Tales of Xillia

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 515 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 429 out of 515
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 515
  3. Negative: 40 out of 515
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  1. aaronnmp96
    Jan 31, 2023
    9
    Incredible game, you have two very well run campaigns, both are quite different and You don't know the whole plot until you pass both, but the way it is you do it without being forced
  2. Belonski
    Jan 24, 2023
    10
    Criminally underrated, especially by reviewers, but even by users aswell. The story, world-building and characters are all great. The combat system, and the teaming up mechanic is also one of the better ones in the series.
    One of the very few games I cannot even think of any negatives. Only a few more things that would be nice to have, like learning more of the backstory for some of the    Criminally underrated, especially by reviewers, but even by users aswell. The story, world-building and characters are all great. The combat system, and the teaming up mechanic is also one of the better ones in the series.
    One of the very few games I cannot even think of any negatives. Only a few more things that would be nice to have, like learning more of the backstory for some of the less developed members of the Chimeriad. My favorite game in the series.    … Expand
  3. BasilZero
    Dec 8, 2021
    9
    Game: Tales of Xillia
    Genre: Action RPG
    Developer: Namco Tales Studios Publisher: Bandai Namco System: Playstation 3 (PS3) Year of Release: 2013 Length of Playthrough: 46 hours Total Score: 87/100 Value Score: 8.7/10 • Story: 7/10 • Characters: 8/10 • GamePlay: 8/10 • Graphics: 9/10 • Sound: 10/10 • Music: 8/10 • Length: 9/10 • Replay Value: 10/10 • Player Value: 8/10    Game: Tales of Xillia
    Genre: Action RPG
    Developer: Namco Tales Studios
    Publisher: Bandai Namco
    System: Playstation 3 (PS3)
    Year of Release: 2013
    Length of Playthrough: 46 hours

    Total Score: 87/100
    Value Score: 8.7/10

    • Story: 7/10
    • Characters: 8/10
    • GamePlay: 8/10
    • Graphics: 9/10
    • Sound: 10/10
    • Music: 8/10
    • Length: 9/10
    • Replay Value: 10/10
    • Player Value: 8/10

    Pros
    +Great combat system
    +Great visual design
    +Good music and sound effects
    +Good voice acting and cast of characters
    +Plenty of side quests and a decent post game dungeon
    +Decent length for a tales series game - takes about 45-50 hours

    Cons
    -Boring and generic maps and dungeon designs
    -Story falls flat at the end with no sense of satisfaction    … Expand
  4. igolrum
    May 31, 2021
    10
    My favorite game in the series. (I know Phantasia, Symphonia1+2, Abyss, Vesperia, Graces, Xillia1+2, Zestiria and Berseria). Best overall character roster. There wasn't a single character I didn't like among the playable and major antagonists.

    The story is very good too and doesn't have any things just work out unrealistically well for or power of friendship moments, like some of the    My favorite game in the series. (I know Phantasia, Symphonia1+2, Abyss, Vesperia, Graces, Xillia1+2, Zestiria and Berseria). Best overall character roster. There wasn't a single character I didn't like among the playable and major antagonists.

    The story is very good too and doesn't have any things just work out unrealistically well for or power of friendship moments, like some of the other titles in the series.

    WARNING: Make sure to play Jude's side first, though. Milla's side really should be locked before having finished Jude's. It spoils one of the major moments on Jude's side if played first.    … Expand
  5. WhatsUpWithIt
    Aug 13, 2019
    9
    Pros:

    -Well written characters and story

    -Amazing addition to the combat system

    -Beautiful environment, especially Fenmont

    -Classy Tales of OST

    -Near perfection dub, except Milla

    Cons:

    -Split story

    -Milla's dub

    -Little to none unlockable costumes

    -Titles aren't really titles
  6. Editman3
    Apr 8, 2017
    9
    This game was awesome me and my brother enjoyed this game it may not be as great as Versperia or Symphonia but still a good experience for our first Tales of game I really liked it so much gameplay is Fantastic and has a great story between 2 Main characters is a great treat for me and the party members interactions was funny overall a good experience for a first timer like me :)
  7. NexusTsunami
    Jan 23, 2017
    8
    Um es kurz zu machen. Ich habe fast alle "Tales of" Spiele gespielt die in Deutschland lokalisiert wurden (sogar eine Fanübersetzung von Tales of Phantasia). ToX bietet die typische Tales Erfahrung... Für mich persönlich weniger überragend als Tales of Vesperia, hat es doch diesen typischen Charme, die interessanten Charaktere und das serientypische (und überaus spassige) Kampfsystem derUm es kurz zu machen. Ich habe fast alle "Tales of" Spiele gespielt die in Deutschland lokalisiert wurden (sogar eine Fanübersetzung von Tales of Phantasia). ToX bietet die typische Tales Erfahrung... Für mich persönlich weniger überragend als Tales of Vesperia, hat es doch diesen typischen Charme, die interessanten Charaktere und das serientypische (und überaus spassige) Kampfsystem der Spielereihe geerbt. Einziges Manko: Für mich persönlich wirkt es einfach nicht so feingeschliffen wie ein Tales of Vesperia seinerzeit. Die Grafik ist nicht so zeitlos... selten wirkt das Kampfsystem in hektischen Momenten leicht überladen und mir fehlten diese, für mich Tales typischen, Wohlfühlmomente zu oft.

    Dennoch, ein super Spiel und ein solides Tales of...    … Expand
  8. Voretechz
    Dec 6, 2016
    9
    Tales of Xillia is easily my favourite game in the Tales of franchise and I have played almost all of them. The story is fantastic, the characters are all likeable and original. The combat is fun and the characters all feel different and have a great depth of progression and upgrades. Combo attacks are so bad ass and make you feel powerful, but not OP. The story is very well done and thereTales of Xillia is easily my favourite game in the Tales of franchise and I have played almost all of them. The story is fantastic, the characters are all likeable and original. The combat is fun and the characters all feel different and have a great depth of progression and upgrades. Combo attacks are so bad ass and make you feel powerful, but not OP. The story is very well done and there is some really emotional moments that got to me. Milla catches hate from some people because of her slight lisp, but I love her voice and character. The voice acting is very well done and the dialogue is very funny at times. I laughed a lot.
    Tales of Xillia gets a 2 thumbs up from me!    … Expand
  9. BaronMonaco
    Oct 21, 2016
    9
    Tales Of is one of the strongest J-RPG series in our days, does this episode serve its reputation ? Let's see.

    Technically the game is, like most japanese games on this generation, far from the highest standards, environments are empty and the textures are pretty bad, only the characters look good. On the other side, there's absolutely 0 bugs which is an achievement considering the size    Tales Of is one of the strongest J-RPG series in our days, does this episode serve its reputation ? Let's see.

    Technically the game is, like most japanese games on this generation, far from the highest standards, environments are empty and the textures are pretty bad, only the characters look good. On the other side, there's absolutely 0 bugs which is an achievement considering the size of the game and a very steady framerate even when the screen is full of characters fighting each other and using magic. So despite being visually disappointing the game is reliable and without a doubt made by good professionals.

    The gameplay is classic Tales Of formula, the fighting system (in real time) is similar to a fighting game( with each direction you'll do an other attack), like any good RPG you have a total control of the gear you'll assign to each character, you'll level up and gain more powerful abilities etc. There's nothing new here but it works very well and the game is fun to play during all its length.

    Concerning the story it has a lot of twist and after a cliche beginning it really gains momentum and you'll always want to see more of it. Too bad we can't have the japanese voice over as the english one is pretty bad and doesn't help to create a link between players and characters. The side quest aren't interesting for the most part but at least they are here and will provide more hours of entertainment for completionists. The game story should last around 40 hours, which is very good, even more when keeping in mind that it gets better over time and if you want the 100% it will last around 100 hours as you will have to at least do a second playthrough choosing the other main character. Because I forgot to say that when starting the game you have the choice between two characters and some passage are different depending on that choice. Either way you'll spend quite some time on the game.

