Tales of Symphonia

Started by pastelspectre April 2nd, 2011 12:38 PM
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pastelspectre

Memento Mori

Age 25
he/him
The Pacific Northwest
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13.1 Years
Has anyone played this game? I absolutely love it. Hardly ever play it anymore, but I still love it. I just love the game and my fav character is Colette, so clumsy and cute ahaha.
The plot is amazing. I love the gameplay. I LOVE IT!<3

pastelspectre

Memento Mori

Age 25
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13.1 Years
Glad to see fans here. Who are your favorite characters?

pastelspectre

Memento Mori

Age 25
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I also like Genis, I think he's really cute.

pastelspectre

Memento Mori

Age 25
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I got as far as the seal of water and the boss.

pastelspectre

Memento Mori

Age 25
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No. I haven't beaten the game.

Cherrim

Age 34
she / her
Toronto
Seen 19 Hours Ago
Posted 19 Hours Ago
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20.4 Years
I love Symphonia and its characters but I find it unplayable now that I've played Abyss and Vesperia. No free run & horrible multiplayer camera just kills the battle system for me, haha. :(

Back when it was my favourite game, my favourite character was Kratos but now it's Lloyd. n_n;


paired with professor plum.
Age 27
Female
Hawaii
Seen June 28th, 2013
Posted November 2nd, 2012
211 posts
12.1 Years
I love Symphonia and its characters but I find it unplayable now that I've played Abyss and Vesperia. No free run & horrible multiplayer camera just kills the battle system for me, haha. :(

Back when it was my favourite game, my favourite character was Kratos but now it's Lloyd. n_n;
I actually find the battle camera easily bearable and it didn't bother me despite having little control over it as it never hindered my vision or fighting ability considerably.

There's no free run in ToS, yes, but it's sequel does. You DO NOT want to get it though, the game is horrible. It's like Namco picked up ToS, chewed it up, spit it out, and crapped on it before shipping it out as a game. I hated it. Both of the main characters are annoying and have annoying voices, and the old characters are never permanent and leave very often. You have no control over them either, they are always CPU controlled, you can't change their equipment, etc. etc. So many downgrades, even to the story. What a big F U to the face.

But yeah, they multiplayer camera is annoying. It doesn't even adjust to fit both characters on the screen and you can't see **** if you're off the screen.

Eucliffe

E N T E R T A I N E R

Age 29
Female
Natsu's Bed
Seen June 10th, 2016
Posted July 14th, 2014
6,486 posts
14.8 Years
When I first decided to try a Tales game I wanted Symphonia so much. I eventually found it used and began loving it.

But as time went by, I've discovered it isn't as great as people make it out to be. It isn't as overrated as FFVII, but it's still pretty overrated if you ask me. The characters, music, and plot are probably the best things in the game itself. And it doesn't help that it got a sequel, one that sort of tears its rep apart.

I honestly haven't played too many Tales of games since most are Japan-only and the rest PS-exclusive. But, to be honest, I prefer Phantasia over Symphonia. I just like the cast, music, and plot better, ya know? Those are probably the things I consider most when playing games, so graphics, the battle system (unless really crappy, and believe me, there are worse ones than ones where you have to wait while a summon/strong magic attack is used), sidequests, etc. don't really matter as much.
SHOWTIME
cssgifsflavors.memain
Age 27
Female
Hawaii
Seen June 28th, 2013
Posted November 2nd, 2012
211 posts
12.1 Years
When I first decided to try a Tales game I wanted Symphonia so much. I eventually found it used and began loving it.

But as time went by, I've discovered it isn't as great as people make it out to be. It isn't as overrated as FFVII, but it's still pretty overrated if you ask me. The characters, music, and plot are probably the best things in the game itself. And it doesn't help that it got a sequel, one that sort of tears its rep apart.

