Which Version of Tales of Symphonia Should You Play - All Ports Reviewed & Compared (+ DOTNW)

[@vincent207]

It’s crazy how the original version from 3 generations ago is still the most optimal version to play.

[@GiordanDiodato]

but lacks the content of the PS2 version

[@ml_serenity]

Just an opinion.

[@TheSalamanderMenace4]

@@GiordanDiodato which is tragic.

[@Chris-ob4gv]

@@GiordanDiodato Is the content even good? Doesn't seem that significant.

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@Chris-ob4gv extra costumes and mystic artes

[@dongodongo12]

Tales fans really did not get mad enough for this to get fixed

[@_jc726]

I got mad enough for all of them, I promise. They're still hearing from me almost daily.

[@GreyWish_]

@@_jc726 keep fighting the good fight

[@jac_238]

No, I’ve seen plenty of fans complain. Bamco have acknowledged the issues with the Remaster and said they were gonna address them, and even sent out a survey regarding issues with the game

[@RawPower867]

@@jac_238 Hopefully Namco will fix all of the issues and not just those fans have complained most about.

[@BmoreAkuma]

Some of us already have our Gamecube copies so we good.

[@ryantimms245]

you rule, dude. this is the kind of obsessive detail we need more of in videogame content.

[@JayMota16]

Glad to have been apart of this video. Now if only Namco would fix the new version or better yet just reverse engineer the GC code to give this a proper remaster. One could only hope :^)

[@ananevermore]

OMG I KNOW SOMEONE SO FAMOUS GUYS THIS IS MY BESTIE

[@JayMota16]

@@ananevermore ❤😂

[@ech0ashes]

I thought the GameCube source code got lost.

[@JayMota16]

@@ech0ashes It did but other companies have proven you can restructure code. Square Enix lost the source code to Kingdom Hearts and redid everything for the 1.5 remasters by extracting code from retail discs of the original code so what’s the excuse for Namco? They have None. They just continue to use the inferior version because it’s what’s most convenient despite the echos of people saying “we don’t want this.”

[@SumeaBizarro]

@@ech0ashes Silent Hill HD collection used Source code. Just not the final source code and was made by amateurish developers for the job so... Source code cannot save you. On other hand, all Bluepoint jobs have famously been said to use reverse engineered code for accuracy to released version because they were very aware of this problem beforehand. "We don't use archive data. We use retail discs and reverse engineer them. That way we can be 100% sure we have all the final retail data and it matches up." It is more what the port jockeys hired can and will do. Sadly these types of ports from the inception were seen as easy money and easy project for whatever company or person hired. There is tale of DOOM on 3DO that is wild how badly a company boss can misunderstand game making back in the 90's. You are not wrong that source code is very good to have for any port job, and reverse engineering is a specialist job with not many specialist companies (one, and it is sony's company now?) but it can be done without, if you put in more money time, effort and specialists than your scope of easy and fast job that can be sold for humongous profit. This "remaster" costs 50€ when the original dual pack of games cost 30€ or 40€ on PS3. That was 100% more game (and quality porting?) for less money.

[@pages4573]

This sort of reminds me of Sonic Adventure situation, where all future ports were based on a somewhat janky port, which slowly adds more and more jank since each port breaks new things.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

At least, the PC version of SADX has enough mods to restore it. Symphonia is sadly not that lucky.

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@ChiefMedicPururu because the PS2 version's framerate is tied to animations.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

@@GiordanDiodato Yes, I know.

[@kirbyofthestarsfan]

It's like Mr Incredible, all the ports slowly get more uncanny

[@zachtwilightwindwaker596]

And mods end up fixing it. Unfortunately I can no longer access the sunrise area in Station Square as Tails. I know Tails is not supposed to be there but you kind of have to know where to go since it's hard to find by accident.

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Thank you for your continued efforts. I think any damage to story content is severe. Dialogue missing or wrong voices damage the experience in a story focused game. Bamco Studios should really look into making their ports better.

[@GiordanDiodato]

except the PS3/4/Xbox ports are fine it's just closer to the Japanese version

[@zachtwilightwindwaker596]

@@GiordanDiodato What about Steam?

[@eyeball226]

It's insane what a disservice they did this game. I'm thinking about playing it for the first time since I originally got it on the GameCube and honestly it's looking like I should just play the GC version again on my Wii U.

[@ech0ashes]

Unfortunately the only way to play GameCube games on the Wii U is to mod it. If you still have a wii that can play GameCube games, that can work as well.

[@eyeball226]

@@ech0ashes I assumed it went without saying that it's soft modded already. If I didn't know about soft modding then I would have no reason to believe I could play it on my Wii U. 🙂

[@Flareboxx]

I love Symphonia, but the missing voice lines and lower fps from the Gamecube version is seriously crazy. I'm still holding off on buying the remaster in the hopes that they'll fix it (or even release an official PS5 version with improvements), but I don't anticipate them doing anything. This was obviously just a way to make a quick buck, and its obvious they didn't put much care into it.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

And some people even defend it. Not here, obviously, but I've seen people saying that "it's not so bad".

[@JayMota16]

Anyone defending the new version has no taste. The FPS is the biggest issue but all the other issues such as longer loads, loading hang ups, messed up graphics, missing voice lines how does one go about defending that? Lol

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

@@JayMota16 Because company loyalty. Remember that the latest Pokemon game has a save bug that can corrupt your shit. And some act like Game Freak and TPC are indies companies with barely a cent and even say that it's fake. Reminds me of how Capcom refuses to patch Resident Evil 0 on Switch. They sent me a email response that was "We know our product was rushed and unrefined, but please continue playing it, we won't fix it". And some defend that port too.

