Tales of The World: Radiant Mythology

"PSP Must Have"

The latest installment in the super popular "Tales" series, Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology lives up to its name. Although it is lacking in a few points, its still a very enjoyable game to newcomers of the series or seasoned veterans.

Graphics-10/10

Seriously, for the PSP, this game is beautiful. The characters designs never look choppy, nor have I seen any types of graphic glitches. From area artwork to Arte effects, this game does not disappoint in this area.

Gameplay-9/10

Just as with the other tales games, the gameplay in this game is great. Controls feel just right, and the button reaction is perfect. Another add on to the game play is the return of the "Unison Attack" system, last seen in Tales of Symphonia, but left out completely in Tales of the Abyss. Radiant Mythology supplies your characters with hundreds of different Artes, over a dozen for each character, ranging for basic to Arcane.

The actual gameplay is mainly set on a large amount of missions given at certain headquarters in different cities. Although it may not sound fun at first, once you get into it, these become very enjoyable, especially when you reach the point that some missions require you to face off against your companions. Can you defeat your closest allies?

Only one thing that I wish was in this game was 2 player gameplay. Only trading between others is allowed, and I thought it would be great to not only have a co-op mode where you can work together with another player to go on various missions with, and even have a quick 4 on 4 battle. Even so, the gameplay barely dissappoints.

Story-7/10

This is what keeps this shawty from bein' a 10. The story seems like something that has done many times before, and mission gameplay doesnt help it. There really isnt a beautiful story as there was in all of the other Tales games, instead, it follows yoyu, who was born from the "World Tree" of a world called Terresia. A "Descender" of Terresia, your immediately sworn to protect the world at all costs. You eventuall join an underground group called the Ad Libitum which has the same motives as you, to protect Terresia and preserve that mana, or source of life, of Terresia. Good thing, Kanonno, your new female lead, is a super-cutie. :)The existence of the Ad Libitum itself is what saves the story from being a 5 or so: classic Tales characters.

From Lloyd, Kratos, Genis, and Raine of Tales of Symphonia, Senel from Tales of Legendia, Luke and Tear from Tales of the Abyss, or Stahn, Rutee, Nanaly, and Garr from whatever Tales game their from,(Seriously, I have no idea who these people are.), and dozens of others, the appearances will not dissappoint old time Tales fans. Seeing old fashion 2D characters in full 3D is something a lot of people have been waiting for, and this is your chance. The best thing about it is that these people actually have true effects on the story. The only bad thing I can think about the appearances is with Luke and Tear, whom appear back to when Luke was still a spoiled long-haird brat and not after (SPOILER WARNING! TURN BACK NOW IF YOU HAVENT FINISH TALES OF THE ABYSS) Tear conffessed her love for him. I really wanted to see the two of them together as a couple/ and Lloyd and Kratos, which happens before Lloyd finds out Kratos is his father. Other than that, its all good.

Replay-10/10

This game is already over 40 hours long originally, and will keep you playing for days. Although, after you've finished the game, you remember that you were a Swordsman, or whatever class. You see that there's a multitude of classes such as Fighters, like Senel from Tales of Legendia, and you try it out. Playing as the over 6 different classes really can open a new experience to you in this game, thus, you can be playing it for weeks upon months to come. Aside from the classes, the Grade system returns, giving you ability to use "grade" points from the game to gain items, levels, and various other things from your previous games in new games. All in all, you wont be getting tired of this game for a LONG while.

Voice Acting- 9/10

Yes, there's plenty of times in the game where characters will be voiced. Although a lot of character voices have been changed, it does not mean you wont enjoy listening to them. A couple of times, Mormo, the "cute" little companions' voice gets very annoying and you simply want to strangle his non-existent neck. Other than that, Voice Acting is great.

All in all, this game does not dissappoint. If you buy this game, I promise you that you will not be dissappointed by the great presentation. Did I mention the opening pwns? If you miss out on this game, I promise you, your technically throwing a way a gem.

I hope you enjoyed reading, and that I've helped you choose to purchase this game.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/06/08

Game Release: Tales of The World: Radiant Mythology (US, 07/17/07)