Tales of Symphonia

85%
Game Brain Score Based on 5,168 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Tales of Symphonia Game Cover
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In Tales of Symphonia, players follow the journey of Lloyd and his friends in a fantasy world where they must restore mana to the world and save it from destruction. The group battles enemies and explores dungeons using a real-time combat system. The game features character-driven storytelling, voice acting, and side quests that add depth and replayability.

  • PC
  • Phone
  • Windows
  • Tablet
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

85%
Audience ScoreBased on 5,168 reviews
story1,202 positive mentions
grinding164 negative mentions
  • Engaging story with memorable characters and emotional depth.
  • Fun and dynamic real-time combat system that allows for character switching.
  • Rich world-building with plenty of side quests and replayability.
  • Dated graphics and a locked 30 FPS that detracts from the experience.
  • Tedious dungeon puzzles and backtracking that can frustrate players.
  • Poor AI for party members that can lead to frustrating combat situations.
  • story2,818 mentions

    The story of "Tales of Symphonia" is widely praised for its depth, character development, and engaging plot twists, making it a standout in the JRPG genre. While it begins with a familiar "chosen one" trope, it evolves into a complex narrative that tackles serious themes such as discrimination and sacrifice, often surprising players with its emotional weight and unexpected turns. However, some critiques highlight its predictability and pacing issues, particularly in the early stages, suggesting that while the story is compelling, it may feel lengthy or formulaic to some players.

    • “The narrative is richly woven, filled with plot twists, and supported by well-developed characters who undergo personal growth and transformation throughout the game.”
    • “The emotional depth and thought-provoking themes explored in the story make it an unforgettable journey from start to finish.”
    • “The story is captivating with enough plot twists to make M. Night's head spin.”
    • “The story tries to tackle serious topics like discrimination or slavery head-on, but the delivery is woefully bad, with wooden cutscenes and overly simplistic writing.”
    • “For some reason, it also tries to be a snappy place-hopping adventure, which never gives any drama enough time to settle in and leads to many tone-deaf moments, like a character asking 'ok guys where should we go next' literally seconds after learning a party member’s tragic backstory.”
    • “The story is horribly written.”
  • gameplay896 mentions

    The gameplay of *Tales of Symphonia* is characterized by its engaging real-time combat system, which, while fun and accessible, shows signs of age with some dated mechanics and a lack of depth compared to newer entries in the series. Players appreciate the game's cooperative multiplayer aspect and the variety of characters, but many note that the mechanics can feel clunky and repetitive, especially for those accustomed to modern RPGs. Overall, while the gameplay may not be as polished as contemporary titles, it remains enjoyable and is complemented by a rich story and memorable characters.

    • “The gameplay is also well balanced, and will feel like just the right challenge every step of the way.”
    • “The gameplay for the game is very fun and overall I had a great time while I was playing; there are lots of weapons you can get your hands on.”
    • “The gameplay is very satisfying and addicting.”
    • “I couldn't spend more than 30 minutes before being bored to tears and absolutely despising the gameplay.”
    • “My friend recommended it because he remembered it fondly but it's got stereotypes as characters and the gameplay is clunky.”
    • “The gameplay feels outdated especially during combat.”
  • graphics826 mentions

    The graphics of "Tales of Symphonia" are generally considered dated, reflecting its 2003 origins, with many reviewers noting that while the cel-shaded art style retains a nostalgic charm, the overall visual quality has not aged well. Players appreciate the vibrant character designs and the game's aesthetic, but criticize the lack of graphical options and the performance issues, including a locked 30fps frame rate. Overall, while the graphics may not impress modern gamers, those who value story and gameplay often find them acceptable within the context of the game's legacy.

    • “The cel-shaded graphics are beautiful, nostalgic, and adorable at the same time.”
    • “The hand-drawn art style has a timeless charm, and the character designs are both distinctive and memorable.”
    • “The graphics are really good, considering this is a port of a 13-year-old game.”
    • “2003 is the year and graphics probably are not their strongest suit.”
    • “The graphics are painfully dated, as is the gameplay.”
    • “The graphics are a bit too cartoony, even for anime standards.”
  • music456 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its emotional depth and nostalgic quality, particularly highlighting the work of composer Motoi Sakuraba. While some players found the soundtrack to be a masterpiece that enhances the gameplay experience, others criticized its repetitiveness and lack of standout tracks. Overall, the music is generally regarded as memorable and fitting for the game's atmosphere, though opinions vary on its originality and impact.