[@goranisacson2502]

​haven't heard about any bugs in Resident Evil 0 for Switch (mostly because I didn't buy it therr and wasn't aware of it)- what happened there?

[@PedoBearNomsLoli]

@Flareboxx Yeah no, good luck with that. The fact that they have not fixed it after all these years and all these ports/vers, clearly they don't see it as something wrong. Honestly, it seems to me that it's mainly the Western society/culture that cares so much for FPS performances, while the JP don't really give a shit about that. Otherwise, there should've been huge outcry for them to fix it by now. And I've seen plenty of other Japanese companies just tank their FPS and/or not deliver on 60 FPS. Like there's no priority for them.

[@mesmorrow]

This is what happens when a company behind a product does cheap minimum work on refreshing an exsisting product, it becomes issues on top of issues and when you look back years later you have multiple failed attempts at recreating something to the point where it's now held together by duct tape and glue, all of this could have been avoided had they simply made one good version of this game and ported that for the next 10-15 years.

[@user-nt1yb5kr8x]

I was so dissapointed by the PS3 version. It was my first time playing and when I first tried to combo in combat I immediately thought "this sluggish combat CAN'T be what everyone else fell in love with...This cant be right!" The FPS difference is noticable even to a new player lol

[@GiordanDiodato]

they tried getting 60fps to work, but it broke the animations

[@Chummy8]

Austin, your videos are absolutely essential for people like me who have a large Rom library and can't figure out which version of a game to play. Thank you for your work!

[@lboy9889]

Raine's missing bunny ears are actually an intended censor in western versions of the game with this costume, it's to avoid any infringement on the Playboy Bunny design. But in the PC version, using this costume causes some textural glitches with Raine (sometimes she turns green, wrong textures get mapped to her body).

[@paperluigi6132]

A similar thing happened in Paper Mario: TTYD. Iirc, some Boo waitresses or maids had their ears changed from bunny ears to cat ears for the same reasons.

[@Reliken]

It is so dumb that America let a company trademark *bunny ears*

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@Reliken only bunny eared costumes.

[@VodkaVodoka]

As always, I appreciate these in-depth looks into the different versions. But one thing that I don't see hardly anybody mention about Symphonia re-releases, is that in Gamecube original you could map moves into the C-stick, but in every versions since then you're not able to map moves into the right analog stick. That is just completely baffling to me. It allowed for way more options in combat, but as it is, the right stick remains completely unused in combat.

[@JayMota16]

Yeah idk why they felt it necessary to make the left and right stick control movement. Mapping artes to the trigger’s introduced input delay that’s only gotten worse with each port somehow

[@GiordanDiodato]

it's because the PS controller doesn't have the points.

[@JayMota16]

@@GiordanDiodato Valid point but on steam you can configure buttons and I kinda just altered the buttons to make more sense so it was definitely possible. Even Right Stick commands are a thing when done properly. This is just another example of Namco being lazy

[@proudtobeme1ashkente]

Exactly! Of all the things they messed up in newer versions of the game, this as well as the gald decrease for the dragon and the J-Pop openings are the only things that actually bother me a lot.

[@GoGoSuperB]

Fantastic video. Very concise and to-the-point. Also appreciate how links are posted in the description, along with timestamps for each version of the game.

[@newbrowny]

You're one of my favorite youtubers Austin, I love these videos so much. Thank you for making these!

[@markthomas5821]

It's such a shame they put so little effort into these ports. It seems like it's getting worse all the time now. I shouldn't have to do research to figure out an older version is better. Would be nice to see if you do the new Record of Agarest War that just released on Switch. Pretty niche game but your video would be very interesting.

[@Jordan3DS]

Welcome to modern companies, unfortunately. Square Enix in particular is known for bottom of the barrel new versions of their games, like the FF Pixel Remasters.

[@Silvergun_Raven]

@@Jordan3DS But they did a great job with Legend of Mana, SaGa Frontier, Tactics Ogre, and FINALLY improved Chrono Cross.

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@Jordan3DS the Pixel Remasters are fine

[@Jordan3DS]

​@@GiordanDiodato I mean, no, they're really not... The spritework was all made by one person who primarily works on FF mobile games, and it looks exactly like the kind of spritework you'd get from an amateur sprite artist being forced to create 6 games worth of sprites in barely any time: really bad. The spritework looks worse than all of the original versions of the games, as well as all previous remakes. Even the NES spritework of FF I - III looks better, since it's more professional and has a better style. That's not to mention the generic musical arrangements or the crappy font, either. The Pixel Remasters were just hastily made, cheap cash grabs, and calling them "fine" is lowering your standards to the point that even garbage products with no money or effort put into them get a pass. Come on man, the FF series has much higher standards than this...

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@Jordan3DS lmao sure it does. the sprites are really detailed the music sounds amazing and you're just complaining for the sake of complaining. grow the f up

[@lordaathras]

And this is why I will always play ToS on the GameCube. No other ports could compare to it honestly. So happy I still have a working copy of ToS for the GameCube

[@GiordanDiodato]

doesn't have the extras. or the Japanese voice acting

[@twoinchrpinchr6040]

@GiordanDiodato the extras aren't much and not everyone cares about Japanese dialogue.

