THE DEFINITIVE VERSION™ OF
TALES OF SYMPHONIA
The Tales series has become incredibly vast at this point, however, since its release Tales of Symphonia has managed to be one of its most memorable titles. Most likely due to many things being a first time for the series. Its the first fully 3D mainline entry, its multiplayer, and it changed the battle system into real-time 3D with free movement.
RELEASES
GAMECUBE - 2004
| PROS: | - 60FPS |
| CONS: | - Missing content found in later releases
- Double imaging effect can be overwhelming and has issues on modern displays |
| NOTES: | - Some minor changes from the Japanese version such as changing character names and the opening song. |
PLAYSTATION 2 - 2004
| PROS: | - Many new attacks including mystic arts, unison, and more
- Additional anime cutscenes
- New Costumes
- 5 stories added to the end game dungeon
- Slightly expanded backstory |
| CONS: | - 30FPS |
| NOTES: | - Earth dragon now drops less gold
- Recruitment requirement changes |
PS3 - 2014
| PROS: | - 16:9 aspect ratio |
| CONS: | - 30FPS
- Some missing dialogue
- The cell shading and character outlines have been reduced
- Lower bitrate audio for dialogue |
PC - 2016
| PROS: | - Higher Resolution graphics
- Character outlines have been put back
- Additional content found in previous versions |
| CONS: | - 30FPS
|
MUTLI [REMASTERED] - 2023
| PROS: | - Higher resolution Graphics
- Additional content from PS2 |
| CONS: | - 30FPS
- Excessive load times on Nintendo Switch
- Additional switch bugs such as incorrect spell animations, and missing backgrounds in the pause menu and cutscenes |
| NOTES: | - AI upscaled graphics have mixed results |
NOTABLE DIFFERENCES
GRAPHICS
Example of how upscaling was used to “enhance” textures in the remastered version. It's more difficult to see when zoomed out, but these moments can take away from the experience.
DEFINITIVE VERSION™
CLICK HERE TO REVEAL THE DEFINITIVE VERSION
Similar to other games this typically falls into the category of whichever version you played first. Well lucky you because I'm here to tell you which one that should be. With new moves, dual audio, and additional content the PC elevates the PS2 version, even with some of it's visual flaws and technical flaws. The 60fps of the original GameCube is honestly a difficult trade off as battling feels much better, however, I think you'll ultimately regret missing out on all the new things later versions have to offer. The PC release is the Definitive Version of Tales of Symphonia, and that's the bottom line cause Stone Cold said so!
Maybe there's actually more to this story …
SUPPLEMENTAL
CITATIONS
