Tales of Graces f Remastered: Everything You Need to Know
Tales of Graces f, originally a Wii title enhanced and ported to the PlayStation 3, has now received the remaster treatment, bringing its charming story and engaging combat to modern platforms. This updated version allows a new generation of players to experience a Tales game often lauded for its character dynamics and fast-paced battle system. This article will delve into everything you need to know about Tales of Graces f Remastered, from its story and gameplay to the improvements in the remaster.
A Heartwarming Tale of Friendship and Duty:
Graces f follows the journey of Asbel Lhant, a young nobleman, and his friends as they navigate the complexities of friendship, duty, and political intrigue. The story begins in their childhood, where a tragic event shapes their paths and binds them together. Years later, they reunite as adults, confronting a looming crisis that threatens the world. The “f” in Graces f signifies the “future” arc, an epilogue added in the PS3 version that significantly extends the story beyond the original Wii ending, offering a more conclusive and satisfying narrative. This epilogue adds substantial content, including new characters, areas to explore, and a deeper understanding of the world’s mysteries.
A Refined and Fast-Paced Battle System:
Tales of Graces f boasts a dynamic and fluid battle system known as the “Style Shift Linear Motion Battle System (SS-LMBS).” Players control Asbel and can freely chain together attacks, known as “Artes,” in real-time. The Style Shift mechanic allows players to switch between two pre-set fighting styles, each offering different Artes and strategic advantages. This provides flexibility in combat, allowing players to adapt to different enemy types and situations. Dodging, guarding, and chaining together powerful combos are crucial for success. The remaster retains this acclaimed battle system, making it as engaging and enjoyable as ever.
Key Improvements in the Remaster:
While not a complete overhaul, the remaster brings several notable improvements to enhance the overall experience:
- Enhanced Visuals: The game features improved resolution and framerate, making the characters and environments look sharper and smoother than the original release. While not a dramatic leap, the upgrade makes the game more visually appealing on modern displays.
- Faster Loading Times: A common complaint about the original PS3 version was the lengthy loading times. The remaster addresses this issue with significantly reduced loading times, allowing for a smoother and more seamless gameplay experience.
- Quality of Life Improvements: While specific details vary, the remaster often includes various quality-of-life improvements such as optimized menus, improved camera controls, and potentially other tweaks to enhance the overall gameplay experience.
What Platforms is it Available On?
Tales of Graces f Remastered is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC (Steam). This wider availability allows players on multiple platforms to enjoy this often-overlooked entry in the Tales series.
Is it Worth Playing?
If you enjoy JRPGs with engaging stories, dynamic combat, and charming characters, Tales of Graces f Remastered is definitely worth checking out. The remaster improves upon the original release, making it the definitive way to experience this compelling adventure. The extended “future” arc provides a complete and satisfying narrative, while the refined combat system offers hours of engaging gameplay. While the remaster may not feature a complete graphical overhaul, the improvements make it a worthwhile experience for both newcomers and returning fans alike.