    • “The music, composed by Motoi Sakuraba, is a masterpiece in itself, perfectly capturing the emotions of each moment and immersing players in the game's atmosphere.”
    • “The soundtrack is nothing short of a symphonic masterpiece, perfectly complementing the game's emotional beats and epic moments.”
    • “This game is like crack for your ears; the soundtrack sets the tone to the events perfectly.”
    • “I just wish the same music for something wouldn't be used for everything over and over again.”
    • “The OST of this game was not standout and left much to be desired.”
    • “Music: 2/10 not a single background track stuck out to me.”
  • grinding178 mentions

    The reviews highlight a mixed experience with grinding in the game, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly due to the need for backtracking and solving simplistic puzzles. While some appreciate the depth of the combat system and the engaging story that can make grinding feel rewarding, others express frustration over the excessive time required for leveling and item collection, often feeling that the game does not respect their time. Overall, grinding is seen as a significant aspect of gameplay, with varying opinions on its enjoyment and necessity.

    • “The battle system is great, combat is fast and not tedious.”
    • “However, it all feels like exploration, and not tedious.”
    • “It's a shame that cutscenes happen before a number of challenging bosses, but if you fight all random encounters that you run into, you will likely be about the right level for the bosses, so good play will reward you with little to no grinding.”
    • “Tedious and repetitive button mashing combat, one-dimensional characters, and a rather empty, dull world to explore.”
    • “The lack of an autosave makes this game incredibly tedious.”
    • “It's generic, the pacing is horrendous, and the game doesn't respect your time with painfully slow movement, lack of skippable cutscenes, and mind-numbing new game plus farming.”
  • replayability116 mentions

    The game boasts exceptionally high replayability, with numerous side quests, collectibles, and a "new game plus" feature that enhances the experience for completionists. Players appreciate the variety of characters and combat styles, as well as the engaging story that encourages multiple playthroughs. While some note that the need to replay the game several times for full completion can be a drawback, the overall consensus is that the game offers a rich and rewarding experience that justifies its replay value.

    • “The replay value is also extremely high thanks to all the various side-quests, collectibles, difficulty settings, and endings.”
    • “If you're looking for an 80-hour game with a massive amount of replayability, this game is for you.”
    • “The main story is quite lengthy on its own, but the game offers tons of optional content in the form of side quests, collectible items, completing monster lists, and absolutely monstrous replay value.”
    • “The game's replay value can actually work against it; you need to beat the game at least three times to complete the collector's book and the monster list, as three minor accessories are associated with specific endings, and a particularly spoilerific boss is exclusive to the bad ending.”
    • “I find that slightly disappointing as, imagine if each choice mattered and that each choice could lead to a different scenario/ending, not only that would let the player feel more responsible and involved in the story, but it would also increase the replayability of the game as well.”
    • “There isn't a ton of immediate replay value, but the game does reward you if you've already beaten it with a bunch of new game + options that add replayability, especially if you've given yourself enough time to get fuzzy on the details of what happens in the game.”
  • stability114 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant bugs and glitches, particularly in the initial release. However, recent patches have addressed many of these issues, leading some users to report a much-improved experience, especially on PC. While some still encounter occasional crashes and freezes, others find the game largely playable and enjoyable, suggesting that stability may vary depending on the platform and version used.

    • “As it is now, I think the game looks and runs great and I have no complaints.”
    • “Graphics are just like on the GameCube, bringing back great memories of playing it, runs great on my computer, no issues whatsoever.”
    • “Haven't really put much time into it so I can't say it will be completely bug-free, but it seems fine so far.”
    • “The PC port of this game is pretty buggy and really requires a fan patch, but the fan patch does fix up everything that it's no big deal really.”
    • “Every time an action event happens, it freezes.”
    • “Don't get me wrong, Tales of Symphonia is, without a doubt, my favorite game in this universe, and it kills me to have to give it a negative review now that it's finally on PC, but I can't possibly recommend anyone spend money on this shockingly buggy and disappointing port in its current state.”
  • character development112 mentions

    Character development in the game is generally praised for its depth and thoroughness, with many players noting that the characters are well-designed and undergo significant growth throughout the story. While some critiques mention that certain characters, like Lloyd, may lack depth compared to others, the overall narrative and skits contribute positively to character arcs, making them relatable and engaging. The game effectively intertwines character development with its plot, enhancing the player's emotional investment in the characters and their journeys.

    • “Its storytelling, world building, and character development go a long way in making up for the game's biggest flaw, which is also why each playthrough has a minimum of 45 to 60 hours: the dungeon areas.”
    • “A fantastic story that fleshes out a huge world and deep character development.”
    • “Tales of Symphonia stands as an incredible testament to the RPG genre, weaving a captivating narrative, rich character development, and an enchanting soundtrack into a gaming masterpiece.”
    • “Lloyd's character development is actually one of the blandest among Tales of main characters.”
    • “There are a few side quests, but most of the ones that exist to help you get to know certain characters can be made unavailable when you progress past a certain point in the story, which sucks, because they are extremely easy to miss.”
    • “Apart from the narrow audience, the character design doesn't work for anyone older than about 12.”
  • optimization110 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant stuttering, crashes, and a locked 30 fps frame rate that detracts from the experience. While some players have found workarounds and mods to improve performance, the overall consensus is that the port is poorly optimized, especially compared to the original GameCube version. Despite these issues, some players still enjoy the game, indicating that while the optimization could be better, it is not entirely unplayable.

