Tales of Symphonia was developed for the Nintendo GameCube and had a 2004 release date in North America. This RPG game, which is based on a popular Japanese anime, transports players to the planet Sylvarant. This world is running short of mana, which is a necessary element for survival. The hero Lloyd Irving and his companions must replenish the mana. Along the way, the gang discovers the existence of a world called Tethe'alla, which exists in a dimension that parallels Sylvarant. These two dimensions were once one, and players win the game by reuniting the two worlds. Lloyd and his crew are opposed by the forces of Cruxis, which are led by Mithos Yggdrasill. The game’s story describes an epic battle between good and evil.Tales of Symphonia is the fifth title in the Tales franchise, which are classic role-playing games. The adventure was developed and published by Namco. Playable characters include the protagonist Lloyd Irving, Colette Brunei, Lloyd’s childhood friend, and Genis Sage, another one of Lloyd’s boyhood friends. In addition to Irving, Colette, and Genis, players also have the option of controlling two warriors: Kratos Aurion, a mercenary, and Sheena Fujibayashi, an assassin. Players familiar with the Tales franchise will recognize these heroes and villains from earlier games in the series.Tales of Symphonia deploys three user interfaces: a field map of the two worlds, town and dungeon maps, and a battle screen. The field map allows players to track Lloyd and his friends throughout various points in their quest. The localized maps are drawn more realistically to scale. Additionally, players can click the maps to access skits and subtitles that reference and develop the game’s underlying narrative. Gameplay graphics are reminiscent of the anime that inspired the game.Where Tales of Symphonia really excels, though, is in its battle scenes. Tales of Symphonia utilizes a technology called the Linear Motion Battle System. This technology allows players to move their characters back and forth within a 3D space on their screen. Despite moving in all directions, however, each character remains locked in on his or her foe. The result are battle sequences that actually feel like real attacks because they are filled with frenetic energy.Tales of Symphonia was the franchise’s first foray into three-dimensional graphics. When Nintendo first released the GameCube, much of the console’s content was actually customized to facilitate 3D gameplay. The console was designed to load right eye graphical circuits and left eye graphical circuits sequentially to enhance three-dimensional verisimilitude. Tales of Symphonia was the first action RPG to take full advantage of this GameCube feature.Players have the option of inputting direct commands to control attacks. They can also choose from default options and put their characters on auto-control. There are nine strategic options in all. You can specify whether the character you play is a tactical or an aggressive fighter. Your character will then seek out the types of experiences that support this battle style in other parts of the game. With its heart-pounding action and sophisticated interpersonal relationships, this version of Tales of Symphonia is an action RPG that can be relished each time you play it.