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. tonberry_ftw
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    Nothing against tales series (enjoyed vesperia, abyss), but overall, this game was a waste of time.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. AJCk19
    Nov 22, 2022
    4
    Well, this game is stuck in a awkward position. It is not as good as Xenoblade Chronicles X, Kingdom Hearts, FF13, and Trials of Mana. The real time combat just isn't as good as others. However I do love the art direction and the story is deep. Even the collector's edition they released for this game was extremely rad.
  5. chrisdan23
    Jun 14, 2022
    6
    Leider sind die Tales Spiele über die Jahre immer generischer geworden. Dabei startete die Serie einmal sehr vielversprechend, Tales of Phantasia auf dem SNES ist bis heute ein Kleinod des Genres. Mit der Zeit ist die Serie in ihren Ambitionen jedoch nicht gewachsen und lebt vor allem vom recyclen früherer Ideen und Systeme. Vor allem die offenen Hubs und Dungeons der Semi-Open WorldLeider sind die Tales Spiele über die Jahre immer generischer geworden. Dabei startete die Serie einmal sehr vielversprechend, Tales of Phantasia auf dem SNES ist bis heute ein Kleinod des Genres. Mit der Zeit ist die Serie in ihren Ambitionen jedoch nicht gewachsen und lebt vor allem vom recyclen früherer Ideen und Systeme. Vor allem die offenen Hubs und Dungeons der Semi-Open World wirken öde und uninspiriert. Dabei schafft Tales of Xillia es durchaus eine recht interessante Geschichte zu erzählen, das Writing war tatsächlich nie eine Schwäche des Franchises, Gameplay und vor allem eben das mangelnde Investment ins Gamedesign sind es letztlich, die die neueren Titel fad, repetitiv und nach Fließbandware wirken lassen. Schade um das Potential, das die Serie mit ihrem starken Anime Bezügen und dem Action lastigen Kampfsystem eigentlich mitbringt. Tales of Xillia aber hebt sich kaum noch über den Durchschnitt der Massenware des JRPG Genres. Am Ende fehlt es an Eigenständigkeit, Liebe zum Detail und Inspiration, um Spieler wirklich nochmal für das Franchise zu begeistern.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. zera555
    Sep 4, 2019
    3
    My cousin and I were itching to play another Tales game, so we purchased this one based on the good reviews on Metacritic. Much to our surprise, neither of us cared much at all for the game. We loved Symphonia and Vesperia, but Xillia was just... dull. The main characters, by design, are uninteresting, the plot was uninteresting and felt rushed. I'm genuinely surprised this game has an 8.6.
  9. 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
  10. Daze072401
    Feb 20, 2019
    5
    The story's plodding pace, hard-aging graphics, and awkward battle engine ultimately undercut Xillia's awesome art direction and bold narrative. It was Tales' first step into the modern JRPG world, and it sure feels like it.
  11. ChoosableOne
    Jul 29, 2017
    7
    Great gameplay but unbalanced. If you grind little, you cant beat bosses. If you grind too much, standart enemy becomes boring. Not every boss is in same diffuculty too. This was my only Tales experience. Great mechanics, you control characters every move, doing combos in real time etc. Great. But childish story and balance problems makes it a 7 for me. Definitly will try another Tales game.
  12. 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 :)
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. Super_Cloud
    Jan 1, 2016
    7
    I was so frustrated with the battle system on Graces f, when i played Xillia i was so happy, everything i hated was gone, it was fun once more! I like the character in the game, Milla can get annoying sometime but i still liked her, i feel like the game is too short and has a poor replay value compared to other Tales of. The OST was disappointing because nothing really stand out, the gameI was so frustrated with the battle system on Graces f, when i played Xillia i was so happy, everything i hated was gone, it was fun once more! I like the character in the game, Milla can get annoying sometime but i still liked her, i feel like the game is too short and has a poor replay value compared to other Tales of. The OST was disappointing because nothing really stand out, the game was not the best but still a good Tales of.… Expand
  19. jlunghi
    Nov 24, 2015
    7
    The weakest Tales game to date, really a disappointment compared to the sequel. Still worth playing, and an ok entry point into the series in that it can only get better from here.
  20. 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
  21. liquideyeliner
    Apr 20, 2015
    4
    This was my first venture into the Tales series after hearing hype about it for years, and I gotta say I'm not impressed at all. The art direction is very, very bland. The leading lady has quite possibly the most obnoxious hair style I've seen outside of Yugioh and her voice actress is atrocious. The story is very cliche.

