Tales
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Eat this! You never had a chance against my swords!
We love the gameplay of Tales games: the real-time battles certainly make for some intense clashes. Tales of the World looks to be just as fun as its console counterparts, but we're concerned about one thing: voice acting. The new videos posted on IGN might look good, but they certainly don't sound too pleasing. The one-liners that the characters spew every time they say an attack became tiresome even within this tiny clip. Please, Namco Bandai: let us turn off the voices, okay?
Tales of the World: new mythical screens
Namco Bandai continues teasing us with new screens from Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology. These screens showcase some popular guest stars from previous Tales games, and also the new character creation mode. We also received a video that raised some concerns: it sounded like the original voice actors from the previous Tales games are not being used. Check out the rest of the screens, and a new video, after the break.
Tales of the World demands fame
Many Tales fans are excited about Tales of the World. Being able to play with fan-favorite characters from previous iterations of the series is certainly enticing--but, getting them to stay in your party is another challenge in and of itself. 1UP recently previewed the game, and found that the game is a little bit more forgiving than the typical hardcore dungeon-crawl RPG. For example, "you won't lose your loot if you're defeated -- though you may lose your clout within the city."It appears your fame, and your overall battle quality, will determine your ability to have returning Tales characters join your team permanently. "Most of the time, these 'guest' characters will be available to you for their associated quest, but you can also try to get them to join you permanently. Whether they do or not depends on their overall opinion of you, which is determined by a variety of factors that are so far unclear. We imagine you may not need to do much besides playing skillfully and avoiding death when they're with you on a quest."If you play like a second-class warrior, you'll end up with second-class partners: generic heroes that must be paid to follow you around. Like in real life, it appears you'll have to earn friendship through charisma ... or money. See a video of the game, after the cut.
Radiant new screens from Tales of the World
Namco Bandai just sent us some screenshots of Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology, reminding us that this action RPG is only a few months away. Fans will love seeing their favorite Tales stars return in this fan service-filled title. In addition, the US release will feature slight gameplay tweaks from the original.Check past the cut to see ten more screenshots from the English build of the game.See also:Anime Intro, Video
Tales of the World coming to America
We've complained about our lack of Tales of the World a lot on the Fanboy. Well, it looks like Namco Bandai is finally listening and giving English-speaking gamers what we want: a localized version of Tales of the World. This PSP-exclusive RPG is a fan-service feast for Tales fans, featuring characters from previous Tales games, such as Tales of Symphonia and Tales of the Abyss.In an interview with IGN, Namco Bandai revealed that "players will be able to use Grade Points they have earned in battle to purchase special items or equipment ... the US version of Tales of the World will be slightly more tuned than the overseas version."While that's certainly good news, we can only hope for more in the future: "Although I do not have details as to whether other PSP Tales titles will be reaching the shores of the US at this point, I can say that such possibilities do indeed exist." Tales of the World will hit American shores later this year.See also:Pictures, Anime Intro, Video
Tales of Phantasia 2 for DS?
Rumor alert! NamcoBandai is allegedly planning a load of new, and new-ish, games in their Tales series for Nintendo consoles. The rumor gives titles for three new (potential) games, one of which is headed for the DS. If internet rumormongering is to be believed, Namco is working on a 2D sequel to the oft-ported Tales of Phantasia. We can't comment on the veracity of the rumor's specifics, but it seems likely that more Tales games are headed, in abundance, to every platform that Japanese gamers like. Not only has the series already made its dual-screened debut, RPG-spamming has been their modus operandi since before the DS was popular. Now that the most popular console in Japan by far is also the cheapest to develop for (being a handheld), continuing the trend seems like a Tale of the Obvious.
Two new Tales games for Wii?
Rumor has it that NamcoBandai is planning two new games in their popular Tales series-- well, one new game and one new-ish game-- for the Wii. The PS2 Tales of the Abyss, as the Internet would have us believe, will get an upgraded port on the Wii, with new content and improved loading. In addition, a new game called Tales of Harmony is possibly in the works, which will take place 10 minutes (!) after the end of Tales of the Abyss. Get 'em both (if they're real) and you've got an epic RPG marathon!For unattributable rumors, they seem awfully specific, which makes them either more credible ... or credible enough fakes that we will reward the con artists responsible by believing them. We choose to believe, because the Wii could use some Japanese RPGs! We think that the one-handed Wiimote would be a great, relaxing way to play an RPG.
Tales of Destiny 2 to have extra content
Game Watch has reported that the PSP version of Tales of Destiny 2 (due out February in Japan) will have several differences from its previous release. The biggest addition is the three new characters, but the game will also have an illustration gallery and a new anime opening movie. These additions are all great, but only make it more difficult to take if the game never comes out in English. While you wait to find out if it does come out here though, you can check out our previous Tales coverage.
Tales of Destiny 2 screenshots
Tales of the World isn't the only Tales game heading to Japan. Bandai-Namco is adding yet another excellent Tales game to the PSP library, which continues to expand, much to the anguish of American PSP owners. Jeux France has tons of new screenshots of Tales of Destiny 2, a port of the popular PlayStation 2 RPG. Unlike Tales of the World, this game features some old school 2D graphics. However, with large, eye-catching sprites, and some cool battle animations, ToD 2 will most likely look quite stunning on the portable screen. Expect it to hit Japan in 2007, and potentially never come out in the US. Boo.
Magazine scan makes Tales of the World even more exciting
The great thing about Japanese gaming magazines is that they feature bold text everywhere, making everything seem even more exciting than it should be. Tales of the World will be striking Japan soon, and I can't contain my excitement. Check out the magazine scan above, and some of the screenshots after the cut to see the game's awesome graphics and potentially kick-butt combat. While other Japanese RPGs like Gurumin and Valhalla Knights are coming to the US, this impressive looking game doesn't have a planned US release yet. Why?!See also:Tales of the World bundle hitting JapanTales of the World is hottest games video
Tales of the World bundle hitting Japan
Wow, Japan gets the best bundles. On December 21st (one day before the Metal Gear Solid bundle comes out), the Japanese will be able to pick up a Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology bundle, which includes the game, a blue PSP, a limited edition pouch, and more for 28,000 yen ($237).Considering how Tales of the World is essentially fan service, in game form (it features characters from various Tales games), this package will no doubt destroy all of Japan, and give the PSP the attention it so rightfully deserves. Importers may want to get their wallets ready for this one.[Via Siliconera]
Tales of the World is hottest games video, baffles Joystiq
The writers of Joystiq are SO B1A53D!!! They showed off an amazing looking Tales of the World trailer, and the best commentary they could come up with was calling the game "Fable Lite". Lame. Us PSP fanboys know that this Tales game allows you to create your own character and go on a fantastic quest with stars of previous Tales games. Unlike the upcoming DS Tales of the Tempest, the PSP-exclusive Tales of the World will also feature downloadable levels. The commercial reveals that people that pre-order the game in Japan will receive a bonus DVD: "Lemon Gumi." Unfortunately, a US release hasn't been announced, so Tales fans like myself may be forced to simply import the game. With impressive graphics, and a cast that includes characters from Symphonia, Legendia, Phantasia, and more, it might be worth it.
Four new Tales of the Tempest videos
Here is what you get from the four new Tales of the Tempest videos:
