By Sherwin Loh

ON ALL counts, Tales Of Vesperia should end any arguments, if there are still any, on whether Microsoft's console can deliver the RPG (role-playing game) experience that was once the domain of the PlayStation.

The Tales series, from publisher Namco, is unique in its RPG elements in that during battles, players retain full control of characters. Instead of the usual turn-based fights, characters can move around a battlefield and attack enemies any time, in real time.

Like the Final Fantasy series, each Tales game is a new story and Vesperia has the honour of being the first available for the high-definition console.

Using a mix of anime-style cut-scenes, Vesperia is a beautiful game. It does not aim for details but focuses on giving life to characters through their individual mannerisms and expressions. This is a nice change from the usual stoic 3D renderings.

Another difference is that, save for the boss battles, there are no random encounters that force you to fight.

Enemies appear throughout the game. If you prefer grinding, you can actually pick fights by identifying creatures and, in so doing, tailor battles that suit your skill level.

During battles, characters can use regular attacks and Artes. Artes are character-specific moves that can be combined with normal attacks. Constant use of Artes leads to the mastery of new and more powerful moves - from range attacks to group attacks.

There are also special skills to be picked up by using certain weapons.

Picking up new and more powerful skills is important because the battle is not about strategy or deciding who attacks and casts spells.

As players have free roam of the battlefield, there are elements of action games here as players can flank slower moving creatures from the side and easily dodge attacks.

Despite the many choices, game control is a breeze as many functions can be pre-set - from the selection of weapons and choice of skill to the actions of teammates.

For those interested in the storyline, there is extensive dialogue between characters, though translation has always been one big flaw. The English dialogue is awkward, but this is a trapping of many games translatedfrom Japanese.

Still, with side quests galore and a smooth soundtrack, Tales Of Vesperia is one story worth repeating.

This article was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life on Sep 17, 2008.

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