Tales of Symphonia Meets…Pikachu?

Tales of Symphonia was a game that separated itself from the typical RPG fare through its quirky art direction, incorporation of unique game elements like a cooking system, and the use of a live-action “Linear Motion System” as opposed to familiar turn-based gameplay. Now that the sequel, Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World is out in Japan, we’re piecing together the details ourselves, and discovering a game which looks to be a promising installment for the series and a great fit for the Wii.

IGN’s first-look is a review of the import, and it certainly looks exciting. Die-hard fans of the original GCN Tales of Symphonia will recognize Lloyd, along with other key characters from the original, who play an integral part in this game. But with the new additions to the cast there’s plenty of fresh faces. Perhaps the biggest addition is the ability to capture beasts after battles (Pikachu anyone?), introducing an entirely new dynamic to battles, leveling, and team building. It looks like a large part of the gameplay, as beasts can join your party as well as level up. There are over 200 beasts to potentially capture, some of them evolve, and they have their preferences as to which foods they prefer, which can enhance their attributes.

The battle system of the original was what caught and kept my attention; instead of helplessly waiting while an animated enemy attacks you, you can just pick up the controller and smash away. It speeds up the pace of the game, along with relieving every gamer’s need to smite enemies. The new battle system looks like it retains the fast-paced nature, but it’s been heavily updated with the “Flex Range Element Enhanced Linear Motion Battle System,” meaning elements now play a huge role for both magic and beasts.

And what about the Wiimote? Well, you can choose either to use the nunchuck thumbstick to control your character’s movements, or you can hold (b) on the Wiimote and point at the screen. Because the Wii’s been known to capitalize on certain newbie gamers’ tendency to steer their controller, the ability to control with the Wiimote could prove to bring an even more immersive element to the game.

Finally, though the graphics don’t seem heavily upgraded from the original, they still adhere to the overall sensibility of the game.Tales of Symphonia’s graphics have always been aesthetically appealing, but the goal is not to saturate the game with unnecessary bangs and ultra-realism. It’s more like watching an animated feature: the bold colors, shading, and vivid backgrounds draw you in.

Watch out for the Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World, flying off sales racks and into our needy hands November 1st, 2008. And if you can’t wait that long, check out trailers, gameplay footage, and more from E3: