Tales of Xillia Remastered

The story of Tales of Xillia Remastered receives widespread praise for its engaging narrative structure, character development, and thematic depth. Critics like GameBlast highlight its focus on dual protagonists Jude and Milla, emphasizing personal stakes and a rich world filled with side missions that deepen the lore. Impulsegamer and Digital Chumps commend the compelling leads and their growth, noting that the game stands out in the JRPG genre with its emotional and mature tone. Gameliner and GamersRD laud the intricate character interactions and intertwined narratives, while But Why Tho? and IGN Spain appreciate the dual-perspective approach, which enriches the plot with contrasting viewpoints and unique missions. Themes of environmentalism, family, and political intrigue, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming and TechRadar Gaming, add layers of complexity, and GAMES.CH praises the story’s twists and character relationships, calling it “belly and engaging.” The game’s charm and relatable characters, highlighted by Loot Level Chill and Starbit, further contribute to its appeal, with many noting the strong cast and memorable moments. However, several critics point to structural and narrative shortcomings. Impulsegamer and Checkpoint Gaming criticize the second half for feeling rushed or disjointed, with Checkpoint Gaming specifically noting issues in Milla’s storyline. Final Weapon and ElDesmarque argue that the story lacks originality, relying on classic JRPG tropes and failing to evolve beyond them. Game8 and TheSixthAxis highlight the underdeveloped dual-protagonist setup, where the paths of Jude and Milla don’t diverge meaningfully, reducing the impact of player choice. Noisy Pixel and Worth Playing mention that the protagonist selection feels arbitrary or inconsistent, while Inverse and Push Square acknowledge the branching paths but suggest they don’t fully capitalize on their potential. These critiques collectively point to a narrative that, while emotionally resonant and well-crafted, struggles with pacing, depth, and innovation in its storytelling mechanics. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Tales of Xillia Remastered delivers a strong, emotionally driven story with a focus on character dynamics and thematic richness, even if it doesn’t break new ground. While GameBlast, Gameliner, and GamersRD emphasize its depth and relatability, others like Impulsegamer and Checkpoint Gaming acknowledge pacing issues and underdeveloped elements. The dual-protagonist system is seen as a double-edged sword—offering unique perspectives but often falling short in delivering distinct narratives. Despite these flaws, the game’s charm, engaging twists, and well-rounded cast (as noted by Loot Level Chill, TechRadar Gaming, and Starbit) ensure it remains a compelling entry in the JRPG genre. Most reviewers agree that while it has room for improvement, the story’s strengths in emotional resonance and world-building make it a worthwhile experience.

The gameplay of Tales of Xillia Remastered is widely praised for its dynamic and innovative combat mechanics, with multiple critics highlighting its strengths. GameBlast and Loot Level Chill emphasize the unique Link system, which fosters character bonding through boosts and joint attacks, adding a layer of tactical depth and engagement. Impulsegamer and Checkpoint Gaming commend the Dual Raid Linear Motion Battle System for its strategic potential, noting its fast-paced, visually striking execution and the ability to swap characters mid-battle, which keeps encounters varied and immersive. Digital Chumps and Inverse laud the system’s responsiveness and complexity, with the remaster’s updates enhancing accessibility without diluting the core experience. The Lilium Orb and GP Grid systems, mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming and Noisy Pixel, respectively, further enrich customization and progression, allowing players to tailor their playstyles. Critics like TheSixthAxis and Starbit also appreciate the rhythm-like flow of battles, driven by linked attacks and real-time action, while Game8 and Gameliner note the rewarding mastery of the combat system, particularly during boss fights. These elements collectively create a robust, engaging, and technically refined gameplay loop that resonates with fans of the series and newcomers alike. However, several critics point to notable drawbacks that temper the overall experience. Impulsegamer and Final Weapon mention enemy variety and difficulty spikes as persistent issues, with the latter noting that repetitive combat can arise from limited enemy types and occasional AI inconsistencies. ElDesmarque and IGN Spain observe that the combat, while innovative for its time, feels somewhat outdated compared to modern action-RPGs, particularly in terms of mechanics and pacing. GamingBolt and Game8 also highlight the repetitiveness of dungeon design and the potential for combat to grow monotonous over time, despite the strategic depth. Additionally, Hobby Consolas’ observation that the AI manages secondary characters during battles raises concerns about the lack of player control in certain scenarios, which might detract from the sense of agency. These critiques suggest that while the gameplay is strong, it occasionally struggles with pacing, variety, and modernization, which could affect long-term enjoyment for some players. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority deeming the gameplay of Tales of Xillia Remastered very good. The Link system, Dual Raid mechanics, and customization options are frequently cited as standout features that elevate the experience, even if they don’t fully align with contemporary standards. While some reviewers, like ElDesmarque and IGN Spain, acknowledge the game’s dated elements, others, such as GameBlast and Inverse, argue that its charm and accessibility make it a compelling entry in the Tales series. The remaster’s quality-of-life improvements, including the Grade Shop and smoother progression systems, are seen as enhancing replayability and appeal. Though challenges like repetition and difficulty spikes exist, the consensus leans toward celebrating the game’s engaging combat, strategic depth, and nostalgic yet refined design, positioning it as a worthwhile experience for fans and newcomers. As IGN France notes, the core gameplay retains its charm, and as Game8 and Gameliner observe, the system’s complexity and variety ensure it remains enjoyable despite its flaws.

