Tales of Xillia Message Board

Here's yer first English trailer for Tales a Xillia 2, the Xillia sequel that be coming t' North America 'n Europe next year for PS3. Read more...

Tales a Xillia be pretty awesome. ye best totally play it. Read more...

The latest North American entry in Namco Bandai's beloved Tales series a role-playing games has arrived for the PlayStation 3, 'n the urge t' dive right in be strong, but it be dangerous t' go it alone — take these tips.Read more...

As a fan a Japanese role-playing games, ye kind a have t' pillage used t' overwrought stories. There's some kind a meteor, or reborn god, or a god reborn as a meteor, 'n the hero has amnesia/a mysterious past/a tortured soul/a tragic destiny. High drama be pretty much par for the JRPG course, which be what makes PS3 exclusive Tales a Xillia such a wonderful surprise. It has the same kinds a trappings ye'd expect from the genre, with man's misuse a nature threatening a cataclysmic catastrophe, but it be presented with a charming lack a artifice or self importance. ye're on an incredibly important mission, but that be no reason t' be a sourpuss about it, right?

ye play as either Milla, the physical embodiment a the Four Spirits who benefit mankind, or Jude, a young med student who makes a horrifying discovery when he unwisely tags along after Milla one night. they be an unlikely pair, the deity 'n the doctor, but their chemistry be undeniable. The companions they pick up along the way be familiar RPG archetypes - the slick mercenary, the young wench who hides a great power, 'n so forth - but they act the way people accidentally thrust together toward a common goal probably would. They don't crest a hill t' stare off into the distance 'n ponder their fate. They chat, they try t' pillage t' know each other, they tell jokes, they share stories. it be all so wonderfully ... normal. Inasmuch as trying t' rescue the spirits a Earth, Air, Fire, 'n Water before they can be used t' power a massive gun can be, anyway.

AHOY PlayStation.Blog readers! I have great news t' tell ye all: Tales a Xillia be now available exclusively for PS3 in North America, both at retail 'n digitally on PlayStation Store.

Do ye like adventure, over-worlds, mana, warring nations, great spirits, lesser spirits, upgradable shops, real-time battles, lovable characters, 'n vast bosses? Tales a Xillia has all those things, 'n more! Do ye start t' involuntarily shake with giddiness at the mere mention a a wyvern? Buddy, ye better sit down, because we’ve got MULTIPLE WYVERNS!

Not only that, but Tales a Xillia also has two main protagonists. On one side we have Jude Mathis, a bright medical student attending the university in the capital city a Fennmont. On the other side ye have Milla Maxwell, a mysterious woman who travels with four spirits 'n will AVAST! at nothing t' accomplish the wench mission. ye pillage t' choose whose side a the story ye want t' see, complete with unique cutscenes 'n events complementing each campaign.

Fortunately, both heroes give ye access t' the thrilling new battle system powering combat in Tales a Xillia. As with past Tales a games, enemy encounters in Tales a Xillia happen in real time. ye have direct control over yer character 'n their attacks, along with swapping out party crew mid-battle 'n switching between fighters on the fly.

New t' the series be the linking aspect a the battle system. ye can link together with another party member who can provide support actions 'n special linked artes attacks. Knowing which party member will provide a specific support action or linked arte be a crucial tactic t' take advantage a in desperate situations.

'n that’s just scratching the surface a what Tales a Xillia has t' offer! It’s a massive adventure with a diverse cast a characters, beautiful locations bursting with color, 'n an incredible battle system that goes well beyond traditional JRPGs. 'n if ye enjoy Tales a Xillia, be sure t' keep an eye out for it be sequel, Tales a Xillia 2, as well as Tales a Symphonia Chronicles — both scheduled t' arrive on PS3 next year.

'n one more thing: be sure t' check out PlayStation’s Twitter account. The fine folks there will be giving away a bunch a downloadable game codes for Tales a Xillia this week t' lucky fans!

Just a month before the western release a the PS3 role-playing game Tales a Xillia comes news that we be getting it be sequel, too: publisher Namco Bandai today announced that Tales a Xillia 2 will come t' the west in 2014. Wonderful news, here. Between this, Bravely Default, 'n the Wii U RPG code-named X, 2014 be already sounding lovely for western fans a Japanese RPGs. Tales a Xillia be out August 6 in North America ('n August 9 in Europe). For more on the series, check out me interview with producer Hideo Baba.

