Tales of Phantasia

Nintendojo

Tales shows that smart, solid elements add up to that elusive experience untarnished by time that defines a classic.

eToychest

The game is unique, intelligent, attractive, and altogether well-designed. Above all, though, the game is fun.

Nintendo Power

Not an immediate attention grabber, Tales of Phantasia takes time to sink in. But once you're under its spell, you'll be in it for the long haul. [Apr 2006, p.84]

GameBrink

It’s a great game, and this time it’s portable. The graphical change makes it fresh for people who played the original version and other changes makes it more similar to the newer "Tales of..." games as well, so everyone who likes RPGs should like this.

GameCritics

While many of the game's components have become stereotypes over the years, here they are carefully constructed and fit together perfectly, creating something larger than the sum of its parts.

Gamer 2.0

The battle system plays like something entirely new, and provides for an actually engaging handheld RPG.

GameCube Advanced

It’s true that Tales of Phantasia isn’t the huge RPG that it was back in the SNES era, or even the shadow of newer RPGs from last generation, but it is still a warm, heart-filling experience that anyone who can overcome hours of tough, continuous battling will enjoy.

NintendoWorldReport

A solid RPG with the refreshing active battle system the series is famous for. If you are a fan of the genre, this one is tough to pass up.

GamerFeed

Modojo

I'm confident enough to say that any RPG fan is going to love Tales of Phantasia - it's a really just a damn good game.

Play Magazine

Ten minutes into Tales of Phantasia, you know pretty much what you are getting into: a pleasantly involving, perfectly traditional role-playing game that sticks to all the old-school conventions that recall the glory days of hand-drawn adventures. [Mar 2006, p.50]

AceGamez

It provides an experience that is simultaneously old school and fresh feeling, making it an easy recommendation for fans of the genre.

Just RPG

While Tales of Phantasia features both good graphics and sound, and a relatively fun combat system, it might not be a game for everyone. Even though I personally really enjoyed my experience with it, Tales might be a little more difficult for newer RPG fans to get into, considering it's based on an older game.

Pelit (Finland)

A nice-enough fantasy-RPG with decent semi-real time battles. The story is quite good, but certain technical aspects are somewhat outdated. [May 2006]

GameZone

Despite its dated gameplay style and way-too-numerous battles, Tales of Phantasia is an enjoyable role-playing game fans of the genre will certainly enjoy.

RPG Fan

Excellent game, subpar port.

NGC Magazine UK

It's terribly unforgiving; the early battles - and there are plenty of random encounters as you wander around the game world - can be tough as nails, and the enjoyment of simply exploring is often spoilt by yet another scuffle with Bugbears or Giant Bees. [May 2006, p.33]

GameShark

In the end Tales Of Phantasia does provide some entertaining classic RPG action, and takes some of the best features from other Tales titles to create a well rounded RPG experience.

IGN

Battles are random and difficult, control is less than perfect, but the story and depth of the characters are amazing.

1UP

Worth a look for anyone who simply craves a quality RPG for the GBA.

N-Insanity

Tales of Phantasia will last you at least 20 hours, probably closer to 30 hours, though. There are a lot of side quests to fulfill, but the older game design shows through and you’ll probably be quite confused on where to go and what to do if you haven’t played this game before.

My Gamer

While not spectacular by today's standards, Tales of Phantasia still has charm and an uncommon style of gameplay.

Game Informer

While Tales of Phantasia may not shine with the glory that it did in its prime, there are still parts of the game that are worth checking out. [Mar 2006, p.116]

GameSpot

Tales of Phantasia still distinguishes itself with its action-oriented, side-scrolling battle sequences. Other than that, it's a pretty standard RPG filled with random encounters that drag down the pacing and pad out the playing time.

Yahoo! Games

It's certainly a deep, well-made blast from the past, but its pacing issues can't be easily discounted.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Phantasia still has an awful lot of charm for such an old game, and fans of traditional RPGs will appreciate its long, varied dungeons and action-packed, real-time battles. [Apr 2006, p.108]

Games Radar

Tales of Phantasia is a solid RPG. It doesn't have the story chops of the last classic to hit GBA - Final Fantasy IV did a much better job of making its cast and its quest worth caring about.

GameSpy

Tales of Phantasia ends up looking like a fossil -- and not one of the cool ones with spikes and sharp teeth. More like a fern or insect, existing mostly to study the past and gauge evolution. RPGs have evolved far beyond this port.

Eurogamer

This is a game that makes our GBA a Super Nintendo: and one with a decent d-pad, battery life and scratch-free screen that doesn't need us to fiddle with firmware and dally with grey-hued legality to enjoy.