The remastered version of Tales of Xillia receives praise for its visual upgrades, particularly in character models, resolution, and art direction. Critics like Impulsegamer highlight sharper character designs and HD cutscenes, while Loot Level Chill and Worth Playing note that the enhancements, though minor, preserve the game’s original charm. Push Square and IGN France commend the improved color saturation, resolution, and "timeless beauty" of the anime-inspired aesthetic, with Inverse emphasizing enhanced environmental details that contribute to a more polished experience. TheSixthAxis and Checkpoint Gaming also appreciate vibrant environments and well-modeled characters, even if some aspects feel slightly outdated. These positive remarks underscore the game’s ability to retain its artistic identity while offering modernized visuals that appeal to fans of the original. However, several critics point to significant shortcomings in the remaster’s graphical fidelity and design. GameBlast criticizes the blurry visuals and limited PC customization, calling it a "basic remaster," while But Why Tho? and Digital Chumps note that character models and environments still reflect their PS3 origins, appearing sparse or lifeless. Checkpoint Gaming and Gameliner describe flat, unappealing environments and outdated textures, with GamerRD and Hobby Consolas pointing to stiff animations and poorly rendered NPCs. ElDesmarque and Starbit argue that the remaster lacks depth due to budget constraints, with the latter mentioning the game runs at 720p on the Switch. These critiques suggest that while the visuals are improved, they fail to fully align with modern standards, leaving some aspects feeling dated or underdeveloped. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging the remaster’s respectful updates while recognizing its limitations. Many, including IGN Spain and Noisy Pixel, appreciate the nostalgic art style and enhanced textures, but agree that the game’s visual design is constrained by its original technical foundation. Final Weapon and Game8 highlight the "faithful visual update" but note environmental repetition and outdated elements. Despite these flaws, Worth Playing and Inverse argue that the remaster successfully modernizes the experience without losing its charm, while Loot Level Chill and Impulsegamer frame the improvements as "minor but appreciated." The reviews collectively suggest that Tales of Xillia Remastered is a step forward for accessibility and presentation but falls short of a comprehensive overhaul, leaving its visuals as a bittersweet blend of nostalgia and compromise.

