Tales of Symphonia

Cinescape

The cel-shaded visuals look beautiful, as does the stunning anime sequences scattered throughout the game.

Computer Games Magazine

A work of art with nicely drawn anime sequences and beautifully rendered cel-shaded graphics. [Oct 2004, p.9]

Nintendophiles

This game, while not perfect, will even attract and hold non-RPG fans with its unique battle system, and interesting story. The game is a great, interesting, and fun experience.

Nintendojo

The charming storyline, the captivating characters and the amazingly fun battle system all puts together one of the best RPGs on the market. When all is said and done, this game has easily broken its way onto my top ten favorite RPGs of all time.

Nintendo Power

Easily the finest RPG on the GCN, and one of the best that I've ever played. The game is deeper than the Marianas Trench, but somehow it never gets bogged down by its own complexity. [Sept 2004, p.115]

Next Level Gaming

The GameCube finally has a kick-ass RPG that they can call their own. I am simply blown away by Tales of Symphonia. The graphics are beautiful, the music is awesome, the voices are top-notch and the game play is to die for.

Nintendo Insider

One of the best RPG's this entire generation. It is far from the typical "Final Fantasy" clone, and makes me wish I've noticed the Tales' series of games earlier.

Game Chronicles

The 3D real-time combat sets this game apart from anything else in the genre and takes the edge off what is typically a grueling leveling-up grind of endless encounters and combat.

Game Over Online

The best RPG I’ve played all summer. I love that I’m loving an RPG on the GameCube.

GameBiz

It's unique, and just plain fun battle system is well executed, and the graphics speak for themselves.

Inside Gamer Online

Tales of Symphonia features something rarely perfected by any other companies; great voice acting.

GamingTrend

The best part about the combat system? The next to no loading time as you go in and out of combat.

netjak

It will be remembered as proof that Nintendo could have solid role-playing games on its systems again. And, perhaps, it will be proof that a game can even transcend prejudices people bring about its voice actors.

Worth Playing

Buy this sucker. It's got "diamond in the rough" written all over it.

Gamenikki

GameCube fans can finally put their 20-sided die away, as Tales of Symphonia is exactly what they needed. It's an ace on any system.

GamePro

Stay for the story, characters, and the sights of Symphonia...but be wary of the action-heavy, automated battle system. The fate of the world may feel a little bit out of your hands. [Aug 2004, p.98]

NintendoWorldReport

It’s fun, lengthy, and beautiful...hard to beat a combination like that.

eToychest

From a technical perspective Tales does the genre proud, and from an aesthetic viewpoint there are few who could stand side by side and not be dwarfed by its majesty.

Eurogamer

Arguably the finest example ever made of the truly traditional Japanese RPG. It may be clichéd, and altogether a little too bright and happy for its own good, but Tales of Symphonia is nonetheless epic, enjoyable, and superbly constructed.

games(TM)

It’s through the amount of details, distractions and other additions to the more obvious elements that Symphonia builds itself up from what starts as an above-average RPG into one that’ll stand as a benchmark in future. [Oct 2004, p.102]

PALGN

A fantastically deep and satisfying fantasy world.

Pelit (Finland)

A very good RPG adventure. The structure is too conventional and the storyline is nothing special, but the real-time combat system is great. [Jan. 05]

AceGamez

It's another masterpiece by Namco and a more than welcome addition to Namco's ever growing 'Tales of' series.

Frictionless Insight

A long game. You could probably speed through the game in a mere fifty hours, but if you choose to follow all the sub-plots, side quests or indulge in the myriad collectables, you really can fill the more than eighty hours of time that Namco claims this game will take a dedicated player.

PGNx Media

When it is all said and done, though, Tales of Symphonia will provide Gamecube gamers fifty to eighty hours of solid, battle-happy role playing goodness.

GameSpot

Fans of Japanese role-playing games will take to its style and the depth of its battle system, and those curious about the genre who loathe the idea of turn-based battle and scads of random encounters, will appreciate the quick fighting pace.

Game Informer

Even though the amazing graphics are the most noticeable aspect of Tales of Symphonia, the area where it truly distinguishes itself is in its addictive and highly variable combat mechanic. [July 2004, p.117]

Computer and Video Games

Those who've been dying for a proper RPG on GameCube have just had their prayers answered. If you've never played through a game of this sort before.

Just RPG

The game will give you plenty to do. Not only are there lots of mini games, sidequests, and optional bosses but the whole adventure will be around 80 hours!

GameCritics

The devil is really in the details. I was obsessed with collecting recipes all over the world, by seeking out the elusive Wonder Chef, whose dishes provide various healing effects after fights.

Kombo

Quite frankly, it’s the best RPG to grace a Nintendo console since the Super Nintendo glory days.

