Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tales of Phantasia introduces a distinct action-based battle system that stands out among traditional JRPGs of its era. Instead of selecting commands from static menus, players enter side-scrolling arenas where Cless and his companions wield swords, cast spells, and execute combination attacks in real time. This dynamic approach keeps encounters fresh and encourages mastery of each character’s unique move set.

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The ability to pause mid-battle to issue strategic orders or use items adds a welcome layer of tactical depth. One player controls Cless directly, while AI routines manage the rest of the party. By setting general strategies—such as aggressive offense or defensive support—you ensure that your allies complement your playstyle even when you’re focusing on precise timing for special attacks or spell casting.

Outside of combat, the exploration component feels classic yet engaging. Towns, dungeons, and hidden groves dot the world map, rewarding players with side quests, treasure chests, and lore tidbits. The pacing strikes a good balance: you’ll spend meaningful time refining your skills in battle while also enjoying environmental puzzles and character-driven dialogue sequences that tie seamlessly into the core narrative.

Graphics

For a Super Famicom title, Tales of Phantasia delivers remarkably detailed sprite work and vibrant color palettes. Characters are rendered with expressive animations—from Cless’s fluid sword slashes to the dramatic casting motions of his allies. These small touches lend life to each battle, making every special attack feel impactful.

Backgrounds in towns and dungeons showcase a range of artistic styles, from quaint village cottages to ominous forest glades. The parallax-scrolling in certain areas adds depth to the 2D environments, giving a sense of scale often missing in other games of the period. While the hardware limits resolution, the art direction compensates with creative tile designs and clever use of shadows.

Cinematic cutscenes, though few, emphasize key plot moments with larger character portraits and evocative backgrounds. These interludes heighten dramatic reveals—such as the talking tree’s plea or the aftermath of Cless’s village burning—while maintaining consistency with in-game graphics. The overall presentation strikes a nostalgic chord for retro RPG fans and showcases the SNES’s graphical strengths.

Story

The narrative of Tales of Phantasia begins with a poignant tragedy: Cless returns from a hunting excursion to discover his home village razed and its inhabitants slain. His dying mother’s cryptic words about a mysterious pendant set the stage for a quest steeped in personal loss and destiny. This opening effectively hooks players, driving them to uncover the pendant’s significance and the forces behind the massacre.

As Cless travels to seek aid from his uncle, he is joined by an ensemble of memorable characters, each with motivations that interweave into the central plot. Chester, the steadfast childhood friend, provides camaraderie and lighthearted banter, while other companions reveal their own backstories through side arcs. The story’s blend of heartfelt moments and overarching fantasy stakes lends emotional weight to every chapter.

Pacing remains a strong suit: plot revelations unfold steadily, with intermissions for character growth and world-building. Whether deciphering ancient ruins or confronting villainous warlords, the narrative never feels hurried nor overly drawn out. The result is a cohesive tale of adventure, sacrifice, and the enduring power of friendship that resonates long after the final boss is defeated.

Overall Experience

Tales of Phantasia remains a landmark title in the RPG genre, offering a refreshing twist on combat mechanics without sacrificing the soul of classic storytelling. Its blend of action-oriented battles, strategic planning, and richly drawn characters make it an engaging experience for both newcomers and veterans of Japanese role-playing games.

While the graphics and sound reflect the technological limits of the mid-’90s, the game’s art direction, memorable soundtrack, and polished animations more than compensate. The story strikes a satisfying balance of personal drama and epic fantasy, ensuring players remain invested in Cless’s journey from a simple village boy to a hero facing far-reaching threats.

Whether you’re exploring hidden side quests, experimenting with Ally strategies in combat, or savoring the emotional highs and lows of the narrative, Tales of Phantasia delivers a comprehensive RPG package. Its legacy endures through various remakes and ports, yet the original remains a testament to creative design and timeless storytelling that continues to captivate players decades after its release.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10