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Tales of Xillia Preview
Five Reasons Why You Should Be Excited for Tales of Xillia.
Whether you began with Tales of Phantasia or got into the series with later entries like Tales of Symphonia you should be pleased to know that the latest to hit western shores, Tales of Xillia, has a lot to offer. Here are five reasons why you should be looking forward to the latest in this series:
1. Two Main Protagonists With Unique Perspectives.
Tales of Xillia begins by letting players choose between one of two primary protagonists, a first for the series. The first is 15-year-old medical student Jude Mathis. Known as a calm yet meddling student, his adventure begins when he stumbles upon the other main protagonist, Milla Maxwell, as they both discover military research that will endanger the world as they know it. This research involves spirits who are a big part of Milla’s story. Milla is a 20-year-old girl who can control and summon the four primary elemental spirits (Efreet, Gnome, Sylph and Undine).
Depending on which character you choose at the beginning, you will be given unique perspectives on the story's unfolding events. Throughout the story Jude is discovering things about himself and will grow as a character as the story continues. Milla on the other hand knows what her goal is from the get-go, and will take whatever action she needs to in order to carry out her mission. Hideo Baba, the director of the game, states that newcomers might enjoy the Jude perspective a bit more, while veterans (and specifically, fans of Yuri from Tales of Vesperia) might prefer Milla’s perspective. Some might be happy to know that both characters also have unique battle themes.
2. An Interesting Cast of Characters.
The Tales games are also known for their colorful and memorable supporting casts. Xillia is no exception. Alongside Jude and Milla in this adventure will be four other characters. Alvin is a 26-year-old mercenary who has a mature yet friendly demeanor and dual wields a sword and gun in battle. Leia Rolando is a childhood friend of Jude’s and is also an apprentice nurse. Elize Lutus is a 12-year-old girl who Jude rescues during the story. Though shy, she becomes very attached to Jude for rescuing her. Lastly there is Rowen Illbert, a 62-year-old butler who uses magic to defeat foes.
3. A Huge, Expansive World to Explore (in full 3rd Person Perspective)
Tales of Xillia takes place in the world Rieze Maxia, a world where humans co-exist with both spirits and monsters. The spirits in this world are said to grant wishes. The world has two primary countries who are competing for power. Rashugal is an empire that uses Spirit Power to gain its prosperity, while Jule is a country whose power comes from their military strength and control of the monsters that roam the world.
Tales of Xillia is the first to be seen from the complete 3rd person perspective, as opposed to overhead. The game still features a large overworld with many dungeons and towns to explore. Players can expect a large, expansive story which will likely take 50+ hours to complete.
4. The Dual-Raid Linear Motion Battle System
Tales games have been applauded for their fast-paced and fun battle systems, and Xillia's Dual-Raid Linear Motion Battle System is lookin' good. As seen in Abyss and Vesperia, characters are locked in a 2D plane with enemies, but can move freely around the battlefield with free run. The catch in this game is that now by partnering up with characters in battle, you have access to special “Link Artes” which are activated when two linked characters activate certain moves in battle.
Technical Points (TP), known in most Tales games regarding Arte usage, return in Xillia as well as a new system called the Assault Counter (AC). This gauge, similar to the Chain Capacity system from Tales of Graces f, is used to chain attacks together as long as there are AC points available.
5. An In-Depth Growth Point System
The growth point system may remind some of the sphere grid from Final Fantasy X, or the upgrade tree from Final Fantasy XIII. Known as Lilium Orbs, these web-like skill trees will allow you to upgrade your characters. Players use Growth Points (or GP) to enhance one of six stats: vitality, strength, spirit, agility, intelligence and dexterity. This grid also has nodes that contain new artes and skills that can be unlocked by connecting adjacent nodes. This system seems to make the leveling up system even more engaging.
Tales of Xillia will be released for the PlayStation 3 on August 6, 2013.
Are you excited for Tales of Xillia? Let us know in the comments section below!
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