Tales of Graces f Remastered

The narrative of Tales of Graces f Remastered is widely praised for its emotional depth, character-driven storytelling, and thematic richness. Critics like TheXboxHub highlight its engaging exploration of memory loss and friendship, while ZTGD and But Why Tho? emphasize its focus on personal growth and relationships. Digital Chumps and Noisy Pixel commend the game’s well-written cast and unexpected plot twists, with the latter calling it one of the franchise’s best-written narratives. Themes of redemption, sacrifice, and intergenerational trauma resonate strongly, as noted by IGN France and RPG Site, who appreciate the heartwarming focus on protecting loved ones and the nuanced character arcs. GameGrin and SpazioGames praise its ability to avoid common tropes while delivering a compelling, emotionally resonant journey. The story’s emphasis on friendship and connection, as highlighted by Inverse and RPG Fan, further cements its appeal to JRPG fans seeking heartfelt narratives. However, several critics point to significant flaws, including predictability, pacing issues, and underdeveloped elements. Cubed3 and RPGamer criticize the inconsistent writing and lack of depth in character motivations, while Riot Pixels and Wccftech label the narrative as one of the weakest in the Tales series, citing absurd plot twists and poor execution. GLHF on Sports Illustrated and Gameliner note uneven pacing, with a slow prologue and confusing time skips, while Jeuxvideo.com and God is a Geek describe the story as naive and overly reliant on JRPG clichés. GamingTrend and Shacknews acknowledge the political backdrop and character dynamics but argue that the narrative’s predictability and lack of originality detract from its impact. Additionally, COGconnected and GameBlast highlight problematic character decisions and underwhelming emotional beats, suggesting the story struggles to fully capitalize on its potential. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Tales of Graces f Remastered’s story remains a standout feature, even if it doesn’t break new ground. While TheSixthAxis and Push Square note that the narrative takes time to shine, they praise its endearing characters and evolving themes. Nintendo Life and TierraGamer emphasize the emotional growth of the protagonists, and Checkpoint Gaming appreciates the thought-provoking themes of empathy and personal struggle. Though some critics, like Worth Playing and Riot Pixels, find the plot basic or unremarkable, the majority agree that the game’s focus on relationships, moral dilemmas, and character development elevates it above generic JRPG fare. The remaster’s inclusion of additional DLC, as noted by PlayStation Universe, further enriches the story, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre, even if it doesn’t fully escape its own tropes.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Tales of Graces f Remastered, particularly highlighting its dynamic and engaging combat system. Many reviewers noted the unique Style Shift Linear Motion Battle System, which allows players to switch between different combat styles, offering a level of versatility and strategy that sets it apart from other JRPGs. For instance, Gamedot and RPG Fan both emphasized that the combat system is the heart of the experience, blending action and traditional RPG elements in a way that requires tactical thinking and skill. Gameliner and GamingTrend praised the variety of techniques, the CC meter, and the ability to customize attacks, while CGMagazine called the combat system the best among Tales of titles, noting its fast-paced 3D arena-style battles and in-depth item synthesis. God is a Geek and XboxEra also highlighted the fun and rewarding nature of the combat, with a strong focus on combo systems and character progression through titles. However, several critics pointed out that the gameplay feels somewhat outdated or clunky, especially when compared to modern titles. GLHF from Sports Illustrated criticized the combat as "clunky and unintuitive," citing issues with the targeting system and unclear job mechanics. Shacknews and Hooked Gamers noted that while the system is complex and action-oriented, it has aged poorly and can be frustrating due to its lack of polish. Impulsegamer and ElDesmarque mentioned specific issues like awkward movesets and difficulty in chaining attacks, which can disrupt the flow of combat. Additionally, SpazioGames and Siliconera pointed out that some simplifications in the remaster may not appeal to purists, and IGN France noted that while the system was innovative at the time, it may feel dated to players accustomed to more modern mechanics. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Tales of Graces f Remastered delivers a strong and engaging gameplay experience, especially for fans of the series. While some noted that the combat system has aged and may require adjustment, many praised its depth, customization, and strategic elements. GamingBolt and Checkpoint Gaming emphasized the variety of mechanics, from treasure puzzles to the Dualizing and Eleth Mixer systems, which add layers to the gameplay. Worth Playing and Vandal highlighted the Chain Capacity system as a standout feature, offering a rewarding and varied combat experience. With quality-of-life improvements and a remaster that retains the core of the original, the game remains a compelling entry in the Tales of franchise, with a gameplay loop that many found to be both satisfying and worth revisiting.