I honestly haven't played too many Tales of games since most are Japan-only and the rest PS-exclusive. But, to be honest, I prefer Phantasia over Symphonia. I just like the cast, music, and plot better, ya know? Those are probably the things I consider most when playing games, so graphics, the battle system (unless really crappy, and believe me, there are worse ones than ones where you have to wait while a summon/strong magic attack is used), sidequests, etc. don't really matter as much.
Uh, you do realize that everyone knows that? Almost all the praise goes towards the story, the music, and the characters, not the gameplay. The gameplay is quite fun and functional, but it isn't exactly innovative, amazing, or as great an aspect and thing as the previously mentioned.

alisaie

they/them
Seen March 14th, 2023
Posted February 3rd, 2022
13,598 posts
14.8 Years
Oh hey a Symphonia thread. <3

Tales of Symphonia is by far my favorite video game out there. The characters are amazing, the storyline is something that is not only great, but can really teach a lot about things that you can apply to real life, and the music is simply love. Though there was a time in which I thought Abyss was better, but after replaying Symphonia after playing Abyss, I realize that the story and characters are much more enjoyable in Symphonia than in Abyss.

To be honest, I don't think a sequel should allow someone's love for Symphonia to go down. Don't like the sequel? Good for you, but don't let it allow it to change your opinion on the original.

But on another note, I cosplayed Mithos at a convention last weekend. Hoping to cosplay him again at another convention someday, and I eagerly wait for the next episode of the OVA, in which will be Mithosific. You can probably tell that my favorite character is Mithos, but other than a few (Remiel, Kvar, and Rodyle to be exact) I pretty much love the whole cast.

Cherrim

Age 34
she / her
Toronto
Seen 19 Hours Ago
Posted 19 Hours Ago
33,052 posts
20.4 Years
I actually find the battle camera easily bearable and it didn't bother me despite having little control over it as it never hindered my vision or fighting ability considerably.

There's no free run in ToS, yes, but it's sequel does. You DO NOT want to get it though, the game is horrible. It's like Namco picked up ToS, chewed it up, spit it out, and crapped on it before shipping it out as a game. I hated it. Both of the main characters are annoying and have annoying voices, and the old characters are never permanent and leave very often. You have no control over them either, they are always CPU controlled, you can't change their equipment, etc. etc. So many downgrades, even to the story. What a big F U to the face.

But yeah, they multiplayer camera is annoying. It doesn't even adjust to fit both characters on the screen and you can't see **** if you're off the screen.
I got the sequel and yeah it sucked. The only reason I played it through to the end was for the skits between the original characters. :P Even if most of the voices had to change, it was still worth it to see their interactions. I just wish it were more friendly to said older characters. I had to be first player when I played (my brother refused xD) and if you want to play as a ToS1 character, you have to switch them in during battle every time. And they didn't level up so there was no reason to use them over Emil, Marta and your monsters. Ugh! I also hated the Wii controls. :/ I'm sure they could have mapped them to the GCN controller and offered a choice.

Anyway, yeah my issue with original Symphonia is its multiplayer camera. I play my Tales games with friends or my brother and Symphonia was mostly no different. I think it's supposedly fixed up a little bit in the PS2 version but not only are loading times ABYSMAL in that version, but back when I tried to play it last I couldn't deal with the Japanese voices, haha. (I suppose now I probably could considering I've gotten used to the anime's voice acting.)

Another issue I have with it is that I think there were too many characters and the plot suffered a bit because of it. :< They were all great characters but it focused too much on the Iselia group and most of the Tethe'alla characters got shafted because of it and seemed less important which is just unfortunate. Don't get me wrong, I still love the game but over the years I've come to realize it wasn't as utterly amazing as I originally thought it was. xD; But I'll always adore it for getting me into the Tales series.


paired with professor plum.

pastelspectre

Memento Mori

Age 25
he/him
The Pacific Northwest
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13.1 Years
I have never played the sequel. I do wish to though, I mean I'm 13, so...I don't really care how a person judges a game. XD

