Tales Of Xillia: Story, Characters & Gameplay Explained

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Embark on an enthralling journey into the world of Tales of Xillia, a captivating installment in the long-running and beloved Tales series. This article serves as your comprehensive guide, delving deep into the game's intricate story, memorable characters, engaging gameplay mechanics, and the overall experience that makes Tales of Xillia a standout title. Whether you're a seasoned Tales veteran or a newcomer eager to explore this vast universe, prepare to be immersed in a world brimming with adventure, emotion, and unforgettable moments.

Story and Setting: A World Divided

The narrative heart of Tales of Xillia beats within the land of Rieze Maxia, a realm sharply divided by contrasting ideologies and powerful forces. On one side, you have Elympios, a technologically advanced nation that relies on spyrix, a potent energy source draining the world's mana. Conversely, Rieze Maxia champions a deep connection with nature and the spirits, fiercely opposing Elympios's methods. This fundamental conflict sets the stage for a compelling story, where the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

The story follows two protagonists: Jude Mathis, a bright and compassionate medical student, and Milla Maxwell, the self-proclaimed lord of spirits, Maxwell. Their paths collide during a pivotal event, forcing them to confront the growing tensions between Rieze Maxia and Elympios. Jude, with his unwavering dedication to helping others, and Milla, driven by her duty to protect the spirits, form an unlikely alliance, embarking on a quest to uncover the truth behind the escalating conflict and seek a path towards coexistence. The early parts of the game sees them branded as criminals after a confrontation with Elympios, forcing them to go on the run with a band of other individuals who are also caught up in the crossfire. This sets the scene for a world-spanning adventure, taking them from the lush, natural landscapes of Rieze Maxia, to the cold, metallic cities of Elympios, and beyond.

As you progress through the game, the story unfolds through dual perspectives. You can choose to play as either Jude or Milla, each offering a unique viewpoint on the unfolding events and providing deeper insights into their motivations and relationships with other characters. This dual perspective system adds depth and replayability, encouraging players to experience the story from both sides to gain a complete understanding of the complex narrative. The characters that both Jude and Milla meet are also incredibly well written and have depth. From Alvin, the mysterious and conflicted mercenary, to Elize, the shy and withdrawn young girl with incredible power, each character has their own motives for joining the party, and their own personal story that plays out over the course of the game.

Characters: A Cast of Unforgettable Heroes

Tales of Xillia boasts a cast of characters who are more than just pixels on a screen; they are individuals with unique personalities, motivations, and backstories that resonate with players. Each character brings something different to the table, forming a cohesive unit that supports each other through thick and thin. Let's take a closer look at some of the main characters:

  • Jude Mathis: A medical student known for his intelligence and compassion, Jude possesses a strong sense of justice and a desire to help those in need. His medical knowledge proves invaluable throughout the journey, and his unwavering determination makes him a reliable ally. Jude starts off as somewhat naive, but throughout the game he grows as a person, taking on the responsibilities placed on his shoulders, and learning to stand up for what he believes in.
  • Milla Maxwell: As the lord of spirits, Milla carries the weight of responsibility for maintaining balance in the world. Initially portrayed as stoic and detached, she gradually opens up as she forms bonds with her companions, revealing a hidden vulnerability and a fierce determination to protect those she cares about. Milla is incredibly powerful, but often lacks understanding of human customs, leading to some comedic moments as she learns to navigate the human world.
  • Alvin: A complex and enigmatic mercenary, Alvin's motives are often shrouded in mystery. His past haunts him, and his allegiances remain uncertain for much of the game. Despite his questionable actions, Alvin possesses a strong sense of loyalty to those he considers friends, making him a valuable asset to the party. Alvin is always trying to con somebody and always seems to have a plan, and he is often the voice of reason within the group, and his dry wit and sarcastic comments provide some levity to the often serious storyline.
  • Elize Lutus: A shy and withdrawn young girl who has been ostracized due to her extraordinary ability to communicate with spirits. Elize has a stuffed animal named Teepo that she uses to channel her powers. Elize struggles with self-confidence and relies heavily on Teepo for support, but as she travels with Jude, Milla, and the others, she learns to overcome her fears and embrace her own potential. Elize begins the game as a liability, but as she grows and comes to terms with her power, she becomes one of the most powerful members of the party.
  • Leia Rolando: Jude's childhood friend and a skilled martial artist, Leia is energetic, optimistic, and always ready to lend a helping hand. Her unwavering support and positive attitude serve as a constant source of encouragement for the group. Leia dreams of becoming a journalist and is always looking for the next scoop, and her inquisitive nature often leads the group into unexpected situations.
  • Rowen J. Ilbert: A wise and experienced tactician, Rowen serves as the group's strategist and advisor. His vast knowledge and calm demeanor provide a steadying influence, guiding the party through difficult situations. Despite his age, Rowen is a skilled fighter, and his knowledge of magic and tactics is invaluable in battle.

