View source for Tales of Phantasia

{{Short description|1995 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Tales of Phantasia
| image = File:Tales of Phantasia SFC boxart.jpg
| caption = Packaging for the Super Famicom version
| developer = [[Namco Tales Studio|Wolf Team]]
| publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|[[Namco]] <small>(SFC, PS, GBA)</small>}}{{vgrelease|NA/EU|[[Nintendo]] <small>(GBA)</small>}}{{vgrelease|JP|[[Namco Bandai Games]] <small>(PSP)</small>}}
| artist = [[Kōsuke Fujishima]]
| director = [[Eiji Kikuchi]]
| producer = Shigeru Yokoyama<br>Yoichi Haraguchi
| writer = [[Yoshiharu Gotanda]]
| composer = [[Motoi Sakuraba]]<br />Shinji Tamura<br />Ryota Furuya
| released = '''Super Famicom'''<br/>{{vgrelease|JP|December 15, 1995}}'''PlayStation'''<br/>{{vgrelease|JP|December 23, 1998<ref name="JPSX">{{cite web |url=http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_ps/ |publisher=Namco |access-date=July 7, 2013 |language=ja |title=テイルズ オブ ファンタジア：TALES OF PHANTASIA |trans-title=Tales of Phantasia: TALES OF PHANTASIA |archive-date=December 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208195611/http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_ps/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}{{vgrelease|JP|September 28, 2000 (re-release)<ref name="テイルズオブ大全1995-2011">{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブ大全1995-2011 | publisher=Enterbrain | year=2011 | page=6 | isbn=9784047273542 | language=ja}}</ref>}}'''Game Boy Advance'''<br/>{{vgrelease|JP|August 1, 2003<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_gba/ |publisher=Namco |access-date=July 7, 2013 |language=ja |title=GBA/テイルズ オブ ファンタジア：TALES OF PHANTASIA |trans-title=GBA/Tales of Phantasia/TALES OF PHANTASIA |archive-date=March 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317125233/http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_gba/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>|NA|March 6, 2006|EU|March 31, 2006|AUS|April 13, 2006}}'''PlayStation Portable'''<br/>{{vgrelease|JP|September 6, 2006}}{{vgrelease|JP|August 9, 2007 (re-release)<ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブ大全1995-2011 | publisher=Enterbrain | year=2011 | page=9 | isbn=9784047273542 | language=ja}}</ref>}}'''Cell phone'''<br />{{Video game release|JP|March 17, 2010}}'''iOS'''<br />{{Video game release|JP|September 24, 2013<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://top-app.tales-ch.jp/ |title=テイルズ オブ ファンタジア &#124; バンダイナムコゲームス公式サイト |publisher=バンダイナムコゲームス |access-date=2013-11-04}}</ref>|NA|January 23, 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tales-phantasia-english-ver./id722694373?mt=8|title=Tales of Phantasia（English Ver.）|work=[[iTunes]]|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127012942/https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tales-phantasia-english-ver./id722694373?mt=8|archive-date=27 January 2014}}</ref>}}
| series = ''[[Tales (video game series)|Tales]]''
| genre = [[Action role-playing game]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| platforms = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[PlayStation Portable]], [[iOS]], [[Mobile phone]]
}}
{{nihongo foot|'''''Tales of Phantasia'''''|テイルズ オブ ファンタジア|Teiruzu Obu Fantajia|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is an [[action role-playing game|action role-playing]] [[video game]] developed by [[Namco Tales Studio|Wolf Team]] and published by [[Namco]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]. Originally released only in Japan in December 1995, it is the first title in the ''[[Tales (video game series)|Tales]]'' series. It was later [[Porting#Porting of video games|ported]] to a number of other [[Video game#Platforms|platforms]], including a [[Video gaming in Japan|Japan]]-[[Console exclusivity|exclusive version]] for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] in December 1998 and a [[Game Boy Advance]] version published by Namco in Japan in August 2003 and later published by [[Nintendo]] in North America and Europe in March 2006, which marked the first time the game was officially available in English. A [[PlayStation Portable]] [[Video game remake|remake]] known as '''''Tales of Phantasia Full Voice Edition'''''{{efn|{{nihongo|'''''Tales of Phantasia Full Voice Edition'''''|テイルズ オブ ファンタジア-フルボイスエディション-|Teiruzu Obu Fantajia -Furu Boisu Edishon-}}}} followed in September 2006, featuring full [[Voice acting in video games|voice acting]] during story scenes, which was later included with further enhancements as part of ''[[Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon X]]'' in June 2010. The game's producers have given it the [[characteristic genre name]] ''Legendary RPG''{{efn|{{nihongo|''Legendary RPG''|伝説のRPG|Densetsu no RPG}}}} beginning with the PlayStation version, with the ''Full Voice Edition'' given the moniker ''Legendary RPG Embellished with Voices''.{{efn|{{nihongo|''Legendary RPG Embellished with Voices''|声が彩る、伝説のRPG|Koe ga irodoru, densetsu no RPG}}}} An unofficial fan translation of the original Super Famicom version was released on February 12, 2001 by Dejap.

The game takes place in a fantasy world of Aselia and follows Cress Albane, a highly-trained swordsman who is driven by vengeance after his hometown is destroyed. Seeking further answers, he finds out that this is none other than a scheme to free the war-mongering Dhaos, the game's main antagonist. To prevent further catastrophes, Cress is aided by the use of [[time travel in fiction|time travel]] to gather allies from the past who can help him put an end to Dhaos's rampage once and for all.

The game was written and [[Game programming|programmed]] by [[Yoshiharu Gotanda]], [[Video game design|designed]] by Masaki Norimoto, and [[Video game music|scored]] by [[Motoi Sakuraba]], Shinji Tamura and Ryota Furuya. The [[Character (arts)|character]] designs were created by [[Mangaka|manga artist]] [[Kōsuke Fujishima]]. A short [[anime]] series based on the game, called ''Tales of Phantasia: The Animation'', was released in 2004.

