Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World

"With or without the Prequel still...Awesome"

Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of a New World (ToS2) is a sequel to Tales of Symphonia (Tos). This game takes place 2 years after the end of ToS, when Lloyd and company reunited the two worlds. You play as the timid, yet strong-willed Emil, and the ditsy, yet wise Marta (Emil's friend). Throughout the game they are set on reviving Ratatosk the World Tree's summon spirit and the lord of all monster. As well as, taking revenge for the death of their parents.

Story: The story shows the adventures Emil and Marta on their journeys throughout the aftermath of Lloyd's actions. The world was once two, Tethe'alla and Sylvarant. However, due to actions, once thought noble, the worlds were united. Each world is hostile towards the other as the Tethe'allans and the Church of Martel, oppress and look down on the less advanced Sylvaranti. While, The Sylvaranti Liberation Front (A.K.A. The Vanguard) is attacking all settlements that support Tethe'alla and the Church of Martel, because they oppress them. Throughout the game there are some predicted and unexpected twists to create a story that fits with the Tales games general plot, yet still keeps itself unique. The story does create some connections and wraps up ToS, but whether you have played Tos or know what happened it carries itself. In case anyone ever tells you different you do NOT I repeat NOT need to play or get ToS to like this game. Thankfully, there are little to know flashbacks scenes as the story begins as early as necessary during Palmacosta's Blood Purge. During this event Emil is one of the few to witness, Lloyd Irving, ToS' main protagonist, murdering his parents as well as most of Palmacosta. On both a cultural and personal level the conflicts would appear to any player.
Rating: 10/10

Graphics: There is not much to write due to the fact graphics are not the Wii's specialty. However, the character's, town's, and monster's design seems a little bit smoother and less cartoonish than the previous game. The moves graphic are also smooth to prevent making the screen look to busy even if four artes are executed at once. They make it nice, they make it better; but they do not make it on the Wii's Top Ten Game Graphics.
Rating:7/10

Sound: This part of the game was pretty nifty. The sounds during battle are a bit different in the aspect they are a little less annoying and do not sound so repetitive in the aspect of hearing "thowck"thowck"thowck" like in the previous title. They also are not as loud so you are not going to be needing to turn down the volume when you start playing. Most of the music was very nice with a fresh, new, crisp feel. It also had some of the better music from the last game. If you have played the previous game the characters voices may be a little disappointing as only two or three characters have retained the same voices. However, if you have not played it you would like the voices as they still do fit the characters nature and personality.
Rating: 9/10

Gameplay: This was the best part of the game and if anything, a redeeming quality for anything you may find disappointing. As many people wanted in the previous you can finally move however you want and are not limited by how your opponent is moving. Also, they have removed the cumbersome requirements needed for your special techs (Mystic Artes in this game), making it easier to perform, but still in an aspect that it will be your once in a while trump card. Most of the skills and the tactics carry over from ToS, but they are still fantastic. They also added a monster-catching system, where the monsters play as party members.This, I felt, added a little more variety to the game. For a touch of nostalgia and sadness the old character can be recruited. While I felt it was fun to take reins of the old favorites once again. they are limited in strength and equipment as they stop at 50 near the endgame. However, you are stuck with only 1-3 of them at a time making you get sick of them because they are so limited (unlike the last game were you could switch out whenever you wanted). This only pushed how much I like the monster system as there are hundreds of choices and each one can be made equal, and you can specialize them to be healers, damage dealers, or support. They also brought back some dungeons, but they are still revamped and fresh making it still enjoyable.
Rating: 9/10

Controls: This was my biggest shock upon getting the game. You cannot use any GC controllers for this game, the controls are purely WiiMote and Nunchuk. However this system is even better than before. The sole WiiMote motion function is for one or two minigames/events. The arte controls are still similiar and guarding is less cumbersome as it is the button for free-motion as well which you should have your finger on at all times. The unison attacks are about the same as before. However, the Mystic Artes(techs) are much easier to perform. Once you get the proper ability you just need to hold the B when performing an arte, when your unison gauge is full. Whereas in the previous game I found the way to perform the Mystics extremely aggravating and awkward. It all works spectacular and is easy for anyone to do, yet interesting enough for anyone
10/10

This game is awesome for any player. It is totally worth the money, and you can play it no matter how much you know about the former game. This game could have very easily have been a Tales game by itself and it is one in its own right. If anything the nostalgia factor was a little overbearing, but still awesome.

Overall Rating: 9/10 (not an average)
Rating Average: 9/10 (average)

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/23/08

Game Release: Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World (US, 11/11/08)