The Sound Design and Music of Tales of Xillia Remastered received widespread acclaim, with many critics highlighting its emotional resonance and technical strengths. Checkpoint Gaming praised the soundtrack for being "memorable and enhances the game's emotional moments," noting unique tracks for different character routes that enrich the experience. Final Weapon and IGN France both celebrated the music as a standout feature, with the latter emphasizing its "lyrical and melancholic energy" that complements the game's atmosphere. GamersRD and Starbit commended the orchestral themes and sound effects, with the latter stating they contribute to an "immersive atmosphere." Additionally, Worth Playing highlighted the improved sound quality in the remaster, calling the music "excellent" and noting a "mix of classic Tales songs." The inclusion of Motoi Sakuraba’s compositions, a recurring theme in reviews, was frequently lauded for its depth and ability to elevate key narrative moments. However, several critics pointed out flaws in the voice acting and audio implementation. Impulsegamer and Digital Chumps criticized the English dub for being "uneven" or "lacking nuance," with But Why Tho? describing it as "antiquated" and reflective of older audio standards. Game8 noted that while the battle music was strong, some area themes felt "plain," and TechRadar Gaming reported technical issues like "glitches and mixing problems" that affected character voices. Noisy Pixel acknowledged a "strong English dub" but singled out one character’s performance as "less impressive." These critiques suggest that while the Japanese voice acting was consistently praised for its emotional depth and quality, the English dub faced challenges in consistency and modernization, with some audio elements failing to meet expectations. The overall consensus among critics leans positive, with the soundtrack and Japanese voice acting serving as the game’s strongest suits. While the English dub and certain audio elements had mixed reception, the remaster’s enhancements—such as improved sound quality and expanded language options (e.g., Spanish subtitles, German subtitles, as noted by GamersRD and GAMES.CH)—were seen as valuable additions. Hobby Consolas and IGN Spain emphasized the soundtrack’s role in complementing the journey, and Worth Playing and Final Weapon underscored its nostalgic and impactful appeal. Despite technical hiccups and uneven dubbing, the majority of reviews highlighted the remaster’s audio as a significant improvement over the original, with the music and Japanese voice work standing out as essential to its charm and immersion. The critiques of the English dub and minor audio issues, while notable, did not overshadow the broader appreciation for the game’s auditory elements.

The voice acting in Tales of Xillia Remastered receives generally positive feedback, particularly for the Japanese dub, which is consistently praised for its quality and emotional depth. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming highlight the "solid" performances from the main cast, noting how they enhance character interactions and immersion. IGN France and IGN Spain commend both the English and Japanese tracks as "excellent," emphasizing their contribution to character portrayal and storytelling. Hobby Consolas and GAMES.CH also affirm that the voice acting in both languages is well done, enriching the experience. Additionally, GamersRD and GAMES.CH appreciate the inclusion of dual audio options, allowing players to choose between the original Japanese and English dubs, which adds flexibility and caters to diverse preferences. The remaster’s improved sound clarity, as noted by Worth Playing, further elevates the quality of performances, especially for characters like Milla, whose lines are described as more consistent and engaging in the updated version. However, some critics point out flaws in the English dub, which is seen as less polished compared to the Japanese track. Impulsegamer and But Why Tho? criticize the English voice acting for inconsistencies and an "outdated" quality that detracts from emotional moments, while Digital Chumps calls it "subpar." TechRadar Gaming highlights audio mixing issues that occasionally drown out character voices, which could disrupt immersion. Noisy Pixel and Game8 note that while the English dub is generally strong, certain characters like Milla deliver lines that feel "flat" or underwhelming. These critiques suggest that the English dub, though not entirely lacking merit, struggles to match the nuance and polish of the Japanese version, with some performances failing to fully capture the game’s intended tone or character dynamics. The overall consensus among critics leans toward a balanced but nuanced view. While the Japanese voice acting is widely celebrated for its emotional resonance and quality, the English dub has mixed reception, with standout performances (like Matthew Mercer’s work as Alvin, praised by Final Weapon) coexisting with notable shortcomings. The remaster’s enhancements, such as improved sound clarity and dual audio options, are seen as positives that address some of the original game’s flaws. However, the presence of both strong and weak elements in the English dub, coupled with technical issues like audio mixing, creates a divide in opinions. Despite these critiques, many reviewers agree that the voice acting, in both languages, contributes meaningfully to the game’s storytelling, with the Japanese version often regarded as the superior choice. The flexibility to switch between dubs, as highlighted by Starbit, further underscores the game’s accessibility and appeal to a broader audience.

