Personally, Vesperia is my favorite tales game (though I haven't played any of the earlier ones), both in terms of characters and mechanics, with Rita coming in as one of my favorite mages in any video game.

My impression of the quality arc is basically the opposite of Aezeles's, I found the beginning very slow, with relatively limited access to abilities and a small cast of not entirely likable characters. However, as things progress and the characters grew I found most of them vastly more likable and the battle system greatly improved. The only one who really stays underwhelming is Karol.

Also, clearly Yuri goes with Flynn and Judith with Raven.

That said, if you do intend to pick it up, one warning: There are quite a few side quests that rely on you talking to certain people in certain places at the right time and some of them offer really good techniques or items, should you complete them. Unfortunately, while most aren't truly missable, there is no tracking for them what so ever, nor is there any notification to let you know that you've found or progressed one, so keeping a guide handy might be a good idea.

Then again, ToV also has a rather robust New Game +, so you may want to save the completionism for a second trip through.

@Omega Deuse
The one earlier Tales game I'd really recommend you to play is Abyss, Vesperia is a straight upgrade of it gameplaywise but its story is incredibly deep and thought-provoking for series' standards and is absolutely worth experiencing the game for.

That is a dangerous game you're playing there, Aya. You might be a Tengu, but she's still the Red and White Shrine Maiden.

Also, the artwork is awesome. They both look really sharp and I love their expressions and clothes.

@Omega Deuse
The one earlier Tales game I'd really recommend you to play is Abyss, Vesperia is a straight upgrade of it gameplaywise but its story is incredibly deep and thought-provoking for series' standards and is absolutely worth experiencing the game for.

Thanks for the recommendation; I'll try to keep it in mind. I've found the more recent entries into the series to be less satisfying, especially as a mage player, but I still want there to be another good one. Unfortunately, it'll probably be a while before I can get to it, since I have quite the back log that was made significantly worse by Itch.io's recent Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality. Speaking of, if you haven't heard of that bundle and are at all interested in PC gaming, you should seriously consider getting it. There's only about a day left, but it's an insane value and a good cause.

last edited at Jun 14, 2020 9:22PM

expectations vs. REALITY

They're soo cute!!~

It's...beautiful

Do they play the guitar now or something?

It's so weird to see Yuuko without the ribbon! >_<

Cute

Dang this is kinda cute. That ship is very old, kinda makes me sad.

Of course it is very stupid to get angry at the creator. I did not say that anyways. If you do not want to play a game don’t. That is all, I don’t want to talk more.

Yes this is great we need more.

they suddenly calling each other by their first name,,,

Asuka grab kuroki's head, so she could never escape

Kinda worried about the coat...does it have a hole for Misaka to put her hand through?

Ah yes, my favorite cousins

This is the only way to build a snowman

♥

I think theis series are sooooo subtle na so little yuri that even if I saw a tag lots of sex and official I'd think it's a mistake )))

a second before violence tag entered the chat

^ Ah, yes. Yet, another they're basically married, but when will they actually become a couple comment.

I am not sure if Jotaro accepts this...

This is pre-citrus.

It is shiny because they're 3dmodels heheh but still super cute (also you still need to make the models so I don't diminish this in any way just to be clear)