Although it was too early in the game for us to pull off, we're told that the game incorporates advanced one-hit kill maneuvers when sparring with non-boss enemies. This could make level grinding a whole lot easier. Beyond standard attacks, each character has access to a slate of unique combat abilities called artes. Tales of Vesperia departs from previous iterations of the franchise by utilizing equipment to learn artes. Similar to the ability system used in Final Fantasy IX, characters gain new artes by equipping items.

At the end of every battle, a summary report provides an update on your overall grade and character status. Tales of Vesperia grades your performance through the course of the adventure and awards a final grade at game's end. How you perform in battle causes that grade to fluctuate, so excel and your grade rises and it'll fall if you do poorly in combat. Obviously, fighting well has the direct benefit of enhancing your characters' abilities; moreover, a higher endgame grade enables you to purchase perks for your second time through the game.

It should go without saying that Tales of Vesperia represents an enormous step forward in terms of presentation for the series. While previous installments have been praised for their gorgeous cel-shaded graphics, this Xbox 360-exclusive iteration leaps forward in high definition glory. Similar to Namco-Bandai's other Xbox 360 role-playing game Eternal Sonata, the visuals possess a hand drawn, nearly animated quality.

The styles differ slightly though, with Tales of Vesperia exhibiting more painterly touches and a greater attention to details. For example, character portraits grimace when attacked or light up with glee when landing a blow. Joining the new high definition visuals will be voice acting--a first for the series. Let us hope that they aren't as atrocious as those employed for Eternal Sonata.

Despite jumping into a new generation and onto a new console, Tales of Vesperia is looking mighty similar to its predecessors. That isn't necessarily a bad thing--if you've been a follower of the series, this is a welcome addition packed with new challenges and gorgeous visuals. For the rest of us, waiting perhaps for a role-playing game that takes a greater leap into this generation beyond simply making prettier graphics is in order. Regardless of the game's apparent lack of innovation, it certainly promises an incredibly polished, satisfying role-playing experience when it hits in mid-August.

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