Namco's Tales series of RPGs have gradually become more popular over the years, having seen releases on several current and last generation consoles. Tales of Eternia is the latest release, or re-release we should say, and is basically a port of the US Playstation release "Tales of Destiny II." While the game is, for the most part, a straight ahead port, the game looks absolutely gorgeous on the small PSP screen, and Namco has somehow brought this stunning presentation to the PSP with almost no load times all. The end result is a slightly "old-school" RPG that seems to shine on the PSP as if it were created specifically for it and a definite buy for any PSP RPG fan.
* An entire world in the palm of your hand - Control 1 character out of a party of 4 through magnificent 2D environments and 3D world maps.
* An acclaimed battle system - Master the Tales of Linear Motion Battle System; built around different striking techniques, real-time combos and spells.
* A diversity of gameplay - Discover challenging mini games perfectly implemented to the story that will make the characters earn unique features: cooking, rafting, dodge ball.
* An accessible game - Despite rich and complete actions possible, elaborate quickly impressive moves and combos.
* An incredible lasting appeal - 60 hours of play, while you travel through various cities, regions and continents, learn about their destiny and change the fate of your world.
* Build up your own heroes - Boost & customize your characters with hundreds of different items, enchanted weapons and powerful spells.
Tales of Eternia follows the story of childhood friends Reid and Farrah as they come into contact with a mysterious girl from another planet named Meredy. It seems Meredy's home planet is in a direct collision path with Earth and together these three must find a way to stop their respective planets from colliding.
The gameplay system in the Tales series is what sets it apart from many other RPG series. Instead of spending your time selecting commands from a menu, you take control of your main character in a somewhat 2-D style action fighting sequence. Using different buttons on the PSP you can either attack with your weapon, dodge an attack, or even use a special magic attack on your enemy, all in real time. You're also allowed to set the AI of your other characters to fight according to what best fits your current battle situation. Think of it as sort of a one-on-one fighting game with a little help from your friends. The combat system is admittedly unique, but once you get a feel for it, you will soon begin to appreciate its originality.
The audio in the game is also top notch, with just about as much voiced conversation as we've seen yet in a PSP game. The soundtrack lends itself to its orchestral roots, and brings the action alive all around you. It's obvious that no corners were cut in bringing this classic game to the portable PSP.
With a good 40+ hour quest, not to mention some very unique and original RPG elements, you'd be hard pressed to find a higher quality RPG experience on the PSP system to date. Even with the likes of PoPoLoCrois and Legend of Heroes being released in November, Tales of Eternia still belongs in any RPG fan's PSP this holiday season, even if that means importing the game.
For US gamers longing to own Tales of Eternia for the PSP, you may have to wait a little longer. In fact, you may have to wait a long time considering Namco has yet to confirm a US release for the game. Impatient RPG gamers and those with the means will have to turn to the UK import retailers to get their Tales of Eternia fix. UbiSoft has picked up the publishing rights to the game for European release and the game is set to hit UK store shelves on November 11th. Those looking to import the UK release can order online via GamePlay. (www.gameplay.com) The price is a little steep, about $62.00 including standard overseas shipping to the United States, but judging from early previews of the game, might just be well worth the money and trouble to import. Those worried about the game not being compatible with their US or JP PSP systems need not worry. All PSP systems are region-free when it comes to games so the UK version of Tales of Eternia will play just fine on your PSP, no matter which region system you own.
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