Compared to the other JRPGs that I like, this game has a lot to criticize, especially if we talk about facial expressions (believe me, it's really bad...), character movement, and some cheesy dialog. I can enjoy it but cannot love it, like the way I love Chrono Trigger, FFX, etc. The reason why I cannot love this game is because of the anime archetypes that so often turn me off. Also, the control system and camera movement in this game are weird. A lot of time the camera won't allow you to see the environment when you are on the world map and the worst thing is you cannot control it. But, the reason why I still play this game is because if you take this game lightly, then you can enjoy it. I don't know if this metaphor makes any sense, but I would think of this game as a snack that you can grab when you are tired of other games. it's like you are going to take an adventure to the other world with your friends and don't bother with all of the realistic consequences that you will encounter in real life. Not a bad game really, especially if you love anime. enjoy!

note: I forgot to add that I love the affinity system in this game XD.

【English & Spanish】


➥ English review:

Tales of Symphonia is a classic RPG that originally debuted on the GameCube, a relic from a bygone era of gaming. While it holds a special place in many hearts, it's clear that its technical aspects haven't aged the best. The graphics, while charming to some, are far from what would be considered "beautiful" by modern standards. Instead, they evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding players of the golden age of console RPGs.

Visually, Tales of Symphonia doesn't impress with its detail or artistic design but carries a certain quaint charm. It’s more "nostalgic" than visually stunning. The character models and environments might appear dated, but they have a warmth and style that harken back to a simpler time when narrative and gameplay were the primary focuses. This nostalgic visual style, though limited, effectively transports players to an era when RPGs were defined by their stories and characters rather than their graphical fidelity.

Musically, the game does its job without standing out significantly. The soundtrack provides adequate accompaniment to the adventure but isn’t particularly memorable. However, the melodies help set the tone and atmosphere throughout the game, serving their purpose without making a huge impression.

Where Tales of Symphonia truly excels is in its story and characters. The narrative, while not a masterpiece, is stronger than that of many other entries in the "Tales of" series. It’s a tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption that, despite some clichés, maintains player interest. But what really makes this game stand out is its cast. Throughout the adventure, the player develop a genuine connection with the main characters, who each have their own development and moments of brilliance. This bond makes them memorable and endears them to players' hearts.

Personal Conclusion: Tales of Symphonia is a nostalgic experience affected by its outdated technical and visual aspects. Nevertheless, its solid story and endearing characters make it worthwhile to revisit. A modern remake could significantly enhance the experience, potentially raising my current rating of 7/10. It remains a beloved classic worth rediscovering.

➥ Reseña en español:


Tales of Symphonia es un clásico del género RPG que debutó en la GameCube, una reliquia de una era pasada de los videojuegos. Si bien es un título que muchos recuerdan con cariño, es evidente que su apartado técnico no ha envejecido de la mejor manera. Los gráficos, aunque tienen un encanto particular que algunos pueden apreciar, no pueden ser descritos como "bonitos" en un sentido moderno. En lugar de eso, evocan una nostalgia que nos recuerda la época dorada de los juegos de rol en consola.

Visualmente, Tales of Symphonia no impresiona por su detalle o su diseño artístico, pero tiene un estilo que puede considerarse entrañable. Es un juego que se percibe más "nostálgico" que visualmente impresionante. Los modelos de los personajes y los entornos pueden parecer anticuados, pero tienen una calidez y un estilo que evocan una simplicidad agradable. Este aspecto visual, aunque limitado, logra transportar al jugador a un tiempo en que la narrativa y la jugabilidad eran los reyes indiscutibles.

Musicalmente, el juego cumple su función sin destacar demasiado. La banda sonora acompaña adecuadamente la aventura, pero no es particularmente memorable. No obstante, las melodías ayudan a establecer el tono y la atmósfera en cada momento del juego, cumpliendo su cometido sin grandes alardes.

Donde Tales of Symphonia realmente brilla es en su historia y personajes. La narrativa, aunque no es una obra maestra, es más sólida que la de muchos otros títulos de la saga "Tales of". Es una historia de amistad, traición y redención que, a pesar de algunos clichés, logra mantener el interés del jugador. Pero lo que realmente hace que este juego se destaque son sus personajes. A lo largo de la aventura, el jugador desarrolla un vínculo con el grupo protagonista, sintiendo una cercanía genuina. Cada personaje tiene su propio desarrollo y momentos de brillo, lo que facilita que se ganen un lugar en el corazón de los jugadores.

Conclusión personal: Tales of Symphonia es una experiencia nostálgica afectada por su apartado técnico y visual, que ciertamente han envejecido. Aun así, la historia sólida y los personajes entrañables hacen que merezca la pena volver a este clásico. Un remake moderno podría mejorar considerablemente la experiencia, quizás incluso aumentando mi calificación actual de 7/10. Sin duda, es una obra entrañable que merece ser redescubierta.

This was probably the best JRPG ever released in the US for the GameCube and, thankfully, this plays exactly the same way, mostly. I've only done one playthrough of the PC version, but it was enough to let know that it was not all that different from the GCN version. All of my strategies and map knowledge worked the same. The story progresses them same way, depending on what path you might take. The gear is the same and in the same places.
If you played this on a GCN, or PS2 (Japan-only), and want to relive the experience without trying to find the hardware and discs, get this one.