Okay, let's be real. How many times have we, as JRPG fanatics, been burned by the promise of a remaster or a sequel that never quite lives up to the original? Too many, right? But there's a persistent buzz in the air, a hopeful whisper traveling through the digital plains, about a potential Tales of Xillia 2 remaster. And, dare I say, a new Tales remaster coming down the pipeline.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Another rumor? I've heard it all before!" And you're probably right to be skeptical. The gaming industry is a fickle mistress, dangling carrots in front of us only to snatch them away at the last second. But hear me out; there's a confluence of factors that make this particular rumor feel a little…different.
First, let's talk about the source of these whispers. It's not just random forum chatter or clickbait articles. We're hearing rumblings from industry insiders, people who have, in the past, accurately predicted announcements from Bandai Namco and other major players. That doesn't guarantee anything, of course. But it's certainly more credible than a blurry screenshot posted on 4chan.
Second, the timing feels right. Bandai Namco has been on a roll lately with remasters and remakes, giving classics like Tales of Symphonia a new lease on life. Actually, that's not quite right. Symphonia was a bit of a mixed bag on Switch and other platforms. They also seem to be testing the waters for which titles will garner the most attention. Tales of Xillia 2, with its darker themes, complex characters, and that whole Jude/Milla dynamic (love it or hate it), still holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. It’s a prime candidate for a glow-up.
Why Tales of Xillia 2 Deserves the Remaster Treatment
Let's be honest: Tales of Xillia 2 wasn't perfect. The world felt a little…recycled, and the debt repayment mechanic was, shall we say, a tad tedious. But beneath those flaws lay a genuinely compelling story about morality, sacrifice, and the weight of responsibility. The characters were fantastic, particularly Ludger, who remains one of the more interesting protagonists in the entire Tales franchise. And the combat system, while similar to the first Xillia, was refined and deepened.
But here's the thing: a remaster isn't just about sprucing up the graphics (although a fresh coat of paint would definitely be welcome). It's an opportunity to address some of the original game's shortcomings. Imagine a Tales of Xillia 2 remaster that streamlines the debt system, adds new areas to explore, and maybe even expands on the ending (which, let's face it, was a bit of a downer). Now we're talking!
The Allure of a New Tales Remaster
Now, beyond the Xillia 2 hopeful vibes, the rumor mill is churning with whispers of a brand new Tales remaster, perhaps a title that hasn't been readily available on modern platforms. Which title could it be? Here's my wish list, and honestly, it’s pretty much in order of most to least wanted. Let’s see… Tales of Destiny 2 (the real one, not Tales of Eternia in disguise), Tales of Rebirth, or even the often-overlooked Tales of Legendia. Each has its own unique charm, and a modern update would introduce them to a whole new generation of players. GamesRadar is a good source for keeping tabs on these rumors.
Think about it this way: these older titles represent a different era of JRPG design, one that often prioritized story and character development over flashy graphics and open-world exploration. Don't get me wrong, I love a good open-world game. But sometimes, I just want a tightly focused, character-driven experience that tugs at my heartstrings. Is that too much to ask?
The frustrating thing about this is that, for a series that is so highly loved, there have been many issues regarding it. For example, the Tales of Symphonia port was an issue and left many fans disappointed.
But What If It's All Just a Dream?
Okay, let's pump the brakes for a second. What if all of this is just wishful thinking? What if the rumors are false, and we're left with nothing but our memories of Tales of Xillia 2 and those other classic Tales games? Well, even then, it wouldn't be the end of the world. After all, we'll always have the original games to revisit. And who knows, maybe this renewed interest in the older Tales titles will inspire Bandai Namco to create something truly special in the future. Maybe something that combines the best of both worlds: the character-driven stories of the past with the cutting-edge technology of the present.
I keep coming back to this point because it's crucial: we, as fans, have the power to shape the future of the Tales series. By voicing our desires, by supporting the games we love, and by engaging in thoughtful discussions about what makes a great JRPG, we can help guide Bandai Namco in the right direction. And who knows, maybe one day they'll finally give us that Tales of Xillia 2 remaster we've all been waiting for. You might be wondering why this is important: because they have an obligation to make sure they give the fans what they want.
And the wait is the hardest part! So, to pass the time, perhaps take a seat on a stylish gaming chair and check out some other titles.
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FAQ About Tales of Xillia 2 and Remasters
Will a Tales of Xillia 2 Remaster fix the original game's issues?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Ideally, yes. A remaster should address the technical limitations and gameplay quirks of the original. Think improved graphics, smoother frame rates, maybe even some quality-of-life improvements like a streamlined debt repayment system. However, there's no guarantee. Some remasters are more faithful than others, and it's possible that Bandai Namco would choose to stick closer to the original vision. We can only hope they listen to fan feedback and prioritize the changes that would make the biggest difference.
Why are people so hyped for a remaster anyway? Can't they just play the original?
Here's the thing: not everyone has access to the original hardware or the means to track down a used copy of the game. Plus, even if you do have access, the original version might not hold up as well on modern displays. A remaster makes the game accessible to a wider audience, allows new players to experience a classic, and gives veterans a chance to revisit it with updated visuals and performance. It's about preservation and accessibility, not just nostalgia.
How likely is a Tales of Xillia 2 remaster actually?
Honestly, it's hard to say. The gaming industry is notoriously unpredictable. But based on the recent rumors, the timing, and the enduring popularity of the Tales series, I'd say there's a decent chance. Maybe 60/40 in favor? Of course, that's just my gut feeling. Don't take it as gospel. But keep an eye on gaming news sites and forums. If there's any concrete news, it'll spread like wildfire.
What other Tales games deserve a remaster?
Oh, where do I even begin? Besides the ones I already mentioned (Destiny 2, Rebirth, Legendia), I'd love to see Tales of Vesperia get a proper current-gen update (the existing version is great, but it could be even better). And while we're at it, how about a complete remake of Tales of Phantasia, the game that started it all? The possibilities are endless!
In the end, whether or not a Tales of Xillia 2 remaster or a new Tales remaster becomes a reality remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the passion and dedication of the Tales fanbase will continue to fuel the conversation and shape the future of the series. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating.