Tales of Phantasia was highly anticipated but faced numerous delays and development setbacks, ultimately releasing at the end of the Super Famicom’s lifespan in 1995. Tales of Phantasia is considered one of the crowning achievements for its time. It has graphics that push the console to its limits, an original never-before-seen battle system, and the addition of actual voices and voice actors. It is also the first and only Super Famicom game to feature an entirely original, vocalized theme song featured directly in the game. It has sold over 1.3m units in Japan alone, making it the second best-selling game in the franchise in that region and one of the best-selling games in the franchise as a whole.

== Gameplay ==

=== Battle system ===
[[File:Tales of Phantasia Battle Screenshot.png|left|thumb|[[Screenshot]] from the original [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]] version]]
In the Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS), the fight is [[Gameplay|played out]] on a [[two-dimensional]] terrain that usually stretches wider than a single screen width, so the screen can scroll to the left and to the right, depending on where the [[Player character|characters]] and opponents are relatively located. LMBS contains a [[Turns, rounds and time-keeping systems in games#Pausable real-time|pause menu]] during battle that lets the player select a [[Magic (gaming)|spell]] or [[Item (gaming)|item]]. As in some [[fighting game]]s, it is possible to assign items or combination moves to specific buttons as shortcuts for quick actions.

As opposed to most other [[Turns, rounds and time-keeping systems in games#Turn-based|turn-based]] systems where the [[Player (game)|player]] controls the individual actions of every [[Party (role-playing games)|party]] member, in LMBS, the player only directly controls the main character in [[Turns, rounds and time-keeping systems in games#Real-time|real-time]]. The other characters in the party can be set to passive mode (defend only), active mode and attack (computer-controlled), or the player can often force the characters to move or use a spell from the pause menu. For the titles that allow [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]], the other party characters can be controlled by other human players.

== Plot ==
=== Characters ===
* {{nihongo|Cress Albane|クレス・アルベイン|Kuresu Arubein|"Cless Alvein"}}, the main character of ''Tales of Phantasia'', is a 17-year-old swordsman from a small village who grew up with his best friend Chester. A natural [[Warrior (character class)|warrior]] who learned the way of fighting from his father, he is otherwise an earnest and caring individual who develops romantic feelings for Mint.<ref name="JChar">{{cite web |url=http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_gba/chara.html |language=ja |publisher=Namco |access-date=2013-07-04 |title=テイルズ オブ ファンタジア：TALES OF PHANTASIA |archive-date=2013-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205100759/http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_gba/chara.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* {{nihongo|Chester Burklight|チェスター・バークライト|Chesutā Bākuraito"|Chester Barklight}} is a 17-year-old [[Ranger (character class)|archer]] and Cress's hometown friend. Highly devoted to his friends and family, he has a one-track mind and a tendency to rush into situations without thinking of the consequences.<ref name="JChar" />
* {{nihongo|Mint Adenade|ミント・アドネード|Minto Adonēdo}} is an 18-year-old [[Cleric (character class)|priestess]] and daughter of a famous cleric. She commands powerful [[Health (gaming)|healing]] magic and possesses a strong sense of duty and courage that override her otherwise quiet and modest personality.<ref name="JChar" />
* {{nihongo|Claus F. Lester|クラース・F・レスター|Kurāsu F. Resutā|"Klarth F. Lester"}} is a 29-year-old man with a deep knowledge of spirits. With the aid of [[magical ring]]s, he is able to [[Evocation|summon spirits]] after defeating them. He lives with a woman named Mirald Rune, who helps him with research into magic and summoning.<ref name="JChar" />
* {{nihongo|Arche Klein|アーチェ・クライン|Āche Kurain|"Arche Klaine"}} is a 17-year-old [[half-elf]] [[Magician (fantasy)|magician]]. She uses a [[Broom#Magic|broomstick]] both to fly and to wield as a weapon, and is characterized by a bright, airy personality that masks her years of discrimination due to her mixed heritage.<ref name="JChar" />
* {{nihongo|Suzu Fujibayashi|藤林 すず|Fujibayashi Suzu}} is an 11-year-old [[Ninja in popular culture|ninja]] and the granddaughter of her village's chief. Originally a [[non-playable character]] in the Super Famicom version, Suzu became an optional playable character in the PlayStation version and onwards.

=== Story ===

The game begins as four heroes are locked in battle with a powerful [[Wizard (character class)#Sorcerer|sorcerer]] king named Dhaos. Before he can be defeated, Dhaos uses his magic to [[Time travel in fiction|travel several years into the future]], where he is immediately met by one of the four warriors' descendants and three companions, who seal him away with two magic pendants.<ref>'''???:''' Is the task appointed to my family throughout the generations fulfilled at last?</ref> Twelve years later, two young men named Cress and Chester return to their village to find it razed to the ground by a [[Black knight|dark knight]] named Mars, whose army kills many of its inhabitants including Cress's parents and Chester's sister. While Chester stays behind to bury them, Cress leaves to meet his uncle Olson for help, who reveals that he is being forced to work for Mars before stealing his father's pendant and locking him in jail.<ref>'''Cress:''' Uncle, what's this!?/'''Olson:''' I'm sorry... We had no choice... If we refused, our city would suffer the same fate as Toltus. Please forgive me...</ref> Quickly escaping with the help of a dying woman in a nearby cell, he meets another prisoner, a young priestess named Mint, who reveals that the woman was her mother before the two leave through the dungeon's aqueducts.<ref>'''Mint:''' Um, thank you so much for freeing me.  We should get out here as fast as we can. Yes, let's go!!! Please free my mother, too!!! She's in a cell over that way."</ref>

After rendezvousing with Chester, the party meets Trinicus D. Morrison, one of the four heroes who sealed Dhaos away years ago, who reveals that their parents were once his comrades and is shocked to discover that Cress and Mint's pendants were stolen.<ref>'''Cress:''' The black-armored man stole it when I was captured. Why is that pendant so important?/'''Morrison:''' This is terrible... It may already be too late.  May the gods help us...</ref> Following him to a nearby mausoleum, the group encounters Mars just as he uses the pendants to break the seal on Dhaos's tomb, setting him free. As Mars is killed by the dark sorcerer after asking for his power, Trinicus laments that no force in this time can possibly stop Dhaos, and uses his magic to send Cress and Mint back through time to seek out a means to do so while Chester stays behind to cover their escape.<ref>'''Morrison:''' He can't be slain by weapons.  I'm going to use my divine power to send you to another place. There, you must learn how to slay him.  There's no other way.</ref> The two arrive one hundred years in the past to a time before Dhaos was initially sealed, where the villain is currently waging a war with his demon armies against the human kingdoms. Learning that only magic can harm him, they seek the aid of a young mage named Arche Klein, and summoner named Claus F. Lester, who accompany them to Dhaos's castle. After a fierce showdown, Dhaos escapes once again, and the party makes their way to an ancient city called Thor that houses a functional time machine to return to the future.<ref>'''Claus:''' Allow me to explain in layman's terms...  Apparently an ancient kingdom sank to the bottom of the sea. It was called...Thor. They used incredible technology to actually travel through time.</ref>

