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Tales of Graces F gracing American shores March 13
It's been a long time coming, but it looks like the wait is nearly over. Well, by "nearly" we mean "three months from now," but that's better than nothing, right? The Namco Bandai localization of Tales of Graces F will bring purple pigtails and J-Pop to North American PS3s on March 13, according to the latest trailer above. Now, there will be several points during this trailer where you will instinctively reach for the mute button on your keyboard, but we beg that you try and tough it out. Not because it's ultimately worth it, but because we had to listen to the whole thing, and we want you to suffer like we did.
Tales of Graces not coming to Wii outside of Japan
It already seems miraculous that Western gamers will get to play Tales of Graces F through an official Namco Bandai localization. We suppose there's only so much we can reasonably expect. Not among the things we can expect: a localized release of the original Wii version of Tales of Graces. During this weekend's Japan Expo, Namco Tales Studio director Makoto Yoshizumi told Kingdom of Tales that "there will be no Wii release." The explanation he gives sounds kind of odd, for a game originally released on Wii: "We wish to deliver the best and most complete experience for US and European fans, therefore we're localizing Tales of Graces f. The game on the PS3 version is on a blu-ray disc. It would be next to impossible to condense all the game's data on a Wii disc, so unfortunately, there will be no Wii release." The statement isn't entirely unfounded: the PS3 version includes a new playable chapter not found in the Wii original, with a voice-acted script reportedly 3/4 the length of the original game's. The desire for the "best and most complete experience" likely refers to that extra content, thus explaining why the original Wii version is being skipped.
Tales of Graces F 'coming soon to North America'
Namco Bandai is doing what many fans thought would be impossible: It's localizing another Tales game. A teaser site reveals that Tales of Graces F is "coming soon to North America," even though everyone pretty much figured that out already. No other details have been revealed, like why, when and Wii? (The original Tales of Graces was a Wii release in Japan.) Although we eagerly await more information, this confirmation should be good enough for most Tales fans. Well, except the really angry ones who don't have a PS3.
Namco Bandai teaser site suggests Tales of Graces F localization [update]
Yesterday, Namco Bandai posted a link on Facebook to a series of glyphs on its company site. It turned out each glyph represented a letter, and with the puzzle solved a new site was spelled out: ATaleOfTwoRichards.com. And that site has brought us the blurred image seen above, which bears a notable resemblance to the logo (posted after the break) for Tales of Graces F, the PS3 port of Tales of Graces that was released in Japan in early December. Additionally, the "Richard" in the URL could be a reference to the character of the same name, who appears both as a child and an adult in the game (which could sort of be considered "two Richards"). Even more conclusive evidence that Namco is doing the impossible and actually localizing a Tales game can be found after the break, in the form of the less blurred image that was initially posted on the teaser site, according to NeoGAF poster miladesn. Update: Namco has refreshed ATaleofTwoRichards.com with an even blurrier image and the date "2.2.2011" (February 2). Update [2/2/11, 3:20PM ET]: Namco has updated the teaser site with -- if you can believe it -- the blurriest image yet. Additionally, the teased date of "2.2.2011" has been removed. So now what? Update [2/2/11, 4:30PM ET]: Well, hey now!
Tales of Graces PS3 preview: Unlocalized fun
It's disappointing to see Tales of Graces continue to go without a North American release. Last year's Wii game was not localized, and it's a shame that the enhanced PS3 version, Tales of Graces F, will likely miss an American release as well. That's too bad, because Graces is an excellent (albeit familiar) addition to the RPG franchise.
New 'Tales of' game formally announced, first concept art revealed
Namco Bandai has officially acknowledged the existence of a leaked Tales of title. Andriasang reports series producer Hideo Baba confirmed at a press conference that there is a new entry coming to PS3, but that it's currently nameless -- shooting down rumor that it'll be called "Tales of Unitia." There is currently no release window for the game, but some concept art was shown (pictured). Additionally, the company verified the port Tales of Graces F for the PS3 this winter, which will include an "after-story" that wasn't in the original Wii game. A Namco Bandai representative informed Joystiq that the publisher currently has no plans to release "Tales of Graces (PS3)" in North America.
Tales of Graces coming to PS3, new Tales game revealed
Tales of Graces and a new, currently unnamed Tales of title are on the way to PlayStation 3, according to info leaked from Japanese mag Jump (translated by Andriasang). Tales of Graces F will be the second entry in Namco Bandai's popular RPG series to ditch platform exclusivity before undergoing enhancement for PS3. The formerly Wii-exclusive title will get a facelift and some added features before it debuts in Japan this winter (possibly to the sound of snapping game discs). Namco has also revealed plans to release Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 3 on PSP sometime in 2011. We'll let you know as soon as the publisher shares its plans for North America and Europe. Update: Namco currently has no plans to release "Tales of Graces (PS3)" in North America.