The technical performance of Tales of Xillia Remastered receives generally positive feedback across platforms, with notable improvements in frame rates, load times, and quality-of-life features. On PC, Impulsegamer and Inverse highlight smooth high-FPS performance (up to 120fps) and enhanced graphical detail, while Loot Level Chill and Noisy Pixel praise auto-saving and other convenience updates. For the PS5, multiple critics like Checkpoint Gaming, Digital Chumps, and GamingBolt note stable frame rates and faster load times, with IGN France and Spain acknowledging better texture quality and overall stability. Additionally, Omelete and TheSixthAxis commend the 4K resolution upgrade and improved visuals, even if they fall short of modern benchmarks. These enhancements collectively make the remaster a more polished experience compared to its original PS3 iteration, particularly for players prioritizing performance and accessibility. However, technical shortcomings are evident, especially on the PS5 and Switch. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and GamersRD point to AI upscaling issues causing visual artifacts, while TechRadar Gaming and Hobby Consolas mention awkward animations and audio glitches that detract from immersion. Final Weapon and GamersRD also critique stiff animations, and Gameliner notes minor UI distractions. On the Switch, Starbit criticizes the 30fps target, which feels less smooth than the PS3 version, with frame drops during intense combat scenes. These issues suggest the remaster’s technical foundation is somewhat dated, with some platforms struggling to fully leverage modern hardware capabilities. While the PS5 version benefits from stability and polish, its graphical upgrades are seen as minimal by some, and the Switch’s performance limitations are a significant drawback. Overall, the remaster is viewed as a solid but unremarkable technical upgrade, with the PS5 and PC versions offering the most refined experiences. Critics like Inverse and IGN France emphasize that it respects the original game’s design while improving core mechanics, but others, such as ElDesmarque and GamersRD, argue it lacks the ambition of more recent remasters. The Switch’s performance issues create a clear divide, making it the least favorable platform for technical execution. Despite mixed reactions, the consensus leans toward the remaster being technically competent, with quality-of-life features and smoother performance being its strongest suits. However, the presence of lingering flaws—particularly on PS5 and Switch—indicates that while it’s a welcome update, it doesn’t fully address the limitations of its 2011 origins.

The majority of critics highlight the strong positives in Tales of Xillia Remastered’s replay value, emphasizing features like the dual-character system, optional content, and quality-of-life improvements. GameBlast notes that side missions and character interactions provide a foundation for replayability, while Loot Level Chill praises the Grade Shop for New Game Plus, which allows modifiers to alter gameplay. But Why Tho? and Checkpoint Gaming both commend the dual-protagonist structure, arguing that experiencing the story through Jude and Milla’s perspectives enriches the narrative and justifies multiple playthroughs. Critics like Game8 and GamersRD stress the game’s design for replay, pointing to multiple character routes and extensive optional content, while GamingBolt and Hobby Consolas appreciate the flexibility in choices and the Grade Shop’s role in making revisits easier. IGN France and Spain also note that the nostalgic appeal of classic JRPGs and the extended playtime from second routes make the remaster worth revisiting. Push Square and TechRadar similarly frame the Grade Shop and dual perspectives as key factors in enhancing replayability, especially for fans of the genre. However, several critics express concerns about the limitations of the game’s replay value. ElDesmarque argues that the remaster lacks significant new content or improvements beyond nostalgia, making it less compelling for those not already invested. Final Weapon and TheSixthAxis point out that the similarities between the two protagonists’ routes reduce the novelty of a second playthrough, while Noisy Pixel warns that the early availability of powerful modifiers in the Grade Shop could disrupt balance and diminish the incentive for multiple runs. Worth Playing critiques the game’s linear structure and straightforward gameplay, suggesting that these elements restrict replayability despite the added features. Additionally, Omelete acknowledges that while the Grade Shop and customization options boost replayability, they are not essential, implying that the core experience may not sustain long-term engagement for all players. The overall consensus among critics is that Tales of Xillia Remastered offers a commendable replay value through its dual-protagonist system, Grade Shop, and optional content, but these elements are not universally transformative. While GameBlast, Game8, and GamersRD celebrate the game’s design for multiple playthroughs, others like ElDesmarque and Worth Playing question whether the remaster’s enhancements are enough to justify repeated engagement for new audiences. Noisy Pixel and TheSixthAxis add nuance by pointing out potential drawbacks, such as balance issues or lack of distinct narrative differences, which could dampen the experience for some. Despite these critiques, the majority agree that the remaster is a worthwhile revisit for fans, with its accessibility and nostalgic appeal making it a solid choice for those seeking to explore its story and mechanics again. The mixed reception reflects a balance between appreciating the game’s structural improvements and acknowledging its reliance on existing content to drive replayability.