Arriving just moments after they first left, Cress and his companions join Chester in his fight against Dhaos and seemingly defeat him for good. They are approached by a traveler named Harrisson from 50 years in the future, however, who tells them that Dhaos is now ravaging the world in his time.<ref>'''Harrisson:''' I've traveled back in time 50 years by the order of the King of Alvanista./'''Claus:''' "Really?  From the future!?/'''Harrisson:''' Several years have already passed since Dhaos appeared in our time.  The world is on the verge of utter destruction... and you people are our only hope.</ref> Using the Thor machine once again, the team arrives in the new period where they meet a ninja named Suzu who accompanies them (except in the original release). After meeting with a group of [[elf|elves]], Cress obtains the legendary Eternal Sword, the only thing that can stop Dhaos from moving through time, and travel to his invisible fortress for the final confrontation. After finally defeating him, the party learns from a tree spirit named Martel that he is a visitor from a dying planet called Derris-Kharlan, whose world was slowly withering due to the death of its world tree, the source of all mana and lifeblood of everything in it. Attempting to obtain a seed from this planet's world tree, [[Yggdrasil]], Dhaos instead found that its power was fading as well due to the humans' constant misuse of mana-based technology, and decided to wipe them out to save it.<ref>'''Martel:''' He needed the Mana Seed to save his own world. It is said the Seed is born from mana that has amassed in the Great Tree Yggdrasil... The technology from magitech was powerful enough to suck up all the mana... Letting it continue would cause the Great Tree to wither and die. This is how the war between human users of magitech and Dhaos began...</ref> As the party members realize that by saving their world they have doomed his, Martel takes pity on their plight and sends a mana seed into space in an attempt to rejuvenate Derris-Kharlan's tree as Cress and his team return to their proper times.<ref>'''Martel:''' O blessed Earth, blessed Universe and blessed Gods! May thy merciful spirit grace this imperfect soul with thy power... I beseech thee! Deliver a Mana Seed unto this world!</ref>

== Development ==
''Tales of Phantasia'' was developed by members of "[[Namco Tales Studio|Wolf Team]]", a studio originally created by [[Telenet Japan]]. The story was based on an unpublished Japanese novel called {{nihongo|''Tale Phantasia''|テイルファンタジア|Teiru Fantajia}}, written by the game's total programmer [[Yoshiharu Gotanda]].<ref name="Chronicles1">{{cite book|script-title=ja:テイルズ オブ クロニクル 『テイルズ オブ』シリーズ１５周年記念 公式設定資料集|trans-title=Tales of Chronicle: Official "Tales Of" Series 15th Anniversary Book|publisher=Bandai Namco Game Books|page=190|isbn=978-4902372342|language=ja|date=11 March 2011}}</ref> The world was primarily based around [[Norse mythology]], science fiction elements were incorporated, and some names were taken from the works of [[Michael Moorcock]] and [[H. P. Lovecraft]] to accommodate fans of western fantasy fiction.<ref name="ToPhistory"/><ref name="ToPencyclo">{{cite book|title=Tales of 15th Anniversary テイルズ オブ 大全 1995-2011|trans-title=Tales of 15th Anniversary Tales of Encyclopedia 1995-2011|publisher=[[Enterbrain Inc.]]|pages=40|isbn=978-4047273542|language=ja|date=4 June 2011}}</ref> Many changes were made to Gotanda's original story, including the title, character names, and the omission of several proposed scenarios.<ref name="Chronicles2">{{cite book|script-title=ja:テイルズ オブ クロニクル 『テイルズ オブ』シリーズ１５周年記念 公式設定資料集|trans-title=Tales of Chronicle: Official "Tales Of" Series 15th Anniversary Book|publisher=Bandai Namco Game Books|pages=253–254|isbn=978-4902372342|language=ja|date=11 March 2011}}</ref> Due to poor experiences with their parent company, the team sought a different publisher for their title. After unsuccessfully pitching the project to [[Enix]], they secured a publishing contract with [[Namco]].<ref name="LevelInterview">{{cite journal | last1= Villner | first1=Pär | last2= Schaufelberger| first2=Fredrik |date=September 2009 | title=Square Enix | journal=Level | issue=29 | pages=44–59|language=sv | location=Sweaden}}</ref> The game includes voice clips during battles and certain story points as well as the opening theme song sequence, which necessitated the use of a high-capacity 48-[[megabit]] [[ROM cartridge|game cartridge]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Yume wa Owaranai ~Koboreochiru Toki no Shizuku~ Liner Notes Booklet |language=ja |publisher=Victor Entertainment |id=VICL-12022 |date=November 22, 1995}}</ref> To help fit the voice acting into the game, the team used a sound system dubbed the Flexible Voice Drive, which enabled full recording of both the dialogue and theme song.<ref name="Chronicles2"/> The use of voice acting was a noted talking point leading up to the game's release.<ref name="Chronicles3">{{cite book|script-title=ja:テイルズ オブ クロニクル 『テイルズ オブ』シリーズ１５周年記念 公式設定資料集|trans-title=Tales of Chronicle: Official "Tales Of" Series 15th Anniversary Book|publisher=Bandai Namco Game Books|page=12|isbn=978-4902372342|language=ja|date=11 March 2011}}</ref> The redone character designs and artwork was handled by [[mangaka|manga artist]] [[Kōsuke Fujishima]].<ref name="Playtest">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/08/04/tales-of-phantasia-playtest-2 |title=Tales of Phantasia Playtest |website=IGN |access-date= July 6, 2013 |date=August 4, 2003 |author=Gantayat, Anoop}}</ref> The Linear Motion Battle System, which would become a mainstay of the series, was inspired by fighting games, which had become popular at the time.<ref name="ToPhistory">{{cite journal | date=3 July 2008 | script-title=ja:【シリーズ特集】テイルズ オブ シリーズ| journal=Game Side| volume=13 | pages=34–58 | publisher=Micro Magazine inc.| language=ja}}</ref> During the later stages of development, there were internal conflicts, leading to a large number of development staff leaving Wolf Team and establishing independent development company [[tri-Ace]].<ref name="rpgamer">{{cite web|url=http://archive.rpgamer.com/games/tales/top/reviews/topgbastrev2.html |title=> Staff Retroview > Tales of Phantasia |publisher=RPGamer |access-date=18 August 2012}}</ref>