Cherrim

Age 34
she / her
Toronto
Seen 19 Hours Ago
Posted 19 Hours Ago
33,052 posts
20.4 Years
I think you should get it if you want to. It's a considered a bad game by dieheard fans of the original game but if you love Symphonia, there's enough carry over from before if, like me, you just have to see where your favourite character ends up after Symphonia's endgame.


paired with professor plum.
Age 27
Female
Hawaii
Seen June 28th, 2013
Posted November 2nd, 2012
211 posts
12.1 Years
I think you should get it if you want to. It's a considered a bad game by dieheard fans of the original game but if you love Symphonia, there's enough carry over from before if, like me, you just have to see where your favourite character ends up after Symphonia's endgame.
It IS a horrible game. The only redeeming factor is seeing my favorite characters again. Including Robin Irving, except he isn't anymore because the VAs changed.

Let me list the pros and cons...

Pros:
-Nostalgia Factor
-See the aftermath of the last story
-Have more ToS to play.

Cons:
-No open world travel. Excluded completely.
-Universal control is only for 2 characters, and whatever pokem--er, I mean, monsters you capture. All the old characters you can not control, don't level, are unable to switch equipment, etc.
-Characters are annoying and forgettable. I completely forgot the protagonist's names, but I remember all of the old cast's names fine.
-Story has been knocked down multiple notches. It is nothing compared to the glory that is the original ToS's story.
-The game is short. Short as hell. It's about 1/4 the length of the first one, likely less.
-Clunky controls.
-Different VAs
-And more...

Yeah, you decide.

Gummy

by fire be P U R G E D

Age 30
Male
Brooklyn, NY
Seen December 26th, 2013
Posted October 26th, 2013
4,518 posts
16.3 Years
As, ToS. This game broke my 'Tales of' virginity, and I've never regretted it. I remember having to sleep over my sister's house for a weekend and I literally played ONLY this game the entire time (and beat it). Would recommend to any JRPG fan, along with Tales of the Abyss and Tales of Vesperia. Symphonia is still my favorite though (ToV is a close second).


Monotype Fire Challenge

pastelspectre

Memento Mori

Age 25
he/him
The Pacific Northwest
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Posted 2 Weeks Ago
2,156 posts
13.1 Years
I really like tos. It is a very well made game. I do like Phantasia as well though.

alisaie

they/them
Seen March 14th, 2023
Posted February 3rd, 2022
13,598 posts
14.8 Years
Another issue I have with it is that I think there were too many characters and the plot suffered a bit because of it. :< They were all great characters but it focused too much on the Iselia group and most of the Tethe'alla characters got shafted because of it and seemed less important which is just unfortunate. Don't get me wrong, I still love the game but over the years I've come to realize it wasn't as utterly amazing as I originally thought it was. xD; But I'll always adore it for getting me into the Tales series.
I do have to agree with this as a flaw the plot has. While the plot was amazing, when you think about it more, the game leaves you with some plot holes. For example: Zelos and his 'alliance' with Cruxis. If you choose Zelos over Kratos, you never even hear much of a reason as to why he sided with them, which is actually more than ''I want to be on the winning side''. His back story isn't told either unless you pick him for the Flanoir event either (which is hard to get omg. ;;) 'Course.. the last of backstory and things could partly be because they don't really delve into that on anyone until they reach Tethe'alla.

Luckily
, we do have the manga and the OVA in some cases that cover some of those plotholes for us (again, specifically Zelos).

I think you should get it if you want to. It's a considered a bad game by dieheard fans of the original game but if you love Symphonia, there's enough carry over from before if, like me, you just have to see where your favourite character ends up after Symphonia's endgame.
This. I'll be really honest here and say while I was disappointed in the sequel, I've played it... two or three times just so I can see the original cast again. When the original cast was around, the game was much more enjoyable, despite all the negatives. Buuut, that's probably just because I love the original cast so much, and I didn't let the voice changes bother me too much (except Lloyds. It makes me cry like.. every time I hear it gwar.)

