“Tales of Graces f Remastered not only drastically improves on the foundations of the original… but is the definitive version of the game entirely.“
Tales of Graces f Remastered not only drastically improves on the foundations of the original Nintendo Wii version, and the graphical and performance overhaul of the PlayStation 3 version, but is the definitive version of the game entirely. The game remains at a persistent 60-FPS on the PlayStation 5, even amid late to post-game content where Artes are flying left, right, and centre and various visual effects and phenomena flood the screen.
This remaster also offers much-needed quality-of-life improvements and useful accessibility options that not only serve to make the game much more approachable to those looking to enter the series for the first time, but also help encourage returning players.
These include auto-saves, fast load times and seamless transitions from overworld into combat, the ability to retry battles without loading from a prior save, skippable cutscenes as well as Skits and post-battle dialogue, newly voiced Skits, destination icons and markers for timed events, toggle functions to turn enemy encounters on and off, and a toggle function to turn dash on or off.
It also significantly improves the graphics of the base game, offering enhanced visuals, lighting, textures, models, and sprites. As well as the presentation of Skits and post-battle party dialogue.
The remaster also includes almost 80 costumes that were previously DLC exclusive to the PlayStation 3, as well as the epilogue expansion Lineages and Legacies, which extends the battle system by introducing Accel Mode, a battle mechanic that differs based on the abilities of the character activating it, and explores what happens after the events of the main story.
What is a very interesting new change however is the addition of the Grade Shop being accessible from the very beginning. Normally available only in new game plus, the Grade Shop provides the option to modify the Experience Points gained, Skill Points acquired, Gald collected, or provide significant buffs to characters CC Guage, and reduce the price of items sold by merchants.
To me, however, and this may come off as elitist, having the Grade Shop open from the beginning feels like cheating. But I can understand why they would do this. Tales of Graces f is a long game, and to prepare for post-game content, a lot of grinding for resources, materials, Experience Points, and Skill Points is required. Having these convenient options available not only allows for more points of accessibility, especially for people with limited time and energy, but even opens the game up to disabled players. So whilst it makes me feel disappointed, I completely understand why it was changed.