=== Later versions ===

In August 1998, one month before the American release of the series' second main title, ''[[Tales of Destiny]]'', Namco announced that it would also release a PlayStation version of ''Tales of Phantasia'',<ref>{{cite web |publisher=RPGamer |title=Tales of Phantasia set for re-release |date=August 4, 1998 |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-1998/080498a.html |access-date=July 7, 2013 |archive-date=July 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704231133/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-1998/080498a.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> which was made available in Japan the following December.<ref name="JPSX" /> The remake contains new features including an animated opening sequence produced by Japanese studio [[Production I.G.]], re-drawn character sprites and backgrounds, a [[3D computer graphics|3D]]-rendered world map, and re-recorded character audio to better accommodate the [[compact disc]] format.<ref name="Playtest" /><ref name="PSXO">{{cite web |url=http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_ps/index2.html |language=ja |publisher=Namco |access-date=July 7, 2013 |title=PlayStation/TALES OF PHANTASIA |archive-date=June 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616140128/http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_ps/index2.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Elements used in ''Destiny'', such as the inclusion of animated Skits and a modified version of the battle system resembling that used in ''Destiny'', were added. For the battle system, the team wanted to increase the overall battle speed and combo potential.<ref name="ToPhistory"/><ref name="PSXO" /> Suzu Fubayashi, a non-playable supporting character in the original release, was also made playable as an optional party member.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_ps/suzu.html |language=ja |publisher=Namco |access-date=July 7, 2013 |title=PlayStation/TALES OF PHANTASIA |archive-date=June 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616153258/http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_ps/suzu.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Namco Hometek translation producer Aki Kozu explained that the company eventually passed on an English release due to "Timing and market demand", as well as the development team being too busy with ''[[Tales of Eternia]]'' to properly support a localization effort. The team also felt that "[''Eternia''] was going to be a much better game than [''Phantasia''] and had a better chance of succeeding in the US market".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/19/e3-2001-the-tales-of-eternia-interview |title=E3 2001: The Tales of Eternia Interview |website=IGN |author=Smith, David F. |access-date=July 7, 2013 |date=May 19, 2001}}</ref>

In May 2002, Namco and [[Nintendo]] entered into a partnership that both allowed the two companies to cooperate on a new installment of the ''[[Star Fox (series)|Star Fox]]'' franchise, ''[[Star Fox: Assault]]'', and for Namco to develop several exclusive titles for Nintendo's [[GameCube]] and [[Game Boy Advance]] hardware.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/further-details-on-the-namco-and-nintendo-deal-2864745 |title=Further details on the Namco and Nintendo deal |website=GameSpot |date=May 8, 2002 |access-date= July 7, 2013 |author=Sata, Yukiyoshi Ike}}</ref> One such title, a Game Boy Advance version of ''Tales of Phantasia'', was announced shortly after the deal signing for an originally expected release of December 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/nintendo-and-namco-sign-cooperative-agreement-2864539 |title=Nintendo and Namco sign cooperative agreement |website=GameSpot |date=May 8, 2002 |access-date= July 7, 2013 |author=Satterfield, Shane}}</ref> Namco first showcased the game in March 2003 with a revised release date set for the following June,<ref name="Announce">{{cite web |website=GameSpot |title=Tales of Phantasia announced for the GBA |date=March 20, 2003 |author=Niizumi, Hirohiko |access-date=July 7, 2013 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/tales-of-phantasia-announced-for-the-gba-6023546}}</ref> and eventually received granted it a finalized release for August 2003, one month before ''[[Tales of Symphonia]]'' on the GameCube.<ref>{{cite web |title=Japanese release for Tales of Phantasia |website=IGN |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/06/09/japanese-release-for-tales-of-phantasia |date=June 9, 2003 |access-date=July 7, 2013}}</ref> The Game Boy Advance version was based on both preceding versions of the game, and included the Super Famicom release's original opening and two-dimensional world map, and the PlayStation remake's character voices, reduced enemy encounter rate and gameplay tweaks.<ref name="Playtest" /><ref name="Announce" /> An English-language version of ''Tales of Phantasia'' was announced for the first time in November 2005 by Nintendo Vice President of Sales and Marketing [[Reggie Fils-Aimé]] for release in North America and Europe in March 2006, with English voices, and the theme song being replaced with an original track, due to licensing issues.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=RPGFan |title=RPGFan News - Tales of Phantasia Hitting US, Europe |date=November 3, 2005 |access-date=July 7, 2013 |author=McCarroll, John |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2005/2028.html |archive-date=September 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909234600/http://rpgfan.com/news/2005/2028.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In June 2006, Namco announced during a press conference that the game was being remade for the PlayStation Portable handheld as {{nihongo|''Tales of Phantasia Full Voice Edition''|テイルズ オブ ファンタジア-フルボイスエディション-|Teiruzu Obu Fantajia -Furu Boisu Edishon-}}, and would be released the following September.<ref name="FV">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/06/20/tales-in-2006 |title=Tales in 2006 |website=IGN |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=June 20, 2006 |access-date=July 11, 2013}}</ref> The remake features all the previous features of the PlayStation and Game Boy Advance versions as well as voice-overs for all story text, the ability to walk in eight directions instead of four on map screens, and a new "Grade Shop" function seen in later games in the series.<ref name="FV" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/13/tales-of-phantasia-playtest |title=Tales of Phantasia Playtest |date=September 12, 2013 |access-date=July 7, 2013 |author=Alfonso, Andrew |website=IGN}}</ref> It made an appearance at 2006 [[Tokyo Game Show]] alongside other Namco Bandai titles shortly after release.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/12/tgs-2006-bandai-namco-lineup |website=IGN |author=Gantayat, Anoop |title=TGS 2006: Bandai Namco Lineup |date=September 12, 2006 |access-date=July 11, 2013}}</ref> In March 2010, Namco Bandai announced that its upcoming PlayStation Portable role-playing game ''[[Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon X]]'' would include another remake of ''Tales of Phantasia'' called {{nihongo|''Tales of Phantasia X''|テイルズ オブ ファンタジアX|Teiruzu Obu Fantajia X|Pronounced "Tales of Phantasia Cross"}} as a bonus title.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2010/89.html |title=RPGFan News - New Tales Remake in the Works for PSP |author=Winkler, Chris |publisher=RPGFan |date=March 10, 2010 |access-date=July 11, 2013 |archive-date=May 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523051553/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2010/89.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The new version features a faster, more streamlined battle system where casting magic spells no longer temporarily pauses the action on screen, allowing more attacks to occur simultaneously.<ref name="Cross">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2010/210.html |publisher=RPFan |title=RPGFan News - Release Date Revealed For Tales of Phantasia |date=June 6, 2010 |access-date=July 11, 2013 |author=Heemsbergen, Derek |archive-date=September 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910115444/http://rpgfan.com/news/2010/210.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

