This game first came to the west in 2012 on the PS3 (the original Wii version wasn't localized). I remember thinking back then that this was my favorite Tales game, and none of the games since have have shaken that belief. However, it's been over a decade, and I always wondered if this game would still hold up. I haven't beaten the game yet, but I think I've played enough to confirm that it is still my favorite! On top of that, I think the remaster did a great job given the source material being the Wii, which had a 480p resolution. I remember thinking the scenery in the PS3 version looked very poor, and now I think it looks decent for the times. Don't get me wrong, it's not going to beat Tales of Arise in the graphics department, but it certainly isn't breaking my immersion like it used to. I also heard they recorded new voice lines, but couldn't get the original VA for Cheria, Laura Bailey. I haven't noticed any differences in her voice or anyone else's yet. I remember the new voice lines on Vesperia being so jarring I had to switch to Japanese.

Beyond the graphical improvements, the remaster also provides you access to the grade shop and enough grade to purchase every item before you start, if you so choose. I do not think you can purchase additional items during your playthrough, so be sure to purchase what you think you might want. You can turn most of the effects on and off through the options menu, and the game will tell you which ones will be permanently on when purchasing. It also includes a bunch of free DLC. I remember back on the PS3, these costume DLCs cost $4... per costume... PER CHARACTER! Just getting the school outfits cost $28 back then. Thankfully DLC prices on more recent titles are more reasonable.

The common sentiment of this game in relation to the rest of the series is that it has the best combat, but weak story. I can see where people are coming from on the second point, but personally I enjoy the story, and I love most of the characters. If you've never played this before, be aware the combat is a bit simple and potentially off-putting at first but will get much better after Chapter 1, the Child Arc.

While I absolutely do not think the Collector's Edition is worth the money, I decided to splurge as it's my favorite title. The art book and audio files can be viewed through a separate application from the main game instead of just being provided the mp3 and pdf versions as I had expected. It works okay, but I can't help but feel like they are withholding the source documents in an easily accessible format to avoid piracy, and it rubs me the wrong way to be treated like a criminal after shelling out $20 for a digital art book and some forgettable music (along with a herb set and the ability to play some music from other games in battle). I did go through the art book and it contains most, if not all, of the character stills used in skits, some sketches, some town concepts, and towards the end there are some more interesting promo art and other art styles that aren't in the game.

Overall I think it's a great remaster of a great title and think it's worth buying at full price, but Tales games generally get pretty steep discounts if you wait long enough. I do not recommend purchasing the Collector's Edition.

This game first came to the west in 2012 on the PS3 (the original Wii version wasn't localized). I remember thinking back then that this was my favorite Tales game, and none of the games since have have shaken that belief. However, it's been over a decade, and I always wondered if this game would still hold up. I haven't beaten the game yet, but I think I've played enough to confirm that it is still my favorite! On top of that, I think the remaster did a great job given the source material being the Wii, which had a 480p resolution. I remember thinking the scenery in the PS3 version looked very poor, and now I think it looks decent for the times. Don't get me wrong, it's not going to beat Tales of Arise in the graphics department, but it certainly isn't breaking my immersion like it used to. I also heard they recorded new voice lines, but couldn't get the original VA for Cheria, Laura Bailey. I haven't noticed any differences in her voice or anyone else's yet. I remember the new voice lines on Vesperia being so jarring I had to switch to Japanese. Beyond the graphical improvements, the remaster also provides you access to the grade shop and enough grade to purchase every item before you start, if you so choose. I do not think you can purchase additional items during your playthrough, so be sure to purchase what you think you might want. You can turn most of the effects on and off through the options menu, and the game will tell you which ones will be permanently on when purchasing. It also includes a bunch of free DLC. I remember back on the PS3, these costume DLCs cost $4... per costume... PER CHARACTER! Just getting the school outfits cost $28 back then. Thankfully DLC prices on more recent titles are more reasonable. The common sentiment of this game in relation to the rest of the series is that it has the best combat, but weak story. I can see where people are coming from on the second point, but personally I enjoy the story, and I love most of the characters. If you've never played this before, be aware the combat is a bit simple and potentially off-putting at first but will get much better after Chapter 1, the Child Arc. While I absolutely do not think the Collector's Edition is worth the money, I decided to splurge as it's my favorite title. The art book and audio files can be viewed through a separate application from the main game instead of just being provided the mp3 and pdf versions as I had expected. It works okay, but I can't help but feel like they are withholding the source documents in an easily accessible format to avoid piracy, and it rubs me the wrong way to be treated like a criminal after shelling out $20 for a digital art book and some forgettable music (along with a herb set and the ability to play some music from other games in battle). I did go through the art book and it contains most, if not all, of the character stills used in skits, some sketches, some town concepts, and towards the end there are some more interesting promo art and other art styles that aren't in the game. Overall I think it's a great remaster of a great title and think it's worth buying at full price, but Tales games generally get pretty steep discounts if you wait long enough. I do not recommend purchasing the Collector's Edition.