Guide Note

Tales of Symphonia is turn-based Role-playing game for the GameCube and PlayStation 2.

Fast Facts

1. Developer: Team Symphonia
2. Publisher: Namco Bandai
3. Console: GameCube, Playstation 2 (Japan only)
4. Genre: Role-playing
5. Modes: Single player
6. ESRB Rating: Teen
7. Release Date: July 13, 2004

The story takes place in the land of Sylvarant that is suffering from mana depletion. As the amount of available mana decreases, the amount of monsters roaming the world and the amount of humans suffering increases. A Chosen is born every generation in order to restore mana to the land by praying at a number of seals that give the Chosen one angelic attributes. She will then ascend and wake up the goddess who will regenerate the world. However, Sylvarant is bound to a mirror world called Tethe'alla. If Sylvarant prospers, the mirror world will be destroyed. It's up to you and the Chosen to save the both worlds from imminent doom.

Tales of Symphonia is composed of three parts, the overworld, dungeons/towns, and battle screens. The overworld is a 3D map that shows you where the dungeons, people, and enemies are. The overworld is broken into two parts - Sylvarant and Tethe'alla. Dungeons and towns have a distinct look regardless of whether it's a port town or a fire shrine. The towns are places where the storyline progresses, clues are unearthed, and Ex Gems, status supplies, armor and weaponry, and save points can be found. The Ex Gems are jewels that give your characters super-human strength, and can also unlock new moves. You can also play mini-games in town. Combat is done in real-time, and you have direct control of each of your characters' movements. Different variations of pressing the A and B buttons allows you to perform different attacks. By using certain combinations of attacks repeatedly, you learn new abilities. Different characters also have different special attacks that are either magic or melee based. Dungeons also provide various puzzles for you to reach a new level in the dungeon.