Upcoming Remasters in the Tales of Series
- The Tales of series is set to commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2025.
- Producer Yusuke Tomizawa has revealed an array of remastered titles are in the pipeline.
- Tales of Graces F Remastered is scheduled for release in January 2025.
As we approach the milestone of the Tales of series’ 30th anniversary in 2025, excitement is building among fans. During a recent livestream, producer Yusuke Tomizawa shared insights regarding the series’ future, particularly regarding the Remastered Project, which aims to revitalize classic titles for contemporary gaming platforms. The Tales of series isn’t unfamiliar with remasters, as evidenced by the multiple iterations of Tales of Symphonia, including various ports and remastered versions across different systems.
The Legacy of the Tales of Series
Since its inception in 1995 with the launch of Tales of Phantasia for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the Tales of franchise has established itself as one of the most enduring JRPG series in the gaming world. Over the years, it has expanded to include over 15 mainline titles and numerous spin-offs and mobile adaptations. The recent installment, Tales of Arise, has distinguished itself by setting new sales records on Steam, surpassing three million copies sold and potentially claiming the title of the series’ best-selling mainline game, a position previously held by Tales of Vesperia and Tales of Symphonia.
Focus on Remastered Classics
Given the franchise’s renewed prominence, Bandai Namco is redoubling its investment in bringing older fan-favorites to new audiences through remastering. The initial title to launch from this initiative will be Tales of Graces F Remastered, aiming for a January 2025 debut. Producer Tomizawa has assured fans that more remasters are on the horizon, backed by a dedicated development line established to maintain a consistent release schedule.
Producer Insights on Development Strategy
Watch the Livestream Here
During the English version of the livestream, the producers discussed the extended intervals between new mainline game releases. Historically, these were launched every one to two years, with Tales of Arise being released in 2021. Although a DLC, Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn, was made available in 2023, fans have expressed concerns regarding the longer wait times for new content. The team attributed these delays to advancements in gaming technology and escalating development expenses, leading to the establishment of two distinct development lines—one dedicated to new titles and another focused on the remastering of beloved classics.
A Rich History of Remakes and Remasters
Although the Remastered Project is a recent endeavor, Bandai Namco’s commitment to revitalizing its titles is longstanding. For instance, the original Tales of Phantasia has seen multiple remasters over the years, including adaptations for the PS1 and GBA, as well as a remake featuring full voice acting for the PSP. Similarly, Tales of Hearts, which started on the Nintendo DS, was transitioned into a 3D remake for the PS Vita, enhancing the gameplay experience. The much-loved Tales of Symphonia first launched on the GameCube and has undergone several iterations, including a remastered version in 2023 for modern consoles. Bandai Namco’s ongoing dedication to the Tales of franchise indicates a bright future with both new and revitalized entries on the horizon.
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