Playstation 3 - Tales of Graces f

I've been eager to get my hands on Tales of Graces ever since I heard of its impending localization. On release day I bought a PS3 specifically for this game. I have to say that I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. The new LMBS took a while to get used to - the last Tales game I played was Abyss 3D and so I had to accustom myself to the sidestepping system and the CC system. Once I did, though, battles became much easier than the other games due to the lack of a TP gauge. This means that, once I got used to having to back up to let my CC recover, I could attack pretty much indefinitely. The only thing about this game that I didn't like was the world map - or lack thereof. The game is pretty much just a series of interconnected paths and towns, which dungeons nearly indistinguishable from the world map. While it was pretty much impossible to get lost, it also didn't provide much of a chance to explore. As far as the story goes, it's pretty much standard Tales fare, though that doesn't mean that it's boring. I rather enjoyed my trek through the world of Ephinea while I got to know our main characters Asbel and Sophie. There is of course the requisite plot twist, but all of the threads are wrapped up nicely at the end. When it comes to the Future Arc, however, I was less than thrilled to find out that it starts off focusing in Asbel's love life. When it comes to JRPGs, and Tales in particular, I like to ponder on the fate of the characters and who they hook up with. Being told in no uncertain terms that Asbel will be getting with this one girl kind of irks me - I'd gathered that the two were getting together in the main arc. I didn't need to have it slammed in my face. Overall, I enjoyed my time in Ephinea and will definitely be gifting it with a New Game +.