[@muzi69]

@@twoinchrpinchr6040new artes are a big deal

[@the757general2]

@@GiordanDiodato the extra content while nice isn't enough to make up for the many downgrades

[@fallen_tsu]

excellent video! prayers for a proper version update or so in the future, It's such a shame that this game just seems to get the short end of the stick each time it gets brought up as a new port or even cameo in games, very sadge. also I can't get over that scene with kratos and his stomach , there is a huge purple patch on there that is not the same shade of purple only present in the "Remaster" versions of the game ( seen in 0:54 in the video) which also seemsto affect how everthing else looks in that part of his model.

[@Timbeon]

Wild that Symphonia's on its fourth rerelease, and the original Gamecube version from 20 years ago is still the one that runs the best and has the fewest weird issues.

[@Reliken]

​@@MegaMario9001 it makes me sad to think about the impact this has on new generations exploring old games! Like when the Chrono Trigger PC port launched, or FF6 got its ugly iOS port. "Older people rave about these games being amazing, but they kind of look and play like ass!" :(

[@FlamingZelda3]

@@Reliken This is why the Wii VC was such a big deal. N64 games run smoother on Wii than they do on N64. I thankfully got to play Chrono trigger in it's full glory on wii 20 years after its original release. Thankfully Emulation and Mods help fill in that hole a little bit in the modern day, but a lot of 3D games still have issues with being emulated. :(

[@FlamingZelda3]

@@MegaMario9001 Part if this seems to be devs not giving games the time and care they need & focusing on the wrong aspects of a game. Another side of this seems to be that many of these games were created for specific hardware and imitating that experience years later with different hardware leads to all sorts of tiny holes and inconsistencies.

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@MegaMario9001 bad take

[@GiordanDiodato]

except it doesn't have the extras. also some of the issues were to make it closer to the Japanese version, thanks to dual audio

[@GoldenSirius]

Never played the game but IMO the GC version looks best. That thick cel-shaded look is just so appealing.

[@GiordanDiodato]

it looks gross tbh

[@flaminginferno6641]

@@GiordanDiodato it's a matter of preference, some people like the cel shading some don't

[@zachtwilightwindwaker596]

Steam looks pretty good.

[@migovas1483]

@@GiordanDiodato Nah, looks sharp, and fluid. I like the depth of field effect and outlines are the best and fits the overall look. Other ports don't know what to do with the outlines, an feel afraid to make them thick, which was the point of the original, they were bold for a reason.

[@yajadews7502]

thanks for taking the time to make this

[@Anfinith]

20 years in, and the GameCube version is still the best way to play the game, and oh man am I so glad to have one copy with me.

[@FlamingZelda3]

We borrowed a copy from my brother's friend back in 2006. Held onto it for almost 2 years before giving it back. Later in 2018 I happened upon a copy in a random bookstore priced at 25$. Bought it immediately cause I knew what a steal that was. :)

[@GiordanDiodato]

but it doesn't have the extras in the PS2 version

[@WateringDNami]

How and why this is we will never know

[@EarthboundX]

The fact that they still can't get it back to 60FPS on the Series X and PS5 versions of all things just screams of laziness. You know what? No, it's laziness for all of the ports, all these consoles and PCs are more powerful than the Gamecube was. There's no excuse at all.

[@Haseo8]

From what I'm hearing bumping of the fps breaks the animations or something. These ports and remasters are based on the ps2 version, notbthe gamecube version.

[@ccricers]

Looks like it's HD texture pack on Dolphin for best of both worlds.

[@sergiomessias3691]

The PS3 collectors edition was great. We could use having more like that one nowadays

[@thanksbetotap]

Did Bandai-Namco announce they were fixing (at least _some_) things for the Switch version _alone_, or are they going to patch the other versions as well?

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

They're "considering" it.

[@tailedgates9]

@@ChiefMedicPururu That's....Such a shitty answer when your port has bugs and issues. XD

[@ShadyPlatinum777]

How can you keep making a game worse with each release.

[@PedoBearNomsLoli]

I believe the JP are just sucky at making ports/remasters. BandaiNamco aren't the only ones making poor and/or underwhelming remasters/ports...

[@TheSalamanderMenace4]

@@PedoBearNomsLoli Creepy name aside, Japan has made some perfectly competent remasters, Tales of Vesperia and FFXII Zodiac Age (PC version) are the definitive versions of both games.

[@PedoBearNomsLoli]

@@TheSalamanderMenace4 And that's how many vs the many PC ported games that JP has ever released? I have already mentioned either here or somewhere about Vesperia. And they did make the whole pixel remasteres with FF. Idgaf about FFxII so Idk about that. But again, that's how man pc ports vs the tons that are out there? I would like to direct you to P3 port for one example.

[@TheSalamanderMenace4]

@@PedoBearNomsLoli They're getting better. They used to suck or be console exclusive, yes, but they're getting better. And get a new name, seriously

[@GiordanDiodato]

how was the PS2/PS3 version bad?

[@raikohzx4323]

Huh, the battle backgrounds also notably look worse going from Gamecube to PS2. There's a lot of color and detail outright lost in the direct comparisons.

[@Some_Random_Guy]

based on what I'm seeing here, I'm wondering how concerned I should be over the Baten Kaitos remaster 🤔

[@heyjeySigma]

well whatever you do.. just dont ever preorder.. and don't buy day 1

[@daichi42]

Considering it is Monolith this time, either hands on or at least supervising the studio responsible for the remaster, I think we can expect some quality port, although there will be some trade-offs to adapt to today's player tastes. It is hard to please everyone.

[@FlamingZelda3]

I had a lot of trouble getting into baten kaitos. I played for maybe 5-7 hours and couldn't get hooked. Any advice for someone wanting to give it another try?