Tales a Xillia 2 will come t' Europe in 2014, Namco Bandai reportedly announced at the Japan Expo in France. A Namco Bandai representative told Gematsu that the game will also see a North American release in 2014. The game first launched on PlayStation 3 in November 2012 in Japan.

it be predecessor, Tales a Xillia, be still on it be way west too, as it be English-localized version be slated t' appear in North America on August 6 after it first launched in Japan in September 2011.

We've reached out t' Namco Bandai t' confirm Tales a Xillia 2's 2014 localization ourselves, 'n will update as we learn more.

Oh me, ye look like ye're having a serious anime deficiency. Have ye tried watching Puchimas! Petit Idolmaster? How about the entire Princess Tutu series? Twice?! Oh boy, um, let's pillage ye watching this Tales a Xillia trailer STAT 'n we'll figure out the rest from there.

PS3 exclusive RPG Tales a Xillia will offer a first-run limited edition for $60 when the game launches on August 6. This limited edition - not t' be confused with the special edition - includes a copy a the game, a character profile booklet, music CD 'n two DLC costumes.

ye can pre-order the limited edition through participating retailers starting now. If ye already pre-ordered through an eligible retailer, yer pre-order be automatically bumped up t' the limited edition; contact yer retailer t' confirm.

The rumor a a PS3 HD re-release a Tales a Symphonia 'n Dawn a the New World looks t' be no more than speculation. Earlier this month, series producer Hideo Baba gave fans hope a the bundle, rumored t' be titled Tales a Symphonia: Perfect Edition, saying such a game would be "a representation a the dreams 'n hopes a the fans, who have long been wanting it." However, speaking t' Joystiq on a recent European tour t' promote Tales a Xillia, Baba expressed his surprise at the rumor.

"So last weekend I went t' Madrid, Spain - t' expomanga," Baba told us, "'n I had a signing session with fans. 'n I be asked by one a the fans about this rumor. So he said, 'I heard a a rumor that Tales a Symphonia 'n Dawn a the New World be getting a 'Perfect Edition' on PS3, be it true?' 'n [me reaction be] 'What!?' [Baba laughs]. I didn't know anything about it so I be very surprised at that rumor."

Speaking t' JPGames.de, Baba further clarified his comments.

"That fan then said that it be the tenth anniversary a Tales a Symphonia in Japan this year," Baba told JPGames.de, "'n I just said that there might be something coming, as a celebration. But it will be more like a 'Tales a Café' or an event at NamcoCon... but we actually have no plans yet, there be only ideas."

So, while 2013 may see a few more Tales-related announcements, Perfect Edition isn't likely t' be one a them. Altogether more certain be the arrival a the next Tales game, with Xillia signed up t' spin yarns on August 6 in North America, 'n August 9 in Europe.

Tales a Xillia be heading t' European PS3s on August 9, fitting nicely with the previously reported North American release date a August 6. Check out the English version a Tales a Xillia in the above trailer, along with some special editions right at the end.

Tales a Xillia reaches North American shores on August 6, according t' reports by Kotaku 'n Gematsu. Series producer Hideo Baba recently pinned the PS3 JRPG for the west this summer, but both sites be reporting that window upgraded t' a concrete NA release date at a recent media event. There's no word on a release date for Europe.

Speaking t' Kotaku, Baba said there aren't any current plans for Tales games on the Wii U, PS4, or next Xbox. When asked about bringing recent Vita remakes Tales a Hearts R 'n Tales a Innocence R overseas, Baba said, "Unfortunately, at this present time we don't have any plans t' release any a the Vita titles. One a the main reasons be unfortunately the PlayStation Vita be doing relatively poorly in North America, so it be one a those things that if the numbers increased considerably, then it be something we could consider."

We've reached out t' publisher Namco Bandai for more info.

The 2013 western window for Tales a Xillia be upgraded now t' the summertime. Series producer Hideo Baba announced the news on the PlayStation Blog this week, while also revealing 2012 retail release Tales a Graces F be coming t' PSN next week on March 26. The Standard edition a Graces F be priced $34.99, while the Knight edition bundles in over ten pieces a DLC for $54.99.

If ye're looking for a more exact North American date for the PS3-exclusive Xillia, it may be July 2. that be according t' a screengrab a a GameStop computer database, as posted by IGN. The date may only a GameStop placeholder, so don't neglect a pinch a salt with it.

