Review of Tales of Graces f Remastered

The saga of Tales of Graces offers an intriguing narrative. As the twelfth primary installment in Bandai Namco’s esteemed Tales series, Tales of Graces followed both the highly praised Tales of Vesperia and the less successful Tales of Hearts. Initially, this game was released exclusively in Japan for the Nintendo Wii. However, Bandai Namco later brought this title to a wider audience by localizing it for the PlayStation 3 as Tales of Graces f. When it first debuted, Tales of Graces f stirred some divided opinions due to the fresh gameplay mechanics it introduced. But over time, it has gained a newfound appreciation among fans who celebrate its unexpectedly strong and heartfelt storyline and what many consider to be some of the series’ best combat mechanics.

Bandai Namco has been transparent about its plan to remake and remaster several games in the Tales series, aiming to liberate older titles from being tied to outdated hardware. Tales of Graces f Remastered is a significant step in this “Tales of Series Remaster Project.” Importantly, it’s among the few PlayStation 3-exclusive games that has been ported to newer platforms, showcasing the possibility of adapting games from a notoriously tricky console known for its complex Cell architecture. Naturally, fans are curious about how Tales of Graces f Remastered compares to Bandai Namco’s other recent remaster, namely the 2023’s Tales of Symphonia Remastered, particularly given some fans’ dissatisfaction with how Symphonia’s remaster was handled. This leads to understandable nervousness regarding Bandai Namco’s approach to reworking other titles in the series.

Tales of Graces f Remastered isn’t just the best version of one of the series’ standout titles; it also sets a solid benchmark for future remakes and remasters. The game excels on every front, retaining its array of endearing characters who quickly draw players in. Its narrative, although occasionally predictable, is rich with emotion and delves into some complex themes atypical for the series. The depth and customization achieved through its intricate combat systems and progression mechanics are exceptional. As a remaster, it respects the original while presenting it in stunning HD visuals at a smooth 60 frames per second. Furthermore, it adds a host of quality-of-life improvements and accessibility options, allowing players to tailor their gameplay experience to minute details. Although it still suffers from pacing issues, with unnecessary backtracking and protracted dungeons in the latter half, Tales of Graces f Remastered stands out as a jewel in the series and an ideal entry point for new fans.

One constant in every version of Tales of Graces is the strength of its storyline and vibrant cast of characters, whose lasting impact doesn’t dwindle over time. The adventure kicks off innocently with two brothers on a childhood quest into a nearby meadow. However, they soon stumble upon an enigmatic amnesiac girl, which cascades into an epic adventure to save their world, Ephinea. Although the plot follows a predictable path typical of JRPGs, it thoughtfully explores themes like humanity, the power of empathy, and the enduring bonds of friendship.

Asbel Lhant, the protagonist, strikes the right balance between a classic hero archetype and a refreshing departure from the brooding figures seen in many AAA games from its original period. Asbel’s unwavering optimism and his relentless loyalty to his friends make him an incredibly appealing lead character, not just in Tales but across the RPG genre. Similar depth is found in the supporting cast, particularly Sophie, whose poignant backstory and innocent outlook harmonize with Asbel’s protective nature.

Those who have played the original Tales of Graces f will recognize the elongation and filler content that becomes apparent in the latter part of the game compared to its more engaging opening hours. In Tales of Graces f Remastered, this same issue persists, yet it’s the compelling narrative and character-driven plot that kept me engaged, even when gameplay became repetitive. The game also benefits from the signature Tales skits, offering further insights into the party’s dynamics. By the end, I was so invested in these characters that parting with them after nearly 40 hours was a bittersweet experience.

The combat mechanics of Tales of Graces f Remastered claim a strong position as the best in the series. The game features a refreshing take on the Linear Motion Battle System, incorporating the “Style-Shift” element where characters can seamlessly transition between two types of Artes, known as A-Artes and B-Artes. Unlike the typical mana pool, Artes rely on “Chain Capacity,” allowing for an exciting array of combos with varying attack types and elemental effects.

The depth continues with over 50 Titles to unlock, each offering new Artes and augmentations through SP gained in battle. Fully customizable, this system permits an astounding level of detail, further enriched by character strategies tailored in combat. Not unlike Final Fantasy 12’s Gambits, the game offers an intricate auto-battling mode. I found both manual and automated battles equally gratifying. While manual play underscores Asbel’s combat dexterity, automated engagements effectively follow player-set strategies, adding immense satisfaction.

Tales of Graces f Remastered introduces groundbreaking accessibility and gameplay options that set high standards for future remasters in the series. From the start, there are the expected adjustments like difficulty levels and dialogue speed. Yet, it’s the new Grade system that truly elevates player control. Much like the “Boost” mechanisms found in Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, the Grade Shop becomes a currency-driven market for gameplay enhancements.

The options, such as experience multipliers and encounter toggling, allure those revisiting the game and those aiming to savor the story unencumbered by grinding. Personally, doubling the experience and SP rates accelerated my progression significantly. However, the choice of utilizing these features remains entirely optional, affirming that Tales of Graces f Remastered offers profound enjoyment either way.

Enhancements extend beyond mechanics. Key features include objective markers for guided exploration, auto-saving, and seamless retries post combat defeats. All previously released DLC is included as well, enriching Replayability. This iteration of Tales bundles everything fans love into one cohesive package, though the game’s uneven pacing is a slight downfall. A slow start contrasts with an engaging middle section, tapering into the demands of the closing quests.

Overall, Tales of Graces f Remastered offers a full-bodied experience, needing only slight adjustments to overcome pacing challenges. Strikingly, under 40 hours felt just right, eliminating much of the grind, yet delving into every encounter kept my characters battle-ready with ease. While the story takes roughly 35-40 hours, post-game adventures and character advancement promise additional longevity.

My exposure to Tales has been limited compared to other JRPG franchises; however, having played both Tales of Symphonia and Tales of Vesperia, I approached Tales of Graces f Remastered with specific expectations. Exceeding these was an understatement. This remaster offers a fundamental foray into the Tales universe, standing as a key driving force in Bandai Namco’s strategy to draw new audiences into the franchise. It’s an exemplary starting point to captivate players with the magic of Tales.

Tales of Graces f Remastered is set to launch on January 17, 2025, across PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, reviewed here with a PS5 code provided by Game Rant.