Derk, if you're still coming to Florida, then instead of buying the sequel just play it at my house... if you're so skeptical to getting it now. XD;

-Jared-

Certified Responsible Adult

Age 31
Male
Northern California
Seen June 16th, 2022
Posted June 14th, 2014
1,817 posts
14.2 Years
Ooh, Tales of Symphonia. ^__^ I loooove this game. I originally got this game due to chance, when my grandparents took my brother and I to Target for clothes shopping, and my grandfather decided to treat us with a video game, on the condition that we had to agree on the game. I looked at Final Fantasy V for GBA, while my brother was eyeing a Sonic the Hedgehog game, which neither of us wanted to budge on. So we compromised and grabbed ToS, which we thought looked interesting.

That was one of the best gaming decisions we have made. XD

My favorite characters to play as are Lloyd and Sheena. I can't seem to get the hang of playing as the other characters. They just don't seem to mesh well with me. :\


It IS a horrible game. The only redeeming factor is seeing my favorite characters again. Including Robin Irving, except he isn't anymore because the VAs changed.

Let me list the pros and cons...

Pros:
-Nostalgia Factor
-See the aftermath of the last story
-Have more ToS to play.

Cons:
-No open world travel. Excluded completely.
-Universal control is only for 2 characters, and whatever pokem--er, I mean, monsters you capture. All the old characters you can not control, don't level, are unable to switch equipment, etc.
-Characters are annoying and forgettable. I completely forgot the protagonist's names, but I remember all of the old cast's names fine.
-Story has been knocked down multiple notches. It is nothing compared to the glory that is the original ToS's story.
-The game is short. Short as hell. It's about 1/4 the length of the first one, likely less.
-Clunky controls.
-Different VAs
-And more...

Yeah, you decide.

I can't help but laugh, because for me, the pros outweigh the cons...>__> Am I weird for that? XD!

Cherrim

Age 34
she / her
Toronto
Seen 19 Hours Ago
Posted 19 Hours Ago
33,052 posts
20.4 Years
Not really. :3 The nostalgia factor can be really powerful with games and with a world as strong as Symphonia had (with really memorable characters, towns, and plotlines), going back to see how everything is progressing can be really satisfying. Though I must admit, there weren't all that many things in it (regarding the plots carrying over from the first game) that I was impressed with. xD;

Spoiler:
But to be honest, I adored how the whole Tethe'allans looking down on the Sylvaranti plot. I don't think I'd ever reeaally considered the consequences of merging the two worlds like that but it makes so much sense that that would happen. I'm glad it wasn't taken lightly because it would definitely happen that way.


I do have to agree with this as a flaw the plot has. While the plot was amazing, when you think about it more, the game leaves you with some plot holes. For example: Zelos and his 'alliance' with Cruxis. If you choose Zelos over Kratos, you never even hear much of a reason as to why he sided with them, which is actually more than ''I want to be on the winning side''. His back story isn't told either unless you pick him for the Flanoir event either (which is hard to get omg. ;;) 'Course.. the last of backstory and things could partly be because they don't really delve into that on anyone until they reach Tethe'alla.

Luckily
, we do have the manga and the OVA in some cases that cover some of those plotholes for us (again, specifically Zelos).
Yeah, agreed. D: I mean, I really think the game was good, but it just left so much untouched... and not all of it was stuff that people would naturally just fill in on their own. In order to get the whole story (and even then it wasn't complete), you had to play through at least twice... and that's a huge commitment for a lot of people. I can't stand when games do that, especially for things like background information and proper character development. Without the Flanoir scene and a few others, most characters just don't seem as deep as they really are. :(

But I really loved how the OVA has been handling things, which is weird because I'd just assumed it'd skim over everything even more than the game did since it has so much less time to cover the plot.


paired with professor plum.