Tales of Xillia Remastered Review: A Proven JRPG Experience
Tales of Xillia Remastered Review: Dive into an epic journey with this beloved classic, now remastered for a new generation. Explore a richly crafted world with engaging characters and intricate plotlines.
Introduction
Tales of Xillia Remastered not only revives a popular entry in the Tales series but also refines its gameplay and graphics for modern audiences. Originally released for the PlayStation 3, this remaster offers enhanced visuals and performance, providing a seamless experience that captivates both returning fans and new players.
Table of Contents
Story & Worldbuilding
In Tales of Xillia Remastered, players traverse the dual worlds of Rieze Maxia and Elympios, each brimming with unique cultures, history, and political intrigue. The story revolves around two protagonists, Jude Mathis and Milla Maxwell, and offers the unique choice to follow either of their perspectives, enriching the narrative with divergent viewpoints.
The game’s worldbuilding is meticulous, with numerous side quests and character interactions that deepen the lore, pulling players into an intricately woven tapestry of alliances, betrayals, and ancient lore. This duality and depth of narrative are hallmark traits that keep the player invested throughout their journey.
Gameplay
The Tales series is famous for its real-time “Linear Motion Battle System,” and Tales of Xillia Remastered provides one of its most polished renderings. Players can enjoy seamless character swapping during battles, allowing them to adapt to various combat scenarios efficiently. The introduction of the “Link Mode” grants characters unique cooperative skills and strategies, adding another layer of depth to the battles.
Exploration is encouraged, with beautifully designed environments, hidden treasures, and challenging side quests encouraging players to stray off the beaten path. Character development is also a draw, with the “Lilium Orb” system offering players a flexible way to enhance their skills and abilities.
Graphics & Audio
The remastered edition boasts improved textures, crisper visuals, and refined character models that breathe new life into the game’s aesthetic. The art style maintains the anime-inspired design that fans love, enriched with modern detailing.
Soundtracks play an essential role in any RPG, and Tales of Xillia Remastered delivers with its memorable and emotive score, which enhances the narrative’s emotional beats and thrilling moments. Voice acting is well executed, effectively conveying the depth and personality of the diverse cast of characters.
Performance and Platforms
Initially released on PlayStation 3, the remaster is available on PlayStation 4 and has been optimized for better load times and smoother framerates. The upgraded hardware support ensures a more stable gameplay experience, allowing for longer play sessions without encountering technical hitches.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Engaging narrative with deep worldbuilding
- Polished battle system and character development
- Enhanced visuals and optimized performance
- Captivating soundtrack and voice acting
- Cons:
- Some repetitive side quests
- Limited graphics upgrade relative to contemporary games
Verdict
Tales of Xillia Remastered successfully revitalizes a cherished JRPG classic. With its engaging story, strategic gameplay, and significant quality-of-life improvements, it stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of the genre. Despite some limitations in graphical advancements, it remains a worthwhile journey for both nostalgia-seekers and new players.
Rating
Tales of Xillia Remastered earns a strong 8.5 out of 10, succeeding in providing an enjoyable and classic JRPG experience.
