Tales of Symphonia Remastered Reviews
The thing that stands out for me the most about Tales of Symphonia Remastered, though, is that underneath the remaster is the construction of its original game. It shows in the animation choices, art direction, combat and stage design. The Tales games were intelligently made and genuinely interested in telling a fun story and providing a good time. Helped along by a great cast of characters, a reasonably well-written plot, and a fairly addicting combat system. Tales of Symphonia Remastered offers up a generous portion of an earlier generation’s take on the JRPG genre for first-time visitors to the series.
Tales of Symphonia is still one of the biggest highlights in the series with a fantastic assortment of characters, some simple but enjoyable combat and great story to keep players invested throughout.
We're admittedly a little mixed on Tales of Symphonia Remastered. Though the story is compelling, the character building is satisfying, and there's lots of content to experience, Bandai Namco's near-nonexistent efforts to scrub out the rough edges of this 20-ish year old game definitely hold it back from greatness. Things like the stiff combat, dated visuals, and awkward writing limit the appeal here, which makes this remaster feel like a missed opportunity. It's easier to recommend this to those who have nostalgia for the original and want to relive those memories, but it's tough to say whether newcomers should pick it up. This is far from the best action RPG on the Switch, and it's arguably not even the best Tales game on the Switch. We'd give this one a light recommendation as its positives do outweigh its negatives, but with the caveat that you should probably wait for a deep sale or buy it used. There are much better RPGs to play on the Switch today, and this one doesn't quite deserve a spot near the top of your list.
Close to two decades later, Tales of Symphonia Remastered is a reminder of how neatly crafted the original GameCube and PS2 title was. Barring a few rough edges, this is still a great action RPG, full of charm and character. The only real downside is that the remaster itself leaves a lot to be desired.
It's difficult to justify calling this new version a remaster at all since it includes all of the problems with the previous version while introducing entirely new problems on top of that. The bare minimum for a port of a retro game should be that you won't notice any technical problems if you haven't played the original, and Tales of Symphonia Remastered does not even clear that bar. It is playable; it's still Tales of Symphonia, but that is the absolute least we can ask of it, and that is the absolute most we've gotten from it.
The game maintains its endearing charm and an ambitious and huge development, but not all the dynamics remain fresh today nor has enough been done to update it on a technical level.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Unlike the Chronicles version for PS3 in 2013, Tales of Symphonia Remaster does not disappoint in the technical and graphic component. The 60fps would be the icing on the cake, but there are other arguments and general improvements here that also deserve attention. It is a cult classic of the JRPGs and a son of a generation with a methodology of its own and therefore must be celebrated and caressed.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Tales of Symphonia is a classic action JRPG that's as enjoyable as it's ever been as long as you can sit through the load times and weren't expecting the sequel to be in this package. It's a fan favourite for a reason and I'm thoroughly enjoying playing through it for a 3rd time.
Tales of Symphonia is a brilliant action JRPG that set a precedent for the genre. Even all these years later, its engrossing storytelling, vast array of side activities, character interaction, and layers of combative options all coalesce to make it a must-experience adventure. Yet, as a remaster, this specific release fails to hit the mark, ultimately providing a lackluster and disappointing resurgence that could have been so much more.
While we understand and appreciate Bandai Namco's decision to bring Tales of Symphonia to as many platforms as possible, in order to allow new generations to (re)discover one of the most important chapters of the franchise, we firmly believe that such a lazy remastering is not the most effective (nor the most respectful) method to revive a great classic of the past and celebrate its twentieth anniversary.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you haven't played Tales of Symphonia yet, this is a wonderful opportunity to relive the great characters and the story, which many fans consider to be one of the best in the series. It unfortunately doesn't combine everything from the best versions here, but you don't necessarily have to mind that.
Review in German | Read full review
The revered action RPG is back, and though visually this remaster works well, its style of play feels limited by modern standards
Tales of Symphonia Remaster is a low effort re-release thst could have brought a legendary title to the new generation by fixing the rough edges and add few quality of life changes, but sadly this release didn't contain any of that to the more than 20 years old game.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Tales of Symphonia is a beloved classic of Bandai Namco's Tales series, but this latest version is a disappointing mess of issues, play a different port instead.
For longtime fans, if you loved Tales of Symphonia and want to play it on a modern console - great. It’s still the classic JRPG you always loved. However, if you were looking for anything beyond a barebones remaster, you’ll be disappointed.
Tales of Symphonia returns to the market with a rather lazy remastered. The combat system has aged badly and the polygonal models deserve more, but it still remains one of the most exciting chapters of the Tales of franchise ever.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Symphonia regenerated the traditional RPG structure with smartly designed battle mechanics and well-fleshed out cast of characters. It remains a favorite of mine to this day and I'm glad to get the opportunity to experience it again, even if this re-release can never truly recapture the original effect it had on me. The remaster translates the regenerative nature of Symphonia competently, but this is the kind of game that deserves a remaster that goes the extra mile.
Tales of Symphonia Remastered is a decent remaster of a classic game, but it lacks innovation and new content. Despite noticeable flaws, it remains an enjoyable experience for those new to the game or looking to relive the original. Its strengths lie in its improved visuals, engaging story, and memorable cast of characters. However, in comparison to recent remasters, it falls slightly short.
Tales of Symphonia deserves to be available to the widest audience, yet the lack of attention or care demonstrated here is troubling. Remastered feels like a cheap and lazy port, and that alone makes this version disappointing, despite the strengths of the game itself.
It's really a shame that Bandain Namco didn't realize how important and beloved Tales of Symphonia is for both the franchise and the public. This is a barebone remaster, with a missing game and a little overpriced too, even if the game itself stil deserves praise.
Review in Italian | Read full review