The interactions and relationships between these characters are a key highlight of Tales of Xillia. As you journey together, you'll witness their bonds deepen, their conflicts arise, and their personal growth unfold. The characters are all well defined and developed, and their interactions with each other feel organic and natural. The party chat conversations give you insight into what each character is thinking, and allow you to see how their relationships evolve over time, making them feel like real people with real problems.

Gameplay: A Dynamic and Engaging Combat System

The Tales series is renowned for its action-packed and strategic combat systems, and Tales of Xillia is no exception. The game utilizes the Dual Raid Linear Motion Battle System, allowing players to freely move around the battlefield, chain together attacks, and coordinate strategies with their party members. This system encourages experimentation and rewards skillful execution, making battles both challenging and rewarding.

One of the defining features of the combat system is the ability to link characters together. By linking with an ally, you can perform powerful linked artes, which combine the strengths of both characters to unleash devastating attacks. Linking also provides defensive benefits, such as guarding against enemy attacks or reviving fallen allies. Mastering the linking system is crucial for overcoming tougher opponents and maximizing your combat potential.

In addition to linked artes, each character possesses their own unique set of skills and abilities. Jude excels at close-quarters combat and healing, while Milla specializes in elemental magic. Alvin is a versatile fighter who can adapt to various situations, and Elize can summon powerful spirits to aid her in battle. By learning and mastering each character's skills, you can create a well-rounded party that is capable of handling any challenge.

Outside of battle, Tales of Xillia offers a wealth of exploration and side content. You can explore vast landscapes, discover hidden dungeons, complete challenging quests, and participate in mini-games. The game also features a robust crafting system, allowing you to create new weapons, armor, and items by gathering materials from the environment. This content keeps the player engaged, and rewards exploration, making the world feel alive and dynamic. These side activities can also provide valuable items and experience, which can help you overcome the game's tougher challenges.

Overall Experience: A Timeless Classic

Tales of Xillia is more than just a game; it's an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. With its compelling story, memorable characters, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals, it's a title that deserves a place among the best JRPGs of all time. Whether you're a long-time fan of the Tales series or a newcomer looking for a captivating adventure, Tales of Xillia is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The game's themes of coexistence, prejudice, and the importance of understanding are particularly relevant in today's world. The characters' struggles to overcome their differences and work together towards a common goal resonate deeply, offering a message of hope and unity. Tales of Xillia is a game that will make you think, make you feel, and ultimately, make you believe in the power of friendship and the importance of fighting for what is right.

Tales of Xillia is a must-play for any fan of the JRPG genre. The game offers a captivating world, memorable characters, and a deep and rewarding combat system. So grab your controller, gather your party, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the world of Rieze Maxia. The Tales series is known for its high quality stories, but Tales of Xillia is something special.

The world of Tales of Xillia is rich with lore and history, and the game does an excellent job of immersing you in its intricate details. From the bustling cities to the serene natural landscapes, every location feels alive and vibrant. The game's soundtrack is also a standout feature, with its soaring melodies and emotional compositions perfectly complementing the game's mood and atmosphere. Tales of Xillia is a game that is sure to please even the most hardened JRPG fans, and its accessible gameplay makes it a great entry point for newcomers to the genre. It has a charm and appeal that still holds true today, making it a truly timeless classic. So if you're looking for a game that will transport you to another world and keep you hooked from beginning to end, look no further than Tales of Xillia.