A cellphone port of Game Boy Advance version was released in Japan in 2010.<ref name="テイルズオブ大全1995-2011"/> The [[iOS]] version was released in 2013. The version is [[free-to-play]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/24/free-to-play-jrpg-tales-of-phantasia-launches-for-ios/|title=Free-to-play JRPG Tales of Phantasia launches for iOS|last=Cowan|first=Danny|date=24 January 2014|work=[[Joystiq]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=27 January 2014}}</ref> but is different from other versions in removing some save points and relying heavily on an [[in-app purchase]] system, with the English version using an orchestrated piece, much like the GBA version, due to licensing issues, as well as the Japanese voices being retained. On May 29, 2014 the Japanese iOS version was discontinued after which the game cannot be started or played.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-04-02/tales-of-phantasia-to-end-ios-service-in-japan-in-may|title=Tales of Phantasia to End iOS Service in Japan in May|date=2 April 2014|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=3 April 2014}}</ref> The English version of the game was discontinued on August 28, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-08/bandai-namco-to-remove-tales-of-phantasia-ios-app/.76460|title=Bandai Namco to Remove Tales of Phantasia iOS App|date=8 July 2014|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=9 July 2014}}</ref>

== Related media ==
=== Audio ===
The music of ''Tales of Phantasia'' was composed by [[Motoi Sakuraba]], Shinji Tamura, and Ryota Furuya, with the PlayStation release also featuring songs from other Namco titles such as ''[[Rally-X]]'', written by Nobuyuki Ohnogi, and ''[[Ridge Racer (video game)|Ridge Racer]]'' by [[Shinji Hosoe]].<ref name="OST">{{cite web|url=http://vgmdb.net/album/1075 |title=VICL-60369~70 Tales of Phantasia Original Soundtrack Complete Version |access-date=July 8, 2013 |publisher=VGMdb}}</ref> It features the opening theme song {{nihongo|"''Yume wa Owaranai''"|夢は終わらない|lit. "The Dream Will Not End"}}, performed by Yukari Yoshida in the Super Famicom<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/8242 |publisher=VGMdb |access-date=July 8, 2013 |title=VICL-12022 The Dream Will Not Die ~The Spilling Drops of Time~}}</ref> and Japanese Game Boy Advance versions<ref name="RPGFanR">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/top-gba/index.html |publisher=RPGFan |title=RPGFan Reviews - Tales of Phantasia |access-date=July 8, 2013 |author=Chandran, Neal |date=January 13, 2007 |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524140706/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/top-gba/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and YO-MI in the PlayStation, PlayStation Portable and Japanese iOS versions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/8241 |publisher=VGMdb |access-date=July 8, 2013 |title=VIDL-30382 The Dream Will Not Die ~The Spilling Drops of Time~ / YO MI}}</ref> Yoshida would also perform the PlayStation version's ending theme, {{nihongo|"''Hoshi o Sora ni''"|星を空に|lit. "The Star in the Sky"}}.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=RPGFan |access-date=July 8, 2013 |title=RPGFan Music - Yukari Yoshida |author=Alexander P. |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/top-star/index.html |date=February 7, 2006 |archive-date=May 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525072849/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/top-star/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Namco would replace the opening theme in the English Game Boy Advance release with an original instrumental piece.<ref name="RPGFanR" />

Although the original Super Famicom version did not receive a commercial soundtrack at the time of its release,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/topost/index.html |publisher=RPGFan |title=RPGFan Music - Tales of Phantasia Original OST Complete Version |access-date=July 8, 2013 |author=Gann, Patrick |date=May 16, 2000 |archive-date=May 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525070424/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/topost/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> an official album for the PlayStation remake was made available in May 1999 by [[Victor Entertainment]], and features 77 songs across two discs.<ref name="OST" /> A number of [[Radio drama in Japan|radio drama albums]] were also produced, beginning with a three-volume set called {{nihongo|''Drama CD Tales of Phantasia''|ドラマCD 「テイルズ オブ ファンタジア」|Dorama CD `Teiruzu Obu Fantajia'}} by [[Movic]] released between May and July 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/8410 |publisher=VGMdb |access-date=July 8, 2013|title=MACM-1043 Drama CD Tales of Phantasia CHAPTER.1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/8411 |publisher=VGMdb |access-date=July 8, 2013 |title=MACM-1044 Drama CD Tales of Phantasia CHAPTER.2}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/8412 |publisher=VGMdb |access-date=July 8, 2013 |title=MACM-1045 Drama CD Tales of Phantasia CHAPTER.3}}</ref> A two-volume set called {{nihongo|''Drama CD Tales of Phantasia ~Anthology~''|ドラマCD 【テイルズ オブ ファンタジア】 アンソロジー|Dorama CD `Teiruzu Obu Fantajia' Ansorojī}} was released the following year between January and March 2000,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/17625 |publisher=VGMdb |access-date=July 8, 2013 |title=MACM-1094 Drama CD Tales of Phantasia ~ANTHOLOGY. 1~}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/8437 |publisher=VGMdb |access-date=July 8, 2013 |title=MACM-1095 Drama CD Tales of Phantasia ~ANTHOLOGY. 2~}}</ref> as well as a stand-alone album called {{nihongo|''Tales of Phantasia Chara Talk CD ~Panic-World~''|テイルズ オブ ファンタジア キャラトークCD ～パニックワールド～|Teiruzu Obu Fantajia Kyaratōku CD ~Panikkuwārudo~}} released in December 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/8482|publisher=VGMdb |access-date=July 8, 2013 |title=MACM-1144 Tales of Phantasia Chara Talk CD ~PANIC-WORLD~}}</ref>