GameSpy

While this undoubtedly sounds familiar to RPG veterans, Symphonia manages to distinguish itself through solid and enjoyable gameplay.

GameZone

A symphonic masterpiece. Such a statement may sound repetitive, but when an RPG is this good you can't help but repeat yourself.

IGN

Tales is a lot of fun. Plain and simple. And, due to its hybrid RPG/adventure game nature, it's got the customization, strategy, and experience system that RPG fans admire, as well as a battle system and puzzle solving elements that appeals to action/adventure oriented gamers.

GameBrink

What made me love this game is the battle system.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

The only thing that really got on our nerves was the rubbish dialogue. There are times when it's pretty appalling and it does kind of spoil the magic a little - likewise, the plot can be pretty cliched and RPG veterans will find it tiresome in places. [NGC]

Gaming Age

A fantastic looking title with a pleasant mixture of traditional and non-traditional RPG elements to create a refreshingly new gaming experience.

Play Magazine

A twisting, turning quest fraught with religious controversy, ethical questions and issues of prejudice and sacrifice. [Aug 2004, p.51]

Console Gameworld

One of the greatest RPGs to come out in recent years, far surpassing most other attempts at the genre, even by famed Squaresoft. The storyline, characters, combat just blow everything else out of the water.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

The game's gorgeous graphics will work your eyes just as hard as the battles work your thumb, too. [Aug 2004, p.110]

Cincinnati Enquirer

There aren't enough save points so you might have to replay hours worth of the game if the adventuring party dies far from a save point. Despite this beef, Symphonia succeeds because of its deep battle system, stylish graphics and enormous game world.

DarkStation

Doesn't make any ground breaking moves to the RPG genre but it does give Gamecube fans an RPG to be proud of.

DailyGame

With the anime cell-shaded graphics and weak storyline Tales of Symphonia may not appeal to every RPG fan. But if you own a GameCube and have been waiting for a fun and addictive RPG, you can't go wrong with this game.

GameShark

Some people won't enjoy the combat system where the greatest strategy is just to keep on grinding your level up. However, if you look past the flaws, there's really an amusing experience laying in wait.

Boomtown

Perhaps the only questionable aspect might be the length, but given the game’s pacing and the gradual addition of new elements, characters and locations to the gameplay, this never becomes a drudge.

NTSC-uk

Tales will take over your life from the moment you start until the credits roll. The end sequence will take between forty and seventy hours to reach and, although it’ll satisfy, it will also sadden. The game does, unfortunately, end.

G4 TV

From the hectic, mashy battles to the meticulous character customization, there’s something here for every breed of player.

Adrenaline Vault

A no-nonsense, straightforward, old school, GameCube-exclusive RPG.

Cheat Code Central

A lengthy and enjoyable RPG that should keep fans of the genre busy and out of the sun for a good portion of the summer - as long as you can put up with those wide-eyed, spiky headed, always-surprised-or-in-shock, anime cretins.

GamerFeed

The world is absolutely beautiful and you'll find yourself mesmerized at some of the scenery. Battling is a joy and really puts you in the driver's seat, so to speak, instead of just forcing you to be an observer of the action taking place on the screen.

Edge Magazine

The plot is revealed in awkward clumps which never quite dovetail. There’s no question, however, that Namco has managed to twist out a tale that sustains your interest across both discs. [Oct 2004, p.106]

Games Radar

This is a game that's simply fun and likable enough to be worth the bother of seeing all the way through. How often can you say that?

GMR Magazine

The game's not just about kicking ass, though. It's also about gorgeous graphics. [Aug 2004, p.99]

WHAM! Gaming

The customization is deep, but not so deep as to be lengthy, and the game itself looks crisp and well-polished.

Thunderbolt

There’s only on thing that irks me though. All of these characters have distinct voices and wonderfully rich attitudes. The voice acting is superbly done with so much clarity and excellence. But despite all of the quality, the characters’ cel-shaded lips don’t move.

TotalGames.net

The battle system is light years ahead of anything else in the RPG world - remarkably, it actually makes dungeon crawling fun - and the sheer amount of options you have with it means that you'll never get bored. [JPN Import]

1UP

Symphonia isn't any great shakes as a narrative, and its graphics may inspire more hate than love, but it's fun to play, and that's the important part.

Game Revolution

Unfortunately, even great length doesn’t entirely offset the boring story arc and occasionally frustrating gameplay. The game seems intent just sticking to the dungeon/town/dungeon theme and tossing one fantasy RPG cliché after another at you, which does grow a little tiresome.

Yahoo! Games

Continuing a short but respected series, the game does little to broaden the genre, but at least it performs with style and solid mechanics.

Gamer's Hell

A fairly good RPG. Nothing stands out about it, nothing incredibly amazing has been done with it, but it is a serviceable and enjoyable game if you’re a fan of the genre.