Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: PlayStation
- Developers: Wolf Team
- Publishers: Namco
Tales of Destiny: A Revolutionary Action-RPG Classic
Released in 1997, Tales of Destiny was a groundbreaking action-RPG that revolutionized the Tales series and left a lasting impact on the genre. Developed by Namco (now Bandai Namco), the game introduced a number of innovative features, including side-scrolling battles, a deep combat system, and a compelling storyline.
A Genre-Bending Adventure
Tales of Destiny follows the story of Stahn Aileron, a young swordsman who embarks on a quest to save his kingdom from an evil sorcerer. Along the way, he is joined by a colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and motivations.
What sets Tales of Destiny apart from other JRPGs of its time is its action-oriented combat system. Battles take place on separate side-scrolling screens, and the player controls the main hero, Stahn, directly. Stahn can perform a variety of attacks and combos, and can even block and dodge enemy attacks.
Other party members are controlled by the game’s AI, but the player can pause the battle at any time and assign new combat tactics to any one of them. This allows for a great deal of strategic depth, as the player can tailor their party’s behavior to suit the specific challenges of each battle.
A Deep and Rewarding Combat System
The combat system in Tales of Destiny is not only innovative, but also incredibly deep and rewarding. Stahn has a wide range of attacks and combos at his disposal, and can even learn new techniques as he levels up.
In addition, the game features a unique “Technical Points” system. TP is used to perform special attacks and spells, and can be earned by performing combos and dodging enemy attacks. This system encourages players to master the game’s combat mechanics, as they will be rewarded with more powerful attacks and abilities.
A Compelling Storyline with Memorable Characters
While Tales of Destiny’s combat system is certainly one of its highlights, the game also features a compelling storyline and a cast of memorable characters. Stahn is a likable and relatable protagonist, and his journey is both exciting and emotionally resonant.
The supporting cast is equally well-developed, and each character has their own unique motivations and backstory. The game also features a number of plot twists and turns, which keep the player engaged from beginning to end.
A Lasting Legacy
Tales of Destiny was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best JRPGs of all time. It has been ported to multiple platforms over the years, and has spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs.
The game’s innovative combat system has been particularly influential, and has been adopted by a number of other JRPGs. Tales of Destiny is a true classic of the genre, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers around the world.
Conclusion
Tales of Destiny is a groundbreaking action-RPG that revolutionized the Tales series and left a lasting impact on the genre. Its innovative combat system, deep storyline, and memorable characters make it a must-play for any fan of JRPGs. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Tales of Destiny is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing.
Review Score
8.5/10