Tales of Hearts R
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Tales of Hearts R
Tales of Hearts R has some fun moments wrapped in a solid battle system, but it’s far from the best Tales adventure
Tales of Hearts R is a straightforward RPG with a heart of gold.
Tales of Hearts R doesn’t have the most original story and the characters are mostly well-meaning but occasionally stereotypical. The game’s localization feels a bit lacking without an English dub as well, considering the amount of work that was clearly poured into the translation. However, the beautifully remade visuals, stellar combat and development system and on-point voice acting more than compensate for the admittedly superficial shortcomings. If you own a PS Vita and are on the lookout for a great new game to add to your library, Bandai Namco has a lovely polished gem for you to purchase.
Tales of Hearts R isn't going to shatter anyone's perceptions of the genre. But it isn't trying to do that either. It's a solid, traditional experience that should satisfy fans of classic JRPGs.
Aside from some outdated appearance issues, JRPG cliches, and forgettable music, there isn’t anything terribly wrong with this game. The characters are charming, exploring is satisfying, the action is fast and engaging… this may not be the title that gets the Vita flying off of store shelves, but Tales of Hearts R is definitely worth adding to a pre-existing library. I may be one of the few still really happy with my PSP’s titles, but I’m growing quite fond of my PSP’s bigger little brother now.
Despite a few issues, Tales of Hearts R wholeheartedly lives up to the pedigree of the Tales franchise, while remaining playable in a convenient portable experience. Tales of Hearts R is a worthy portable edition that fans may enjoy.
Still, at the end of the day Tales of Hearts R is a testament to the fact that with enough care and attention to detail, a venerable series can make the transition to the portable market with great success.
Forget about graphic fidelity, and find a strong narrative and character development alongside a universal combat system that Tales of Hearts R can only deliver to the PlayStation Vita.