The remastered version of Tales of Graces f receives widespread praise for its visual upgrades and the preservation of its signature anime-style aesthetic. Critics like CGMagazine and GamersRD highlight the 4K resolution and 60fps performance on PS5, noting that the game’s vibrant colors, vivid textures, and smooth animations make it visually appealing for modern systems. Checkpoint Gaming and Digital Chumps commend the graphical overhaul, emphasizing enhanced lighting, clarity, and the consistent 60-FPS frame rate even during combat. The XboxHub and GAMES.CH appreciate the charm of the original’s anime cutscenes and the nostalgic appeal of its stylized design, while RPG Fan and TheSixthAxis praise the watercolor visuals and the balance between chibi-inspired character models and realistic elements. Cubed3 and Worth Playing also note the improved technical execution, with crisp visuals and a stable frame rate that elevate the experience without overhauling the original’s art direction. These reviews collectively underscore the remaster’s success in modernizing the game’s presentation while respecting its 2000s-era charm. However, several critics point out the limitations of the remaster, particularly its reliance on older hardware and the resulting dated visuals. Jeuxvideo.com and MGG criticize the game’s textures and arena design as showing their age, with RPGamer describing the world as visually uninteresting and filled with generic biomes. GamingBolt and Hobby Consolas mention technical issues like awkward facial expressions, screen tearing, and basic models that feel stiff or underdeveloped by modern standards. Vandal and Wccftech note that the improvements are modest, with minimal changes to the original’s design, while God is a Geek and COGconnected highlight underwhelming environments and a lack of modernization. Nintendo Life and Cubed3 also point to dated animations, and Riot Pixels argues the game fails to leverage modern capabilities effectively, leaving its visual design feeling outdated despite the resolution bump. These critiques suggest the remaster’s visuals, while functional, struggle to keep pace with contemporary JRPGs. The overall consensus among critics is that Tales of Graces f Remastered is a competent and respectful update that balances nostalgia with modern enhancements. While TheXboxHub and GAMES.CH appreciate the charm of the original’s art style, they acknowledge its age, and RPG Site and SpazioGames note that the aesthetic design successfully realizes the game’s world, even if it lacks groundbreaking innovation. The remaster’s performance varies slightly across platforms, with Nintendo Insider pointing to a 30fps lock on Switch as a drawback, but most agree that the visual upgrades—such as higher resolution, brighter colors, and improved textures—make it a worthwhile experience. IGN France and TheSixthAxis emphasize the stability of 60fps and the retention of the game’s unique watercolor and cell-shaded visuals, which, while not revolutionary, are effective in maintaining the game’s identity. Despite its flaws, the remaster is seen as a solid effort that honors the original’s artistic direction while making it accessible to modern audiences.

The majority of critics highlight the sound design and music of Tales of Graces f Remastered as a strong, immersive component that enhances the game’s overall experience. TheXboxHub praises the “stirring battle music and well-executed sound effects,” while GameGrin emphasizes the “grand orchestral music” that adds suspense and an epic feel, particularly during intense moments. ZTGD and RPG Site commend Motoi Sakuraba’s “memorable melodies” and “signature styles,” noting how the soundtrack aligns with the game’s atmosphere and JRPG aesthetic. Digital Chumps and Player 2 describe the musical score as “swelling” and “sensational,” respectively, with the latter highlighting its ability to complement the melodramatic narrative. Additionally, several reviewers, including GamersRD and NintendoWorldReport, appreciate the “catchy” and “well-executed” voice acting, with the inclusion of English, Japanese, and Spanish options enriching the storytelling. The remaster’s faithful recreation of the original audio, as noted by ElDesmarque and Hobby Consolas, is seen as a positive, with the soundtrack’s consistency praised for maintaining the game’s identity. However, some critics point to limitations