Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World Inital Impressions (Chapter Four fo realz))
I swear that outside influences have made me spend three hours too many on the beginning of Chapter Four. The Katz Quests started out as fun, but now they are quickly running together and the lack of differentiation between mission types and settings has made it something of a snooze fest. Even so, the OCD in my can’t let me bypass it completely, which has also led to me being a little over leveled- at least if the O.G Cast’s levels are supposed to be an indication of my standing.
Even so, the story has still kept me going. I still find Emil and Marta charming and likable, and Tenebrae is still a boss. But what of the two returning characters I’ve gotten to “meet”? Well…
Regal: Okay, so Regal looks amazing in this graphic style. New!Regal’s VA is also very good. I think the only downside to his performance is that he isn’t Crispin Freeman. But he’s still pretty amazing. He sounds kind of like Troy Baker, though apparently he has denied being Regal in this release.
I love his new costume, tho it was quite shortlived, but being able to see Regal without this huge burden of guilt (but still just a little melodrama) is nice. He has a good dynamic with the kids (and Raine), that I appreciate. However, in combat I am a little disappointed. The loss of his unique combo chain from the original has made him a less stellar combatant than before. I keep trying to link Eagle Dive with Crescent Dance but it doesn’t work. His normal attacks are nice, and he moves pretty quickly, but he takes damage like a bitch (which isn’t all that different from the first game, honestly.)
I still like using him, and he’s a lot of fun to control, but he’s definitely weaker than the previous game- at least thus far. His regular attack also goes over many an enemies’ head.
Sheena: Woot. Love Sheena’s look. Now, her new VA is really good I’d say. In fact, the biggest issue with New!Sheena is the same problem as New!Regal- it’s hard to compare to Jen Hale. In fact, I think Jen!Sheena is tops. But, had Jen!Sheena never been a thing, I would love New!Sheena with no problem. She’s very good, though her take is (like with Tara!Raine) very different.
In combat, Sheena is like Regal but worse. She moves so slow, and she was one of the fastest in the previous game. Not to mention that she takes damage terribly, and lost the ability to summon. On top of that, she has a skill that makes her lose 25% Gald from every match’s victory. WHAT. I just…what?? I’ve been controlling her since she came into the party and she’s fun…but I find myself wondering if it would just be easier to stick a monster in her place. This makes me very sad.
But ignoring that for a minute, I also need to throw out there that, even though Raine’s “Love Letter” to Regal was obviously not a real love letter, I’m starting to ship it ever so little. I just…it’s actually really cute.
I dunno. Don’t judge me.
Also, Richter and Emil couldn’t get any gayer. Let the following illuminate you: (Most telling tho, is at 35 seconds. I got that skit last night and nearly choked)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKthQfOPxss