
A classic love this game so much ^__^.......but Kurt can get F****D though 😅
@McBurn Your 20th play
I wish bandai namco would stop farting these games out. Remember the cancelled namco game frame city killer? They need to bring that back and release it
The best Tales game just got better. But it'll have to wait til im done with Metaphor and Freedom Wars
Glad to see this get a remaster. Yes, there's people who don't like it, and the protracted prologue is somewhat annoying, and I'd personally love to see Phantasia or Eternia get rereleased on something that's not portable.
Over the people who complain that the Grade Shop is unlocked immediately, They don't put a gun to your head and demand you use it. Several of the options are very much optional QoL, and those are up to you.
All that unlocking it immediately means is that people who've beat it three or four (dozen) times before don't need to play it with no perks at all.
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