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@heyjeySigma please find a bridge

[@twoinchrpinchr6040]

In case you haven't bought it since you commented. I highly enjoyed the first game on the remaster, didn't have any issues but I also hadn't played the game since it released on GameCube so many years ago. I've yet to try origins on remaster tho

[@NickFlack]

Defenitely GCN ver. 60fps exclusive!

[@AngelsBain]

great videos as always Austin~ cant wait for the upcoming MMBN and hopefully after those, the mega drive and master system phantasy star series (just my hope, not a request hehe)

[@whiteaier27]

I've been playing the PS3 port for the added content. Something about it felt off though. Now I think I got it, if dialogue is missing and incorrect. Nice video! Thanks for the comparisons. Makes me glad I still have the NGC version.

[@Aelrandir]

Symphonia remains one of my favorite games of all time and is the game I credit for getting me into the JRPG genre. I've literally played through it a couple dozen times over the years. I was initially so excited to see it coming to Switch because I could finally have a portable version, but then I was gutted at just how awful of a port it was. Though I really shouldn't have been surprised. I ended up just not even buying the remaster. Even if it's one of my personal favorite and most important games ever I refuse to support Bamco's garbage ports. If a future patch fixes it I'll just grab it used somewhere.

[@FlamingZelda3]

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles also got a garbage port. Personally, that one hurts even more because that game was MADE for solid online & local multiplayer and that's the one thing they decided not to do. They also took one of the best game soundtracks I have ever heard and nerfed it into oblivion. SE really did us dirty with that one.

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@FlamingZelda3 how would you implement a multiplayer that uses GBAs?

[@FlamingZelda3]

@@GiordanDiodato Do you mean for FFCC remastered? It's fairly simple you can have a transparent drop-down menu for each player to use in their respective corners (some lego games even do this). The other problem was they made player progression save separately so only the host of an online session progresses & everyone else essentially wasted their time.

[@xTheLemon]

It's been 20 years since I first played ToS and it's been one of my favourites ever since. Back in 2013 I was really hyped for the Chronicles version, finally touching that PS2 content that we Europeans never had. But actually, I was rather disappointed instead of joyful.. the quality of new voiced lines were so off, the frame rate being at 30fps, and no new voices lines for the additional content. It was quite disappointing. I think I even had more fun with Dawn of the New World on the Chronicles disc. Earlier this year in 2023, I saw the Remaster came out and yeh.. I wasn't really hyped since remasters of many games (like Pokemon as well) haven't really been living up to people's expectations anymore. When I heard of the early bugs and glitches I was very disappointed they didn't fix those. Particularly the voice lines and such, as there are mods made by the community to fix it. It shows the laziness and disregard that went into this game. What did they actually do right for this version? For trophy hunters too, it's the same list as the PS3 one. And the trophy list is more of a burden than actual fun. But hey, after 20 years, it was time that I finally 100%ed this game for once, and so I did last week. I feel like I can really close this book now. With the multiple runs I have been doing, everytime I crashed in Ymir Forest when I used the sorcerer's ring for the bird to carry me from the branch to a new location. It blacks out and gets stuck there. This always happened after a gameplay of at least 6 hours in one go. After reloading it seems fine, but this is another glitch to be aware of. Save before Ymir Forest or rather before using the bird teleport. It's been 20 years and tbh, the game doesn't really age well anymore for the modern era. The fact there is no free running in this Tales kinda bothers me now, and the graphics are starting to become harder to look at on modern consoles, while Vesperia is still acceptable for me. This game needs a complete remake if they ever want to revive this game again. It has seen enough remasters or ports now.

[@PKLucky]

I was thinking about picking this game up in some shape or form and this video was a huge help!

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

You picked the GC version?

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@ChiefMedicPururu without the extras

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

@@GiordanDiodato Who the fuck cares about the extras if the versions with the extras run poorly and have missing voice clips and text?

[@AT7outof10]

Lloyd's AI upscaled outfit terrifies me.

[@SergeCruso]

Played the GameCube and moved on. Loved it as it was.

[@lain11644]

Thank you! I've been waiting for this before making the decision to buy or not buy the PS4 version.

[@GiordanDiodato]

If you want more Tales rereleases, do it

[@GTea30]

Oh hey, what's DQ VI / III doing in your intro? ;)

[@andr0zzsenpai]

As a huge fan of the original GCN release I would say I am not bothered by the 30FPS reduction, but the modern Switch/PS4 version do look awful for some reason, I don't like the AI upscaled textures, and the transparency and FPS problems on Switch. Also for some reason the sequel is missing for the same price as Chronicles which included both games. I don't know how could they mess this much with such a beloved game.

[@Cruxis_Angel]

It’s like they didn’t even have someone double check the ai upscales. Some do look good but then I see others that just give me the side eye.

[@GiordanDiodato]

the sequel is missing because the west hates it

[@allenellisdewitt]

Is it possible to mod out the bugs on the PC version, and is there a mod to make it 60fps?

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

Sadly, the missing text and voice clips were never restored.

[@allenellisdewitt]

@@ChiefMedicPururu damn, so short of AI voicing, no. Thank you, tho!

[@Sarnahanfi]

afaik you can't make it run in 60 fps because the animations are set to the fps, so when changing it everything gets totally out of control. But I think 40 fps was possible? not sure, there should be a video up about it

[@gasparguruoftime5475]

@@Sarnahanfi 40 fps is more just considered "acceptable" because since it's only a 10 fps bump, the animations don't get quite as crazy. It kinda just feels like you're playing the game with turbo mode. But bumping it to 60fps makes it almost unplayable.