    In conclusion Tales of Xillia is a very good J-RPG with a great story and gameplay, sadly it lacks innovation and visual wonder to make it a milestone (like Tales of Symphonia), but if you like this genre you shouldn't be disappointed by this one, if you don't it it's a good choice to begin as it is not too hard.    … Expand
  10. LDSAFOL
    Sep 5, 2016
    9
    First Tales,of,game that I actually found myself able to play. The inclusion of a difficulty setting and improved and simplified combat made it better for someone more used to turn-based battle systems. It started off a little slow for me but as soon as it picked up I was glued to the end and felt a wonderful feeling of satisfaction at game's end. A must have for Tales of fans and a goodFirst Tales,of,game that I actually found myself able to play. The inclusion of a difficulty setting and improved and simplified combat made it better for someone more used to turn-based battle systems. It started off a little slow for me but as soon as it picked up I was glued to the end and felt a wonderful feeling of satisfaction at game's end. A must have for Tales of fans and a good started game for those new to the series.… Expand
  11. mikehettfield
    Apr 12, 2016
    8
    Though i don't like anime looking, this game got me by it's music, the action oriented combat is great, if you can overpass the anime stuff is a very enjoyable title
  12. deadlysilentbob
    Apr 24, 2015
    9
    Me and e tales series had a rocky start. However im glad i picked this game up. im kinda hooked on it at the moment so ill keep this breif.

    possitives: excellent graphics, likeable characters, choice of protagonist (traditional wussy boy who finds himself on the journey or a bad ass busty god woman who is made of win), good music, excelent shop leveling system.good fast travel system,    Me and e tales series had a rocky start. However im glad i picked this game up. im kinda hooked on it at the moment so ill keep this breif.

    possitives: excellent graphics, likeable characters, choice of protagonist (traditional wussy boy who finds himself on the journey or a bad ass busty god woman who is made of win), good music, excelent shop leveling system.good fast travel system, and enviroments are varied.

    negatives: sometimes the facial expressions seem a little... off, could use a little bit more backstory to the world and each of the characters.

    Buy this game as its a sterling example of a what an rpg should be.    … Expand
  13. Manutd1218
    Jan 5, 2015
    10
    Honestly I don't see how these games aren't more popular I spent hours and hours on this game going through both stories and it never gets old. My ps3 broke so I bought a ps4 and it just pains me to not be able to play the sequel and zestria.
  14. FantasyCritic71
    Nov 17, 2014
    9
    Awesome Amazing Masterpiece every positive word in the dictionary describes this game.

    The characters are cool mostly Alvin Gaius & Milla. The Soundtrack gets good later on in the game with the Battle Themes getting more & more epic. The Gameplay is fun and entertaining love it although I do wish there were more Abilities for some characters. The Story starts off a little    Awesome Amazing Masterpiece every positive word in the dictionary describes this game.

    The characters are cool mostly Alvin Gaius & Milla.

    The Soundtrack gets good later on in the game with the Battle Themes getting more & more epic.

    The Gameplay is fun and entertaining love it although I do wish there were more Abilities for some characters.

    The Story starts off a little confusing and slow but quickly gets better & explains everything you need to know.

    The Character Interactions and Skits are always fun to listen to the English Voice Acting is great too. Although some people say Milla sounds like a robot I don't really mind her voice it fits to me.

    This game has alot of cliche stuff in it like 2 Opposing Empires a do gooder protagonist(Jude) the Happy Go Lucky Girl(Leia) The Shy Girl(Elize) The Mercenary(Alvin) even though he's my favorite character. 2 Worlds just like in Tales of Symphonia but Tales of Xillia delivers all these Cliche things in an amazing way which makes it awesome its cliche but also not cliche you'll understand if you play it.

    When you play it be sure to do Jude & Milla's Story so you can understand the full story. As of right now this game is $30 and its worth the price. Tales of Xillia 2 is $40 and I unfortunately haven't played or brought it yet but 1 day I will.    … Expand
  15. chris_1_s
    Sep 19, 2014
    9
    I have to say i went into this game not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised. The game started off kind of slow and boring, but after a half hour i was starting to enjoy it quite well. The story was ok but where the game really shines IMO is the characters and humor. There was not one character i hated in this game and i grew to like them all. Other than the previous pointsI have to say i went into this game not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised. The game started off kind of slow and boring, but after a half hour i was starting to enjoy it quite well. The story was ok but where the game really shines IMO is the characters and humor. There was not one character i hated in this game and i grew to like them all. Other than the previous points gameplay was good and the visuals and art style was great.… Expand
  16. NiclName
    Sep 17, 2014
    10
    Absolutely stunning entry into the tales series. It's the same with every takes game, amazing characters, and a beautiful world. Which this has the best of. Im loving it so far, best one since vesperia. Another successful tales game. Cant say I expected any less at all.
  17. T-Razor
    Sep 16, 2014
    8
    This was my first Tales game I ever played, and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. You'll get a good 50+ hours out of it. Pretty good game if you are new to the Tales games.
  18. zampsportu
    Sep 11, 2014
    9
    While maintaining a great visual impression as Graces, the strongest point of the game is its fluidity, story and battle system are great and hours pass by without noticing. Specially enjoyed the linking system and the customizing of the characters. I am becoming a huge fan of the Tales series.
  19. Shinwa_Sohma
    Aug 23, 2014
    10
    Tales of Xillia was a pleasant surprise, and it is a game that will always have a special place in my heart. I loved the characters, I adored their personalities, I utterly enjoyed the constant interactions which reinforces their particular personalities and added to the story content, beautiful art, some great music, fantastic story and development and the choice of a second play throughTales of Xillia was a pleasant surprise, and it is a game that will always have a special place in my heart. I loved the characters, I adored their personalities, I utterly enjoyed the constant interactions which reinforces their particular personalities and added to the story content, beautiful art, some great music, fantastic story and development and the choice of a second play through with the other protagonists (making the overall experience very rewarding to the add on of the story, its Universe, and characters).

