Revisit Asbel Lhant and his companions as they navigate a world teetering on the brink of war in Tales of Graces f Remastered! Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.

Tales of Graces f Remastered Review Overview

What is Tales of Graces f Remastered?

Tales of Graces f Remastered is an enhanced version of the 2012 PS3 port, Tales of Graces f. Released on January 16, 2025, for consoles in Asia, and January 17, 2025, for everywhere else. It is the 12th mainline entry in the Tales of series and was originally released in Japan for the Wii in 2009.

Set on the planet Ephinea, Tales of Graces f explores a world divided among three nations: Windsor, Strahta, and Fendel. Years after a pivotal tragedy, Asbel Lhant reunites with childhood friends Sophie and Prince Richard to unravel secrets that could determine the fate of their world. Aside from the main story, the remastered version also retains the "Lineage and Legacies" epilogue, which sees the party reunite once more after the end of the game to investigate the cause of the growing monster population.

Tales of Graces f Remastered utilizes the Style-Shift Linear Motion Battle System, similar to Tales of Zestiria. This system revolves around the Style Shift mechanic, which allows players to seamlessly switch between two combat styles during battles to create powerful combos. Aside from the aforementioned, this remastered edition also boasts updated visuals, adds quality-of-life features such as auto-save and event skipping, and includes all previously released DLC.

Tales of Graces f Remastered features:
　⚫︎　Quality-of-Life Improvements from the Original Game
　⚫︎　Fluid Combat System
　⚫︎　Includes all Previously Released DLCs
　⚫︎　Over 100 Equipable Titles

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Tales of Graces f Remastered gameplay and story.

Steam	PlayStation	Switch	Xbox
$39.99

Tales of Graces f Remastered Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Memorable Cast of Characters An Abundance of Quality-of-Life Improvements Combat Favors Mastery Over Button Mashing Comes with Most of the Original DLC	Slow Start to a Predictable Story Backtracking is a Chore Weaker Soundtrack Compared to Other Tales Games

Tales of Graces f Remastered Overall Score - 80/100

After the stumble that was Tales of Symphonia Remastered in 2023, it’s a relief to see Bandai Namco regain their footing with Tales of Graces f Remastered. Widely regarded by fans as boasting the best gameplay in the Tales of series—and I wholeheartedly agree—this remaster reminds us why the game remains a standout even years later. Though its story leans heavily on predictable beats, the unforgettable cast more than makes up for it. Combined with numerous quality-of-life improvements and bundled content, Tales of Graces f Remastered seems to just be the start for Bandai Namco. If this is the benchmark for future remasters in the series, I’m genuinely excited to see what lies ahead for the Tales Remastered Project.

Tales of Graces f Remastered Story - 8/10

The narrative of Tales of Graces f dances to a rhythm long familiar to fans of the Tales of series. It starts with personal struggles, grows into regional conflicts, and predictably crescendos into world-ending stakes. Veterans of the series will likely find themselves anticipating twists and revelations long before they arrive. Though themes of friendship and sacrifice are endlessly thrown left and right, the game’s charm lies in its characters and its delivery of these established tropes. The remaster includes the Lineage & Legacies DLC, which adds a post-game chapter for players to spend more time with the cast. Although the epilogue is a welcome addition, it felt like a missed opportunity to delve further into the theme of loss, which is a shame, as it showed promise to be even better than the main story.

Tales of Graces f Remastered Gameplay - 9/10

I could go on and on just talking about Tales of Graces f’s gameplay, as there’s just so much to unpack. Mastering the Style Shift Linear Motion Battle System is a huge part of it, of course, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s also Chain Capacities, Artes, Eleth Gauge and Burst, Titles, Accel Mode, a mountain of side quests, Cooking (yes, even cooking)... the list just keeps going. Even after sinking tens of hours into this game, I still feel like I’m only scratching the surface of many of these systems. The depth of this game is incredibly rewarding for those willing to learn its intricacies, though it might present a challenge for newcomers. But doing so pays off, especially later on when the bosses get tough. You’ll find yourself hitting that pause button more than you’ll care to admit—tweaking strategies, healing your party, or just taking a much-needed breather before diving back into the fray.

Tales of Graces f Remastered Visuals - 7/10

Even a decade later, Tales of Graces f’s visuals still have that certain je ne sais quoi. I’m a fan of its 3D cel-shaded, anime-inspired models and art design. But remember, this game started its life on the Wii, so there are some visual quirks that haven’t quite vanished with age. Problems with lip-syncing, or the lack thereof, is ever-present, and the characters in text-heavy cutscenes can be a bit stiff. Monsters also pop in and out of existence depending on how far away you are—even on the PS5. The game’s wrinkles show its age, especially when viewing models up close. But despite these, it’s clear that Bandai Namco and TOSE put in the work to polish this gem. The colors are vibrant, the art style pops, and the overall effect is still ever-charming. It personally holds up pretty well… that is, if you temper expectations.

