The Tales of series has long been a beloved staple for RPG fans, known for its character-driven narratives, action-focused combat, and immersive fantasy worlds. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Bandai Namco is bringing back Tales of Graces f in a newly remastered version, offering a fresh experience for long-time fans and newcomers alike. As someone relatively new to the Tales franchise, I was excited to dive into this remaster as my introduction to the game and the series itself.
Quality-of-Life Enhancements and Modern Accessibility
One of the main appeals of Tales of Graces f Remastered is the array of quality-of-life improvements that modernize the classic game for today’s RPG players. This remaster includes several accessibility features, such as quest markers, the ability to turn off random battle encounters, instant retries after challenging fights, and post-dialogue subtitles. These options can be toggled in the settings, providing a tailored experience for both new and returning players who may want a smoother journey through this classic RPG world.
The Grade Shop—a feature long cherished by Tales fans—also returns, allowing players to modify various in-game elements such as experience multipliers, battle challenges, and chain capacities. This addition not only offers flexibility but also accommodates a range of play styles, from players seeking a casual experience, to those wanting an extra challenge.
Dynamic Combat System with Customization Options
The battle system in Tales of Graces f stands out for its fast-paced, action-oriented mechanics, where players can combine basic and special attacks for strategic combos. In this hands-on session, the combat felt intuitive and rewarding, especially when enhanced by chain capacity upgrades and other modifiers available in the Grade Shop. Players can choose the intensity of their battles with various customization options, making it accessible for newcomers while keeping it engaging for seasoned players who want to dive into the complexities of battle combos and strategies.
A Character-Driven Story Across Time
Tales of Graces f follows the journey of Asbel and his close-knit group of friends as they navigate a story that spans multiple life stages, focusing on themes of loyalty, friendship, and personal growth. In my preview, I began with Asbel’s childhood, a phase filled with exploration and early character development. This introductory section provided insight into the relationships among the main characters, with conversations and interactions triggered by in-game events. These moments not only helped me understand each character’s motivations but also offered a sense of their distinct personalities, which deepen as the story progresses.
Immersive World with Interactive Puzzles and Combat Encounters
Exploring the environment and encountering a mix of puzzles and battles added variety to the gameplay. In one instance, traversing a desert town, I met citizens struggling with a monster that disrupted their lives. This quest provided an opportunity for both light puzzle-solving and combat, keeping the experience dynamic and engaging. Tales of Graces f Remastered also emphasizes environmental storytelling, where you uncover story details and character interactions that are seamlessly woven into the world.
Tales of Graces f Remastered is more than just a nostalgic revisit—it’s a fully modernized RPG experience that introduces quality-of-life updates and gameplay enhancements. With its engaging characters, strategic combat, and thoughtful remastering for today’s players, it offers an ideal entry point to the Tales series for newcomers and a refreshed experience for long-time fans. Releasing on January 17, 2025, for PlayStation, Xbox consoles, Nintendo Switch, and PC, this remaster is a promising addition to Bandai Namco’s 30th-anniversary celebration of the Tales series.