    I loved the battles and battle system (once I got used to the link battle system), and the Lilium Orb to chose ad control the character's battle skills. This game was very interactive, and had a great script. The language and tone of the characters were very unique and more mature (which was a great change and it was not met at the same levels at Xillia2). Overall experience, hands down LOVE this game!!    … Expand
  20. plime
    Aug 22, 2014
    9
    To be honest, I can understand why some people have hated this game, but it seems that the main issue is that the game takes a while to get going.

    I don't know anybody who has finished Tales of Xillia and called it anything less than great; sure, the game's plot takes quite a while to get going, but the combat engine had me hooked from the beginning and once the plot kicks in I was    To be honest, I can understand why some people have hated this game, but it seems that the main issue is that the game takes a while to get going.

    I don't know anybody who has finished Tales of Xillia and called it anything less than great; sure, the game's plot takes quite a while to get going, but the combat engine had me hooked from the beginning and once the plot kicks in I was blown away.

    Let's just say this; any game that can throw in a plot twist 30 hours in and still surprise its audience is an incredible game!    … Expand
  21. Lionite
    Jul 28, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a great game. The combat is fun and a real challenge in hard mode. I stopped playing for months so I put the combat to easy to finish the story for Xillia 2. The characters are good, not perfect though. Leia can get a little grating and her love interest with Jude wen't nowhere. Alvin was great, his conflict and betrayal were some of the best moments in the game, and his duel with Leia was really great as it showed a protective side to Leia that we hadn't seen, and her being shot by him was a shocker. Rowa just complained the whole way through about his age and I never really used him. Elise, Jude and Milla are all great though. I cared for Elise to much and wanted to know more about her and I quite liked the very underplayed love Jude had for Milla. But the ending of the game was crap. She just decided to be a god? Uh okay but at least they spared Gaius and Muzet instead of just killing them which allot of other JRPG's end up doing. The graphics are great and very anime which I adore. Not going to play Milla's story as I will save it for a second play through.… Expand
  22. Dransed
    Jul 1, 2014
    9
    The game is awesome. Excellent fight system, beautiful places, many side quest. This game will give you many hours if you play it in hard mode. I gave a 9 just for one reason: You will see the same kind of monster along the game with different skin and/or size.
  23. Rykoupad
    Jun 28, 2014
    10
    One of the best games in the series. A truly awesome game experience. The Linking System it's thus far the best gameplay mechanic in the whole series. The story it's pretty much similar to other entries of the series specially Phantasia and it have a great cast of characters
  24. outlived
    Apr 12, 2014
    9
    I was really exited to play a tales game on next gen and seeing as vesperia was Xbox only, I went out and picked this one up instead. I forgot how good this series was and would recommend this to and jrpg fan.
  25. Kenmei
    Jan 20, 2014
    9
    This was the game that revived the interest in the Tales series in Japan and, to a lesser extent, the US. The game tells the tale of Jude Mathis and Millia Maxwell, with two branching storylines, depending on which character you choose to follow. While the majority of the game is the same, there are certain points that change depending on which character you started with. The story isThis was the game that revived the interest in the Tales series in Japan and, to a lesser extent, the US. The game tells the tale of Jude Mathis and Millia Maxwell, with two branching storylines, depending on which character you choose to follow. While the majority of the game is the same, there are certain points that change depending on which character you started with. The story is great and, while the characters are nowhere near as good as they were in Vesperia, the cast does an admirable job telling the story, which is probably the best story in a Tales game in a long time. There are some things that that don't hold up well, including some of the voice acting (espcially Millia's VA who has a permanent lipse throughout the entire game), and the fact that it doesn't do a good job telling you where to go to move the story forward, at times. I got lost a couple of times trying to find the next point in the story and that should not happen in today's gaming world. Still, there's a reason why this game is lauded in the Tales series, as it's easily the best JRPG to come out in the US last year and something I highly recommend everyone play, especially with the release of Xillia 2 later this year. The Tales series is one of my favorite in gaming and I definitely did love this game. It's just not perfect like alot of people will make it out to be.… Expand
  26. Plasmaneedle
    Jan 16, 2014
    9
    Tales of Xillia, like any of the previous entries in the series, is a truly great experience with a awesome blend of combat and RPG gameplay interesting locales and well developed characters.
  27. Friendzie
    Jan 7, 2014
    9
    This is the cream of the crop for JRPGs in recent years. The story doesn't degenerate into some weird spiritual battle against some ultimate evil. In fact, the last boss of the game is not even a bad guy, really. He's just a guy who slightly disagrees with you about how to best help the world. Great game that defies many cliches. The battle system is a lot more active and engaging than theThis is the cream of the crop for JRPGs in recent years. The story doesn't degenerate into some weird spiritual battle against some ultimate evil. In fact, the last boss of the game is not even a bad guy, really. He's just a guy who slightly disagrees with you about how to best help the world. Great game that defies many cliches. The battle system is a lot more active and engaging than the average RPG, as well. I'll only take off one point for the way battles can occasionally feel like you're just mashing buttons, but overall this is a solid game worth owning for any RPG fan.… Expand
  28. TouniZu
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    Tales of Xillia was my first experience with JRPGs on the PlayStation 3 and because of it, I can't wait to find other games and see if any of them get even close to the greatness of this title.

