Tales of Xillia Remaster is dropping this October, and there’s plenty of reason to be excited. Among the long-running JRPG series, this entry blends sharp combat, a lovable cast, and gameplay depth better than most of its peers. While every Tales game has its quirks, this one manages to strike the right balance between engaging storytelling and satisfying mechanics.

Characters That Carry Tales of Xillia Remaster

Characters make or break any Tales game, and Tales of Xillia Remaster delivers one of the most balanced and entertaining casts in the series. Jude, one of the dual protagonists, takes a strategist’s role while letting others shine, avoiding the typical overpowering lead syndrome. Mila, a literal goddess with zero regard for common sense, constantly adds unexpected charm and humor to the story.

Alvin brings complexity, keeping players guessing about his motives at every turn. Elise and Teepo grow on you gradually, providing heart and comic relief, while Rowan mixes gentlemanly wit with clever trolling moments. Leia rounds out the group with an easygoing vibe that evolves into one of the most surprising character arcs. Together, they create strong chemistry that makes every conversation, skit, and emotional beat resonate more than most JRPGs manage.

Combat in Tales of Xillia Remaster

Tales of Xillia Remaster refines the linear motion battle system with new mechanics that make combat faster, deeper, and more rewarding. The introduction of action points creates natural pacing, while the link system takes strategy to another level. Linking characters allows for combo-based synergy, automatic shields, MP recovery, and even unique special attacks.

Linked Artes remain a highlight, giving players access to over 60 unique techniques. Unlike other Tales games where flashy finishers often look the same, every Linked Arte in Xillia brings mechanical variety. Each party member also has their own special mechanics, making switching characters feel fresh rather than repetitive. Whether you prefer fast-paced melee with Jude or strategic spellcasting with Rowan, the system ensures every style feels equally viable and fun.

Tales of Xillia Remaster and the Series Legacy

One reason Tales of Xillia Remaster resonates so strongly is how it blends familiar series elements with thoughtful innovation. Fans of classics like Symphonia, Abyss, and Vesperia will appreciate the sense of continuity, while features like Linked Artes and enhanced character interactions set it apart.

Tales Of Xillia Remastered Features
byu/Key_Brother intales

While other entries like Tales of Berseria and Tales of Arise bring their own strengths, Xillia strikes a rare balance between tight pacing, narrative investment, and gameplay flow. For newcomers, this remaster offers a solid entry point into the Tales franchise, while long-time fans will find it delivers on nostalgic expectations without feeling outdated.

Where Tales of Xillia Remaster Falls Short

Despite its strengths, Tales of Xillia Remaster isn’t flawless. The soundtrack, composed by Motoi Sakuraba, is serviceable but lacks memorable standouts compared to other titles in the series. While a few tracks shine, like the jazzy battle theme and Jude’s hometown music, most of the OST falls into the background.

Additionally, dungeon design remains a weak point. With minimal puzzles or environmental challenges, exploration can feel repetitive between battles. This approach marked a shift in the series’ design philosophy and won’t appeal to players who prefer more engaging traversal. Still, the strength of the core gameplay and character dynamics compensates for these shortcomings.