    There are some interesting aspects of the game. You're given the    This was my first venture into the Tales series after hearing hype about it for years, and I gotta say I'm not impressed at all. The art direction is very, very bland. The leading lady has quite possibly the most obnoxious hair style I've seen outside of Yugioh and her voice actress is atrocious. The story is very cliche.

    There are some interesting aspects of the game. You're given the option to pick between a male and female lead and I would assume their story lines diverge at some point leading to a different experience. I'm not totally sure though, I only played as the male as his design was less annoying to look at than the woman with the floofy celery hair.

    The combat isn't bad, but it's shamefully easy. Also the voice acting is some of the worst I've ever heard. I wasn't able to beat the game because I got so annoyed with the cast of characters. By far the worst was this awful little blob called Teepo. Listening to this character was like someone taking a screw driver to my ear.

    I usually try to complete games, even ones I'm not a fan of, just for the sake of it, but this game was just too annoying.    … Expand
  22. 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.
  23. beandaddyo
    Dec 23, 2014
    4
    This game was a huge disappointment. I'm a huge fan of the Tales series, and I've never encountered a tales game I couldn't get through. It seems like they put all the development funds into graphics, and tried to hard to make likable popular characters, instead of characters with actual depth. A good battle system can carry a JRPG with bad characters... but this game doesn't have one.This game was a huge disappointment. I'm a huge fan of the Tales series, and I've never encountered a tales game I couldn't get through. It seems like they put all the development funds into graphics, and tried to hard to make likable popular characters, instead of characters with actual depth. A good battle system can carry a JRPG with bad characters... but this game doesn't have one. Sure, the web-like leveling up seems like a good idea.... but it was poorly executed. It was not only a step down from the refined battle system in Graces, it is the worst tales battle system I've ever played with. It is like a bunch of different concepts thrown haphazardly together. It certainly feels rushed.

    This game gets good reviews by some. I feel like it would appeal more to fans of Western RPGs with its increased choices and high graphics. If your the kind of person who will buy anything as long as it looks good, or if you don't care about character development and took Symphonia entirely unironically, this game is for you. Otherwise, avoid it, especially if your a fan of the Tales Series.    … Expand
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. Dziver
    Sep 16, 2014
    6
    Overall I truly enjoyed the game, it's a worthwhile purchase for any RPG gamer, but it has its flaws. One of them is voice acting. Only around 25% of the voice actors are good, 50% are so-so, and the rest are just plain bad. These bad voice actors include even the male main character, Jude. Milla belongs to the so-so category. Another complaint I have is about character development. ItOverall I truly enjoyed the game, it's a worthwhile purchase for any RPG gamer, but it has its flaws. One of them is voice acting. Only around 25% of the voice actors are good, 50% are so-so, and the rest are just plain bad. These bad voice actors include even the male main character, Jude. Milla belongs to the so-so category. Another complaint I have is about character development. It doesn't matter much what you pick because you get so much points that you're able to take almost everything anyway and the next section only opens up once you've unlocked enough passives and artes. It's so linear that you might as well set it on auto-level. There are also many other things that could've been done a lot better(AI, loot system, combat related stuff, etc.) but I don't want to make the game sound any worse than it really is so I'll stop now.… Expand
  29. 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.
  30. ihatecheez
    Sep 3, 2014
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. seemed really interesting at the beginning, but got boring quick. story is flat, very linear in gameplay, very easy, and some annoying characters (im looking at you teepo!). was pretty disappointed.… Expand
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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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