Meanwhile in Japan, Tales a Xillia 2, released in November, stormed it be way t' 500,000 sales before the end a 2012. Since we be only just finding out when the first Xillia will hit the west, we wouldn't advise raising yer hopes a Xillia 2 news anytime soon. Having said that, Baba did tease further Tales-related "surprise announcements" this year.

It be around fifteen years ago now that a good matey a mine urged me t' try out Tales a Destiny, which had recently come out on the PlayStation.

"I really like the characters, 'n it be funny," he told me. Pretty soon, he be finding ways t' incorporate the characters in his fan-fiction, his favorite being the 16-year-old master swordsman Leon Magnus. He wasn't alone.

The Tales franchise has grown by leaps 'n bounds over the years, going from bona fide cult favorite t' one a the most successful JRPG franchises this side a Final Fantasy. Unlike it be competitors, the Tales series has been mostly content t' stay the course over the past ten years or so. That remains the case for Tales a Xillia, which will please it be now very vocal fanbase, even if it won't make many waves outside a the RPG community.

Tales a Xillia will include text in five different languages when it arrives in Europe in 2013, Namco Bandai announced. Along with German, French, 'n English text, which Namco also provided in the European release a Tales a Graces F, Xillia will include Spanish 'n Italian text.

There will also be a small amount a text in whatever language the word "Xillia" be in. All a the screenshots sent with the announcement have English text - except for those with no text, 'n ye can interpret that silence in the language a yer choice.

AHOY everyone, me name be Ted Tsung 'n I be the North American Producer for Tales a Xillia for NAMCO BANDAI Games America. I’m happy t' announce that we recently completed our voice recording session for the game, an extremely important part a the localization process. It’s a vast milestone for us t' pass 'n it means that Tales a Xillia be that much closer t' it be 2013 release.

Eight hours a voice recording across an eight week span, filled with late nights catching up on emails, proofing, 'n preparation for the following day. It’s a grueling process that’s both physically 'n mentally taxing. Despite this, it be a fantastic experience, thanks t' the support from Cup a Tea, 8-4, 'n the voice actors. I might be looking through rose-tinted glasses, but ye won’t find a better group a people.

It’s always impressive t' see how well voice actors can improvise on the spot. They have very little interaction with each other. The most exposure they’ll pillage with one another be hearing a voice that may be played back for reference. Otherwise, they’re stuck in a booth alone, quickly scanning a script they’ve never seen before, dishing out multiple takes for us t' grab. It’s a draining process that requires a lot a attention from all parties.

After it’s all said 'n done, I believe people will be satisfied with the voices we chose for each character. When localizing games like those in the Tales a franchise, there’s always added pressure since the Japanese version typically comes out first.

I’m very much aware that it can be very jarring t' someone hearing the English voices when they’re used t' hearing the Japanese voices. However, I think our English cast matches the original intention a their character’s persona.

For example, we went with a much deeper voice for Milla. We needed the wench t' maintain a very powerful 'n authoritative demeanor, so we didn’t find it appropriate maintaining the same pitch as the wench Japanese voice.

Similarly, we pitched down Jude a little bit as well. He maintains the same adolescent qualities as the Japanese version, but we figured the North American audience would prefer a lower, stronger voice.

As long-winded as the recording be, it be a gratifying one, 'n I really owe it t' all the people I worked with. Everyone has done an outstanding job, 'n I hope the fans enjoy it.

#tales Like the Tales a Xillia 2 bus, here's a pair a cars (Auris 'n Aqua) that be turned into Tales itasha. More »

Good news for anyone who’s been enjoying Namco Bandai’s enormous JRPG Tales a Graces F since it be launch back in August: it be immediate successor, Tales a Xillia, be on it be way exclusively t' PlayStation 3 in 2013.

We’ve struggled our way through an hour or so a the original Japanese version, which launched overseas back in 2011, 'n the 13th entry in the long-running series brings with it a number a significant new innovations for the much-loved franchise. Duly, we took the time t' check in with producer Hideo Baba while in Tokyo last month t' find out exactly what fans best expect.

