Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World

 Wii
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 136 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 94 out of 136
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 136
  3. Negative: 23 out of 136
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  1. Kart01
    Aug 1, 2022
    9
    I don't get people who praises first Symphonia. Yes it had a good start, but man how bad last 13 of the game were. Like devs didn't know at the time how to end a game. Dawn of the new World on the other hand have almost perfect end of the game. Well, whole game just feels better than previous one. Fighting is much more dynamic, story captivating, lenght of the game is pretty decent. I'veI don't get people who praises first Symphonia. Yes it had a good start, but man how bad last 13 of the game were. Like devs didn't know at the time how to end a game. Dawn of the new World on the other hand have almost perfect end of the game. Well, whole game just feels better than previous one. Fighting is much more dynamic, story captivating, lenght of the game is pretty decent. I've truly enjoyed this game.… Expand
  2. sdc
    Mar 29, 2015
    10
    Wonder what the hell's up with the mixed reviews. Sure, it's presentation is disappointing, and not all the characters are great, but this is a diamond in the rough when it comes to RPGs.
  3. igolrum
    Jun 2, 2021
    10
    This game has an undeservedly bad reputation. Probably because they mismarketed it as Symphonia 2, but then made all the Symphonia 1 characters side characters that only visit the party. So just don't go in expecting that. Another problem is that the inbetween story and antagonists were cut short and are pretty undeveloped.

    Still, the final story & antagonist is pretty good and it has    This game has an undeservedly bad reputation. Probably because they mismarketed it as Symphonia 2, but then made all the Symphonia 1 characters side characters that only visit the party. So just don't go in expecting that. Another problem is that the inbetween story and antagonists were cut short and are pretty undeveloped.

    Still, the final story & antagonist is pretty good and it has the best (funniest) skits in the series (I know Phantasia, Symphonia1+2, Abyss, Vesperia, Graces, Xillia1+2, Zestiria and Berseria).
    For me that's worth alot. My primary attraction point to the Tales series is the skits. The characters are fine too.

    Overall I actually enjoyed this the 2nd most after Xillia, about on par with Abyss and Xillia 2. (Yes, I liked this more than the original Symphonia. Maybe part of the reason I wasn't disappointed with it not being all that Symphonia.)    … Expand
  4. MisterNoodles
    May 17, 2013
    10
    This game stands out as one of my personal favorites. For not only having a great compelling storyline, but for having great game play as well. Sadly there was no free roaming and the graphics were dated, but better than some games of that time "cough" Sonic 06 "cough". I have never played the original Tales of Symphonia and if what people say is true. Tales of Symphonia will blow my mindThis game stands out as one of my personal favorites. For not only having a great compelling storyline, but for having great game play as well. Sadly there was no free roaming and the graphics were dated, but better than some games of that time "cough" Sonic 06 "cough". I have never played the original Tales of Symphonia and if what people say is true. Tales of Symphonia will blow my mind since this game was nearly perfect and is a must have.… Expand
  5. maverickuw
    Mar 17, 2011
    10
    While I'm a little disappointed that they took away the free-roaming world that's present from the first game, (and in other games such as Tales of Vesperia), I'm overall rather impressed. They did a good job of fan service for those who played the first game in the series--hopefully this will inspire them to make future sequels to take us back to some pretty good prior stories.
  6. Steven
    Jul 25, 2009
    9
    Excellent battle mechanics and depth, however the story is lacking, but the original was perfection in story so it is hard to improve, fans of the original, the perfect game, would appreciate this, the battle system is reminiscent of devil may cry in that you can juggle enemies for combo.
  7. Beloved
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    I have played this game since christmas and it is great, i havent finished yet, but i like the gameplay, the story and the characters behind. It is not a Final Fantasy-style game, i still find it very fun.
  8. GameMaster
    Jan 7, 2009
    9
    This game is amazing. By far one of the best JRPG's on any of the new consoles. Much better than both Squenix games, but not better than Tales of Vesperia. Don't know what the dumb critics are talking about if you have a Wii you must own this game. The fighting is like a mix of soul calibur with Street Fighter Alpha, the story is great, the music is great. AMAZING GAME!!
  9. GoodDay
    May 27, 2009
    10
    Screw the critics, ToS:DotNW is the best RPG for the Wii out there. If you enjoy RPGs and have played the first Tales of Symphonia then by no means should you let this game slip away. You may feel frustrated at times due to some "repetitive" scenes but overall, you will get a great game. Good ol´ Tales fighting style with NEW SKILLS (sry demon fang, oh wait it is there too). Pretty Screw the critics, ToS:DotNW is the best RPG for the Wii out there. If you enjoy RPGs and have played the first Tales of Symphonia then by no means should you let this game slip away. You may feel frustrated at times due to some "repetitive" scenes but overall, you will get a great game. Good ol´ Tales fighting style with NEW SKILLS (sry demon fang, oh wait it is there too). Pretty simple: if you have played the first one, get it. If you didnt, get the first one and then play this. Of course, given that you like RPGs.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Best Wii Game of 2008
20
#20 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
26
#26 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 46
  3. Negative: 3 out of 46
  1. IGN
    67
    Wii gamers desperate for a role-playing game, particularly those that enjoyed the first Symphonia, might be able to overlook Dawn of the New World's tired gameplay and convoluted story.
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  2. GameTrailers
    79
    Though the battle system is improved, an erratic difficulty, budget production values, and a poorly-paced story keep Dawn of the New World from royalty status. In some ways, it’s a worthy successor to the original, but it’s ultimately just another passable action RPG.
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  3. GamesRadar+
    60
    If you can look past the last-last-gen flaws that absolutely should be gone by now, there’s a totally playable bit of gaming here that’ll scratch your RPG itch for the time being.
    Read full review
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