Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition - A Deep Dive Review on the NS Platform

Hello, Switch players! I'm your old friend, a seasoned gamer who's been navigating the gaming world for over a decade. Today, we're going to talk about the classic Japanese RPG - Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition. As one of the representative works of the Tales series, this game has already earned a good reputation on multiple platforms. So, how does it perform on the Nintendo Switch? Is it worth buying? Let me break it down for you in detail.

1. Introduction to Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

Tales of Vesperia was originally released on the Xbox 360 in 2008 and later ported to other platforms. The Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition includes all the content from previous versions, with HD upgrades and optimizations. This game is highly regarded by players for its engaging story, charming characters, refreshing combat system, and beautiful graphics. The story follows Yuri Lowell, the protagonist, as he embarks on an adventure to solve a city's water crisis, encountering a group of unique companions along the way and facing various challenges and conspiracies together. This game holds an irreplaceable place in the hearts of JRPG fans, and its arrival on the Nintendo Switch allows more players to experience this classic. If a version specifically optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 is released in the future, I believe the graphics and performance will be greatly improved. Considering nintendo switch2 compatibility, we look forward to a better gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.

2. Gameplay Deep Dive: Classic Combat System and Exploration Fun

The core gameplay of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition lies in its classic Linear Motion Battle System. Players can freely move their characters during battle, performing normal attacks, skill releases, defense, and dodges. The combat system is easy to pick up, but a deeper dive reveals a wealth of strategic depth.

2.1 Combat System Explained

• Basic Controls: The game uses a real-time combat system. Players can control character movement with the joystick, use the A button for normal attacks, and the X, Y, and B buttons for different skills. The L button can be used for defense, and the R button for locking on.

• Skill System: Each character in the game has a rich set of skills that can be learned by leveling up and equipping items. Skills are divided into physical skills, magic skills, and support skills. Players can choose the appropriate skills to match their preferences and combat needs.

• Over Limit System: When a character takes damage or successfully attacks an enemy, the Over Limit gauge gradually fills. When the Over Limit gauge is full, the character can enter Over Limit state, which boosts their attack power, defense, and speed, and allows them to unleash powerful Mystic Artes.

• Burst Arts System: Players can accumulate the Burst Arts gauge by continuously attacking enemies. When the Burst Arts gauge is full, they can release a Burst Art, a special skill that deals massive damage to enemies and can inflict various special effects.

• Chain Attacks: Through proper skill combinations and execution, players can unleash gorgeous chain attacks to deal even higher damage to enemies.

2.2 Exploration and Side Quests

In addition to the main story, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition offers a plethora of side quests and hidden elements for players to explore. Side quests usually involve interacting with NPCs, collecting items, or defeating specific enemies. Completing side quests can earn experience points, money, equipment, and new skills. The game also hides some secret locations and hidden bosses that require careful exploration to discover. The exploration element greatly enriches the game's replayability, allowing players to experience more fun outside of the main story. It is worth mentioning that if the Nintendo Switch 2 has sufficient performance, the detail of the maps and loading speeds will be significantly improved, making the exploration experience smoother.

2.3 Comparison with Similar Games

Compared to other JRPGs of the same period, Tales of Vesperia's combat system places more emphasis on operability and strategy. For example, compared to the ATB system of the Final Fantasy series, Tales of Vesperia's combat is more free and real-time. Compared to the combat system of the Star Ocean series, Tales of Vesperia's skill system is richer and more diverse. This unique combat system has earned Tales of Vesperia a large number of fans.

3. Graphics and Sound: A Visual Feast Brought by HD Remastering

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition has undergone HD remastering in terms of graphics, making the game perform even better on the Nintendo Switch. The character models are more detailed, and the details of the scenes are also richer. In terms of sound effects, the game features full voice acting, and the character voice acting is very well done, perfectly interpreting the characters' personalities and emotions. The BGM is also excellent, and can well enhance the game's atmosphere.

