Tales of Vesperia - released in 2008 The Tales series are similar to the Final Fantasy legacy, as in each installment do not connect to one another (with the exception of a few titles.) Tales of Vesperia first appeared on the Xbox 360, and then was ported over to the PlayStation 3, however, only in Japan. The PlayStation 3 received much more content than Vesperia’s previous version, such as more costumes, more scenes and even an extra character. The game features a robust and dynamic battle system, a compelling story and rich characters. If you like RPG’s, you shouldn’t miss out on this one.

Tales of Vesperia - released in 2008

The Tales series are similar to the Final Fantasy legacy, as in each installment do not connect to one another (with the exception of a few titles.) Tales of Vesperia first appeared on the Xbox 360, and then was ported over to the PlayStation 3, however, only in Japan. The PlayStation 3 received much more content than Vesperia’s previous version, such as more costumes, more scenes and even an extra character. The game features a robust and dynamic battle system, a compelling story and rich characters. If you like RPG’s, you shouldn’t miss out on this one.

Beautiful Katamari - released in 2007 The Katamari series is all relatively the same, even going as far as saying the PS3 installment that came out after Beautiful Katamari, entitled Katamari Forever is essentially the same game with added levels and features. However, if you’ve never played a Katamari game, I suggest you do now. The basic premise is controlling a little guy known as “The Prince”, who rolls up anything he can to make a giant ball. In turn, these objects you roll up can be anything from people to french fries to animals to vehicles, it’s outrageous. The end result usually looks a giant ball of nonsense which gets turned into a planet or a star. The game is bright, fun and full of style. You can find Katamari on virtually any system, Katamari Damacy on PS2, Beautiful Katamari on 360 and Katamari Forever on PS3.

Beautiful Katamari - released in 2007

The Katamari series is all relatively the same, even going as far as saying the PS3 installment that came out after Beautiful Katamari, entitled Katamari Forever is essentially the same game with added levels and features. However, if you’ve never played a Katamari game, I suggest you do now. The basic premise is controlling a little guy known as “The Prince”, who rolls up anything he can to make a giant ball. In turn, these objects you roll up can be anything from people to french fries to animals to vehicles, it’s outrageous. The end result usually looks a giant ball of nonsense which gets turned into a planet or a star. The game is bright, fun and full of style. You can find Katamari on virtually any system, Katamari Damacy on PS2, Beautiful Katamari on 360 and Katamari Forever on PS3.

Tales of Symphonia - released in 2004 As the first and only Tales game on the Nintendo GameCube, it is hailed as one of the best RPG’s on the system. Set in the world of Sylvarant (and Tethe’alla), you control many protagonists on a journey of world regeneration. Personally, I enjoy the Tales series far more than I do Final Fantasy; the characters are richer, the stories are more engaging and the game play is far more entertaining (though this is based entirely on my opinion.) If you still haven’t played a game from the series, Tales of Symphonia is a great place to start. It also received a sequel entitled Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World on the Nintendo Wii, however it was not as widely accepted or received as the original.

Tales of Symphonia - released in 2004

As the first and only Tales game on the Nintendo GameCube, it is hailed as one of the best RPG’s on the system. Set in the world of Sylvarant (and Tethe’alla), you control many protagonists on a journey of world regeneration. Personally, I enjoy the Tales series far more than I do Final Fantasy; the characters are richer, the stories are more engaging and the game play is far more entertaining (though this is based entirely on my opinion.) If you still haven’t played a game from the series, Tales of Symphonia is a great place to start. It also received a sequel entitled Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World on the Nintendo Wii, however it was not as widely accepted or received as the original.

Soulcalibur III - released in 2005 Even though I’m not terribly fond of fighting games, the Soulcalibur series has proven to be exceptional in nearly every aspect, it just does it right. I became a fan when the third game came out, I was especially fond of the character creation mode that was featured for the first time in the series. Soulcalibur III (and all of the other games in the series) creates a wonderful 3D fighting experience that gives you freedom in the arena to move wherever you please (and features a great weapon selection.) The series has spanned across many platforms, and currently Soulcalibur IV is the last to have been released. When will we see the fifth, I wonder?

