Okay, so, Tales of Xillia 2. It's... a game that kind of slipped under the radar for a lot of people, didn't it? Sandwiched between the initial hype of Xillia and the massive open-world shift of Zestiria, it's easy to forget. But honestly, I think it deserves a second look – maybe even a remaster. And judging by the whispers I've been hearing, something might actually be in the works. Or at least, that's what the rumor mill is churning out today.
But before we get too excited about potential remasters (plural!), let's dial it back a notch. What makes Tales of Xillia 2 so special in the first place? And why should Bandai Namco even bother dusting it off for modern consoles?
Why Xillia 2 Needs a Remaster
Here's the thing: Xillia 2 did a lot of things differently, and those differences, while initially divisive, are precisely what give it its unique charm. You play as Ludger Kresnik, a seemingly ordinary guy who gets tangled up in a truly bonkers plot involving alternate dimensions, a debt to the spirit world (yeah, you read that right – debt), and a whole lot of moral ambiguity. I mean, Bandai Namco really cooked with this one!
The story, while darker than your average Tales game, is incredibly compelling. Ludger isn't your typical shining hero. He’s got flaws, he makes tough choices (some of which are downright questionable), and he's constantly grappling with the consequences of his actions. It's morally grey in the best possible way – forcing you to actually think about what you're doing and why.
And the combat? Oh, the combat. Xillia 2 refines the already excellent Linear Motion Battle System from the first game, adding weapon swapping and even more strategic depth. You can switch between dual blades, a hammer, and dual pistols on the fly, chaining together combos and exploiting enemy weaknesses like a total badass. Trust me, mastering the combat system is incredibly satisfying.
A Fresh Coat of Paint: The Potential Remaster
Now, imagine all of that with a fresh coat of paint. Updated graphics, smoother performance, maybe even some quality-of-life improvements. A Tales of Xillia 2 remaster could be absolutely incredible. But... there is always a but. One thing that's always annoyed me about these games are the countless hours spend on side quest. Sometimes I just want to get on with the story and save the world!
But what about the elephant in the room? The silent protagonist. Ludger barely speaks throughout the game, which rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. Could a remaster address this? Maybe add some additional dialogue options or flesh out his character in other ways? It's a tricky balance, because part of what makes Ludger interesting is his quiet stoicism. But I think there's definitely room for improvement there.
Also, the game mechanics are somewhat different from other games in the series. PlayStation Plus Freebie are usually an ideal entry point for new players, and I don't know if a different game mechanic is the way to go.
More Tales Remasters on the Horizon?
The rumor mill isn't just churning out Xillia 2 whispers. There's also talk of other Tales games getting the remaster treatment. Which, honestly, makes sense. Bandai Namco has a treasure trove of classic titles just waiting to be rediscovered. Imagine a fully remastered Tales of Symphonia, or a revitalized Tales of the Abyss. The possibilities are endless! It feels like they are following in the footsteps of Square Enix, giving fans what they want and re-releasing some absolute classics.
I've got to admit, the prospect of more Tales remasters fills me with a certain sense of... well, giddiness. These games hold a special place in my heart, and I'd love to see them introduced to a new generation of players. And let's be real, I wouldn't mind revisiting them myself with a fresh coat of paint.
But (there's that word again) it's not just about prettier graphics and smoother gameplay. It's about preserving the heart and soul of these games. The stories, the characters, the quirky humor, the intense battles – that's what makes Tales so special. And that's what any remaster needs to capture.
So, fingers crossed that these rumors turn out to be true. A Tales of Xillia 2 remaster would be amazing. But even more amazing would be a renewed focus on preserving and celebrating the entire Tales legacy.
And if all of this remaster talk has you itching for some JRPG action, why not try a game you've maybe never heard of? Look into Iron Man Official Comeback – you might be surprised!
FAQ: Your Xillia 2 Remaster Questions Answered
Is a Tales of Xillia 2 remaster actually happening?
Right now, it's all rumors and speculation. There's no official confirmation from Bandai Namco. However, the fact that we're hearing these whispers suggests that something might be in the works. Keep an eye on official announcements and gaming news sites for updates.
What improvements could a remaster bring to Tales of Xillia 2?
Ideally, a remaster would include updated graphics, improved performance (especially on modern consoles), and some quality-of-life enhancements like faster loading times and refined UI. There's also the potential for addressing some of the criticisms of the original game, such as Ludger's silent protagonist status.
Why should I care about Tales of Xillia 2 if I didn't like the first Xillia?
That's fair! While the games are connected, Xillia 2 is a very different beast. It has a darker story, a more morally ambiguous protagonist, and a unique debt system that adds a new layer of complexity to the gameplay. If you found the first game too generic, Xillia 2 might surprise you.
Will a potential remaster fix Ludger's silent protagonist problem?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? It's tough to say. Adding full voice acting for Ludger could significantly alter the game's tone and impact. But at the same time, it could address a major point of criticism. It's a delicate balancing act for Bandai Namco.
Is Tales of Xillia 2 a good starting point for the Tales series?
While it's technically a sequel, Xillia 2 can be enjoyed as a standalone game. However, you'll definitely get more out of the story if you've played the first Xillia. If you're completely new to the series, starting with a more self-contained title like Tales of Berseria might be a better option.