and areas for improvement in the audio elements. Digital Chumps suggests that “new compositions could have been beneficial,” while Hobby Consolas describes the soundtrack as “correct but unremarkable,” and COGconnected calls it “milquetoast,” lacking memorable tracks. XboxEra explicitly states the music “fails to stand out,” and RPG Fan notes that while the score supports the atmosphere, it “may not rank among the greatest JRPG music.” Issues with voice acting also surface, with RPG Fan and RPGamer mentioning “late noughts hesitancy” and “awkward” English dubs, respectively. GameBlast criticizes the lack of information about the music and voices in the museum, as well as missing subtitles for some battle lines, while GamingTrend points to occasional tonal clashes between voice acting and the story. These critiques suggest that while the audio is functional, it doesn’t consistently elevate the experience beyond its genre’s expectations. Despite mixed reactions, the overall consensus leans toward the audio being a solid, if unspectacular, addition to the remaster. Most reviewers agree that the soundtrack, though not groundbreaking, effectively complements the game’s JRPG style, with its battle themes and orchestral arrangements praised for their atmosphere and pacing. Voice acting receives more varied feedback, with high praise for Japanese performances and some appreciation for English dubs, though technical flaws and tonal inconsistencies are noted. The remaster’s audio is generally seen as a faithful recreation of the original, with few complaints about its quality despite a lack of modern reworkings. While not universally lauded, the sound design and music are considered adequate for the game’s narrative and gameplay, with critics like RPG Site and TheXboxHub emphasizing their role in enhancing immersion, even if they don’t leave a lasting impression.

The overall sentiment toward the voice acting in Tales of Graces f Remastered is largely positive, with many critics praising the quality and expressiveness of the performances. TheXboxHub highlights that the voice acting is "commendable," noting that actors effectively convey their characters and emotions. Digital Chumps and GamersRD both recognize the high quality of the voice acting, with the former emphasizing the availability of both Japanese and English dialogue for an authentic experience and the latter stating that it enhances immersion. GamingBolt commends the strong voice talent, particularly mentioning Laura Bailey and Cassandra Lee Morris, while RPG Fan acknowledges the high quality of the English dub, noting Cassandra Lee Morris's nuanced performance as a standout. Additionally, Push Square and Vandal appreciate the flexibility of switching between voiceovers, and Nintendo Insider and NintendoWorldReport both praise the Japanese voice actors for their excellent portrayal of characters. However, some critics express reservations about the English voice acting, pointing out that it can feel dated or uneven. Checkpoint Gaming describes the English voice acting as "below-average and mediocre," suggesting that it fails to showcase the cast's potential. RPG Fan also notes that while generally high quality, there are moments of "late noughts hesitancy and occasional campiness." TheSixthAxis mentions that the English dub "may feel dated but adds to the charm," and COGconnected points out that the voice acting "varies," with decent performances improving after the first timeskip. GameBlast criticizes the lack of subtitles for some battle lines, which could reduce clarity, and RPGamer notes that line delivery can be "awkward, particularly during cutscenes," which may detract from the overall experience. Despite these mixed opinions, the majority of critics agree that the voice acting contributes positively to the game, especially when considering the availability of both Japanese and English options. While some find the English dub to be uneven or dated, others appreciate its charm and the talent of the voice actors. The ability to switch between languages is widely seen as a beneficial feature, enhancing accessibility and immersion for a broader audience. Overall, the voice acting in Tales of Graces f Remastered is viewed as a strong component of the game, with the Japanese dub often receiving more consistent praise, while the English dub is seen as a mixed bag with notable strengths and some flaws.