[@Sarnahanfi]

@@gasparguruoftime5475 don't get me wrong, I was just answering to his question, I played in on gamecube and bought it on steam but it's kind of stupid when a game runs better through emulator than official re-release

[@SuperOtakuKyo]

Sucks there was no updates or anything done to the PC version alongside the remaster when they stated in interviews the PC version was used as a base.

[@PedoBearNomsLoli]

Because JP hates PC ports/ver. They prolly only ever make PC/Steam ver of games to just shut the Western/Non-JP fanbases up. They are a mobile society after all. Hell, even consoles get more/better love than PC lol. PC gaming market practically doesn't exist for them.

[@SuperOtakuKyo]

I don't entirely buy that considering Bandai Namco ports damn near everything to PC nowadays and Arise sold gangbusters on PC

[@PedoBearNomsLoli]

@@SuperOtakuKyo And yet usually the PC ports get the biggest shaft on the stick. I mean look at Atlus with the Persona series. Still no P5 for PC. And many times the PC ports are riddled with bugs and performance issues. And any latest ports/remasters tends to not get PC versions. After they do a PC port at least once, they just generally tend to forget the PC altogether.

[@jean-emmanuelraullet127]

I played the game on NGC and PS3. I see a lot of people saying the NGC version is the best, but for me the difference of speed between the PAL version on NGC and the original version on PS3 make the game really faster, harder and so agreable to play. Also the lack of Ultimate attack and a lot of costumes (and the throphee system) also make the PS3 version my best, even if there are also more bugs, just because it's more complete. But in the end me question is: why is there no mods on the Steam version which correct everything? Are mods not allowed?

[@KnucklestheEcidna]

I actually find it hilarious that it basically comes down to which version of this game should you play boils down to Gamecube version or PS2 version since the remasters are essentially just PORTS of the initial PS2 remaster

[@GiordanDiodato]

yeah? what's the problem?

[@Senpailoveyou]

Thanks for the info

[@Danzig420]

I love your videos, this makes me comfortable with the Steam and PS3 versions I own, would love that 60 fps tho lol

[@GiordanDiodato]

tried, it broke the animations.

[@djhowell5273]

GameCube is still the best way to play

[@mgs3re4dmc3]

Since I never had a GameCube, playing this on PS3 or PS4 is the best option I have. While I am slightly bummed at the lack of 60fps, the game runs well enough on those versions for me to still enjoy it, and is still way better than not playing Tales of Symphonia at all.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

PC with mods is your best bet, then.

[@adamslosslessmusiccollection]

Giglio is pronounced “jig-a-low,” as Zelos thought of himself as a lady’s man and pimp.

[@PedoBearNomsLoli]

Glad I wasn't the only one who was going about on his pronunciation on that.

[@Cruxis_Angel]

Emulating the GameCube version with HD textures is the best way. The new content is mostly filler fluff and doesn’t replace how nice that crisp 60fps alongside spell cancelling feels. After all these years even after platinuming the PlayStation versions I still wind up playing on dolphin.

[@pedrojackson8416]

Music at 0:00 ???

[@stardustsdd]

I believe it's Triet's theme from Symphonia (I might be remembering the name wrong, it's the desert town).

[@JaredScott]

Sheesh what a mess these ports are

[@RegalPixelKing]

It's a real shame that for every rerelease for this game they used the worse running version. Sure, extra content is cool, but it's questionable if it's even worth it if you get double the performance on the GC version.

[@GiordanDiodato]

it's because in order to run on PS2, they had to tie framerate to animations. And trying to forcibly go at 60 breaks the animations.

[@kingcheerio8558]

Hears Austin repeatedly pronounce "Gigolo" phonetically Oh child, you really are too innocent for this world.

[@BigBrotherGnE]

I am grateful i can still play this game on my GameCube. The added content from newer versions arent really worth much. If only i can find a HDMI cable for my GCN and then i can really achieve nostalgia once more.

[@ccricers]

HD texture pack emulated on Dolphin for the best of both worlds. Also with the PS3 dialogue they didn't properly filter out the "S" hissing from the sibilance. Or did they just re-compress the original audio, making it sound worse?

[@MatheusNiisama]

Something I couldn't understand in this video that I would love to clarify, the Wii sequel is included in the PS3 version of the game, and all the subsequent ports are based on the PS3 version, does that mean all the subsequent ports include the Wii sequel or is that just a PS3 version thing?

[@ugoplatamia]

Nope, only the Wii and PS3 has Dawn of the New World.

[@PedoBearNomsLoli]

@@ugoplatamia Sadly. I was surprised to learn that even the Steam port didn't have Dawn... Looks like they are gonna try to have everyone forget that that was ever a thing.

[@GiordanDiodato]

The west hates it

[@neoandroid8586]

I really liked the sequel and am currently emulating TOS Chronicles on The Steam Deck!

[@DodgeThisBam]

AMAZING VIDEO! Probably WAAY too late to ask but did ANYBODY in the Speedrunning/Tales community you interacted with have any idea who composed the instrumental theme for the Original GCN English version? I can't find information on it anywhere.

[@GoGoSuperB]

I've read on Wikipedia that the composer is Motoi Sakuraba

[@DodgeThisBam]

@@GoGoSuperB I somehow missed that. Thank you!

[@summerishere2868]

Am I the only one missing the point specific blur from the gamecube version? It really added a unique look and charm to the game...

