Story

Tales of Eternia offers an enchanting narrative set in a universe divided into two separate worlds: Inferia and Celestia. These worlds are precariously positioned, with their skies facing each other. This unique cosmic arrangement forms the stage for a compelling story that delves into themes of coexistence and the consequences of misunderstanding.

The narrative follows the journey of Reid Hershel, a young hunter from the peaceful village of Rasheans. Reid’s tranquil life is disrupted when a mysterious girl named Meredy crash-lands near his village. Speaking an unfamiliar language and accompanied by a peculiar creature named Quickie, Meredy warns of an impending catastrophe that threatens both Inferia and Celestia. Her arrival sets off a series of events that compel Reid, alongside his childhood friends Farah Oersted and Keele Zeibel, to embark on a journey to prevent the looming disaster.

As the story unfolds, players explore the intricate dynamics between the two worlds, unveiling secrets and encountering a diverse cast of characters. The narrative is rich with emotional depth, as the heroes strive to bridge the gap between Inferia and Celestia, challenging their own beliefs and prejudices along the way. The storytelling in Tales of Eternia is complemented by character development and plot twists that keep players engaged throughout their adventure.

Gameplay

Tales of Eternia excels with its engaging gameplay, a hallmark of the Tales series. The game utilizes the Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS), a real-time combat system that blends action and strategy. Players control one character directly while issuing commands to AI-controlled party members, allowing for dynamic and fluid battles that require quick reflexes and tactical thinking.

Combat takes place in a 2D plane where players can move freely to dodge attacks and position themselves effectively. The system encourages experimentation with special moves called Artes, which can be chained together to create powerful combos. Each character possesses unique skills and abilities, ensuring that battles remain fresh and challenging throughout the game.

Beyond the exhilarating combat, Tales of Eternia features classic role-playing elements, such as exploration, puzzle-solving, and resource management. Players traverse a richly detailed world map, visiting towns, dungeons, and other locales. The game also includes a cooking system, which allows players to prepare meals that provide various benefits, adding another layer of strategy to the adventure.

Graphics and Sound

Released for the PlayStation in 2000, Tales of Eternia showcased impressive graphics for its time. The game features vibrant, hand-drawn 2D sprites and beautifully rendered backgrounds, creating a visually appealing world that draws players into its fantasy setting. The character designs, crafted by the renowned artist Mutsumi Inomata, are memorable and contribute to the game’s distinctive aesthetic.

The sound design in Tales of Eternia is equally noteworthy. The soundtrack, composed by Motoi Sakuraba and Shinji Tamura, enhances the emotional resonance of the story with its sweeping melodies and dynamic compositions. Each track is carefully crafted to complement the narrative and the environments, immersing players in the game’s atmosphere.

Voice acting is another highlight of Tales of Eternia, with character dialogue delivered with conviction and personality. Although the English version for the North American release (titled Tales of Destiny II) had some localization changes, the Japanese voice acting remains a testament to the game’s production quality.

Legacy and Reception

Tales of Eternia was met with critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its engaging story, innovative battle system, and charming visuals. It quickly became a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of the standout entries in the Tales series. The game’s success in Japan led to its eventual release in North America and Europe, where it was rebranded as Tales of Destiny II, although it is important to note that it is not a direct sequel to the original Tales of Destiny.

The game’s influence extends beyond its initial launch, with a PSP port released in 2005, allowing a new generation of players to experience its captivating world. Tales of Eternia’s enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and the impact it had on the RPG genre.

Over the years, Tales of Eternia has inspired numerous fan works, including fan art, fiction, and even unofficial translations of content not originally available in English. The game’s rich narrative and memorable characters have left a lasting impression on players and continue to be celebrated in the gaming community.

Conclusion

Tales of Eternia stands as a remarkable entry in the Tales series, offering a captivating blend of story, gameplay, and artistic excellence. Its exploration of themes such as unity and understanding, coupled with its innovative battle system, has cemented its place in the annals of RPG history. Despite being over two decades old, Tales of Eternia continues to enchant players with its timeless charm and enduring legacy, ensuring that it remains a beloved classic among RPG enthusiasts.