If you’re a fan of the Tales series, Tales of Graces f Remastered will feel like coming home. As someone fortunate enough to get an early copy, I’m thrilled to share my impressions of this beautifully reimagined classic, which is out now on 17.01.2025.
Tales of Graces f retains its charm while incorporating modern touches that elevate the experience. From the moment I started playing, it was evident that this remastered version is a labour of love by Bandai Namco, catering to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Visuals and Graphics
The first thing that struck me was the enhanced graphics. The vibrant, anime-inspired art style of the original is now sharper and more detailed, bringing the world of Ephinea to life like never before. Character models are more refined, and environments are lush and immersive, with an attention to detail that makes exploring a delight. The remastered version supports up to 4K resolution, making the game’s colourful landscapes and dynamic battles a visual treat on modern displays.
Story and Characters
Tales of Graces f Remastered remains true to the original’s narrative, following Asbel Lhant and his friends as they navigate personal growth and political intrigue. The story starts with a flashback to Asbel’s childhood, setting the stage for the events that unfold when he reunites with his friends years later. The themes of friendship, responsibility, and self-discovery are timeless and resonate deeply, even a decade after the game’s initial release.
The characters are as endearing as ever. Asbel’s journey from a headstrong youth to a responsible leader is compelling, and his interactions with his friends, including the enigmatic Sophie and the steadfast Hubert, are engaging and often humorous. The voice acting is top-notch, with a talented cast that brings each character’s personality to life. The additional dialogue scenes in the remastered version further flesh out the relationships and add depth to the story.
Gameplay and Combat
The Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS) is a standout feature of the Tales series, and Tales of Graces f Remastered delivers a refined and exhilarating combat experience. The remastered version retains the original’s dynamic battle system, allowing players to execute a variety of attacks, combos, and artes with fluidity. The addition of new artes and the ability to switch characters on the fly adds layers of strategy and keeps battles fresh and exciting.
One of the most significant quality-of-life improvements is the inclusion of an auto-save feature. No longer do players need to worry about losing progress due to unexpected interruptions. The ability to skip cutscenes is another welcome addition, making subsequent playthroughs more streamlined. The remastered version also includes a revamped user interface that is more intuitive and visually appealing.
Lineage and Legacies
The after-story content, Lineage and Legacies, is a substantial addition that expands the game’s narrative and provides additional challenges. This new chapter takes place after the main story and offers new quests, dungeons, and bosses, providing hours of additional gameplay. It delves deeper into the characters’ backstories and relationships, offering a satisfying conclusion to their journeys. The new content seamlessly integrates with the original story, making it a must-play for fans of the series.
Character Development and Interactions
One of the aspects that sets Tales of Graces f Remastered apart is the intricate character development and their interactions. Each character undergoes significant growth, and their evolving dynamics are beautifully portrayed through skits and cutscenes. These skits are often humorous and heartwarming, providing deeper insights into the characters’ personalities and relationships. The remaster retains the charm of these skits while enhancing their visual presentation, making them more engaging than ever.
Asbel’s journey is particularly compelling as he grapples with his responsibilities and the burden of leadership. His relationship with Sophie, the mysterious girl with no memory of her past, adds layers of intrigue and emotional depth to the story. The sibling rivalry between Asbel and Hubert is another highlight, showcasing the complexity of familial bonds and personal ambition.
Exploration and World Design
The world of Ephinea is vast and teeming with life. The remastered version enhances the exploration experience with improved textures and lighting, making each area feel more immersive. From the bustling city of Barona to the tranquil countryside of Lhant, each location is meticulously crafted to reflect its unique culture and atmosphere.
The game encourages exploration, rewarding players with hidden treasures, side quests, and lore that enrich the main narrative. The addition of a fast travel system in the remastered version makes traversing the expansive world more convenient, allowing players to focus on uncovering the many secrets Ephinea has to offer.
Side Quests and Mini-Games
Tales of Graces f Remastered is packed with a plethora of side quests and mini-games that provide a welcome break from the main storyline. These quests range from helping townsfolk with their problems to hunting down powerful monsters, each offering unique rewards and insights into the world. Mini-games, such as the popular card game Magic Carta, are delightful diversions that add variety to the gameplay.
The remastered version introduces new side quests and mini-games, adding even more content for players to enjoy. These additions seamlessly integrate into the game, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
Crafting and Customization
The crafting system in Tales of Graces f Remastered is another standout feature. Players can collect materials from defeated enemies and the environment to craft new weapons, armor, and items. The dualizing system allows players to combine items to create powerful equipment, adding a layer of strategy to character progression. The remastered version streamlines the crafting process, making it more user-friendly and accessible.
Customization extends beyond equipment, with the ability to change characters’ costumes and titles. These titles not only affect characters’ appearance but also grant various stat bonuses and abilities. The remastered version includes additional costumes and titles, giving players more options to personalize their characters.
Difficulty and Replayability
Tales of Graces f Remastered offers multiple difficulty levels, catering to both casual players and those seeking a challenge. The various difficulty settings affect enemy strength and AI behaviour, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferences. For those who enjoy testing their skills, the remastered version includes a new “Chaos” difficulty mode, which offers the ultimate challenge for seasoned veterans.
The game’s replayability is further enhanced by the Grade Shop, which allows players to carry over certain benefits and bonuses into New Game Plus. This encourages multiple playthroughs, as players can experiment with different strategies and character builds.
Music and Sound
The soundtrack of Tales of Graces f Remastered is a beautiful blend of orchestral and melodic pieces that perfectly complement the game’s tone and atmosphere. Motoi Sakuraba’s compositions are as memorable as ever, with tracks that evoke a wide range of emotions, from the excitement of battle to the tranquillity of exploration. The sound design is equally impressive, with crisp audio effects that enhance the immersion.
Legacy and Impact
Tales of Graces f Remastered is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Tales series. The game’s blend of engaging storytelling, dynamic combat, and rich world-building has left a lasting impact on the RPG genre. The remastered version not only preserves these qualities but also improves upon them, ensuring that both new and returning players can appreciate its brilliance.
The legacy of Tales of Graces f is evident in the many elements that have influenced subsequent titles in the series. Its emphasis on character-driven narratives and innovative combat mechanics have become hallmarks of the Tales franchise, inspiring a new generation of RPGs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tales of Graces f Remastered is a masterful update to a beloved classic. With its enhanced visuals, refined gameplay, and additional content, it offers a rich and rewarding experience that stands the test of time. Bandai Namco has succeeded in creating a remaster that not only honors the original but also elevates it to new heights.
Whether you’re a fan of the series or a newcomer, Tales of Graces f Remastered is an adventure worth embarking on. Its combination of heartfelt storytelling, exhilarating combat, and immersive world-building make it a must-play for any RPG enthusiast.
Ready your swords and gather your friends—Ephinea awaits!
Tales of Graces f Remastered Trailer
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The code was provided by the distributor.
I reviewed it and edited it with my partner.
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