PlayStation Blog: What be the key new additions t' the Tales formula since Tales a Graces?
Hideo Baba, Producer: There be many unique features in Xillia but I’d like t' emphasise that the battle system be very unique 'n much improved over the previous title. Also, the portrayal a the game world 'n it be atmosphere has also changed a lot too. In the previous games the characters be very deformed – they be much shorter – but with Xillia the team has tried t' show the characters in realistic proportions so that we can really convey the vast size a the world more effectively. The player can really feel how large the world be now.

PSB: Can ye put that into real terms? Just how big be Tales a Xillia?
HB: Well, that depends on the player. There be two main characters in the game – if ye play through the story from both points a view it will take ye more than 100 hours t' finish.

PSB: Xillia originally launched in Japan over a year ago, while Tales a Graces F took 18 months t' make it t' Europe. Do ye hope t' reduce the localisation time for future Tales titles?
HB: I recognise how important it be t' release a Western version as soon as possible after the Japanese release but sometimes some scenes prove difficult t' describe in different languages. It’s very challenging t' localise 'n properly convey the right sentiments t' Western players. I would like t' start a new method a localisation though – perhaps we could make the cinematic sequences in parallel with language translation t' shorten the waiting time.

PSB: Many crew a the PlayStation community would like t' see an option t' play the game with the original Japanese voice track. be this something ye’ve considered including?
HB: I receive so many requests from foreign players for Japanese voice tracks in the Western version! However, there be some difficulties with the company 'n the voice actors. That said, I will be considering the feasibility a it.

Here be over 9,000 screenshots a Dragon Ball Z: Kinect, Tales a Xillia 'n Tekken Tag Tournament 2 on Wii U from Tokyo Game Show. Over 9,000?! Okay, not really, but there be plenty - 'n one video.

#tales This fall, Tales a Xillia 2 will be released in Japan. Familiar faces will return, but the game takes a year after the first Xillia. Thus, some characters have aged—notably, Jude Mathis. A year be a long time when ye be a teen, especially a teen in a JRPG. More »

Earlier this month, NAMCO BANDAI announced (via Twitter, no less), that they’d follow Tales a Graces f’s North American release with a Western version a Tales a Xillia.

This PS3-exclusive RPG be a celebration a sorts for the Tales series a RPGs, which had been around for 15 years at the time a the game’s release in Japan. But rather than just rehash classic elements, the Tales team took some chances, crafting a new battle system 'n a more grown-up visual style. The result, according t' Famitsu, be the best Tales game yet.

Last week, I had a chance t' pose some questions (including some a yer Twitter queries) t' Tales series producer Hideo Baba. Here be his answers:

Jeff Rubenstein, PlayStation Blog: Tales a Graces f came t' PS3, but Vesperia didn’t hit PS3 in North America. Now Tales a Xillia has been announced for North America. How do ye determine which titles in the series pillage a an English-language conversion?

Hideo Baba, NAMCO BANDAI Studios Inc.: Given the current resources assigned t' the Tales a series team, I be always trying t' find ways t' assign staff crew t' work on a Western localized title as well as a new game for Japan when possible. However, the team’s main objective be t' create new titles for Japan first, 'n unfortunately staff resources be not always available. Moving forward, I would really like t' assemble teams t' release as many a the main Tales a games overseas as possible.

PSB: Tales a Graces f’s battle system be well loved. Talk about Tales a Xillia’s Double Raid Linear Motion Battle System. How does it compare? What be new?

HB: Our fans, as well as ourselves, be always searching for the next evolution in the unique real-time Tales a battle system. With Tales a Graces f we be able t' design 'n adjust that battle system into something that be acclaimed by both gamers 'n the press alike. However we be not completely satisfied 'n felt that it could be taken a bit further. With that challenge in front a us we created the Double Raid Linear Motion Battle System for Tales a Xillia. There be two big new features with DR-LMBS. The first one allows players t' link two characters’ artes, which utilizes the game’s setting a two leading characters; Jude 'n Milla. The second be the Linked Artes system, which be a cinematic attack performed by two characters in a flashy combo. In addition t' the fast paced 'n exhilarating battles many fans loved in Tales a Graces f, players will now be able t' enjoy real-time action battles with two united characters.

PSB: At the beginning ye’ll choose between two characters. How does the game change depending on if ye go with Milla or Jude?

HB: Depending on which character the player chooses at the beginning a the game they will experience various story sequences play out from the point a view a either a our main characters; Jude or Milla. The main, overall storyline does not change between either Jude or Milla, but t' experience the full story players will have t' play the game as both characters.