[@Cruxis_Angel]

I miss it. The blur is supposed to hide a lot of those awful textures/blemishes in towns/dungeons. Every time I play the PC or PlayStation versions it’s so jarring

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@Cruxis_Angel the blur looks like ass

[@TheSalamanderMenace4]

Gamecube version is a more pleasant gameplay experience and the original look, the PS2 version and later has more content but inconsistent visuals and 30fps. Pick thy poison carefully. And avoid the PAL Gamecube version like the plague: the 50hz is more noticable than 30fps IMO and it's compromised.

[@FlamingZelda3]

PAL framerate is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy...

[@TheSalamanderMenace4]

@@FlamingZelda3 Ayooo someone gets it! JPPS2/PS3/PC/PS4/Xbox One >>>> PAL Gamecube

[@FlamingZelda3]

@@TheSalamanderMenace4 I meant PAL in general. Back in the era of CRTs PAL games were terrible.

[@TheSalamanderMenace4]

@@FlamingZelda3 NTSC >>>>> PAL! I agree!

[@Santoryu90]

The only version of Symphonia I’ve played is the PS3 port hopefully Bandai Namco get’s there shit together with the remaster.

[@LemonRush7777]

Sounds like the Tales of Symphonia for the GCN with the undub patch applied is the best option overall.

[@qactustick]

"Undub patch"? Wouldn't that just be...the JP version?

[@Finalras]

@@qactustick No, it's obviously the English version with Japanese audio, almost all old JRPGs that only had an English dub have an Undub patch available. Symphonias dub is awesome, but is missing the Skit voice lines, so that's one of the reason why one would want the undub patch.

[@zachtwilightwindwaker596]

So is the Steam version the definitive one despite the lack of 60 FPS?

[@iriswells4216]

I just wish they would let it run at 60 fps. Like I can't even think of an excuse on the newer consoles at this point.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

The engine the PS2 version and up use can't run 60 FPS or the game breaks. Someone has tested it.

[@noisepollution4473]

Man, everything related to this game that came out after the original GC release is such a bummer. First, the PS2 version with additional content is released only in Japan, and as a kid I wanted to play it so badly but never got it. Obviously, at this point, I kinda just wish it never existed at all so that these ports and remasters would be forced to be based on the GC version, but I didn't know then what I know now, so it never coming out here was the first big bummer Symphonia rerelease situation for me. Then we got Dawn of the New World. Another game that I just kinda wish never came out at all. Then we got the other console ports and the Steam version, all running at bad framerates with weird story mistakes (the text box stuff/voice lines) Now we get these remasters. I bought it immediately when it came out without seeing the reaction to it, and I booted it up and was so deeply disappointed. If they're going to go and remove the game's cel shaded graphical charm, the least they could do is make the textures look nicer and the framerate as good as it was 20 years ago. But instead we got another busted port of the PS2 version. The new anime cutscenes are nice but I'd trade them away for 60 FPS and cel shading any day of the week. Ideally we could have both, but if I have to choose one, I'll haul my gamecube out again for my yearly playthrough instead.

[@RawPower867]

I know the Switch is not as powerful as the other platforms, but this is ludicrous. There's no way it shouldn't be able to run a game like this just as well as past versions at least.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

They dropped the ball even more on that version.

[@noneofyourbusiness1998]

Metroid Prime shows how lazy of a port this was.

[@BobBobOnYouTube]

I bought that Symphonia Chronicles Collectors Edition when it came out but never opened it.

[@karamarakamarama]

So many Sympnonia ports while Legendia is still stuck on PS2

[@karamarakamarama]

nvm seeing how many issues these ports have ive decided i dont need it lmao

[@snintendog]

@@karamarakamarama was about to say "you want that monkey paw of Namco ports?" but then you learnt better.

[@PedoBearNomsLoli]

Because Legendia sucked. It was the bastard child of the Tales franchise. I mean, if Tales of the Abyss (one of their better titles) doesn't get much ports like TOS did, then obviously they are just trying to milk TOS for all its worth. What other Tales games gotten this much milking besides maybe Vesperia??? Hell, even Tales of Phantasia doesn't get as much attention as ToS does.

[@karamarakamarama]

@@PedoBearNomsLoli Okay PedobearNomsLoli

[@superoldgamesaturday3277]

Given how this turned out, maybe it's a blessing Legendia isn't getting ported.

[@Spacething7474]

lol so the widescreen is just cropped fullscreen the real question is, do the ps3 and steam ports support 4:3?

[@crestofhonor2349]

That wasn't uncommon for games of the time for widescreen just to be the cropped version of 4:3

[@Spacething7474]

@@crestofhonor2349 it sucks but its better than games with native widescreen because it forces the people who play in 16:9 (read: uncultured) to switch to fullscreen to get the full picture

[@Tukepuikko]

I tested the digital, standalone ToS1 releases on PAL PS3 and Steam, and while PC has some 4:3 resolution options, both versions are letterboxed unfortunately

[@Spacething7474]

@@Tukepuikko aw ;( at least we know there is some 4:3 in the pc version

[@makohm8529]

I dont have a gamecube and i have never played this game before so on which support i should buy it to appreciate it at the maximum ?

[@gmanthatguy3937]

I saw the reviews, and it looks like the ps4 version plays the best of the new 3 versions. I just bought it for my ps5.

[@JC-dz5ur]

Please do the Last Remnant port comparison

[@Lukja08]

PC is the best. 360 if you want to torture yourself.

[@JC-dz5ur]

@@Lukja08 PS4 and PS5 version got extra stuff added and is more modern than that OLD PC version you mention

[@Lukja08]

@@JC-dz5ur extra stuff like...? PC is still superior with mods ALONE.