    The battle system is well done and doesn't require much learning unless you want to play the game on a pro-level, for people who just play the game casually, the battle system is forgiving enough    Tales of Xillia was my first experience with JRPGs on the PlayStation 3 and because of it, I can't wait to find other games and see if any of them get even close to the greatness of this title.

    The battle system is well done and doesn't require much learning unless you want to play the game on a pro-level, for people who just play the game casually, the battle system is forgiving enough to let you just have fun, and leaving the default settings on will usually keep you alive unless the battle is meant for higher level characters.

    The story and characters are well thought out and surprisingly relate-able, even though they are stereotypical at times and all have some sappiness to them, they all seem like they could be real people who just go the extreme. The story itself without spoiling anything is a pure work of art, the plot twists were well done and can grip you so much you'll lose track of time.

    The art style of Tales of Xillia is something that any JRPG fan would like, although the characters reactions do seem a little awkward at times and could be made better, but the characters themselves are gorgeous and the enemies in the game are innovative and good-looking. The landscape changes constantly in the game and always gives you something to look at.

    Even though the game has some grinding in it, it is very little compared to other JRPG games that I have come across, and even when you are grinding it doesn't feel tedious because the games battle system feels fun and you have many of the games skits to keep you entertained while doing it.    … Expand
  29. naxmax9
    Nov 27, 2013
    9
    Great game i have it it's kinda boring at first cause I hate the way Luke is so snobby I liked it at the middle it started to get really fun and exciting.
  30. Kirito324
    Nov 25, 2013
    8
    Tales of xillia is a wonderful game it has just like all the other tales games the Double Raid Linear Motion Battle System where you can free run wile in battle it is another tales game with different plot and characters but the one thing that really need to fix it they'd dam ending that was just heart braking and terrible
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Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best PS3 Game of 2013
23
#23 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2013
34
#34 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 65 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 65
  3. Negative: 0 out of 65
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 24, 2013
    80
    Tales of Xillia is nothing revolutionary, but if JRPGs are your thing, you'll be more than satisfied, as it has a lot more to offer than one would expect. [Nov 2013]
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 5, 2013
    86
    A great RPG adventure with action-packed real-time battles. The characters are interesting, but the main story relies too much on passive anime sequences. [Sept 2013]
  3. Critical Hit
    Oct 1, 2013
    65
    There is nothing inherently wrong with the game, nor is there anything to make me recommend it. If you love JRPGs, you might enjoy this. If not, it will probably reinforce all your negative ideas about JRPGs.
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