Soulcalibur III - released in 2005

Even though I’m not terribly fond of fighting games, the Soulcalibur series has proven to be exceptional in nearly every aspect, it just does it right. I became a fan when the third game came out, I was especially fond of the character creation mode that was featured for the first time in the series. Soulcalibur III (and all of the other games in the series) creates a wonderful 3D fighting experience that gives you freedom in the arena to move wherever you please (and features a great weapon selection.) The series has spanned across many platforms, and currently Soulcalibur IV is the last to have been released. When will we see the fifth, I wonder?

Tales of the Abyss - released in 2006 Hailed by many fans of the Tales series as their favorite, Tales of the Abyss was released on the PlayStation 2 and will soon be re-released on the Nintendo 3DS with added features (though only known for Japan at this time.) I found the story to actually be quite complicated, though I thoroughly enjoyed the battle system. The story’s main character undergoes a dramatic transformation throughout the game, at first extremely unlikable to almost tolerable near the end. This gets my recognition merely for it’s wonderful battles, the story I could of cared less about.

Tales of the Abyss - released in 2006

Hailed by many fans of the Tales series as their favorite, Tales of the Abyss was released on the PlayStation 2 and will soon be re-released on the Nintendo 3DS with added features (though only known for Japan at this time.) I found the story to actually be quite complicated, though I thoroughly enjoyed the battle system. The story’s main character undergoes a dramatic transformation throughout the game, at first extremely unlikable to almost tolerable near the end. This gets my recognition merely for it’s wonderful battles, the story I could of cared less about.

Tales of Graces f - To be announced Who else is excited for this? Though it’s typical for me to promote games of the past rather than upcoming games, but technically, this game was released in Japan last year and on the Wii in 2009. Granted, I have never played Tales of Graces, though I am an avid fan of the Tales series. I am purchasing a PS3 solely for this game. Will you be purchasing Tales of Graces f?

Tales of Graces f - To be announced

Who else is excited for this? Though it’s typical for me to promote games of the past rather than upcoming games, but technically, this game was released in Japan last year and on the Wii in 2009. Granted, I have never played Tales of Graces, though I am an avid fan of the Tales series. I am purchasing a PS3 solely for this game. Will you be purchasing Tales of Graces f?

Soulcalibur IV - released in 2008 Though I’m not a fan of the Star Wars franchise, I adore Soulcalibur (and I can’t wait for the fifth installment due out next year!) This installment introduced more characters and character creation options, as well as new modes and far prettier graphics from its predecessor. To reiterate the Star Wars comment, Yoda, The Apprentice and Darth Vader are playable characters, which follows the guest character trend of past Soulcalibur titles. Who is your favorite Soulcalibur character?

Soulcalibur IV - released in 2008

Though I’m not a fan of the Star Wars franchise, I adore Soulcalibur (and I can’t wait for the fifth installment due out next year!) This installment introduced more characters and character creation options, as well as new modes and far prettier graphics from its predecessor. To reiterate the Star Wars comment, Yoda, The Apprentice and Darth Vader are playable characters, which follows the guest character trend of past Soulcalibur titles. Who is your favorite Soulcalibur character?

Tales of Vesperia - released in 2009 (Japan only) For those like myself who have prayed and hoped for a localization of the PlayStation 3 version of Tales of Vesperia, I think it’s safe to say it will never happen. The PlayStation 3 version introduced a new playable character named Patty, along with new artes and a revamped storyline. Hopefully Namco of America will follow the example of localizing upcoming Tales games in the future (such as the soon to be released Tales of Graces for the PlayStation 3.) The unreleased Tales of Xillia is still awaiting localization confirmation.

Tales of Vesperia - released in 2009 (Japan only)

For those like myself who have prayed and hoped for a localization of the PlayStation 3 version of Tales of Vesperia, I think it’s safe to say it will never happen. The PlayStation 3 version introduced a new playable character named Patty, along with new artes and a revamped storyline. Hopefully Namco of America will follow the example of localizing upcoming Tales games in the future (such as the soon to be released Tales of Graces for the PlayStation 3.) The unreleased Tales of Xillia is still awaiting localization confirmation.

Tales of Xillia released today in Japan! Here’s to hoping for a localization. What is your favorite Tales game?

Tales of Xillia released today in Japan! Here’s to hoping for a localization. What is your favorite Tales game?

Coming soon to a PS3 near you. Who else is excited for Namco’s newest RPG that is being localized for American and European audiences? For those of you who are JRPG fans, this is one to look out for.