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Tales of Vesperia, originally released on Xbox 360 in 2008, quickly garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Considered one of the best entries in the Tales series, it marked a significant rise in the franchise’s popularity in the West. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Bandai Namco released Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition, a remastered version for modern platforms. Does this return to the world of Terca Lumireis capture the hearts of fans once again?

What You’ll Love

Tales of Vesperia Yuri and Estelle

A Familiar Tale, Enhanced Details

Like other Tales games, the adventure begins with Yuri Lowell, searching for a stolen blastia—ancient technology harnessing Aer energy—in the lower quarter of his city. This seemingly simple theft plunges Yuri into a series of events far grander than he could have imagined, forcing him to confront the corruption and injustice that plague Terca Lumireis.

Along his journey, Yuri assembles a diverse cast of companions, each with their own motivations and backstories. Together, they form Brave Vesperia, a band of heroes bound by a shared desire to protect the world and its people.

While the narrative follows a classic JRPG structure – a hero’s personal quest evolving into a world-saving endeavor – Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition excels in its storytelling. The plot unfolds naturally, balancing moments of intense action with quieter character-driven scenes.

Tales of Vesperia Characters

The characters are well-developed, each possessing distinct personalities and complex relationships. Yuri’s witty demeanor masks a deeply ingrained sense of justice, while his childhood friend Flynn Scifo provides a contrasting perspective, grounded in duty and tradition. Patty, an optimistic but tragically orphaned girl, adds another layer of emotional depth to the group. The dynamics between these characters, and their interactions with the wider world, are a highlight of the game.

The series’ signature Skits system returns, offering optional conversations between party members that expand upon their personalities and relationships. These short, often humorous exchanges add further depth to the narrative and provide a welcome break from the main storyline.

Tales of Vesperia Skit Example

The Definitive Edition also introduces new content, including additional Skits and story scenes. Patty and Flynn, now fully playable characters, receive expanded roles, enriching the narrative and providing fresh perspectives on the established story.

Visually, the game benefits from the increased resolution, showcasing the beautiful cel-shaded environments. While some areas show their age with occasional texture issues and frame rate dips, the overall presentation remains charming and engaging.

Tales of Vesperia Environment

Aged Like Fine Wine: The Combat System

Despite its age, Tales of Vesperia’s combat system holds up remarkably well. The Linear Motion Battle System offers fast-paced, real-time battles with a unique blend of action and strategy.

Tales of Vesperia Battle System

Players can freely move around the battlefield, targeting enemies and chaining together attacks. The Over Limit mechanic adds a further layer of depth, allowing characters to break their limitations and unleash powerful Burst Artes.

With a diverse roster of playable characters, each with unique fighting styles and abilities, players can customize their party to suit their preferred playstyle. The equipment system further enhances this customization, with weapons and armor granting skills that can dramatically alter a character’s performance.

Tales of Vesperia Combat Example

What You Might Dislike

Tales of Vesperia Flynn

Dated Saving System

One of the Definitive Edition’s biggest drawbacks is its archaic saving system. Like many older JRPGs, Tales of Vesperia relies on designated save points, often sparsely scattered throughout the game world. This lack of autosaves or frequent checkpoints can lead to frustration, especially during challenging boss battles.

Tales of Vesperia Boss Battle

Losing a lengthy boss fight and having to repeat potentially hours of gameplay can be a significant deterrent, particularly for newcomers. While the game’s other aspects have aged gracefully, the saving system remains a relic of the past.

Conclusion

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is a must-play for fans of JRPGs. Its engaging story, memorable characters, and dynamic combat system remain compelling, even by today’s standards. While the outdated saving system can be frustrating, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience. This remastered edition provides a fantastic opportunity to experience a classic JRPG, or revisit a beloved adventure, enhanced for a new generation.