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MONSTER

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
Item: Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJan 10, 2019

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperBandai Namco Games, QLOC

Overview

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is a remaster of the expanded Playstation 3 port of the original game, which was exclusive to Japan. Dive into the definitive version of this game with updated full-HD graphics, brand-new music tracks, exciting mini-games, bosses and more! Two more playable characters join the fray! - Patty Fleur, a cheerful and tough young pirate girl in search of treasure, adventure… and her forgotten memories. - Flynn Scifo, Yuri’s best friend and an Imperial Knight, now joins the rest on their journey! A power struggle begins in a civilization dependent on an ancient technology, the blastia, and the Empire that controls it. The fates of two friends traveling separate paths intertwine in an epic adventure that threatens the existence of all.

Elsewhere

7.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition are varied, but overall positive. Many critics praise the engaging and original story, with well-written characters and solid voice work. Nintendo Life commends the well-developed characters and their contribution to the genre, while NintendoWorldReport highlights the likable characters and their growth throughout the game. TheSixthAxis appreciates the well-told story with moments of comedy and seriousness, and Critical Hit finds the story engaging and fun. These positive opinions indicate that the story of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition successfully captures the attention of players and offers a compelling narrative. However, there are some critics who express more mixed opinions about the story. Worth Playing criticizes the inconsistency of the story and the dropping of interesting plot threads in favor of generic JRPG elements. TrueAchievements finds the story to be full of surface-level JRPG and anime tropes, lacking originality and depth. Games.cz states that the story offers nothing new and struggles to hold the player's attention, with underdeveloped characters sticking to their archetypes. These criticisms suggest that while the story of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition may have some flaws, it still manages to engage players to a certain extent. Taking into account the overall consensus of the critics, the story of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is generally well-received. The positive aspects of the story include its engaging and original nature, well-written characters, and solid voice work. Critics such as CGMagazine, GameSpace, and Nintendo Insider highlight these positive elements. However, there are also criticisms regarding the story's inconsistency, generic elements, and lack of originality, as mentioned by Worth Playing, TrueAchievements, and Games.cz. Despite these mixed opinions, the majority of critics find the story of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition to be compelling, with likable characters and moments of comedy and seriousness. Overall, the story of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition seems to have a strong foundation, but with some room for improvement.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have varying opinions on Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition's story, but most praise its engaging narrative, well-written characters, and solid voice work. Some critics commend the character development and genre contribution, while others criticize inconsistencies and lack of originality. Despite mixed feedback, the majority find the story compelling with likable characters. Overall, while the story has its flaws, it successfully captures players' attention with its compelling narrative.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. The combat system receives praise from several critics, with COGconnected describing it as "solid and action-based" and Nintendo Insider noting its "fast-paced real-time" nature. RPG Fan also praises the battle system as the game's "crowning achievement," highlighting its tight combat and the ability to equip more artes. Twinfinite adds that the combat is fast-paced and brisk, with each character playing differently and having a wealth of artes to choose from. The ability to move freely around the battlefield and customize allied AI adds depth to the combat, as mentioned by NintendoWorldReport. The variety of weapons and artes, along with the skill system, keeps the gameplay fresh for longtime fans, according to Twinfinite. However, there are also critics who express negative opinions about the combat system. GameSpace finds the combat mechanics to be "clunky and stilted," making it difficult to sync with the fights. Switch Player describes the combat as "clunky and unresponsive," with some dated mechanics. Vooks also mentions that the combat system can be frustrating at times, with enemies attacking at different intervals and framerate issues. GameSpew adds that the combat system feels "dated and clunky," with delays and limited movement. Destructoid criticizes the control scheme as awkward and switching targets in combat as irritating. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the combat system in Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition has its strengths and weaknesses. While some critics highlight the fast-paced and engaging nature of the combat, others find it clunky and unresponsive. The ability to customize party composition, equip various artes, and control multiple party members is seen as positive aspects of the gameplay. However, there are also concerns about the dated mechanics, control scheme, and difficulty spikes. Despite the mixed opinions, the majority of critics acknowledge the depth and strategy present in the combat system, making it an enjoyable aspect of the game for fans of the RPG genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition. Some praise its fast-paced and customizable combat system, while others find it clunky and dated. The game offers depth and strategy in combat, but issues like control schemes and difficulty spikes divide critics. Overall, the combat system has strengths and weaknesses, appealing to RPG fans despite its flaws.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition are generally positive. Many critics praise the game's cel-shaded anime art style, with CGMagazine stating that the visuals "still hold up after 10 years" and COGconnected describing it as "beautiful." The cel-shaded graphics are also highlighted as aging well, with Impulsegamer mentioning that the characters and combat look great with the graphical upgrade. Nintendo Insider finds the visuals charming and delightful, while NintendoWorldReport notes that the anime art style is not overused and timed well during anime moments. Twinfinite adds that the visual upgrade enhances the already anime-esque cel-shaded art style, making everything pop. However, there are some criticisms mentioned by the critics. Nintendo Life points out that some assets look jaggy in close-up cutscenes, and Vooks mentions the presence of jaggy edges and framerate issues. Digital Chumps criticizes the character animations for being choppy and lacking diversity in movement and facial features, while also mentioning poorly animated slapstick humor. Destructoid notes that while the art style and character designs hold up well, the environments are rooted in a previous technological era. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the cel-shaded visuals of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition are still appealing and hold up well. The game's art style is praised for its vibrant and beautiful aesthetic, with Critical Hit even considering it one of the best-looking Tales games. The remastered graphics are mentioned positively by Worth Playing, GameSpew, and GamingTrend. While there are some criticisms regarding specific aspects such as jaggy edges, framerate issues, and choppy animations, the overall sentiment is that the graphics and visual design of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition are enjoyable and enhance the gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics generally praise the cel-shaded anime art style of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition, highlighting its vibrant and beautiful aesthetic that still holds up well after 10 years. Some critics note jaggy edges, framerate issues, and choppy animations, but overall, the graphics enhance the gameplay experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics have positive opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition. CGMagazine praises the fantasy-themed score, while COGconnected highlights the great opening sequence and soundtrack, along with full voice acting in both English and Japanese. Nintendo Life mentions the well-done voiceover with tongue-in-cheek humor. NintendoWorldReport describes the music as fantastic, with a special focus on the battle theme. Easy Allies and Digital Chumps both mention the impressive soundtrack that sets the mood at each turn. These positive opinions indicate that the Sound Design and Music of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition are generally well-received by the critics. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by a few critics. RPG Fan states that the new voice acting and sound mixing have mixed results, with some characters sounding similar to the original voices and others sounding completely different. The sound mixing is also inconsistent. Worth Playing comments on the noticeable difference in voice acting between the remastered and original content, which can be jarring. Gamers Heroes mentions a discrepancy in the voice acting for the main character, Yuri Lowell. These negative points suggest that there are some inconsistencies and discrepancies in the Sound Design and Music of the game. Overall, the critics' consensus leans towards the positive side. The praise for the fantasy-themed score, great opening sequence, well-done voiceover, and fantastic music indicates that the Sound Design and Music of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition are generally well-received. While there are some negative points raised, such as mixed results in voice acting and sound mixing, noticeable differences in voice acting, and discrepancies in character voices, these seem to be minor issues compared to the overall positive reception. The positive opinions outweigh the negatives, suggesting that the Sound Design and Music contribute positively to the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics generally praise the Sound Design and Music of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition for its fantasy-themed score, great opening sequence, and full voice acting in English and Japanese. While some critics mention inconsistencies like mixed results in voice acting and sound mixing, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting the fantastic music that enhances the game experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition are generally positive. Multiple critics, such as GameSpace, Impulsegamer, Nintendo Insider, Nintendo Life, and Softpedia, praise the voice acting, stating that it is well done, perfect, talented, and adds depth to the game. The inclusion of both English and Japanese voice acting options is also seen as a positive aspect by critics like COGconnected, Nintendo