=== Books and manga ===

[[Famitsu Bunko]] published a series of related novels written by Sara Yajima in 1999 and 2000. The series contains seven books: the two-volume {{nihongo|''Harukanaru Jikū''|はるかなる時空 || lit. "Far away Space-Time"}},<ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジア はるかなる時空 上 | publisher=エンターブレイン | author=矢島さら| year=1999 | isbn=4757700881 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジア : はるかなる時空 下 |publisher=エンターブレイン | author=矢島さら | year=1999 | isbn=4757701160 | language=ja}}</ref> {{nihongo|''Shinku no Hitomi''|真紅の瞳|lit. "Crimson Eyes"}},<ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジア 真紅の瞳 | publisher=エンターブレイン | author=矢島さら | year=2000 | isbn=475770089X |language=ja}}</ref> {{nihongo|''Konpeki no Kizuna''|紺碧の絆 || lit. "The Azure Bonds"}},<ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジア 紺碧の絆 | publisher=エンターブレイン |author=矢島さら | year=1999 | isbn=4757700903 | language=ja}}</ref> {{nihongo|''Kohaku no Kairō''|琥珀の回廊 || lit. "Amber Corridor"}},<ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジア : 琥珀の回廊 | publisher=エンターブレイン |author=矢島さら | year=2000 |isbn=4757701187 | language=ja}}</ref> and {{nihongo|''Ruri no Yume''|瑠璃の夢 || lit. "The Ruri Dream"}}.<ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジア : 琥珀の回廊 | publisher=エンターブレイン |author=矢島さら | year=2000 | isbn=4757701187 | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジア : 瑠璃の夢 | publisher=エンターブレイン | author=矢島さら | year=2000 |isbn=4757700113 | language=ja}}</ref> Other books contains: the novel {{nihongo|''Tales of Phantasia: The Untold History''|テイルズオブファンタジア : 語られざる歴史}}, written by Ryouji Matsuri and published by [[Dengeki Bunko]] in 1999;<ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジア : 語られざる歴史 | publisher=メディアワークス | author=祭紀りゅーじ |year=1999 | isbn=484021140X | language=ja}}</ref> and {{nihongo|''Tales of Phantasia: Maken Ninpou Jou''|テイルズオブファンタジア : 魔剣忍法帖}} written by Ryūnosuke Kingetsu, which published by [[Movic]] in 2000.<ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジア : 魔剣忍法帖 | publisher=ムービック |author=金月龍之介 | year=2000 | isbn=4896014642 | language=ja}}</ref>

A [[manga]] adaptation of the game, simply titled ''Tales of Phantasia'', was serialized in the [[Kadokawa Shoten]]'s magazine ''Tales of Magazine'', starting in its first issue on 7 August 2008, marking the first manga adaptation of the game in the twelve years following the game's release. It was released as compiled [[Tankōbon]] in 2009.<ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジア 1 | publisher= 角川書店 | author=MAKOTO2号 | year=2009|isbn=9784047152328 | language=ja}}</ref>

Each version of the game was accompanied by the release of an official [[game guide]], along with several illustration books.<ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:スーパーファミコン ナムコ公式ガイドブック テイルズ オブ ファンタジア | publisher=ナムコ | year=1996 |isbn=4198260133 | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジアオフィシャルガイドブック | publisher=ナムコ / エンターブレイン | year=2000 |isbn=4757700806 | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| title=GBA版テイルズオブファンタジアオフィシャルガイドブック | publisher=エンターブレイン | year=2003 |isbn=475771596X | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジア-フルボイスエディション-オフィシャルガイドブック | publisher=エンターブレイン| year=2006 | isbn=4757730209 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| title=テイルズオブファンタジアイラストレーションズ : the origin+tribute |author=藤島康介| publisher=スタジオDNA |year=2003 | isbn=4758010110 | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジアジアニメーションアートグラフィ| publisher=一迅社 | year=2006 |isbn=4758010552 | language=ja}}</ref>

=== OVA ===
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image           = 
| caption         = 
| genre           = <!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = ova
| title           = Tales of Phantasia: The Animation
| director        = Takuo Tominaga (#1–3)<br>Shinjirō Mogi (#4)
| producer        = [[Makoto Nakamura]]
| writer          = [[Ryunosuke Kingetsu]]
| music           = Kimio Nomura
| studio          = [[Actas]]
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee
 | NA = [[Discotek Media]] 
}}
| first           = November 24, 2004
| last            = February 26, 2006
| runtime         = 28–30 minutes (each)
| episodes        = 4
| episode_list    = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}

''Tales of Phantasia: The Animation'' is an adapted [[OVA]] of the game. The anime contained four 30-minute episodes. It was released in Japan from November 2004 to February 2006 and distributed by [[Geneon]] in America in January 2007. CVs were shared with the same of the games. It was animated by [[Actas]], and directed by Takuo Tominaga (episodes 1-3) and Shinjiro Mogi (episode 4).

The plot of the OVA is generally based on the game's plot, but there are details in the anime that are not in the game, namely, additional scenes and dialogue. The episodes themselves focus on the party's encounters with Dhaos and the scenes involving the Tree of Life and the Elves, omitting a great portion of the story told in the original game.

The opening theme {{nihongo|"Yume no Hate"|夢の果て || "The Ends of a Dream"}} and ending theme "Priere" both were composed by Mika Watanabe & Ikuko Noguchi, lyrics by tomo and performed by [[Masami Suzuki]].