Namco Bandai recalls buggy Tales of Graces
Namco Bandai has issued a recall notice for copies of Tales of Graces, the Wii Tales RPG released in Japan on December 10. In the announcement, the publisher listed all of the bugs it hopes to address with replacement discs, mostly occurring in "New Game +" replays. Apparently, certain enemies, team conversations, and even key items may not appear in subsequent playthroughs. In addition, bugs in shops can randomly change the types and numbers of items in player possession, and pausing during cutscenes may result in other item glitches. Namco promises that all of these issues will be addressed in the updated discs, and that players' save files will remain compatible. Users need only send in their discs, and not the whole Wii bundle. [Via Kotaku]
Tales of Graces bundle is underwhelming
Game Watch has posted an image of the full contents of the Japanese Tales of Graces bundle, revealing ... that it's pretty much the least remarkable Wii bundle yet. The included Wii hardware is the plain white model, and the Classic Controller Pro (also white) doesn't have any fancy design on it. It's just a Wii, and a Classic Controller Pro, and the game. In a box. The box looks pretty cool, we suppose. And it's not like we have the Classic Controller Pro here at all. New screens show off the rather silly swimsuit costumes that can be equipped in-game, including a delightful Speedo and life vest outfit for Malik. More dignified: a costume based on a stage outfit worn by singer BoA, available as a bonus with a "Tales of Graces Edition" release of BoA's single "Mamoritai ~ White Wishes ~."
Tales of Vesperia costumes offered as a Tales of Graces pre-order bonus
If Xbox gamers feel betrayed enough to destroy their discs and burn magazines over the PS3 port of Tales of Vesperia, how are they going to react to news that costumes from Vesperia are also no longer exclusive, appearing in the Wii's Tales of Graces? Will they stand for this minor outrage?Given away as a download code on a pre-order bonus DVD, the costumes enable players to dress Aspel, Sophie, and Cheria as Yuri, Patty, and Rita. Look forward to some angry message board posts featuring a spurned gamer giving a ruthless thumbprint to his Xbox disc, or throwing it straight in the garbage, then pulling it out and cleaning it.[Via Andriasang]
Nintendo announces new Pokemon spinoff, new Wiimote colors, hardware bundles at retailer event
Nintendo of Japan held a retailer conference during which it announced some new products and dated important releases for the Japanese market. The biggest new game announcement is Pokepark Wii: Pikachu's Big Adventure, coming out in Japan on December 5. This action game features your Pokemans performing in events at a theme park. Examples include a Sky Race and Marine Slider event, which offer advantages to Pokemon of flying and water types. Other announcements for Japan include hardware bundles for Tales of Graces and Samurai Warriors 3. The Graces bundle will be out on December 10, and includes a white Wii, Classic Controller Pro, and the game for ¥27,800. Samurai Warriors 3 will be sold with a black Wii, Classic Controller Pro, and post card set for ¥27,300, or with just the controller for ¥8,715, or alone for ¥7,140. Don't need a Wii but still want to drop a bunch of money? Pick up the Treasure Box edition, with the game, the controller, a figurine, a soundtrack, and an artbook for ¥11,865.Also announced: new blue and pink Wiimotes, to be released on December 3, just in time for the newly-announced Japanese release of New Super Mario Bros. Wii. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks will be released on December 23.
New Tales of Graces trailer features cute characters, a lonely world
If you've been keeping score at home you'd know we are pretty excited for Tales of Graces and its spider-legged tanks. Like recent entries in the famed Tales of franchise, the upcoming Wii-exclusive JRPG showcases a simple and colorful art style, but based on the game's second trailer we can't help but notice the world looks suspiciously barren. Could the limited NPCs be a story element? Perhaps the spider-legged tanks are to blame! Our actual guess? Everyone in the world is away to training camp, preparing for the upcoming brawl that is Tales of VS. Check out the full trailer for Tales of Graces after the break.[Via GoNintendo]
Tales of Graces and/or awesome walking tank things
The first trailer for Namco Bandai's Tales of Graces reveals a game with a simple but nice art style and a beautiful color palette. As soft music plays, we see rolling green hills, lovely blue skies, and some kind of stone structure with an ornate entrance. And then ... awesome robot tank things with spider legs! You'd better run away, generic anime-style JRPG protagonists!Unfortunately, the trailer goes on to show that we'll be controlling the spindly kids in combat and not the cool tank things. But at least the real-time combat looks fun, even if light on robots.
Goodness gracious! Tales of Graces announced for Wii
Two Tales announcements not enough for you? Good, because Namco Bandai has one more ace up its sleeve. The next "real" Tales game has a home, and it's Nintendo Wii. Tales of Graces doesn't stray far from previous Tales games, with its cel-shaded environments and real-time action RPG battle sytem. According to Kombo, the theme of this new adventure is "protecting people." Guess this isn't the M-rated anti-hero Tales game we've all been waiting for.The game is currently planned for Winter release in Japan. Considering this is a main entry in the series, we're confident Namco Bandai will also announce plans for a US release. Watch an early teaser after the break.
