A question for Tales of Symphonia fans...

[brendala]

...is the sequel worth playing? I really liked Symphonia (despite the fact that it didn't like me); but the fact that 99% of the old voice actors are replaced is a HUGE turnoff for me and I'm afraid it would be a game-killing distraction. So, without spoiling anything, I'd really appriciate it if some Symphonia fans can answer these questions:


1. How big a role do the original characters play? I'm asking because the VA changes would be more palatable if the original characters just make cameos instead of being in the main party.

2. Is the battle system the same as the original? And do the new characters and new story do the original game justice?

3. Is the game worth purchasing at all or is it just a lame follow up? I'm thinking about buying it just because I liked the original so much. But if the game isn't good enough to overcome the VA problem; I'd rather just let Symphonia stand on its own.

Comments

[ichiban-victory.livejournal.com]

1. Your core party may include some of the original characters at times, but more often than not you just encounter the original characters.

2. Combat is still mostly the same, but the game has the added element of capturing and using monsters in combat. I actually really enjoyed it. I also really liked the new characters.

3. If you want to know how some events from the first game played out, try the game. If you're content with the first game, don't worry about it.

[dqbunny.livejournal.com]

1. What Diane said. I only got as far as Colette entering the game and her VA is still same. And the game is narrated at the beginning by Kratos and his original VA.

2. It's mostly the same. However, I stopped an hour into the game because I could not stand Emil. He's supposed to get better, but It hasn't happened for me yet.

3. Right now, it's a lame follow-up for me. If a rental store around you has it, I'd try renting it first.

[ichiban-victory.livejournal.com]

You have to get pretty far into the game before Emil...well, at least to understand why he is as he is, and how that ties into the first game. He does become more assertive over time, very slowly...

[brendala.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the comments girls. :)

Since the sequel seems to be inferior to the original, I think I might just watch a Let's Play of it on You Tube and then buy it later if it looks good.
It's probably for the best if I just watch someone else play it because purchasing a game would be extravagant for me right now (I'm saving up for Evolution-R).