Tales of Zestiria unveiled for PS3
Cue mass Zestiria: Namco's countdown ended today with the announcement of Tales of Zestiria, a new PS3 entry in the RPG series. The reveal trailer was shown during a Namco Bandai livestream (captured by Kagayaki Channel), then smiley series creator Hideo Baba divulged a little of what to expect from the newest Tales game.
As both Siliconera and Gematsu report, dragons will play a big part in the story, hence the logo and the fiery end to the trailer. According to Gematsu, the game is set in Glynnwood, a continent being fought over by the Highland Kingdom and Laurence Empire. Both factions, however, live in fear and worship of the mysterious Family of Heaven, whose supernatural power shapes the world.
As for the characters, so far it's a case of brains and brawn. The brown-haired fellow in the cape is Slay, a moral, intelligent type, while the blonde knight is Alicia.
"Over the past few years the 'Tales of' team has taken great strides to strengthen our relationship with players across North America and Europe. To respond to their love and support I am honored to open a new chapter of the 'Tales of' series together with Japanese and overseas fans," said Baba in a Namco Europe press release, confirming the game will head west as well to Japan.
Details are a bit on the sparse side for now, but more are set to surface in the next issue of Famitsu. We may also learn more from next weekend's Jump Festa 2014 expo in Tokyo.
Show full PR text
TALES OF ZESTIRIA™ GLOBALLY ANNOUNCED AS THE TALES OF SERIES 20TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE TITLE
4744c208e73fe42c2e2e3141696ee89d.jpg
The newest installment of the beloved RPG series is announced worldwide on PlayStation®3
PARIS, FRANCE – December 12th 2013 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S has proudly joined today its Japanese Headquarters to announce the Japanese 20th anniversary commemorative title, Tales of Zestiria™, is being developed for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, as the newest installment of the famous RPG series. This commemorative title is the first new Tales of title to be simultaneously announced in Japan and throughout the world.
The Tales of series has portrayed the common theme "coexistence" throughout the years, as well as its action-packed battle system that is unique to the RPG genre. Moreover, the series, becoming very popular across the world, has sold 16million copies worldwide, in over 100 countries and regions.
"2015 marks the 20th anniversary for the 'Tales of' franchise in Japan and I would like to thank all the fans who have supported us for the past two decades from the bottom of my heart," said Makoto Yoshizumi, 'Tales of' Chief Producer from NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. "In recent years we have received anticipation for the series not only from Japan, but from overseas fans as well. Because of this I feel that the Tales of series has more potential than ever before. For this reason we are taking this opportunity to announce Tales of Zestiria as a worldwide release. This title will be going back to the roots of the series and boldly exclaim to the world 'this is TALES OF!'"
In this brand new adventure, players will delve into a grand storyline and discover the "zest" of adventure with brand new characters, magical lands and action-packed gameplay that the 'Tales of' franchise is known for from fans around the world. Tales of Zestiria™ returns to the series roots of a fantasy setting with character designs being handled by all four series designers; Mutsumi Inomata, Kosuke Fujishima, Daigo Okumura, and Minoru Iwamoto. ufotable Inc. will also return to create the game's animated cut scenes and opening movie.
"Over the past few years the 'Tales of' team has taken great strides to strengthen our relationship with players across North America and Europe," said 'Tales of' series producer Hideo Baba from NAMCO BANDAI Studios. "To respond to their love and support I am honored to open a new chapter of the 'Tales of' series together with Japanese and overseas fans."
The Tales of franchise has seen a strong resurgence of popularity among RPG gamers throughout Western territories in recent years. 2013 saw the series' 15 anniversary in Europe with the release of Tales of Xillia™ and the announcement of 2014's Tales of Symphonia Chronicles™ and Tales of Xillia™ 2; both titles are also exclusive to the PlayStation®3 system.
