Tales of Symphonia Hontouso: The Definitive Guide to the Lost Gem

Discover the Enchanting World of Tales of Symphonia Hontouso

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Tales of Symphonia Hontouso, a hidden gem in the beloved Tales of series. This guide offers a comprehensive exploration of the game's characters, gameplay, and mesmerizing lore.

1. Characters: The Tapestry of Souls

a. Colette Brunel: A tenacious and kind-hearted maiden on a sacred journey to regenerate the world.
b. Lloyd Irving: A skilled swordsman and loyal friend who joins Colette on her quest.
c. Genis Sage: A brilliant mage with a mysterious past and prodigious intellect.
d. Raine Sage: Genis's enigmatic and insightful sister, known for her healing abilities.
e. Kratos Aurion: A legendary swordsman and Lloyd's father figure, safeguarding the world from ancient threats.

2. Gameplay: Symphony of Action and Strategy

a. Real-Time Combat: Engage in thrilling and dynamic battles, controlling up to four party members simultaneously.
b. Unison Attack System: Combine the abilities of two characters to unleash potent and visually stunning attacks.
c. Elementals: Summon powerful spirits to assist in combat, each with unique abilities and elemental affinities.
d. Side Quests and Exploration: Embark on optional missions and explore vast dungeons teeming with enemies and hidden treasures.

3. Lore: The Symphony of Fate

a. World of Sylvarant: A vibrant world facing environmental crisis, where people rely on the mana from Exsphere, a sacred orb.
b. World of Tethe'alla: A barren world seeking to extract mana from Sylvarant, leading to conflict between the two worlds.
c. Chosen of Regeneration: Colette, destined to sacrifice herself to regenerate Sylvarant and restore balance.
d. Dimensional Rift: A mysterious portal connecting Sylvarant and Tethe'alla, a key to understanding the worlds' interconnectedness.

4. Development: The Symphony's Birth

Tales of Symphonia Hontouso was developed by Namco Tales Studios and released exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube in 2004. The game received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and stunning visuals.

5. Legacy: The Symphony's Resonance

a. Commercial Success: Tales of Symphonia Hontouso sold over 2 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling Tales games.
b. Critical Acclaim: The game won numerous awards, including "RPG of the Year" from GameSpot in 2004.
c. Cultural Impact: Tales of Symphonia Hontouso is credited with popularizing the Tales series and has inspired countless other games.

6. Hontouso: The Symphony's Secrets

Hontouso is a Japanese-exclusive version of Tales of Symphonia, released in 2008 for the Nintendo Wii. It features several enhancements and additional content, including:

a. Additional Side Quests: Expanded story with new characters and missions.
b. Enhanced Graphics: Improved visuals and character models, showcasing the Wii's capabilities.
c. Orchestrated Soundtrack: A remastered soundtrack with live orchestral performances.

7. Tales of Symphonia Hontouso: A Symphony for the Ages

Whether you're a seasoned Tales fan or a newcomer to the series, Tales of Symphonia Hontouso is a captivating and timeless masterpiece. Its enchanting world, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay will transport you to a world of adventure and wonder.

Tables

Table 1: Character Statistics

Table 2: Unison Attacks

Table 3: Elemental Spirit Abilities

Table 4: Sales and Awards