Some related products of the OVA were released in Japan. In 2005, [[Frontier Works]] released an original ''Tales of Phantasia: The Animation Original Soundtrack'', it contains 49 tracks and span 73min 15s.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title= テイルズ オブ ファンタジア THE ANIMATION オリジナルサウンドトラック | year=2005 |publisher=Frontier Works |id= FCCM-0080 }}</ref> The company then released a series of drama CDs in 2006; it contain six CDs each featuring one of the playable characters of the game.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title= テイルズオブファンタジア THE ANIMATION クレス・アルベイン編 マキシシングルドラマCD | year=2006 | publisher=Frontier Works |id= FCCM-0114 }}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes |title= テイルズオブファンタジア THE ANIMATION ミント・アドネード編 マキシシングルドラマCD | year=2006| publisher=Frontier Works |id= FCCM-0115 }}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes |title= テイルズオブファンタジア THE ANIMATION クラース・F・レスター編 マキシシングルドラマCD | year=2006 | publisher=Frontier Works |id= FCCM-0116 }}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes |title= テイルズオブファンタジア THE ANIMATION アーチェ・クライン編 マキシシングルドラマCD | year=2006 | publisher=Frontier Works |id= FCCM-0117 }}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes |title= テイルズオブファンタジア THE ANIMATION チェスターバークライト編 マキシシングルドラマCD | year=2006 | publisher=Frontier Works |id= FCCM-0118 }}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes |title= テイルズオブファンタジア THE ANIMATION 藤林すず編 マキシシングルドラマCD | year=2006 | publisher=Frontier Works |id= FCCM-0119 }}</ref> [[Ichijinsha]] also released the book "Tales of Phantasia: The Animation The Animation Art Graphy" in 2006, which features illustrations of the anime character designer, special talking between [[Voice acting in Japan|voice actors]] of Cress and Mint, along with an interview of the game character designer [[Kōsuke Fujishima]].<ref>{{cite book| script-title=ja:テイルズオブファンタジアジアニメーションアートグラフィ | publisher=一迅社 | year=2006 | isbn=4758010552 | language=ja}}</ref>

===Sequel===
A sequel, ''[[Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon]]'', was released for the [[Game Boy Color]] on November 10, 2000. It was the first game in the ''Narikiri Dungeon'' series. A remake of the sequel, ''[[Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon X]]'', was released on August 5, 2010 for the PlayStation Portable.

== Reception ==

{{Video game reviews
| na = true
| GBA = true
| iOS = true
| PS = true
| SNES = true
| EGM_GBA = 7/10<ref name="EGM">{{cite magazine |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |date=April 2006 |publisher=Ziff Davis Media |page=108 |title=Tales of Phantasia Review |issue=202}}</ref>
| EuroG_GBA = 6/10<ref name="EuroG">{{cite web |website=Eurogamer |title=Tales of Phantasia Review |date=April 20, 2006 |access-date=July 9, 2013 |author=Parkin, Simon |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_talesofphantasia_gba}}</ref>
| Fam_SNES = 30/40<ref name="Fam">{{cite web |url=http://gonintendo.com/?p=46644 |publisher=GoNintendo |title=Famitsu - A History of Tales review scores |author=RawmeatCowboy |access-date=July 9, 2013 |date=June 18, 2008}}</ref>
| Fam_PS = 29/40<ref name="FamPS">{{cite web |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=6473 |publisher=Famitsu.com |language=ja |title=テイルズ オブ ファンタジア [PS] |trans-title=Tales of Phantasia [PS] |access-date=July 9, 2013}}</ref>
| Fam_GBA = 28/40<ref name="FamGBA">{{cite web |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=6472 |publisher=Famitsu.com |language=ja |title=テイルズ オブ ファンタジア [GBA] |trans-title=Tales of Phantasia [GBA] |access-date=July 9, 2013}}</ref>
| GameFan_SNES = 258/300<ref name="GameFan">''GameFan'', volume 4, issue 3 (March 1996), pages 12 & 68-69</ref>
| GI_GBA = 7.3/10<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=Game Informer |date=March 2006 |publisher=GameStop Corporation |title=Tales of Phantasia Review |page=116 |issue=155}}</ref>
| GSpot_GBA = 7.2/10<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web |author=Casavin, Greg |url=http://www.gamespot.com/tales-of-phantasia/reviews/tales-of-phantasia-review-6145380/ |title=Tales of Phantasia Review |website=GameSpot |date=March 3, 2006 |access-date=July 9, 2013}}</ref>
| IGN_GBA = 7.5/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |author=Bozon, Mark |title=Tales of Phantasia |website=IGN |date=February 28, 2006 |access-date=July 7, 2013 |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/692/692370p1.html}}</ref>
| RPGFan_SNES = 97%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/top/index.html|title=RPGFan Reviews - Tales of Phantasia|website=Rpgfan.com|access-date=30 December 2018|archive-date=19 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919132954/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/top/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| RPGFan_PS = 90%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/talesofphantasia/Tales_of_Phantasia.html|title=RPGFan Reviews - Tales of Phantasia|website=Rpgfan.com|access-date=30 December 2018|archive-date=25 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425041357/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/talesofphantasia/Tales_of_Phantasia.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| RPGFan_GBA = 77%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/top-gba/index.html|title=RPGFan Reviews - Tales of Phantasia|website=Rpgfan.com|access-date=30 December 2018|archive-date=24 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524140706/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/top-gba/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| TA_iOS = {{rating|1|5}}<ref name="TA">{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2014/01/27/tales-of-phantasia-review/ |title='Tales of Phantasia' Review – How To Destroy A Classic In Three Simple Steps |last=Musgrave |first=Shaun |date=27 January 2014 |website=[[TouchArcade]] |access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref>
| GR_GBA = 73%<ref name="GR">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/582247-tales-of-phantasia/index.html |title=Tales of Phantasia for Game Boy Advance |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=July 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012707/https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/582247-tales-of-phantasia/index.html |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| MC_GBA = 76/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tales-of-phantasia/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=Tales of Phantasia for Game Boy Advance Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 9, 2013}}</ref>
| MC_iOS = 35/100<ref name="MC_iOS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tales-of-phantasia/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Tales of Phantasia for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''Cubed3''
| rev1_SNES = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/352/1/tales-of-phantasia-snes.html|title=Tales of Phantasia (Super Nintendo) Review - Page 1 - Cubed3|website=Cubed3.com|access-date=30 December 2018}}</ref>
}}

