Tales of VS.
Tales of VS. (テイルズ オブ バーサス, Teirusu Obu Bāsasu?) (pronounced as Tales of Versus) is the latest escort title in the Tales series exclusively for the PlayStation Portable, released on August 6, 2009 in Japan. It was developed by Matrix Software and published by Namco Bandai Games.[1] It is a cross-over action game which features various characters from past Tales games. Tales of VS features brand new animation scenes from Production I.G. and illustrations as well as fully voiced skits for all characters and cut-in portraits.
The theme song accompanying the opening scene is "Be Your Wings", sung by Girl Next Door, and was released on August 5, 2009.
Gameplay
Tales of VS. utilizes a Linear Motion Battle System or LMBS which has been used in previous games in the series. Characters are able to carry out normal attacks as well as "Artes," special techniques which have been utilized in almost every Tales game. Characters are able to gain experience by collecting Grade Points from winning battles and using these Grade Points to upgrade their statistics. Like previous games in the series, characters are also able to customize their weapons. Battles can feature up to a total of four characters at a time.[3]
Stages are interactive with different stages having different effects. For example the desert stage has a tornado that pushes characters away, and the mine stage has a rolling ball of stone that will deal damage.[4]
Game modes
Tales of VS. features multiple gameplay modes as well as multiple mini-games.
- Yggdrasill Mode, the story mode of the game, features an original story which differs from other Tales games. Each character possesses his or her own unique story which is different from the original games.
- Correspondence Battle,[5] the multiplayer mode of Tales of VS., allows up to four players to battle over ad-hoc wireless.
- Customization Mode allows players to customize characters, using Grade Points to increase various statistics such as health and attack power.[6]
- Tales of Wallbreaker,[7] a mini-game mode, takes place on a 2D battlefield. Players must slam their enemy into a wall until it breaks.
- Arcade Mode is a non-stop arcade-style succession of battles against CPU opponents.
- Training Mode lets players practice skills here with a dummy opponent.
Tales of Wallbreaker
Tales of Wallbreaker is a special mini-game which takes place on a 2D battlefield with one wall on each side. The object of the game is to push or slam the enemy into his wall until it breaks. It features eight characters in Tales of VS, as well as thirteen exclusive only to the Tales of Wallbreaker portion of the game, for a total of twenty-one playable characters. It uses traditional 2D sprites reminiscent of the original Tales games.[8][9]
Story
Setting
Tales of VS. takes place in a world called Dailantia. The main source of energy is mana, which is produced by the World Tree. The people of Dailantia continue to live a mana-rich world using mana for the advancement of their civilization. Eventually the people exhaust the World Tree to a stage where the tree is only able to bear fruit once every three years, called the Great Seed (大いなる実り, ooinaru minori).
Kingdoms begin to fight over the Great Seed, causing war to become rampant throughout Dailantia. These kingdoms come up with a diplomatic solution to end the war called the World Tree Agreement, which involves a tournament, the Yggdrasill Battle, being held to decide the rightful owner of each Great Harvest without waging war. Participants include independent individuals who fight to gain control of the Great Seed for himself or herself, royals who fight to prove themselves as warriors, and the Cigrus, the strongest warriors of each kingdom. The winner of the Yggdrasill Battle gains the rightful control of the Great Harvest.[10][11]
Kingdoms
- Heidr, the holy kingdom, is the oldest and most traditional kingdom in Dailantia. The kingdom treasures the World Tree the most, holding the World Tree in the highest respect. The people of Heidr are courteous and respectable, but they are somewhat emotionless.
- Hraesvelgr is ruled by a knight who is a hero to their people. The kingdom has the most powerful and organized army which consists of two legions of mighty knights who are well trained and have a high level of morale. The kingdom has developed a secret weapon known as the Swordian; its capabilities are unknown. Scientists from Hraesvelgr have also been developing a new source of energy known as lens which they hope will be able to replace mana as the main energy source.
- Niddhog is the newest kingdom in Dailantia. The kingdom is well-known for its rapid progress in obtaining imperial power. Due to a lack of mana in the kingdom, they utilize machines to substitute mana as the main source of energy. The kingdom has also fully developed a new technology known as Fomicry which would be able to replicate mana.
- Dyne is an alliance of independent free cities in the frontier area. The kingdom is a mixture of different tribes and cultures, some of which are barbarian tribes while others are highly civilized. The kingdom is the most undeveloped, in terms of technology, of the four kingdoms. Its army consists of young warriors who are able to adapt easily and have a high level of morale making them a force to be dealt with.[11]
Characters
Tales of VS. features a total of 35 characters from 13 previous Tales games, mostly heroes but also a few villains. Each character has his or her own unique story, different from that of the game originated from.[12] Most original voice actors have returned to reprise their original roles with a few exceptions. When more than one of the same character is being used in the same battle, the characters wear the same costumes but in different colors.[13] Mieu also makes an appearance in this game(Yggdrasill Mode only).
Profiles
- Shing Meteoryte, he is a mysterious young man. Very little is known about him apart from that he came from a remote area in Dailantia. He wields a mysterious weapon and fights as an experienced warrior. He joined the Yggdrasill Battle to reclaim a treasured item of his which he lost.