The technical performance of Tales of Graces f Remastered is largely praised across platforms, with notable positives for each. On the Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub and ZTGD highlight smooth gameplay with minor issues like monster pop-in and consistent frame rates, respectively. The PS5 version receives widespread acclaim, with CGMagazine, Checkpoint Gaming, and Noisy Pixel praising its stable 60fps, quick load times, and quality-of-life improvements such as autosaves and clearer objectives. Nintendo Switch reviewers like Cubed3 and TierraGamer note polished performance with minimized load times and stable frame rates, though Nintendo Insider acknowledges a 30fps lock that affects fluidity. On PC, GameBlast, Impulsegamer, and Wccftech commend smooth 60–120fps performance, graphical customization, and reduced loading times, while IGN Turkey and Siliconera address past issues like long load times. Overall, the remaster’s technical foundation is seen as robust, with platform-specific optimizations enhancing accessibility and stability. However, the Nintendo Switch version faces consistent criticism for its 30fps cap and frequent load screens, as noted by Nintendo Insider and Nintendo Life, which detract from the experience compared to higher-end platforms. On PS5, while most critics praise stability, Checkpoint Gaming and Hobby Consolas mention pacing issues and minor AI glitches in combat, respectively. PC reviewers like COGconnected and GamingTrend note minor drawbacks, such as the fixed camera hindering navigation or occasional framerate hiccups, though these are framed as minor. Additionally, some critics, including Jeuxvideo.com and IGN France, highlight that the Switch’s technical limitations—such as lower resolution and frame rate—remain evident despite the remaster’s enhancements. These issues underscore the challenges of porting a 2010s-era title to modern hardware, particularly on less powerful platforms. The overall consensus among critics is that Tales of Graces f Remastered delivers a technically solid experience, with the PS5 and PC versions excelling in performance and accessibility. The PS5 and PC versions are lauded for their stability, graphical enhancements, and quality-of-life updates, while the Switch version, though functional, struggles with frame rate and load times. Despite these disparities, the remaster is widely seen as a successful overhaul, with improvements like autosaves, faster load times, and refined controls enhancing the core gameplay. While the Switch’s technical limitations are a notable drawback, the game’s technical performance is generally deemed satisfactory across platforms, with critics like IGN France and RPG Site acknowledging its stability and polish. The mixed reception highlights the trade-offs of remastering older titles, but the majority of reviews agree that the technical foundation is strong enough to support a rewarding experience.

The overall sentiment among critics regarding the replay value of Tales of Graces f Remastered is largely positive, with many highlighting its robust customization options and extensive content. The Grade Shop (or "Magasin+" in some reviews) is frequently cited as a key feature that enhances replayability, allowing players to adjust difficulty, experience points, and other mechanics to suit their preferences, as noted by CGMagazine, Gameliner, and Jeuxvideo.com. Additionally, the game’s side quests, mini-games, and optional content—such as the "Trials of Grace" mode, "Lignée & Héritage" epilogue, and a variety of collectibles—offer significant depth, with GamingBolt emphasizing that these elements can provide "hundreds of hours of playtime" and RPG Site pointing to activities like cooking and crafting as engaging diversions. TheXboxHub and But Why Tho? also praise the game’s vast world and narrative-driven side stories, while GameGrin and RPG Fan note the long-term appeal of unlocking titles and exploring character progression. For completionists, the bonus content and DLCs (over 80, per Jeuxvideo.com) and the New Game+ mode (mentioned by GameBlast and RPGamer) create a compelling reason to revisit the game, with Siliconera specifically calling out the endgame challenges and collectibles as a draw for those seeking over 100 hours of engagement. However, several critics express reservations about the game’s replay value, particularly for those already familiar with the original. ElDesmarque and Vandal argue that the remaster lacks significant new content, making it less appealing to returning players, while God is a Geek criticizes the predictable story and one-dimensional characters as potential deterrents for multiple playthroughs. IGN France and RPG Site mention backtracking and linear pacing as minor annoyances that could diminish the experience on repeat plays, and Worth Playing notes the game’s repetitiveness despite its customization features. Player 2 and Atomix also suggest that the remaster may not offer enough fresh incentives for those who have already played the original, with Atomix pointing to the absence of new content as a drawback. These critiques indicate that while the game’s systems are designed to support replayability, its core design and narrative may not sustain long-term interest for all players. The overall consensus among critics is that Tales of Graces f Remastered provides a decent to strong replay value for JRPG fans, particularly through its customization tools and content variety, but it falls short of being a groundbreaking or essential re-release. While GamingBolt and RPG Fan celebrate the deep combat system and Grade Shop as major assets, others like IGN France and God is a Geek acknowledge limitations in narrative and structure. The game’s appeal to newcomers and nostalgia-seekers is a recurring theme, with TheXboxHub and SpazioGames noting that the remaster’s accessibility and quality-of-life improvements (e.g., skippable dialogues, DLC inclusions) make it a worthwhile revisit. However, the lack of substantial new content and repetitive elements mean that its replay value is more niche, catering to those who prioritize customization and exploration over fresh storytelling. Most agree that it’s a solid addition for the series, but not a must-play for all, as seen in the mixed takes from GLHF and Riot Pixels, who question its long-term appeal.