[@JC-dz5ur]

@@Lukja08 what mod are you talking about?

[@Lukja08]

@@JC-dz5ur Static BR Scaling Mod.

[@jamiethepayne]

Does the Japanese GC version of Tales of Symphonia actually have progressive scan? I was gonna play through that version soon and would love to play it on 480p but I thought it didn't support it. I can't find any mention of it in the manual.

[@AustinSV]

Weird it's not in the manual but yeah it's been documented on compatibility lists like archive.fo/gifay

[@Sirotaca]

@@AustinSV That list is wrong. The JP version does not support progressive scan either.

[@steve43ful]

@@Sirotaca The GBAtemp Nintendont compatibility graph claims that 480p can be forced for the US version, does anyone know if that's actually true?

[@Sirotaca]

@@steve43ful Yes, forcing 480p works fine. The only issue I encountered was combing artifacts on the animated cutscenes, which isn't surprising.

[@jamiethepayne]

​@@Sirotaca Unfortunately this does seem to be the case. Just tested it on a Japanese Wii with the holding down b trick to no avail. No option for it in the menu either.

[@zachtwilightwindwaker596]

I played this on the GameCube which has the best performance. It sucks that the remastered version isn't in 60 FPS. Why not? We should be able to have an HD 60 FPS version by now. Why did Japan not get a PC release? 2:59 Why is Collette wearing Lloyd's clothes O_o? I was hoping Raine had a better bunny costume. I'm so glad I didn't grind gold in the PS2 version. Since my Wii was not backwards compatible, I was unable to make use of my cleared game. 7:18 Is Genis wearing Luke's outfit? 8:51 Wow Raine sounds cuter than usual. Is that Collete's voice? The Steam version looks better than the PS3 one. 30 FPS but no stutter? It's better than nothing. I also got it on Steam. I did have some trouble booting up the game since the PC version has some issues (nothing that the internet couldn't fix) but it looks nice in terms of quality and can be played in Japanese. I can also mod it in 4K if I wanted to. NO RAINE'S BUNNY EARS ARE GONE! How the hell is the Switch version this slow? I know it's a weaker console but that is no excuse if the original is almost the fastest. How fast is the Steam version?

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

That was Colette's voice, the HD version of Symphonia has a tendency to use the wrong clips, if it doesn't miss them entirely.

[@tediz8280]

i was hyped when they announced the remaster.. i wanted to get it for the Xbox One. but.. hearing all the issues.. i decided to wait for fixes and get it on a sale.

[@tediz8280]

i bought the game for the Xbox Series X, a few days ago.. i think its good enough now. some minor loading issues after battles sometimes are annoying... but its 50% discounted at the moment. it's worth it.

[@javiersaenz1040]

GameCube version 60fps widescreen thru nintendont

[@Maverick.D.]

Best way to play the game for sure.

[@pralenkaman8105]

Bandai should really just try and remake symphonia, worse case scenario we get a remake that's not as good as the original or steam edition Best case scenario we get a modernized version of symphonia, maybe with Arise engine, giving it beautiful graphics, would love to know how they would adapt the more chibi overworld style But combat in symphonia is what I think needs revamping the most, don't get me worng, on it's own it's good, but looking at how the combat evolved with abyss and vesperia, symphonia's combat could definitely become better and still keep it's identity with the ex sphere mechanic but making it more interesting maybe, or not, it could be just a graphical update as well, there's potential and I would personally love to see the most popular game in the series remaked

[@Pokechao]

i know alot of people are hung up about the remaster or steam versions not including Dawn.....but like.....didn't most people trash that game both times it was released? not excusing it, but I can see why Namco decided against porting Dawn if people were just going to bash the game each time it comes out

[@noneofyourbusiness1998]

I disagree. Capcom still rereleased Mega Man X6 and X7 in the legacy collections despite both games being awful. DotnW may not be good, but it shouldn't be lost to time.

[@aldenhayes914]

There's no way they fix this. If they were going to fix this they would have added a 60fps mode from the start or used the GameCube version. Or at least included the option to play the GameCube version. We're going to be stuck with this version until they sell us the exact same thing next gen.

[@GiordanDiodato]

I think the Gamecube version's source code was lost. also the PS2 version has extra content. But because it ties animations to the framerate, forcibly going at 60 breaks the animations. Okami is similar.

[@sonic4life]

I pre-ordered the switch version since I've lost access to my OG gamecube version. Haven't opened the package because of all the problems

[@ShogunGin0]

I already knew of most of the worst issues so much of this wasn't new to me. Instead, today I learned that Austin doesn't know how to pronounce the word 'gigolo'.

[@YamiTetsuya]

So the Switch port is the PS2 version? Does that mean we don't find that GameCube looking machine? xD I remember someone saying it was replaced on the PS2 version and that it didn't look like a PS2 o.o

[@faketruth7740]

30 fps game should be a crime, how did the GameCube manage 60 while the other has way better hardware but only can pump out 30?

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

Because they re-use the PS2 version as the base.

[@Walamonga1313]

It is quite pathetic for sure

[@Longlius]

When they ported ToS to the PS2, they completely rewrote the engine and redid the animations to fix everything at a stable 30 fps. All future ports are based off this version which means they can't bring back 60 fps without rewriting the engine and redoing the animations again. From what I understand, the raw assets and source code for the Gamecube version were lost during this process.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

Don't play anything but the GameCube version. The PS2 extras aren't worth the downgrades.