    • “The port runs smoothly, the controls are great and customizable.”
    • “Despite having a rocky start during the initial release, the game has slowly improved in terms of performance and gameplay.”
    • “Game runs smoothly and offers controller support too.”
    • “The game is ruined by frequent but random stuttering no matter what PC hardware and graphic configuration you have.”
    • “This is not a terribly well-optimized port, which makes me think it's just playing inside a custom-built emulator.”
    • “Muddy textures, low FPS, stuttering, misspelled words in the options menu, crashing everywhere, etc. all make for a decidedly underwhelming experience considering the only content added to my knowledge are a few titles and a handful of boss battles.”
  • humor84 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of silly antics, lovable character interactions, and comedic dialogue, often reminiscent of a fun anime cartoon. While some humor may feel dated or cringe-worthy, many players appreciate the lighthearted moments and character-driven jokes, particularly through the skit system that allows for humorous exchanges. Overall, the game balances its comedic elements with emotional storytelling, making it an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.

    • “Each character in your party has an incredible design and backstory, and it's both hilarious and intriguing seeing how they develop and interact.”
    • “The humor is there, the characters like to make fun of each other's backs and forth during their adventure which is always nice.”
    • “The voice acting is hilarious, and the dialogue between the characters is a lot of fun.”
    • “Post-victory battle quotes in this game are extremely lacking in variety and comedic value compared to those in Tales of Graces F, Xillia, and Xillia 2; I saw the same 4-5 unfunny post-victory battle quotes recycled throughout the entire game regardless of my active party.”
    • “Avoid this 30fps-unfunny-joke-port of a 2003 game and get the superior, fluid 60fps GameCube version with Dolphin emulator instead. Slap an HD texture pack on it, configure it to look better than the PC port, and get a Mania mode difficulty and grade shop ready save file from GameFAQs, and you are good to go.”
  • emotional70 mentions

    The game is praised for its emotional depth, with a colorful exterior that belies a dark and complex narrative filled with weighty themes. Players report being deeply moved by the story and character arcs, often experiencing tears during pivotal moments, thanks to strong voice acting and a memorable soundtrack. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and certain character developments, the overall emotional resonance and engaging storytelling make it a standout experience in the RPG genre.

    • “A colorful, charming exterior hides deep, dark, emotional storytelling with weighty themes that’ll stick with you.”
    • “The emotional depth and thought-provoking themes explored in the story make it an unforgettable journey from start to finish.”
    • “Just recently finished another playthrough of the game and I found myself still getting choked up and shedding tears at some of the more emotional moments due to the fantastic voice work despite having seen these exact scenes countless times; they still just hit perfectly.”
  • atmosphere12 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is a standout feature, enhanced by Motoi Sakuraba's masterful music that captures the emotional depth of each moment, from the vibrant small-town setting to the intensity of battles. Despite some technical issues and repetitive gameplay elements, players appreciate the cozy ambiance and strong character chemistry that contribute to an engaging experience. However, some reviews note a stark contrast between the game's pleasant atmosphere and certain unpleasant aspects, highlighting a mixed reception.

    • “The music, composed by Motoi Sakuraba, is a masterpiece in itself, perfectly capturing the emotions of each moment and immersing players in the game's atmosphere.”
    • “I generally really liked the combat music and especially the tracks that are used in boss fights as they really add to the epic atmosphere.”
    • “You don’t really need to understand the dialogue to feel the atmosphere of a colorful and buzzing small town, or to feel the heat of an intense battle when you’re running low on health and your team has to pull it together or you’re dead.”
    • “You don’t really need to understand the dialogue to feel the atmosphere of a colorful and buzzing small-town, or to feel the heat of an intense battle when you’re running low on health and your team has to pull it together or you’re dead.”
  • monetization10 mentions

    Reviews highlight a stark contrast between older games, which offered complete experiences without microtransactions or DLC, and modern titles perceived as "shameless cash grabs." Players express disappointment that current games often lock content behind paywalls, while praising the straightforward unlockable systems of the past, suggesting that a fair price should reflect a complete game experience without additional costs.

    • “You get the full game, no missing content locked behind DLC or microtransactions -- all you have to do is grind and play the game to unlock everything.”
    • “It is a shameless cash grab.”
    • “For £14.99, this should be a definitive port, not a cynical cash grab.”
    • “Just goes to show that somewhat dated games can easily outshine all the soulless cash grabs of today's games with a little heart and care put into the game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Play time

55hMedian play time
95hAverage play time
30-80hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 48 analyzed playthroughs

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