bit-tech Shopping: Namco Bandai Tales of Vesperia (Xbox 360)

• 1080i (HDTV)
• 1080p (HDTV)
• 720p (HDTV)

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Weeks

Strengths: Beautiful graphics, engaging story, fun combat mechanic

Weaknesses: none

Summary: Tales of Vesperia is the newest game in the Tales series. I think this game looks amazing. It has a very long and engaging storyline and is topped with fun real time combat. I think this game is the best in the series and recommend it to any RPG fan.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Gameplay, graphics

Weaknesses: None

Summary: There is only a handful of Japanese RPGs released for the XBox 360. The latest addition to this plate is the Tales of Vesperia. It is the first HD offering from the Tales series, and it did an amazing job. The graphics is rich and fine. It's like watching an anime show. Core to the game is the great battle system. It is more of a real-time action system than a traditional turn based one. Battles are more focused than randomized. It is one of the best JRPGs currently available for the XBox 360. Pick it up!

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: A solid Japanese role playing game for the 360

Weaknesses: N/A

Summary: The Xbox 360 is on quite a tear these days when it comes to Japanese role playing games (JRPGs). Hot on the footsteps of Blue Dragon, Eternal Sonata, and Lost Odysssey comes yet another stellar adventure in Tales of Vesperia. This latest edition of the Tales series, which has seen games on just about very platform the last several years save the original Xbox, is the first for next-gen consoles (and thus the first in HD). As such, it is easily the best looking Tales game ever made. Otherwise, it retains the charm that makes the Tales games such a steady, if under-appreciated, franchise. Those who dislike most JRPGs because of their typical turn-based battle mechanic may find Tales of Vesperia more to their liking as the battles play out more like a combo-driven fighting game. You can see enemies on the field (thus no random encounters which is always a plus) and if you choose to engage them you enter a fighting stage where you have free movement of the character you are controlling. The computer will control the other characters in your party by default, though other players can hop in (only during battles) to join the fighting. Your attacks consist of regular attacks and special moves. In true RPG fashion, your special attacks (called Artes) can be modified and enhanced as you level up (and use the attacks more often). You can also obtain skills from weapons you wield. Use them long enough and you learn special skills and no longer require the weapon (you can get another to learn its skill). All of this means the battle strategy is very in-depth and remains interesting throughout the adventure. The story is not the most unique, but it is interesting enough to keep your attention and you will truly be drawn to the characters as you progress. This game is a little less cinematic than something like Lost Odyssey (which came on 4 discs because of all the full motion video cut scenes) but it contains quite a bit of story nonetheless. Much of it plays out in dialog between the characters and in special skits that are a staple of the Tales series. Like most JRPGs the gameplay is fairly linear although there is a nice balance of that with free exploration and sidequests later in the game. When I bought an Xbox 360 the last thing I expected was to be treated with a steady diet of the sort of top-level JRPGs that I had come to love on the Playstation 2. I have been pleasantly surprised (and kept very busy!) by these great games, however, and Tales of Vesperia definitely keeps that train rolling. This game is not just a good JRPG for the 360, it surpasses the previous Tales games on the PS2 and comes close to matching the classic Tales of Symphonia on the Gamecube as one of the best in the series.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Week

Strengths: Graphics, battle system

Weaknesses: None

Summary: Tales of Vesperia is the first entry of the "Tales of" series into the Xbox 360 platform and into High Definition gaming. The 3D, cell shaded graphics is gorgeous and the best I've seen in the series, but not the best on the platform. The music and voice over is very well done and effective in the game.The game uses a real-time battle system, mostly without random encounters. For the most part, you get to choose when you fight and how you fight to win the battles. At times you are forced to fight because you're ambushed or crossing path with enemies but they are rather minimal. There are elements of strategy involved in the battles too.Tales of Vesperia celebrates the 10th anniversary of the "Tales of" series. It is an excellent anime RPG with a engaging story, compelling characters and a great real-time battle system. It is one of the best Japanese RPGs currently available on the Xbox 360.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 10 Days

Strengths: Graphics, music, battle system

Weaknesses: None for me

Summary: This latest entry into the Tales series takes place on the Xbox 360 and is the first to be in HD. Of course, the graphics are very nice and the anime cut scenes look great as well. As for the battle system, some say this is currently the best in the Tales series and that's highly possible. If you've never played one of these games, then just know that this is an action RPG and if you like those you'll probably like this as well. The story is pretty good and there are a lot of optional things to do and you'll definitely get your money's worth.