PlayStation

Tales of Destiny

Tales of Destiny is a very well made RPG and one of the best I've had the pleasure to play this year. While it sticks to traditions and gives fans of the classics something to get excited about, it also manages to take RPG's another step into the future with its innovative battle system.

Tales of Destiny is an overall good game that combines classic RPG elements with a new and creative story, and also adds some new things to gameplay such as the real time combat that is also mixed with several levels of strategy. The story is fun to watch unfold and experience, and playing through it is just as fun. The graphics and sound effects were nice, but not very great, with the graphics being more cute than cool, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. A fan of RPG games will definitely enjoy this game, and for anyone else, it's worth a good look.

In the end, though, the game's the thing, and luckily this is where Tales of Destiny shines. From the first moment, you're drawn into a fun, fast-paced, and challenging game that keeps you always wanting to go through one more door, or open one more can of worms. Although I can nitpick at the graphic look and occasionally awkward Japanese to English translations, looking back I realize I got sucked into the game and had a great time. And what more can you ask for, really? Highly recommended, as long as you're a fan of the classic Super NES!

All in all, I would have to say that this was a pretty average RPG. I never found myself deeply involved in the story but on the other hand I did play a ton of hours. I think the seasoned RPG fan will get about the same out of it as I did whereas someone new to the genre may not be overly impressed. If you can't live without owning every RPG ever made then you should enjoy this game the most. It has that nostalgic look and feel to it. I think that if the battles were done better I would have enjoyed the game more. As it sits now, it is still an average title.

Tales of Destiny isn't terrible but simply reeks of being on Namco's back burner for far too long. So little is exciting or new here that you are probably better off playing another RPG or two in this game's stead.