The original Super Famicom release of ''Tales of Phantasia'' received a 30 out of 40 total score from Japanese ''[[Famitsu|Weekly Famitsu]]'' magazine based on individual review scores of 8, 7, 6, and 9.<ref name="Fam" /> Readers of the magazine would later declare the game to be their favorite Namco title of all time in an August 2003 poll.<ref name="Playtest" /> ''[[GameFan]]''{{'}}s panel of three reviewers scored it 90, 86 and 82 out of 100, with one of the reviewers concluding that it "is the best RPG I've ever played in Japanese on the Super Famicom".<ref name="GameFan"/>

Sales of the title were slow during its debut month, which series producer Makoto Yoshidzumi attributed to being released at nearly the same time as [[Enix]]'s popular ''[[Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation|Dragon Quest VI]]'',<ref>{{cite web |title=社長が訊く『ニンテンドー3DS』ソフトメーカークリエーター 篇 |trans-title=Iwata Asks "Nintendo 3DS" Software Creator |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/interview/creators/vol9/index.html |publisher=Nintendo |language=ja |access-date=July 9, 2013}}</ref> and would sell a total of 212,000 copies in the region.<ref name="Sales">{{cite web |url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20071211/tales.htm |script-title=ja:バンダイナムコゲームス、「テイルズ オブ」シリーズ、全世界累計販売本数1,000万本を突破 |trans-title=Namco Bandai's Breakthrough "Tales of" Series Hits 10 Million Worldwide Sales |publisher=Game Watch |language=ja |date=December 11, 2013 |access-date=Jul 9, 2013}}</ref> While the PlayStation remake scored slightly lower in ''Famitsu'' in 1998,<ref name="FamPS" /> it ended up being far more commercially successful by selling around 769,000 copies in Japan.<ref name="Sales" /> The 2006 PlayStation Portable ''Full Voice'' version sold around 136,000 copies.<ref name="Sales" /> The iOS free-to-play version was downloaded at least 150,000 times in its first 5 days.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-09-30 |url=http://app.famitsu.com/20130930_243150/ |title="伝説のRPG"絶好調 無料の『テイルズ オブ ファンタジア』が15万DLを達成 [ファミ通app] |website=App.famitsu.com |access-date=2018-12-14}}</ref>

=== Game Boy Advance version ===
The Game Boy Advance release marked the first official English-language appearance of ''Tales of Phantasia'', which was met with mostly positive reception in the West, earning a 73% average from [[GameRankings]]<ref name="GR" /> and 76 out of 100 rating from [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MC" /> While websites such as ''[[GameSpot]]'' felt that the game distinguished itself from other role-playing titles with its action-based combat system, it also overly relied on too many random battles to "drag down the pacing and pad out the playing time".<ref name="GSpot" /> ''[[IGN]]'' commented that the battle system was unrefined when compared to later games in the series such as ''[[Tales of Symphonia]]'' on the [[GameCube]], but that the graphic and audio quality held up "relatively well" eleven years after its original release.<ref name="IGN" /> The site would also call the story and characters "amazing", but that its dated design would only appeal to players familiar with older games in the genre, calling it a "love/hate" experience.<ref name="IGN" /> Editors of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' similarly remarked that "fans of traditional RPGs will appreciate its long, varied dungeons and action-packed, real-time battles," and that it "still has an awful lot of charm for such an old game".<ref name="EGM" /> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' expressed that the title's late release near the end of the handheld's life hurt it when compared to similar ports on Sony's PlayStation Portable, and that the game's "messy" interface and "rough around the edges" localization paled in comparison to the Super Famicom's unofficial fan translation.<ref name="EuroG" />

The game would go on to sell approximately 314,000 copies worldwide by December 2007.<ref name="Sales" /> In December 2012, ''[[Game Informer]]'' named Chester one of the best characters in the ''Tales'' series due to his struggle throughout the story to come to terms with the death of his sister, stating that "The whole process builds slowly, but it's done in such a natural way that it makes Chester's transformation believable."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Best Tales Characters |magazine=Game Informer |date=2012-12-21 |access-date=2013-06-08 |author=Wallace, Kimberley |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/12/21/the-best-tales-characters.aspx?PostPageIndex=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231052539/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/12/21/the-best-tales-characters.aspx?PostPageIndex=2|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 31, 2012}}</ref>

=== iOS version ===
The iOS version, however, was panned by critics, garnering a 35 out of 100 rating from Metacritic.<ref name="MC_iOS" /> ''[[Pocket Gamer]]'' gave the game a 4/10, calling it "A port with potential ruined by obtrusively implemented IAPs".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/057048/tales-of-phantasia/|title=Tales of Phantasia|website=Pocketgamer.com|date=3 February 2014 |access-date=30 December 2018}}</ref> ''[[TouchArcade]]'' gave the game 1 star out of 5, criticizing the heavy use of In-App Purchases as well as how some of the save points (mainly the ones near bosses) have been disabled.<ref name="TA" /> ''[[Digital Spy]]'' gave the game a rating of 2 out of 5, criticizing the overly sensitive and unresponsive controls and how the game auto-saves in the middle of a fight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.ca/gaming/levelup/a547017/mobile-reviews-tales-of-phantasia-in-fear-i-trust-suits-and-swords.html#~oBU1vwdcb36YRP|title=Mobile reviews: Tales of Phantasia, In Fear I Trust, Suits and Swords|work=Digital Spy|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

; Primary references

{{cite video game |title=Tales of Phantasia |developer=[[Namco]] |publisher=Namco |date=March 6, 2006 |platform=[[Game Boy Advance]]}}
{{Reflist|group="G"}}

==External links==
* [http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_ps/ Official PlayStation version website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208195611/http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_ps/ |date=2013-12-08 }} {{in lang|ja}}
* [http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_gba/ Official Game Boy Advance version website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317125233/http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_gba/ |date=2013-03-17 }} {{in lang|ja}}
* [http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_psp/ Official PlayStation Portable version website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219231355/http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/talesofphantasia_psp/ |date=2015-02-19 }} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Anime News Network|anime|3341}}

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