Insider, and Vooks. The talented performance of Troy Baker as Yuri Lowell is specifically mentioned by Nintendo Life, highlighting his contribution to the depth of the characters. The overall consensus among these positive reviews is that the voice acting in Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is well-executed and enhances the overall experience of the game. However, there are a few negative opinions regarding the voice acting in the game. Twinfinite mentions that the Definitive Edition features different voice actors for some characters in the additional scenes, which can initially be off-putting. This discrepancy in voice acting for the main character, Yuri Lowell, is also mentioned by Gamers Heroes, suggesting that it can be jarring for players. Worth Playing recommends playing in Japanese to avoid sudden shifts in voices or voice actors, indicating that the remastered content's voice acting differs noticeably from the original content. These negative opinions highlight the potential inconsistency or jarring experience that players may encounter with the voice acting in certain aspects of the game. Overall, the majority of critics express positive sentiments towards the voice acting in Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition. They appreciate the well-executed performances, the addition of both English and Japanese voice acting options, and the depth that the voice acting brings to the characters. While there are a few negative opinions regarding the discrepancy in voice actors and potential inconsistency, these criticisms do not overshadow the overall positive consensus among the critics. The voice acting in Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is generally regarded as a strong aspect of the game, contributing to its immersive and engaging experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about the voice acting in Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition, praising its talent, depth, and dual language options. Troy Baker's performance as Yuri Lowell stands out. However, some critics note discrepancies in voice actors for additional scenes, which can be jarring. Despite this, the majority agree that the voice acting enhances the game's overall experience, making it immersive and engaging.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, the majority of critics found Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition to run smoothly. CGMagazine commends the game for performing well on the Switch, with only some frame rate hiccups in handheld mode. Nintendo Life also praises the game, stating that it runs brilliantly in both handheld and docked modes. Twinfinite further supports this sentiment, mentioning silky smooth controls even in handheld mode, with only minor frame rate issues on the world map. These positive reviews indicate that the game generally performs well on the Nintendo Switch, providing an enjoyable experience for players. However, there were some criticisms regarding the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. RPG Fan notes that while battles run smoothly at 60 FPS, there are frame rate dips in certain towns with lots of NPCs or during rain. Vooks also mentions frame rate issues, especially in handheld mode, which can slow down during intense activity on screen. The SixthAxis goes as far as mentioning performance issues on the Nintendo Switch version without providing specific details. These negative comments suggest that there are occasional technical shortcomings that players may encounter while playing Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition on the Switch. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the technical performance of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is generally positive across all gaming platforms. The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, with only minor frame rate drops and occasional hiccups mentioned by some critics. The positive comments from COGconnected, Twinfinite, and Nintendo Life highlight the game's overall solid performance on the Switch. On the other hand, RPG Fan and Vooks point out specific instances where frame rate issues occur, indicating that there are some technical limitations on the Switch version. It is worth noting that the Xbox One and PS4 versions of the game are also mentioned by critics, with Gaming Age stating that they run just as well and Easy Allies and PlayStation LifeStyle mentioning occasional performance dips but overall smooth action on these platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics generally praise Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition for running smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, with minor frame rate hiccups in handheld mode. However, some note occasional dips in performance in certain towns and during intense scenes. Overall, the game provides an enjoyable experience on the Switch, despite some technical shortcomings. Other platforms like Xbox One and PS4 also offer solid performance with occasional dips.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition are generally positive. Many critics, such as Nintendo Insider and RPG Fan, highlight the game's abundance of optional quests, hidden treasures, side content, and new additions, including costumes, skits, sidequests, dungeons, and bosses. They believe that these elements provide a compelling reason for both returning players and newcomers to revisit the game. Additionally, critics like GameSpew and Gamers Heroes emphasize the game's extensive content, with enough activities and customization options to keep JRPG fans happy. The addition of new playable characters, a new side story, and additional dungeons, as mentioned by TrueAchievements and PlayStation LifeStyle, also contribute to the game's replay value. On the negative side, some critics point out certain aspects that may detract from the overall replay value. Worth Playing mentions that the story feels too spread out, potentially affecting the game's overall cohesiveness. They also note that the battle system can be inconsistent. PlayStation Universe mentions that while the sidequests and extras enhance the narrative, completing them may require extra exploration and can be cumbersome. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition offers a high level of replay value. The game's abundance of optional quests, hidden treasures, side content, and new additions provide players with plenty of reasons to revisit the game. The extensive content, including new playable characters, side stories, and additional dungeons, is also seen as a positive aspect. However, there are some concerns about the spread-out nature of the story and the potential inconvenience of completing certain sidequests. Nevertheless, the majority of critics agree that the game is Worth Playing, particularly for fans of traditional JRPGs and Tales series enthusiasts.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition for its rich replay value due to optional quests, hidden treasures, and new content like costumes and characters. While some mention issues with story cohesion and gameplay inconsistency, the game is deemed worth playing for JRPG fans and Tales series enthusiasts.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the overall verdict of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition, it is evident that the game has received mostly positive feedback. Many critics praise the game for its engaging story, enjoyable characters, and solid gameplay mechanics. CGMagazine describes it as a "fantastic JRPG" and one of the best entries in the franchise, while Impulsegamer highlights its fast-paced combat system and solid story. Nintendo Insider considers it one of the best RPGs on the Nintendo Switch, highly recommending it. These positive reviews indicate that the game successfully captures the essence of the Tales series and offers a satisfying experience for fans of the genre. However, there are some criticisms raised by certain critics. GameSpace mentions that the clunky combat mechanics hold the game back, while GameSpew states that the combat feels less enjoyable and the game lacks some modern features. Digital Chumps notes that the game may test the patience of newcomers, rating it lower for them compared to experienced players. Games.cz goes as far as saying that the game fails to offer anything exceptional and may not be recommended, especially for newcomers to the genre. These criticisms suggest that the combat mechanics and lack of innovation may hinder the overall experience for some players. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics is largely positive. Many critics, such as COGconnected, Nintendo Life, Twinfinite, and Critical Hit, highly recommend Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition. They praise its status as a classic JRPG, its solid remastering, and its ability to appeal to both fans of the original release and newcomers to the series. The game's engaging characters, enjoyable gameplay, and the inclusion of all the exclusive content are also highlighted as positive aspects. The majority of critics agree that Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is a worthwhile addition to the Tales series and a must-play for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition impresses with engaging story and characters, solid gameplay mechanics, and fast-paced combat, making it a top JRPG choice for fans. Despite some criticisms on combat and lack of innovation, the game receives high recommendations from various critics as a classic JRPG that appeals to both old and new players.

MONSTER

Reviews

128 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

Xbox One

Feb 1, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition is a great JRPG with intriguing story revelations, active combat, large overworld with side activities, and solid graphics and voice acting. It also offers good replay value. The release of the Definitive Edition rights the wrong of the PS3 version not being available outside of Japan.

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Twinfinite

Nintendo Switch

Jan 14, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is a JRPG worth adding to your collection, offering a brand new experience even for those familiar with the original game. The story, gameplay, and technical performance hold up well, making it one of the biggest Tales experiences to date.

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Critical Hit

PlayStation 4

Feb 7, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is one of the best JRPGs of last generation and a great addition to the Tales series.

Nintendo Insider

Nintendo Switch

Mar 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

One of the best RPGs on the Nintendo Switch, highly recommended.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Jan 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is the best version of the game and a must-play for both newcomers and veterans. Despite some audio issues, it captures the imagination and is one of the best Tales of games ever created.

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Jan 23, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is recommended as a jumping-in point for the series.

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CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Jan 15, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is praised as a fantastic JRPG and one of the best entries in the franchise.

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