[@Haseo8]

The only real downgrade imo is 60fps, which I can live without. A bump in fps for me isn't worth missing content of any size.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

@@Haseo8 Most of that content is costumes, anyway. I prefer my game running better and not having a shitload of audio bugs due to missing cues.

[@Haseo8]

@@ChiefMedicPururuand some extra scenes, and mystic artes. I can get prefering the gamecube version, it's what I initially played. The extra bump in fps to a game isn't worth missing content to me. I'm perfectly fine with 30 fps, but if it's an issue to other people, then yeah, go play the gamecube version, it's not the superior version imo, but it's a version that they would like more probably. What we need is a full on remake at this point though to fix all these issues. Newer version has 30fps and technical issues but more content. Gamecube version has better performance, less technical issues, and 30fps, but has the issue of missing the extra content. We need a remake that combines all the pros.

[@the757general2]

@@Haseo8 There's also the audio fuck ups mentioned in this same video and several of the cool glitches from the GC version taken out such characters having access to both T and S Techs at the same time, Earth Dragon always dropping 20k upon defeat (made rebuilding Luin significantly easier), and early spell canceling. GC version is superior unless you care that much about multiplayer.

[@Haseo8]

@@the757general2 Still doesn't have the extra stuff. Don't much care for glitches and I can love without the one Gald exploit. Also never noticed the audio issue. Not saying it wasn't there, just that it apparently didn't bother me.

[@GTXDash]

ToS on the GameCube was the only JRPG I ever finished simply because I like to control my characters during the combat sections, rather than select a command in a menu and cross my fingers hoping that Cloud won't MISS this time.

[@FlamingZelda3]

Some good rpgs with more interactive battles I recommend are Paper mario 1&2, Mario & Luigi Superstar saga, Super Mario RPG the legend of the seven stars, The Secret of mana, Fire emblem Echoes, and any of the Final Fantasy Tactics games. JRPGS can have really great storytelling, worldbuilding, and music, but the combat tends to be pretty rough. :(

[@pedrobeckup456]

This is very cool in Tales of and Xenoblade. But i think that i prefer Chrono Trigger or Radiant Historia battle system witch give me strategy to win and dont need much grind. Grind is the worst, or must battle hundreds of times. The only issue i have with TOS is that with 18 hours of game, i had more than 300 battles, Although I like the battle system

[@lloydhz8414]

How can I connect a second control on the switch version so I can play with my friend?

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

I'd suggest not to, the port's framerate gets even worse.. Also, you bought it on Switch? My condolences.

[@edwardbrennan3963]

She just gently set the knife in his head lol

[@Lukja08]

10:45 Bro said gigolo like a bot LOL It's /ˈjiɡəˌlō/ J, not a G.

[@razorbackroar]

gamecube baby

[@seankkg]

Makes me sad that Remiel's line explaining something very important was cut on PS3. I never realized. I have absolutely no words for these new ports being 30fps, and the Switch having black backgrounds for the unvoiced skits is a level of solid gold I thought unobtainable. Also, I cant express the joy that the Switch having the slowest load time over the PS2 brings me.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

The Switch can do better than that, but they didn't give a shit.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

1:47 Such as? And I bet it won't be updated.

[@GTXDash]

11:39 Like I can't tell when a monster is chasing me, something that monsters do in like every other action or horror game ever made. Why don't developers focus on fixing bugs rather than adding useless features?

[@rdraken]

Not going to lie as much as i loved the GC version, after the glitchy mess the Gen5 version i will pretty much exclusively play the PS3 version. It for me was the most stable version of the game for me. And to be honest outside of spell canceling and glitching the artes to have almost all of them at one time i don't feel like i am missing much.

[@FlamingZelda3]

GCN is the best version. If you can't play that then go for the newest one.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

Remastered is trash, tho, dude.

[@soulflame5635]

Imagine Phantasia done like Destiny DC or symphonia / vesperia ... would be amazing.

[@rosebaylover]

Does the PS4 version include Dawn of a New World?

[@stardustsdd]

Unfortunately, no:(

[@BobBobOnYouTube]

How realistic is it to expect them to release a 60hz patch?

[@GiordanDiodato]

never. the PS2 version (which the subsequent versions are based on) has framerate tied to animations and forcibly making it go at 60 breaks the animations. essentially they'd have redo the game entirely

[@BobBobOnYouTube]

@@GiordanDiodato Damn. But then, is 30fps really an issue for a game like this? If it was a shooter or something, there's definite benefits to 60fps. But a story-heavy JRPG, 30fps should be fine, shouldn't it?

[@DisplayThisOkay]

@@BobBobOnKZbin If it had turn based combat Sure. But a game with action combat the frame drop is kinda noticeable.

[@UndeadCollector]

1:15 is it just me, or do i hear "Game Gear" Version? :D

[@santiagoqrg]

Great video! Please do FF Tactics next 🥺

[@FlamingZelda3]

Not sure what the best version is, but personally I played the Original PS1 release since it was cheap, I have a PS2 and the additional content seemed fanservicey and not substantive. If I had to go out on a limb I'd say that emulating the Ps1 version is the best way to play it.

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@FlamingZelda3 PSP version has more slowdown, but is probably slightly better if only for the expanded story. wish they'd do a remaster to lockdown the framerate.

[@FarmerSlideJoeBob]

Yes🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@marcolaitano9626]

When i heard that TOS was going to be remastered i really wished it would not be a port of a port and stuuf got fixed! I'd rather buy a GCN and TOS again than any remastered version of it. Until they do a full remake of the game and fix all the bugs and base it on the GCN i will prefer staying with my fond memories of TOS than buying the new stuff.