A Fresh Take on an Underappreciated Game
What often makes a Japanese RPG appealing are their unique and exquisite battle mechanics, whether they are turn-based or real time. In this category, the Tales series has pioneered real-time combat since its inception in 1995. Since then, it has undergone massive transformations, including the introduction of individual HP/MP bars for every character, different shared MP pools, and changes from 2D to 3D fighting vehicles and vice versa.
For most fans, Tales of Graces F, released in 2009, is considered the highest point of combat design for the series. The game manages to strike a perfect balance between offensive and defensive flair within the confines of captivating visuals. The combat system has received immense praise, even surpassing the praise received by what some would call a overly basic plot based on themes like “the power of friendship.” This indescriable gameplay is what makes this remaster a must-have.
Now, Tales of Graces F Remastered has brought this masterpiece to modern consiles and PCs with almost all previously released DLC. It’s the perfect time for new players to experience the innovative battle mechanics that have become entrenched as the theme within the RPG genre.
An Odyssey that Started Small
The game begins with Asbel Lhant, a red-haired character who, during his youth, made friends with an amnesic girl called Sophie. After Sophie gives her life to save Asbel and his pals from a gigantic beast, Asbel leaves his hometown which pushes him to enroll in a knight academy. Seven years later, Asbel finds himself in a homeland filled with foreign invaders which sets the base for his journey. Although this narrative has recently been explored in major video games, the game’s combat system is what truly stands out.
Older Tales gaming installments, for instance, Tales of Phantasia and Tales of Symphonia, had the classic HP and MP/TP systems. Artes, or special attacks, were in plenty, but their use was restrained to TP limitations which made players to revert back to attack options. This dynamic was altered in early 2000 when Namco changed the game by bringing in new systems enhancing combat without the monotony.
Changing the Norm of Combat Dynamics
A major leap came with the Chain Capacity (CC) system, which Tales of Graces F perfected. The CC system allows each action, be it movement or use of an item to consume a certain amount of CC. Walking and moving does all the work and allows players to make use of CC. Standing still helps players to guard and builds up CC the CC system so that both approaches are preferred for resource conservation.
Defensive mechanics are equally important. Evading in the nick of time improves the Critical Gauge which raises the CC cap during a fight allowing the CC all to temporarily exceed its previous limits. This fluid shifting of offense and defense builds an interesting spiral where the player is both rewarded and challenged in his use of timing and planning.
One of the things that stands out the most from the rest of the remaster is the Grade Shop which is available earlier compared to other editions. This feature is consistent throughout the series as it grants bonuses in gameplay such as an increase in experience and gold or even extra damage. This time around, players have an easier time accessing it since they can utilize it right off the bat. Players can experiment with new play styles and get a power boost to their characters instantly.
Expanding the Definition of Combos with the Arte Tree
The Arte Tree system, another characteristic of Graces F, changed the mindset of players concerning how to engage in combat. Instead of just having one special attack, special moves were assigned to directional inputs which meant that players had to utilize their combos more and not just rely on a few moves. The system, like many at first, is limiting. However, it becomes liberating once the player has attained more attributes and learned the ropes.
The innovation adopted has been carried forward to the sequels. As with Zestiria, the Arte Tree was carried over only to be improved upon by Berseria and Arise, which permitted players to change the order of their Artes. Graces F ensured its legacy endured as evident from the emphasis placed on these features.
A Legacy Invested In
After the release of Tales of Graces F, the franchise further ventured into the realm of combat systems with varying degrees of success. Older titles like Tales of Xillia adopted older systems while newer ones like Tales of Zestiria returned to the innovative style prompts provided by Graces F.
This remaster not only preserves an important landmark in the Tales series, but gives new players an understanding of when role playing games changed forever. Veteran and new gamers alike, would appreciate the story of Tales of Graces F Remastered.