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The Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) genre is often dominated by discussions of titans like Final Fantasy, Tales of, and Dragon Quest, especially within Japan itself. While Final Fantasy has achieved widespread Western acclaim, the Tales of series hasn’t quite reached the same level of popularity. Bandai Namco has been working to change that, bringing titles like Tales of Xillia, Tales of Xillia 2, Tales of Symphonia Chronicles, and Tales of Hearts R to Western audiences. Among these, Tales of Hearts R stands out as a surprising entry, given the relative rarity of localized handheld Tales of games.

Tales of Hearts R Combat

A Quality Remake

Living up to the “R” in its title (signifying “Re-imagination”), Tales of Hearts R is a complete remake for the PS Vita, based on the original Tales of Hearts released for the Nintendo DS in Japan in 2008. Trading the dated 2D graphics of the original for a polished 3D presentation, Tales of Hearts R boasts impressive visuals and numerous gameplay enhancements.

While retaining the core narrative of Tales of Hearts, the remake introduces two new playable characters, expands the in-game party size to four members, and refines the control scheme for greater freedom in 3D space. New anime cutscenes and expressive character portraits in the series’ signature “Skit” dialogue sequences further enhance the storytelling. These changes make Tales of Hearts R feel both familiar and fresh, appealing to longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Tales of Hearts R Environment

Engaging Combat System

Tales of Hearts R employs the “Aerial Chase Linear Motion Battle System,” drawing inspiration from Tales of Graces f. The combat retains the series’ familiar TP/TC system, where TP acts as mana and TC governs the number of special attacks (Artes) a character can perform. This system allows for dynamic combo creation and strategic resource management.

The “Chase Link System” adds a new layer to combat, allowing players to pressure enemies and teleport for continued attacks. The “Spiria Drive” gauge provides further combat advantages, granting stat boosts and access to powerful “Mystic Artes” at higher levels. Character progression is streamlined, reminiscent of the Lilium Orb system in Tales of Xillia, offering customization options for both physical and magical builds.

Tales of Hearts R Character

Anime-Inspired Storytelling

The anime influence is strong in Tales of Hearts R, evident in its vibrant character designs, expressive animations, and engaging narrative. The story follows a group of heroes on a quest to save the world, unfolding with a classic anime pacing – slow to start but increasingly captivating as it progresses. Notably, Tales of Hearts R is one of the few Tales of games released in the West with Japanese voice acting only, further enhancing its anime appeal. However, some inconsistencies in the English text translation can occasionally detract from the humor and nuance of the dialogue.

Tales of Hearts R World Map

The Downside: Random Encounters

One significant drawback of Tales of Hearts R is its reliance on random encounters. This outdated mechanic feels particularly jarring in a modern JRPG, especially considering its absence in the original Tales of Hearts and most other contemporary entries in the series. Navigating the game’s large explorable areas and revisiting previous locations for puzzles becomes unnecessarily tedious due to the constant interruptions from random battles.

Tales of Hearts R Battle Scene

Conclusion

Tales of Hearts R offers a compelling blend of classic JRPG elements and modern refinements. Its engaging combat system, vibrant anime aesthetic, and improved presentation make it a worthwhile experience for both Tales of veterans and newcomers. However, the inclusion of random encounters is a notable flaw that can detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite this, Tales of Hearts R remains a valuable addition to the PS Vita’s JRPG library and a testament to the enduring appeal of the Tales of series.