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"Rimworld" was yesterday? This is how "Ascent of Ashes" fares
by Kim Muntinga
"Tales of Xillia Remastered": my unforgettable introduction to the "Tales" series
5.11.2025
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Kevin Hofer
The JRPG series "Tales" has been around for 30 years. Despite this, as a big fan of the genre, I haven't played a single instalment yet. With "Tales of Xillia Remastered", I have finally found my entry point - and am a neo-fan.
I rarely get excited years later about a series that has so far passed me by. But «Tales of Xillia Remastered», originally released in 2013 for the PS3, immediately cast a spell over me. It's not even considered one of the best titles in the series and still has its flaws despite the remaster treatment.
The choice between two perspectives
«Tales of Xillia Remastered» is set in Rieze Maxia, a world where humans and spirits once lived together in harmony. But the kingdom of Rashugal uses a powerful device that depletes the world's mana and destroys the balance. The deity Milla Maxwell recognises the danger and wants to destroy the device. In the process, she meets medical student Jude Mathis, who is drawn into the events. Together they fight to save the world.
The game begins with an impressive anime sequence - one of several that will delight anime fans like me. After that, I'm faced with a choice: do I experience the story from Jude's clever, analytical point of view or from Milla's mysterious perspective? This decision between two protagonists with different points of view increases the replay value.
A goddess with weaknesses
I decide in favour of Milla. Her initial arrogance and hubris fascinate me. The relationship between her and Jude develops into one of the strongest elements of the story. While Milla wants to save the world with determination and willpower, Jude grows beyond himself through their shared experiences.
Milla's complexity surprises and touches me. Behind her cool façade lies a deep vulnerability that gradually reveals itself. At the beginning, she loses her four spirits, which were her source of power, and is suddenly dependent on Jude and the other companions. Her longing for her lost powers is reflected in quiet moments that reveal her melancholic side.
This depth of character humanises Milla and makes her journey captivating. The numerous interstitial conversations between the characters add to this: At the touch of a button, I can trigger dialogues at certain points, which are further enlivened by expressive character portraits.
Cool battle system
The dynamic real-time battle system of «Tales of Xillia» is different from what I know from other JRPGs. Enemies are visible in the world, and on contact the game switches to a three-dimensional arena. There I control my character freely, while the AI takes over the team members. In addition to standard attacks and defensive manoeuvres such as blocking and dodging, I use «Artes» - powerful special abilities.
The centrepiece of the system is the «Linked Combat System». I can link Milla to an AI-controlled character who supports me strategically: He flanks enemies, breaks through their cover or heals me. The highlight of this co-operation are the «Linked Artes» - spectacular combination attacks that require a filled bar between the linked characters. These attacks in turn charge a group bar, which activates the «Over Limit» mode. In this state, the team unleashes an uninterrupted chain of powerful attacks.
The system requires familiarisation, but tutorials explain it well. Once I've mastered it, the battles feel fluid and rewarding. I string attacks together and defeat even bosses with ease. Although a certain routine creeps in over time, the strategic depth and fun factor make the combat system a highlight.
I use the Lilium Orb system - the skill tree - to unlock new skills. The clear menu makes it easy to customise skills between battles. The step-by-step introduction of the mechanics and the clear tutorials also help here.
Modern improvements
The remaster brings useful new features. A brand shows the way to the next destination, and unopened treasure chests appear on the mini-map. These small additions noticeably improve the gaming experience, as the environments remain pale. The maps between the regions seem monotonous and offer hardly anything to discover - apart from items and chests, which are not hidden cleverly enough to make the search exciting. The map is therefore a welcome help.
Another new feature is the Grade Shop, which is available from the start. Here I activate bonuses that influence the gameplay, such as five times the experience points or more favourable prices in shops. With all the buffs activated, the game becomes too easy, which reduces its appeal. However, this option is ideal for players who want to concentrate on the story or invest little time. Fortunately, the bonuses can be switched on and off at any time.
Optically, little has changed. Although the backgrounds look better than on the PS3, muddy textures and outdated character models remain visible. However, the latter have a nostalgic charm. The anime cutscenes stand out positively. The loading times, which were annoyingly long in the original, are now significantly shorter - a clear plus point.
An adventure with resonance
«Tales of Xillia» tells a story about friendship, responsibility and the balance between man and nature. The mix of lightness and more serious topics succeeds. The battle system remains fresh even after more than ten years, although it does become somewhat repetitive in the long run. This also applies to the level design, which looks dated even with slightly improved visuals. Nevertheless, I enjoy the game through nostalgic glasses.
For me as a newcomer to the «Tales» series, it's a great introduction. The flexibility to customise the adventure makes «Tales of Xillia Remastered» highly recommended - both for new players and for fans of the original who want to relive a beloved adventure.
As my first «Tales» game, Xillia has left a lasting impression. As soon as I finish it, I definitely want to play «Tales of Symphonia» as well.
«Tales of Xillia» has been available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch and PC since 31 October. The game was provided to me by Bandai Namco for testing purposes on PC.
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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