- Yuri Lowell, he is one of the Cigrus sent to represent the Kingdom of Dyne. He lived in the lower levels of his town, living life as he pleases. His expression usually maintains a straight face and remains indifferent to his surroundings.
- Richter Abend, he is one of the smartest in the tournament. He is very knowledgeable on matters such as battles and the world. However beneath his intellectual demeanor is his strong desire for revenge, he joined the Yggdrasill Battle in pursuit of his enemy. He allies himself to no particular nation.
- Luke fon Fabre, he is the prince of the Kingdom of Niddhog. He has a very haughty attitude due to him being brought up as a spoiled prince who has never faced any hardships or problems. He was forced to join the Yggdrasill Battle which is part of a rite for the Imperial succession of the kingdom of Nidhogg.
- Anise Tatlin, she is one of the Cigrus sent to represent the Kingdom of Nidhogg. Since she was a child Anise was a soldier of the Niddhogg military. Given her skills and abilities she dreams of a wealthy future, however she is easily manipulated by the government of the Kingdom of Nidhogg.
- Kratos Aurion, he is a highly skilled and mysterious mercenary who is hired to be one the Cigrus sent to represent the Kingdom of Heidr. He is a swordsman master and always remains extremely calm no matter the situation.
- Stan Aileron, he was once leader and one of Hraesvelgr's greatest knights. After an incident that made him lose a trusted friend, he left the Kingdom of Hraesvelgr and has been pursuing the one responsible ever since. He had participated in the Yggdrasill Battle 3 years before.
- Mighty Kongman, he is a Cigrus from the Kingdom of Hraesvelgr. He uses only his body as his weapon and is the wrestling champion of the Kingdom of Hraesvelgr. His abilities are able to match that of the knights of the Kingdom of Hraesvelgr.[11]
- Cless Alvine A young knight representing the Sacred Kingdom of Heidr. He was a participant of the Yggdrasill Battle three years ago, and was even able to fight in the finals. He lost something important to him due to an incident three years ago, and he once again becomes a cigrus to take it back. Foreseeing a fight with a mighty enemy, he invited Kratos to be a cigrus.
- Asch The Bloody The strongest swordsman raised in the New Empire, Nidhogg to join the Yggdrasill Battle mainly for supremacy. He was never around in the previous fights, and his existence was only recently publicly announced by the government. Just what is their intention?
- Judith "Oh, I'm no one's ally.", A female freelance warrior from the Free City Union (Dyne). She is currently just going along with her employer's ideas, but it seems like she has no other goals in mind. She is usually flying around in the world of Dailantia with her partner, Ba'ul.
- Ruca Milda "It's wrong to keep on doing this!"- A young boy who resides in the Free City Union. Every night, he sees a mysterious dream, and suddenly, he has awoken to his powers to fight. Thinking that the meaning of his dream can be found somewhere in the world, he sets off on a journey. Though his personality is that of a cowardly boy, his skills with the broadsword are not to be underestimated.
- Jade Curtiss "All people who wear glasses aren't bad people, though."- A Colonel from the New Empire's military. His duty is to join the battles in order to take back the Great Seed for the New Empire. Before becoming a soldier of the military, Jade was known and praised for his many achievements in his research. Behind that success however lies a so-called dangerous and forbidden technology.
- Mao "Ahh, you're underestimating me, aren't you, Mister?!", A cigrus from the Free City Union. He also participated in the battles three years ago, exhibiting skills that do not fit his childish appearance. An incident in last year's tournament separated him from a "partner" of his, so he now joins the battles again in order to find the said partner.
- Nanaly Fletch "I won't show mercy to such a half-hearted resolution!", A female warrior from the Knight Nation Hraesvelgr who is entrusted to guard a research facility. Though she has the personality of a strong and spirited person, she finds trouble in showing herself as a more feminine woman. She spends time in really thinking about and helping out in the problems of her accomplices.
- Lion Magnus "If you want to be acknowledged, win.", Leader of the second platoon of knights from the Knight Nation. His calm and cool attitude can be easily broken. He is considered a genius with the sword, and is unmatched in both sword fighting and his good looks. He joined the battles for the prosperity of his nation. He seems to know why Stahn, a previous leader of one of the knight platoons, left.
- Philia Philis "The Great Seed is very vital to us!", A young priestess from the Knight Nation who is researching about the world tree. She is a very gentle person who is very faithful to God and upholds all religious rules. She has this regularity of showing love and charity for her fellow people. Though when it comes to giving the blessing of the Great Seed to her nation, her gentle demeanor may sometimes be gone.
- Arche Klein "Darn it! Why do men feel the need to fight right away?!", A young mage living in an island of spirits near the roots of the world tree, watching over it. She is originally from the Sacred Kingdom, and is a childhood friend of Cless's. She finds her everyday life boring because people rarely visit the island. Her magic skills are considered top notch, and she is the type who will "do something once she can do it".[14]
Main character roster
The list below consists of all 35 characters[15] who are featured in the game's story mode, Yggdrasil Battle. The games are listed in the order of release, regardless of whether they are Mothership or Escort Titles.
Tales of Wallbreaker roster
The list below consists of all 21 characters who are featured in the mini-game mode Tales of Wallbreaker. The games are listed in the order of release, regardless of whether they are Mothership or Escort Titles.
1 Playable only in Tales of Wallbreaker [16]
Mobile version
A version of Tales of VS. has been announced for mobile phones. Players would be able to use a login-ID and password to send and receive data from the PSP version of the game. Through this players can view status, equipment or even get bonus items. In the mobile version, players are also able to make their own characters, and change their Guild, Job, Title and Accessories.[17]
The mobile version will utilize a turn-based system known as "Command Battle" in which each character has four commands: Attack, Defend, Use Skill or Counter. Each battle will last 10 turns.[17]
Reception
Tales of VS. was released on August 6, 2009 in Japan. Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu released the first review for the game in their August 2009 issue giving the game a 8/8/8/8 a total of 32 of 40.[12] Initial sales of the game in Japan were high, with 133,000 copies sold in its first week.[18].
Domestically, PlayStation LifeStyle posted an import review and rated the game 4/10. Despite being a Tales fan, reviewer Heath Hindman said, "Tales fans might have some reason to import this interesting spinoff, and the ones who can understand some Japanese would get a few smiles out of the story mode, but without the appeal of fanservice, we’re left with a fighting game that gets boring quickly." [19]
References
- ^ a b "株式会社マトリックス/製品/PSP/TALES OF VS". Matrix Software. http://www.matrixsoft.co.jp/consumer/psp_tovs.html. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
- ^ "Tales of VS. Getting Early August Release In Japan?". PSP Hyper. May 14, 2009. http://www.psphyper.com/psp/tales-of-vs-getting-early-august-release-in-japan/. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ "歴代35キャラが激突！PSP『テイルズ オブ バーサス』今夏発売". gpara.com. April 6, 2009. http://www.gpara.com/article/cms_show.php?c_id=12754&c_num=14l. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ "Tales of VS. (PSP) [テイルズ オブ バーサス System Video - Stage"]. Youtube. May 27, 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=489W5hA7Cj4. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ "Tales of VS. Official Japanese Site". Namco Bandai Games. April 6, 2009. http://to-vs.namco-ch.net/. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ "Jade, Nanaly and Arche Confirmed for Tales of VS.! And Possibly Even More!". Abyssal Chronicles. May 19, 2009. http://www.abyssalchronicles.com/?fn_mode=comments&fn_incl=0&fn_id=280. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ "Tales of Festival 2009 News and Updates". a745. Abyssal Chronicles. June 13, 2009. http://www.abyssalchronicles.com/?fn_mode=comments&fn_incl=0&fn_id=297. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ "Tales of VS. Official Site Updates - 2 New System Videos, Story and Song Info". Abyssal Chronicles. July 14, 2009. http://www.abyssalchronicles.com/?fn_mode=comments&fn_incl=0&fn_id=321. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ "Tales of VS. (PSP) [テイルズ オブ バーサス System Video 15 - Collection Minigame - Tales of Wallbreaker"]. Youtube. July 14, 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVTuZ_zhcDk. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ "Tales of VS. Yggdrasill Battle: The Fight For World Tree". PSP Hyper. April 13, 2009. http://www.psphyper.com/psp/tales-of-vs-yggdrasill-battle-the-fight-for-world-tree/. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ a b c "Abyssal Chronicles". Abyssal Chronicles. http://www.abyssalchronicles.com/. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ a b "Wii『テイルズ オブ グレイセス』の詳細判明！GIRL NEXT DOORがシリーズ最新作のテーマソングを担当！". Famitsu. April 6, 2009. http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1223294_1124.html. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ "Alternate Color Schemes and Character Looks for Tales of VS.!". Abyssal Chronicles. May 20, 2009. http://www.abyssalchronicles.com/?fn_mode=comments&fn_incl=0&fn_id=281. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ "Two New Tales of VS. Character Videos + Updated Screenshots and New Art". Abyssal Chronicles. May 29, 2009. http://abyssalchronicles.com/?fn_mode=comments&fn_incl=0&fn_id=288. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ "Tales of VS. Japan Release Today~! + Game Survey Wallpapers!". Abyssal Chronicles. August 7, 2009. http://www.abyssalchronicles.com/?fn_mode=comments&fn_id=336. Retrieved 7 August 2009.
- ^ "Tales of VS. Thread". Namco Bandai Games. http://tales.namco.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=78320. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
- ^ a b "Tales of VS. for Mobile". Abyssal Chronicles. July 29, 2009. http://www.abyssalchronicles.com/?fn_mode=comments&fn_incl=0&fn_id=330. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ Graft, Kris (August 13, 2009). "Japanese Charts: Latest Gundam Sells 175,000 In Big Sales Week". Gamasutra.com. http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24823. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
- ^ "PSP Import Review – Tales of VS". PlayStation LifeStyle. August 18, 2011. http://playstationlifestyle.net/2011/08/18/psp-import-review-tales-of-vs/. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
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