Tales of Graces f Remastered Audio - 6/10

The soundtrack in Tales of Graces f is functional and does what it needs to do, but it didn't particularly grab me. Unlike some other Tales of games—like Abyss, Berseria, and Radiant Mythology, whose opening themes I actively sought out—I didn’t find myself wanting to listen to Graces f’s music outside of the game. It mostly blended into the background, which was a bit disappointing, especially considering composer Motoi Sakuraba’s previous work on other Tales soundtracks that I’ve enjoyed much more. The deluxe edition does offer a Battle BGM pack that at least lets you swap in battle themes from across the Tales of series—from Phantasia to Arise—which is a nice touch. However, locking this behind a $20 paywall feels like a missed opportunity to enhance the experience for all players.

Tales of Graces f Remastered Value for Money - 10/10

For $40, Tales of Graces f Remastered stands tall as one of the finest JRPG remasters I’ve encountered in years. The quality-of-life improvements alone immediately elevate the experience to make it far more accessible and enjoyable right from the start. Then there’s the treasure trove of included DLC. Most of the original’s content is bundled in, from additional costumes like Asbel’s tribute to Leon from Tales of Destiny to new challenges that keep the combat fresh. While some crossover DLC (like the Hatsune Miku and Code Geass costumes) are missing, the sheer amount of included content makes this well worth the price for returning veterans and a welcome jumping-off-point for newcomers to the series.

Tales of Graces f Remastered Review: Giving Graces the Grace it Deserves

Legacy—it’s a concept that hangs heavy in the air, a constant reminder of both expectations and responsibilities. For creators and fans alike, it often feels like a presence that calls upon them to honor what came before. And when you’re dealing with a franchise as cherished and long-standing as the Tales of series—now celebrating its 30th year—the weight of that legacy becomes almost tangible.

Nowhere is the challenge of honoring legacy more apparent than in remasters. The Tales of series, for all its triumphs, has seen its fair share of mixed results when it comes to revisiting its past. Tales of Heart R, for example, was met with a generally lukewarm reception. In contrast, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition was widely praised. However, 2023’s Tales of Symphonia Remastered didn’t quite make the impact many fans had hoped for, often criticized for feeling more like a half-hearted port than a true remaster.

Now, the spotlight falls on Tales of Graces f, a title that originally graced the Wii in 2009 before pirouetting onto the PlayStation 3 a few years later. With its place in Bandai Namco’s Remastered Project, it carries a heavy burden on its shoulders. Fortunately, while not without its flaws, it’s clear that Tales of Graces f Remastered has taken the lessons of past remasters to heart. It feels like a genuine effort to not only preserve what made the original special but also to set a new standard for future remasters in the franchise.

Friendship Carries Much of the Narrative's Heavylifting

Tales of Graces f opens with a slow yet heartfelt introduction that centers on young Asbel Lahnt, a budding lord who stumbles upon an amnesiac girl with no recollection of her past—not even her name. So, Asbel names her Sophie, and alongside his brother Hubert, childhood crush Cheria, and the prince Richard, they form a tight-knit group. These opening hours focus on their antics and attempts to restore Sophie’s memories, with their bond cemented by a childhood pact to remain friends forever. This vow becomes the narrative’s emotional linchpin and, ultimately, the catalyst that tests not only their friendship but also their personal growth.

Tragedy strikes, and the friends go their separate ways. When they reunite as adults seven years later, they are now vastly different people that bear the consequences of their shared experience and the different paths they have taken.

Much of the tension here stems from the circumstances surrounding the characters’ parting, and personally, watching them slowly rebuild their bonds is one of the game’s highlights. The reconciliation between Asbel and his brother Hubert, for instance, is particularly impactful. Their estrangement born of misunderstandings and past wounds gradually softens as both brothers confront their shared history and begin to heal. This growth feels all the more rewarding when juxtaposed with their childhood interactions in the prologue.

But I’ll be honest—I didn’t particularly care about the game’s plot. Tales of Graces f’s story isn’t groundbreaking. At times, it leans heavily on the "power of friendship" trope that’s become almost a parody within the JRPG genre. Its narrative can often feel cheeky and predictable, with plot points visible from a mile away. But then again, Tales games have never shied away from such stories. Even entries like Berseria embrace a balance of humor and heart despite its edgy protagonist. That’s the charm.

True enough, the overarching narrative is not the most revolutionary plot out there, but it does serve as a sturdy foundation for the game’s characters. Their growth, interactions, and chemistry breathe life into the story. The character skits and party conversations are an example of this. These optional vignettes sprinkled throughout the game show more the characters’ personalities than the main plot itself through humorous, mundane, and sometimes downright ridiculous exchanges. Pascal, in particular, is hilarious; her eccentricity often had me laughing out loud. I was so eager to experience these skits that I frequently found myself exploring every nook and cranny, hoping to stumble upon another one.

However, the joy of discovering these moments is tempered by how easy some of them are to miss. Many skits and even side quests are tucked away in earlier areas, and with fast travel unavailable for a significant portion of the game, retrieving them can be incredibly tedious. The thought of retracing my steps through multiple screens often elicited a groan. Unless you wish to 100% the game, neither the party banters nor the side quest rewards consistently feel worth the effort, especially when those journeys are further prolonged by enemy encounters that can test even the most patient gamers.