3.1 Visual Performance

• HD Remastering: Compared to the original version, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition has undergone HD remastering in terms of graphics, and the resolution has been improved, making the game look clearer on the Nintendo Switch.

• Character Models: The character models are more detailed, and the characters' expressions and movements are more vivid.

• Scene Details: The details of the scenes are also richer, such as the buildings in the towns, the trees in the forests, and the rocks in the caves, all of which have been meticulously depicted.

• Frame Rate: On the Nintendo Switch, the game can usually maintain a stable 30 frames per second in TV mode, while slight frame drops may occur in handheld mode. Considering the nintendo switch2 price and performance improvements, the visual performance will be even better and the frame rate will be more stable if it is running on the Nintendo Switch 2.

3.2 Audio Performance

• Full Voice Acting: The game features full voice acting, and the character voice acting is very well done, perfectly interpreting the characters' personalities and emotions. Both the Japanese and English voice acting are excellent, and players can choose according to their preferences.

• BGM: The BGM is also excellent, and can well enhance the game's atmosphere. Whether it's the exciting music during battle or the soothing music during the story, it can well match the content of the game.

• Sound Effects: The various sound effects in the game are also very realistic, such as the sound of swords colliding, the sound of magic being released, and the sound of monsters roaring, all of which can enhance the game's immersion.

4. Story and Characters: An Engaging Story and Charismatic Characters

The story of Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is very engaging, telling the story of Yuri Lowell, the protagonist, as he embarks on an adventure to solve a city's water crisis. The story is full of elements such as friendship, courage, justice, and sacrifice, which can resonate with players.

4.1 Story Synopsis

The story takes place in a world called Terca Lumireis, where humans rely on ancient relics - blastia - to sustain their lives. However, the power of blastia has also attracted the covetousness of many evil forces. Yuri Lowell, the protagonist, is a young man living in the lower quarter of the Imperial Capital, Zaphias. He steals a blastia to solve the city's water crisis. However, he is drawn into a huge conspiracy. During his adventure, Yuri meets a variety of companions, including the innocent and romantic Estelle, the upright and courageous Flynn, the calm and decisive Rita, and the mysterious Raven. Together, they face various challenges and dangers, and eventually uncover the truth hidden behind the scenes.

4.2 Character Development

• Yuri Lowell: The protagonist Yuri Lowell is a young man full of justice and responsibility. He is willing to take risks to protect the weak. He is humorous and witty, but hides deep pain inside.

• Estelle: Estelle is an innocent and romantic princess who is kind and eager to help others. She has powerful healing abilities and is an important support character in the party.

• Flynn: Flynn is Yuri's best friend, and a righteous and courageous knight. He is willing to fight against corrupt nobles to protect the people.

• Rita: Rita is a genius mage who is eccentric but passionate about magic. She is an important magic damage dealer in the party.

• Raven: Raven is a mysterious mercenary with rich combat experience and unfathomable strength. His true identity and purpose are a mystery.

These characters all have distinct personalities and unique charm, and their interactions and growth are important highlights of the game.

5. Controls: Smooth Experience and Personalized Settings

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition performs well in terms of controls, with smooth character movement and fluid skill releases. The game offers rich button customization options, allowing players to adjust the button settings according to their preferences.

5.1 Control Methods

• TV Mode: In TV mode, players can use the Joy-Con controller or Pro controller to play the game.

• Handheld Mode: In handheld mode, players can directly use the Joy-Con controller to play the game.

• Touch Screen Operation: The game supports touch screen operation, and players can use the touch screen to select menus, have conversations, etc.

5.2 Button Customization

The game offers rich button customization options, allowing players to adjust the button settings according to their preferences. For example, players can set the attack button to the A button, the skill button to the X, Y, and B buttons, the defense button to the L button, and the lock-on button to the R button, etc. This personalized button setting can greatly enhance the player's gaming experience. If nintendo switch2 first look can provide more customizable button schemes, I believe the feel will be even better.