PSB: Xillia be the best rated Tales a series ever in Japan; it received a 39/40 in Famitsu. What improvements have been made from Tales a Graces f that ye think merited such critical acclaim?

HB: I believe the game be acclaimed because a it be maturity as the 15th anniversary title in Japan. As I previously mentioned, we be always challenging ourselves t' evolve the series 'n t' develop each title that will surpass fan expectations from the last title. I think that these gameplay evolutions from game t' game over the course a the past 15 years have helped the series earn it be critical acclaim.

PSB: Artistically, Tales a Xillia be very different than the last few Tales games, featuring more “mature” character models. What audience be the story geared toward? Tales a Graces f felt aimed at a pretty young crowd.

HB: The main audience in Japan remains continues t' be the core Tales a series fans. However, we know we need t' acquire new fans while also keeping returning fans a the series invested in our new titles. The new character design be a big change for the series, 'n helps us attract new players without sacrificing the devoted Tales a fans. I think ye may recognize Milla as a mature character in terms a the wench portrayal in the game. Our intentions with Milla, for example, be t' create a woman with strong convictions that female players can aspire t' be like when they grow up. a course she be also portrayed t' be adored by young men like Jude.

PSB: What be it like developing Tales a Xilia exclusively for PS3? be it easier focusing on one platform?

HB: As I’ve mentioned before, the main market for the Tales a series be Japan, 'n the console highest in demand be the PlayStation 3. We’ll pursue the possibility a releasing titles on various hardware systems as the market changes, but for now we’ll develop the titles on PlayStation 3 t' reach the most Japanese players as possible.

PSB: Tales a Xillia came out in Japan last year, but won’t drop in the West until next year. With this extra time, will the team provide any additions t' the international version?

HB: I understand this concern well, but we consider the Japanese version a the game as a finished product 'n hope overseas fans can enjoy the game as it be. The same can be said for all the DLC content as well. There be no big change between the original Japanese version 'n the international version because we want t' provide the same gameplay experience as much as possible between all regions.

Tales a Xillia be coming t' North America 'n Europe in 2013. Until then, ye have a gallery featuring dramatic close-ups like this one, allowing ye t' pass the time practicing yer resolute stare.

During a Namco Bandai "fan conference" at Japan Expo (which ye can watch live right now) the publisher announced plans t' release the tales "flagship" game Tales a Xillia in the west. Namco UK's Tales account made the announcement public. No specific date has been announced for the Western version, but the account has specifically said the game will come t' America as well as Europe.

In Japan, Tales a Xillia be released in September 2011, as a PS3 exclusive. A sequel be already announced for that region, due this year.

Finally. Namco Bandai be bringing PS3 action-RPG Tales a Xillia t' the West, the company said at a fan conference today. More »

#talesof Here be some new official screenshots for upcoming Japanese role-playing game Tales a Xillia 2, which will be released for PS3 in Japan later this year. More »

Widely expected, Tales a Xillia 2 be indeed confirmed as the name a the series' next sequel at the Tales a Festival in Japan today. The word comes from producer Hideo Baba himself. More »

#dlc In Japan, one company has embraced the DLC business model more than any other: Bandai-Namco. t' anyone who has ever thought a piece a DLC be a bit pricey would be screaming in rage if the Japanese prices for Bandai-Namco DLC be t' become the norm. Click through the gallery t' see some a the most egregious offenders. (Prices in yen have been converted t' dollars.) More »

#tales The Japanese role-playing game Tales a Xillia could be jetting across the ocean at some point in the near future. More »

#speakuponkotaku Back in the day we'd spend countless hours unlocking every hidden character, special costume, or magical weapon in our video games. Today we simply buy them outright. Commenter Superlocke laments this unfortunate evolution in today's Speak Up on Kotaku. More »

Tales a Absorption? Tales a Dissolution? Namco Bandai announced this morning that it plans t' absorb the Namco Tales Studio, producers a the company's successful Tales series, on January 1, 2012. No reason be given for the move.

The Tales Studio be a wholly owned subsidiary a Namco Bandai formed in 1986 as Wolf Team, changing it be name in 2003 when Namco became the majority shareholder. It has since been the lead studio a the publisher's flagship RPG series.

it be not like Namco Bandai be planning t' pillage out a the Tales business, since the publisher just raised it be financial forecast based on the success a Tales a Xillia.