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Tales of Symphonia holds a special place among JRPG classics, alongside giants like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Its initial release in 2003 captivated players with its engaging story and vibrant world. This remaster promised a return to the world of Sylvarant with improved visuals, offering a chance to relive the adventures of Lloyd Irving and Colette Brunel. Does Tales of Symphonia Remastered live up to expectations, or does it fall short?

A Nostalgic Narrative Journey

Tales of Symphonia’s story remains a shining example of classic JRPG storytelling. Set in a world where mana, the lifeblood of the planet, is dwindling, players follow the Chosen One, Colette, on a pilgrimage to awaken ancient seals and restore the world’s vitality. The narrative quickly evolves beyond a simple fantasy tale, delving into complex themes of social injustice, betrayal, and the blurred lines between good and evil.

alt text: Tales of Symphonia Remastered – Colette and Lloyd standing before a large tree with a glowing orb.

The game’s plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping players engaged and constantly guessing what will happen next. The cast of characters is equally compelling, each with their own unique personalities and backstories. Lloyd’s youthful determination, Colette’s gentle nature, and Kratos’ hidden depths all contribute to a rich and memorable narrative experience.

alt text: Tales of Symphonia Remastered – A serene landscape showing a town nestled between rolling hills and mountains.

The “skit” system, a staple of the Tales series, allows for deeper character interactions and strengthens the bond between the party members. These lighthearted conversations add levity to the often-serious narrative and provide valuable insights into the characters’ thoughts and feelings.

alt text: Tales of Symphonia Remastered – A group of characters standing in a dark and ominous environment.

Even the sometimes-awkward dialogue translation, a remnant of the original release, adds a certain charm to the game, contributing to its unique identity. For fans of classic JRPG narratives, Tales of Symphonia Remastered offers a compelling and emotionally resonant story.

alt text: Tales of Symphonia Remastered – Lloyd battling a large, monstrous creature in a dynamic combat scene.

Gameplay and Technical Shortcomings

While the narrative holds up remarkably well, the gameplay mechanics show their age. The 2D movement system feels restrictive, especially for players accustomed to the free-running mechanics of later Tales games. The absence of a clear quest tracker and in-game guidance can also lead to frustration, particularly when the game requires frequent backtracking through previously explored areas.

alt text: Tales of Symphonia Remastered – A screenshot showing the game's combat interface with character portraits and health bars.

alt text: Tales of Symphonia Remastered – A character using a special attack with vibrant visual effects in a battle scene.

The most significant disappointment lies in the “remaster” itself. The visuals, while upscaled, lack the polish and refinement expected of a modern remaster. The AI-upscaled textures appear blurry, and the environments lack detail. The locked 30 FPS framerate is a step back from the original GameCube version’s 60 FPS, further highlighting the lack of technical improvements.

alt text: Tales of Symphonia Remastered – Characters traversing a vast open world environment with visible draw distance limitations.

alt text: Tales of Symphonia Remastered – A character exploring a town with simplistic and dated-looking buildings and textures.

The absence of quality-of-life features, such as increased game speed or auto-save, further diminishes the remaster’s value. Even the problematic camera system from the original release remains unchanged, adding to the overall frustrating experience.

alt text: Tales of Symphonia Remastered – A close-up view of a character's face, showcasing the improved character models in the remaster.

Conclusion

Tales of Symphonia Remastered offers a chance to revisit a beloved JRPG classic, but its technical shortcomings prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the narrative remains captivating, the dated gameplay and underwhelming visuals make it difficult to recommend wholeheartedly. Players considering this remaster should temper their expectations and be prepared for a nostalgic experience that feels more like a port than a true remaster.