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Tales of Symphonia similar games & best alternatives

Tales of Symphonia

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3 • 2016

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Quick resume

FIRST TIME ON STEAM – Based on the PlayStation®3 port of the original GameCube game, this RPG classic is finally available for PC.

Global score

85/100

Genres

Role-playing (RPG)

Similar games

    Pros

    • Deep and engaging story with memorable characters
    • Fun and strategic real-time combat system
    • Large world with exploration and puzzles
    • High replayability with side quests and multiple endings
    • Local co-op multiplayer support

    Cons

    • Pc port initially buggy and locked at 30fps
    • Dated graphics and animations
    • Some frustrating puzzles and slow early pacing
    • Keyboard controls less optimal than controller
    • Some translation and minor audio issues

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Story, Leadership. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Competition.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have freedom to explore large worlds, choose party members, customize skills, and make story-impacting decisions."

    • Competence
      3

      "Combat system offers skill-based real-time battles with combos and strategy; some grind required but manageable."

    • Competition
      -3

      "Focus is on personal progress and story; multiplayer co-op exists but no ranked or leaderboard competition."

    • Continuation
      5

      "Long playtime (50-100+ hours), multiple playthroughs encouraged, high replayability and side content."

    • Cooperation
      3

      "Supports local co-op multiplayer with up to four players cooperating in battles."

    • Creativity
      2

      "Players can customize characters’ skills and equipment; crafting system and side quests add creative elements."

    • Domination
      -4

      "Gameplay emphasizes teamwork and shared party roles; no evidence of dominance or power imposition."

    • Escapism
      5

      "Strong fantasy setting with immersive story and characters provides escape from real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and nostalgia; no indication of obligation or pressure."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Players experiment with different party setups, skill builds, and combat strategies."

    • Exploration
      4

      "Large overworld maps with many locations, dungeons, and puzzles encourage discovery."

    • Expression
      3

      "Character customization includes costumes and titles; players can express playstyle through builds."

    • Fantasy
      5

      "High fantasy world with magic, angels, and mythical elements central to story and gameplay."

    • Fellowship
      3

      "Strong party dynamics and local multiplayer foster social connection and group identity."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players learn combat mechanics, level up characters, and develop strategies over multiple playthroughs."

    • Health
      -5

      "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

    • Idle
      -4

      "Requires focused attention during combat and exploration; not suited for casual or background play."

    • Intimacy
      2

      "Character interactions and skits build emotional bonds, though mostly within party, not deep social relationships."

    • Leadership
      2

      "Players lead party members and manage tactics, but no evidence of leading other players or groups."

    • Progression
      5

      "Strong emphasis on leveling, acquiring weapons, skills, and unlocking titles and costumes."

    • Relaxation
      2

      "Generally balanced challenge with moments of tension in boss fights; overall enjoyable flow."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Colorful cel-shaded graphics and soundtrack provide pleasant sensory experience, though dated visuals."

    • Status
      -3

      "Focus on personal achievement and story immersion rather than social recognition or popularity."

    • Story
      5

      "Highly praised narrative with deep character development, plot twists, and emotional engagement."

    • Strategy
      3

      "Combat and party management require planning and tactical thinking, though accessible to newcomers."

    • Thrill
      2

      "Some suspense and challenge in boss fights and puzzles, but mostly controlled and predictable gameplay."

    • Value
      4

      "Long gameplay hours and rich content provide good value for price, especially on sale."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat involves fighting monsters and enemies with swords and magic, typical fantasy violence."

    • Survival
      2

      "Players must manage health and resources in combat, but overall low-risk environment."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026