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In the realm of JRPGs, where the epic saga of Final Fantasy often takes center stage, Tales of has carved its own niche in my gaming heart. From the memorable action battles in Tales of Destiny and Phantasia to the intriguing evolution of combat across the series, Tales of Vesperia on the Xbox 360, over a decade ago, arguably marked the pinnacle of the franchise. Despite trudging through every installment, including the forgettable mobile misstep, Tales of Zestiria, the recent revisit with the Definitive Edition reminded me of a sobering truth – the series hasn't witnessed a gem like Vesperia in more than ten years. While some recent entries almost pushed me to abandon ship, Vesperia, with its extra layer of freshness in the Definitive Edition, reignited my passion for the Tales of universe.
Set in a world reliant on ancient technology called Blastia, Tales of Vesperia follows the journey of Yuri Lowell, an ex-knight chasing a thief who pilfered his town's Aqua Blastia. What begins as a simple quest soon entwines him in a grand mission to save the world. While the JRPG narrative may seem standard, Vesperia's strength lies in its ability to transform the tried-and-true formula into an engaging and enjoyable experience. The addition of diverse characters, each with their motives and stories, enriches the narrative, creating a sense of camaraderie that elevates the game beyond mere heroics. The standout protagonist, Yuri, breaks the mold of typical JRPG leads, presenting a believable character with shades of moral ambiguity, refreshing the genre.
Beyond the narrative, Tales of Vesperia adheres to traditional JRPG elements, offering a vast world map, towns, dungeons, and the eventual acquisition of a boat and airship. While the formula remains unchanged, the game compensates with stellar world design and art direction, making it one of the series' visual triumphs. The vibrant style and unique locales stand out, a departure from the blandness that crept in with subsequent titles. The inclusion of free DLC, such as the Winged Boots and costumes from the PS3 version, adds a pleasant touch for returning players, enhancing the exploration experience.
The combat system, a cornerstone of Tales games, simplifies in Vesperia compared to its modern counterparts. While maintaining the basic structure, it introduces Fatal Strikes and the Over Limit system, providing depth without overwhelming players with excessive subsystems. This back-to-basics approach proves refreshing, allowing players to focus on core combat mechanics without drowning in complexity. Outside of battles, character customization involves learning skills from weapons, akin to Final Fantasy IX, offering a simple yet effective way to create a personalized character build.
The Definitive Edition not only enhances the game's visual appeal but also introduces a wealth of new content, including additional party members, storylines, side-missions, locations, and bosses. The game's last-gen origins are evident in texture quality and animations, but the enduring art style masks these shortcomings. Returning players are in for a treat, with the added content making the return journey truly worthwhile.
In revisiting Tales of Vesperia, it has solidified its status as one of the standout JRPGs of the last generation. Any minor quibbles pale in comparison to the game's numerous strengths. The Definitive Edition serves as a delightful treat for both veterans and newcomers, showcasing Tales of Vesperia's enduring appeal and setting a high standard for the franchise's future.
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