6. Pros and Cons of the Nintendo Switch Platform

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition performs well overall on the Nintendo Switch, but there are also some drawbacks.

6.1 Pros

• Portability: The biggest advantage of the Nintendo Switch is its portability, allowing players to experience Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition anytime, anywhere.

• HD Remastering: The game has undergone HD remastering, and the visual performance is even better.

• Complete Content: The game includes all the content from previous versions and adds some new elements.

6.2 Cons

• Performance Limitations: The Nintendo Switch's performance is relatively limited, and slight frame drops may occur when running Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition.

• Graphics Downgrade: Compared to other platforms, the Nintendo Switch version's graphics may be somewhat downgraded.

7. Comparison with Other Platforms

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition has also been released on other platforms, such as PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Compared to these platforms, the Nintendo Switch version may be slightly inferior in terms of graphics and performance, but it has a clear advantage in terms of portability. Players can choose the appropriate platform according to their needs.

8. Game Score and Summary

Overall, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is a very excellent JRPG, with an engaging story, charming characters, a refreshing combat system, and beautiful graphics. Although its performance on the Nintendo Switch is slightly inferior to other platforms, its portability makes up for this deficiency.

• IGN Score: 8.5/10 https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/01/11/tales-of-vesperia-definitive-edition-review (For reference only, the actual score may change over time)

• Metacritic Score: 80/100 (Based on multiple platform versions) https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/tales-of-vesperia-definitive-edition (For reference only, the actual score may change over time)

Final Score: 8.8/10

Reasons:

• A Perfect Port of a Classic JRPG: The game fully retains the advantages of the original version and has undergone HD remastering in terms of graphics, allowing old players to relive the classic and new players to experience the charm of JRPGs.
• Excellent Story and Character Development: The story is engaging and the character development is full, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world of the game.
• Refreshing Combat System: The combat system is easy to pick up, but a deeper dive reveals a wealth of strategic depth, allowing players to experience the fun of combat.
• Portability of the Nintendo Switch: Players can experience Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition anytime, anywhere, making this game even more attractive.

If you are a JRPG fan, then Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is definitely a game you can't miss. Even if you have never encountered the Tales series before, this game can allow you to experience the charm of JRPGs. Highly recommended! If you have expectations for the performance of the Nintendo Switch 2, you can also wait to see if there will be an optimized version for the new console in the future.

9. Beginner's Guide

For players who are new to Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition, here are some suggestions:

• Choose the Right Difficulty: The game offers a variety of difficulty options, and it is recommended that novice players choose normal or easy difficulty.

• Familiarize Yourself with the Combat System: Take some time to familiarize yourself with the combat system and understand the characters' skills and characteristics.

• Do More Side Quests: Side quests can earn experience points, money, and equipment, which can help improve the characters' strength.

• Make Good Use of Items: There are all kinds of items in the game, and making good use of items can help you better cope with combat.

• Save Frequently: Develop good saving habits to avoid unexpected situations.

10. Advanced Tips and Strategies

For players who want to understand Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition more deeply, here are some advanced tips and strategies:

• Master Chain Attacks: Chain attacks can deal higher damage to enemies, requiring players to skillfully master skill combinations and execution.

• Make Good Use of the Over Limit System: The Over Limit system can improve the characters' abilities and can release powerful Mystic Artes, requiring players to make good use of it.

• Understand the Enemies' Weaknesses: Different enemies have different weaknesses, and understanding the enemies' weaknesses can help you defeat them more easily.

• Develop the Characters' Abilities: Improve the characters' abilities by leveling up and equipping them, making them more powerful.

11. Looking Forward to the Nintendo Switch 2

As a seasoned player, I am full of expectations for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. If the Nintendo Switch 2 can improve performance, then Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition will be significantly improved in terms of graphics and frame rate. At that time, players will be able to experience smoother and more beautiful game graphics. I also hope that the Nintendo Switch 2 can bring more innovation, such as more convenient operation methods and richer game content. Let's look forward to the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 together!