Tales of Phantasia

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Nintendojo
    95
    Tales shows that smart, solid elements add up to that elusive experience untarnished by time that defines a classic.
  2. eToychest
    89
    The game is unique, intelligent, attractive, and altogether well-designed. Above all, though, the game is fun.
  3. Nintendo Power
    85
    Not an immediate attention grabber, Tales of Phantasia takes time to sink in. But once you're under its spell, you'll be in it for the long haul. [Apr 2006, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. GameCritics
    85
    While many of the game's components have become stereotypes over the years, here they are carefully constructed and fit together perfectly, creating something larger than the sum of its parts.
  6. GameBrink
    85
    It's a great game, and this time it's portable. The graphical change makes it fresh for people who played the original version and other changes makes it more similar to the newer "Tales of..." games as well, so everyone who likes RPGs should like this.
  7. Gamer 2.0
    84
    The battle system plays like something entirely new, and provides for an actually engaging handheld RPG.
  8. GameCube Advanced
    83
    It's true that Tales of Phantasia isn't the huge RPG that it was back in the SNES era, or even the shadow of newer RPGs from last generation, but it is still a warm, heart-filling experience that anyone who can overcome hours of tough, continuous battling will enjoy.
  9. AceGamez
    80
    It provides an experience that is simultaneously old school and fresh feeling, making it an easy recommendation for fans of the genre.
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Play Magazine
    80
    Ten minutes into Tales of Phantasia, you know pretty much what you are getting into: a pleasantly involving, perfectly traditional role-playing game that sticks to all the old-school conventions that recall the glory days of hand-drawn adventures. [Mar 2006, p.50]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. NintendoWorldReport
    80
    A solid RPG with the refreshing active battle system the series is famous for. If you are a fan of the genre, this one is tough to pass up.
  12. GamerFeed
    80
  13. Modojo
    80
    I'm confident enough to say that any RPG fan is going to love Tales of Phantasia - it's a really just a damn good game.
  14. Just RPG
    79
    While Tales of Phantasia features both good graphics and sound, and a relatively fun combat system, it might not be a game for everyone. Even though I personally really enjoyed my experience with it, Tales might be a little more difficult for newer RPG fans to get into, considering it's based on an older game.
  15. Pelit (Finland)
    78
    A nice-enough fantasy-RPG with decent semi-real time battles. The story is quite good, but certain technical aspects are somewhat outdated. [May 2006]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. GameZone
    77
    Despite its dated gameplay style and way-too-numerous battles, Tales of Phantasia is an enjoyable role-playing game fans of the genre will certainly enjoy.
  17. RPG Fan
    77
    Excellent game, subpar port.
  18. IGN
    75
    Battles are random and difficult, control is less than perfect, but the story and depth of the characters are amazing.
  19. 1UP
    75
    Worth a look for anyone who simply craves a quality RPG for the GBA.
  20. NGC Magazine UK
    75
    It's terribly unforgiving; the early battles - and there are plenty of random encounters as you wander around the game world - can be tough as nails, and the enjoyment of simply exploring is often spoilt by yet another scuffle with Bugbears or Giant Bees. [May 2006, p.33]
    All this publication's reviews
  21. GameShark
    75
    In the end Tales Of Phantasia does provide some entertaining classic RPG action, and takes some of the best features from other Tales titles to create a well rounded RPG experience.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2006
3
#3 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2006
3
#3 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 39
  3. Negative: 4 out of 39
  1. Anda
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    The best game ever played I don't know y the ppl think it has bad controls this game is only for pros man.
  2. PabloEnver
    Mar 11, 2023
    10
    Obra maestra. Perfectamente podría ser el mejor RPG para Game Boy Advance. Gráficamente no es nada increíble pero es bonito y el diseñoObra maestra. Perfectamente podría ser el mejor RPG para Game Boy Advance. Gráficamente no es nada increíble pero es bonito y el diseño artístico es muy bueno. La música es una maravilla, y los efectos de sonido más que decentes, incluso con voces durante las batallas. Si quieres completarlo todo (o casi todo), no creo que puedas antes de 35/40 horas. Tiene una cantidad de contenido exagerada. Decenas de armas, armaduras, accesorios, etc, decenas de magias y habilidades que aprender, decenas o incluso cientos de objetos distintos, mecánicas como la de cocinar y conseguir distintas recetas, un mundo enorme que explorar, cientos de NPC's con sus historias, decenas de sidequest, mazmorras secretas... Un juego gigantesco.

    Pero sin duda destaca el sistema de combate. No es un juego para emular en un movil o tablet, necesitas una consola o un teclado, porque el combate es complejo. Como action-rpg es sin duda lo mas complejo de todo el catálogo. En batalla puedes hacer de todo, varios ataques fisicos distintos, magias variadas, defender, cambiar de formación, realizar combos y distintas habilidades... cuesta cogerle el truco porque además no te explican nada (asi que recomiendo usar guía), y cuando le coges el tranquillo es muy satisfactorio y elaborado. Para rematar, tiene una historia entretenida e interesante, cosa que no siempre abunda en este género.

    En definitiva, un must play al que hay que echarle horas y disfrutar del mundo tan rico que ofrece.    … Full Review »
  3. Teemostarto
    Oct 3, 2020
    1
    I found the game horrible for a port of a Snes game, so many other good ports like Zelda A link to the past and Super Mario World that wereI found the game horrible for a port of a Snes game, so many other good ports like Zelda A link to the past and Super Mario World that were good ports, there are Tales of Phantasia that sinks once and for all the great RPG that was on Snes, the sound it’s horrible and the graphics are pretty good for the console, too bad… Full Review »
See all user reviews »