Systems Within Systems

It’s a good thing, then, that these encounters are fun. There’s a reason Tales of Graces f is often hailed as having the best gameplay in the series; its many systems continuously surprise and reward players. Sure, mastering the Style Shift Linear Motion Battle System is a huge part of the enjoyment. The ability to switch between A-Artes and B-Artes during combat gives battles a fast-paced rhythm that just clicks once you get the hang of it. But that’s just the start.

Take Chain Capacity, for example, which governs the number of actions you can perform in succession. Button-mashing your way to victory will only lead to a game over screen. Learning when to use these actions is crucial; you’ll have to juggle attacks, dodges, and defenses to make sure that you’re spending your actions wisely at that moment. Then there’s the Eleth Gauge that, when filled, will allow your party to unleash an Eleth Burst for a brief but exhilarating moment of limitless combos. Titles are another rabbit hole entirely. With hundreds to unlock, each offering new Artes and even costumes, they’re a constant incentive to explore every corner of the game. And don’t even get me started with cooking!

Even after dozens of hours, I still feel like I’ve barely begun to uncover the depth of the game’s combat and gameplay systems. There’s always something new to learn or master. That said, the complexity of these systems can understandably feel overwhelming for some players, particularly given how they’re introduced. The game often relies on dense walls of text as tutorials, delivered after battles no less, making it all too easy to skip over.

Regardless, there’s an incredible amount of mileage to be had with Tales of Graces f’s combat. Though not explicitly stated in the game, it supports 4-player couch co-op, so friends can jump in and take control of other party members during battles. Multiplayer in JRPGs are rare, so I appreciate that Graces f Remastered continues this tradition of the Tales of series. Combine this with the wealth of bundled DLC—costumes of past Tales characters and more—and the quality-of-life improvements, and you have a remaster that feels more like a celebration of the entire series rather than of just the original.

An Instant Access to the Grade Shop

Speaking of quality-of-life improvements, Tales of Graces f Remastered introduces plenty of them. From objective markers and autosaves to the ability to retry encounters after a party wipe, these enhancements make the game more accessible and enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans alike. However, one of the most notable quality-of-life features is already at play before you even embark on your journey.

But first, some background. Save for a few Tales games, grade points are traditionally awarded based on your performance in battle; this is the case in Symphonia, Zestiria, Berseria, and even Radiant Mythology. In Graces f, however, grade is earned across a variety of accomplishments throughout your entire adventure, such as acquiring titles, completing sidequests, and so on. The game keeps your grade earnings hidden during your first playthrough, and there’s no way to use them until much later.

The payoff comes after finishing the game, where New Game Plus introduces the Grade Shop—a feature that completely transforms playthroughs. Grade serves as a currency that allows you to purchase powerful modifiers for your next run, like double experience points, double the damage, carrying over your Artes and Titles, and so much more. The system is packed with possibilities and gives players the freedom to approach the game on their own terms.

In Graces f, however, this feature becomes available to you right at the start of the game, so you can immediately have the freedom to tackle your run however you want. The game even encourages players to use it by providing enough Grade Points to unlock all initial perks. Whether you prefer a leisurely journey with halved shop prices and increased movement speed, or a challenging gauntlet with an amplified difficulty, these readily available options ensure that you have complete control over your gameplay experience from the outset.

Though do keep in mind that not all Grade Shop options are immediately accessible. Options like Inherit Carta Cards and Skip Childhood are unavailable during the first playthrough, which means, veteran or not, you’ll still have to sit through the prologue’s many cutscenes, for better or for worse.

Is Tales of Graces f Remastered Worth It?

Yes, For Fans Old and New

Tales of Graces f Remastered is a perfect example of how to handle a remaster with care and respect for both the source material and the fans. Adding nearly all the DLCs from the original game is already a win, but the real triumph lies in the quality-of-life improvements that make the game feel more accessible. It’s clear this remaster is a love letter to existing fans, showering them with customization options right from the start. Newcomers will certainly appreciate it, but it feels like a real treat for those who already know and love the world and want variety this time around.

Yes, no amount of remastering can truly disguise the story’s shortcomings, yet even with the lackluster narrative, the charm of the characters and the sheer joy of the battle system make it worth the ride. Those two elements alone make this a game worth playing, and replaying, and getting completely lost in.

Steam	PlayStation	Switch	Xbox
$39.99

Tales of Graces f Remastered FAQ

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Tales of Graces f Remastered Product Information

Title	TALES OF GRACES F REMASTERED
Release Date	January 16, 2025 (Asia) January 17, 2025 (Worldwide) More Details
Developer	TOSE Co., Ltd.
Publisher	Namco Bandai Games
Supported Platforms	PC(via Steam) PlayStation 5 PlayStation 4 Nintendo Switch Xbox Series X|S Xbox One
Genre	Action, RPG
Number of Players	1-4 (Local Co-Op)
ESRB Rating	ESRB Teen 13+
Official Website	Official Website for Tales of Graces f Remastered

L A R Opalec

Lloyd grew up bonding with his big brother over video games. While RPGs like Disco Elysium and Final Fantasy IX hold a special place in his heart, he's always up to try new genres.