Tales of Hearts Moving To Vita

Originally released on the DS, Tales of Hearts is looking to get remastered for the Playstation Vita system. Similar treatment as was done for Tales of Innocence R. The new Hearts title is said to be fully voiced, include new events, and have a new character named Calcedony Arcome. It’s slated for a Japanese release window of Spring 2013.

While no information is announced for western release, some are holding hope as recently Namco Bandai has expressed desires for people outside Japan to experience the older Tales titles. As well as their desire for Hearts itself to be localized. Although, it begs the question then. Where is Innocence R localization?

Source: Jump Magazine

What’s Next For The Tales Series?

Now that the Tales of Abyss 3D and Tales of Graces f ship have come and gone, I’m left with a bit of a question. I’ve enjoyed Abyss so far and Graces definitely had it’s own charm. At this point I’m wondering what’s next on the chopping block for Tales in the US.

To be honest, I may be a bit off the wall when I say the next Tales game I want is Tales of Innocence R. It’s not that Xillia doesn’t look incredible, because it certainly does. However Graces left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth due to it’s changes from the original Tales model I learned to love with Vesperia and the Symphonias.  The music was lacking, it had a lack of exploration, there was too much back and forth, and it had a few hit and miss characters. That leads me to fear where Xillia has gone, further away from ‘my’ wants or a return to it.  I’ll give Graces credit though, they did some amazing things with the combat system.  I’m sure they will do the same with Xillia, but everything else seems to be degrading.

2012 Looking Up For JRPGs

Life of a fan of Japanese gaming from the west has it’s ups and downs.  At times you get great games to spend hours upon.  While at other times you go so long wondering if Japan still loves you.  Getting a localization of great titles just seems like pulling teeth at times.  Well, it almost seemed like 2011 was one of those years.

Well, negativity aside, it looks like 2012 is shaping up.  Companies are looking to bring their great titles to the west and JRPG fans are ready to snag them up.  Here’s a lineup I put together to get you all as excited as I am.  Some may debate that some arn’t “RPG”, you get the gist.

Valkyria Chronicles 3 (PSP): While Sega told Gamespot a solid ‘no’ to it’s localization in the west, after a huge signature campagne the question of their minds being changed went up in the air again.  Maybe we won’t see it on PSP, but there’s still a chance for a Vita port which would be amazing.  So.. while most my hopes are shattered, I still keep shred somewhere in the back of my mind.  [Unconfirmed – Unlikely]

Tales of Graces f (PS3): Finally an amazing new Tales title is coming to America.  This installment is the first PS3 exclusive Tales game for the West and it gets the amazing sharpness in graphics to support it.  I may have to get a second PS3 on standby because I may kill my PS3 playing this to death.  [Confirmed March 13 Release Date]