Some tea on Tales Of Zestiria. Contains small spoilers
Details:
World:
The setting of the story is the continent of "Glynnwood", where the Highland Kingdom and Lowlance Empire are competing for supremacy. there are various religious faiths but they all have one thing in common, the mysterious beings known as the "Tenzoku" (Divine People). No one has seen them, but the reason why all religions mention them is because there were people who appeared very rarely in the world, that could communicate with the Tenzoku. The people call those who borrow the power of the Tenzoku and display the ability to manifest extraordinary powers "Doushi" (Sage/Monk/Priest), and they have come to be considered saviors who were given the powers of God. After a long time has gone by, the "Shrine of the Tenzoku" was built deep in the forest where it won't be interfered with, and serves as a reminder of "the utopia where people and the Tenzoku lived." It's also a place where people have lived without receiving the effects of the "corruption" that has long since been spreading across the continent. The story picks up from there with Threi, who has grown into a young man with an uncorrupted and pure heart by living isolated from the outside world.
Prologue:
Threi was raised at the Shrine of the Tenzoku, where he's prohibited from going outside of his village. The reason is that he could fall victim to monsters created by the corruption called "Hyouma" that exist in the outside world. Threi has high "Reiouryouku" ("Spirit Stress", or spiritual power), that makes him easily targeted by the Hyouma. The inhabitants of the village frequently inform Threi of the terror of the Hyouma, so he hasn't tried to break the ban.
The Shrine of the Tenzoku is isolated far from the outside world, and could be called a sanctuary. Limited to these grounds, Threi reads his book, the "Divine Remnants Information Records", and explores the ancient ruins near the village. Threi visits the ruins often, and soon develops an interest in the events of the ancient past. The legend of the Divine Remnants Information Records says that "In ancient times, people could perceive the Tenzoku, and lived together with them", and he comes to wonder if it's not an imaginary tale at all, but real. Whenever he discovers something in the ruins, he thinks of the ancient world, and it becomes a routine for him.
Then one day, the ruins cave in and he falls underground. He gets up and walks around, and discovers a girl fainted on the ground. She was also caught up in the cave-in, and Threi immediately helps her. She has no major injuries and safely regains consciousness, but has lost all of her luggage and doesn't know how to get out of the ruins. Threi invites her to his village, and leads her out of the ruins.
At first she shows signs of caution, but takes notice of Threi's consideration for her and gradually becomes less nervous. She informs him that the reason why she visited the ruins is because about ten years ago there have been disasters occurring all over the world, and that it is beyond their knowledge as to why this is happening. She also tells him that her name is Alisha.
Other stuff:
- Glynnwood has places like large wetlands and volcanoes. It has over 1000 years of history, and many ancient ruins are scattered throughout the land.
- Most of the Highland Kingdom lies in the mountains or plateaus. It has a culture that respects religions and rituals, but people are beginning to diversify and lose their traditions. The government is also trying to separate from the royalty and nobles, and form a bureaucratic system.
- The Lowlance Empire controls the extremely low lands. Much of its territory consists of fertile plains, which serves as a basis for its military strength. The scale and civilization of its capital city are second to none, but there there is a large disparity between it and the rural regions. Previously the Emperor held absolute power, but now the Lowlance Church, which holds on to its old traditions, is growing in influence.
- Alisha is of low social status for a noble, at the lowest position of the royal family.
- She chose her way of life as a knight of her own accord.
- She's the serious type, which is a fitting parallel to the optimistic behavior of Threi, but as the story progresses you'll come to see an unexpected side.
- Unlike past Tales games, where you basically traveled along roads, Zestiria won't be like that.
- They have a big surprise in regards to the battle system (seamless battles?)
- Scenario and character designs are complete and set, various systems and graphics still being worked on.
- Almost finished recording the scenario voicework
More stuff here too:
http://gematsu.com/2013/12/tales-zes...tailed-famitsu
-This time, the game delves into the “abundance of the heart,” but from the approach of Tales the keyword that is drawn is “Zest” (passion, zeal).
-At a glance, Slay may not look like the zealous type, but his actions and way of life hide a zeal that accumulates in his heart.
-The Tales series has focused on themes of justice and faith until now, but Zestiria furthermore draws the rooted ‘zeal’ from the front.
-A camera for a pleasant searching system is being prepared.
-The battle system is based on sword and magic fantasy, and the epitome of gameplay is consistently changing (the Japanese here is a bit unclear).
-The evolution of Linear Motion battle System and further surprises are being prepared.
-A focus on dragons is a first for the series, but as seen in the logo it is closely related to the story.
-The game development state of affairs: we’re in the middle of developing the systems and graphics, while we’ve solidified the scenarios and character design.
-The manufacturing process of games and anime is going to become tough, but I’m hoping to keep up a befitting fighting spirit.
-As we turn toward the release date, we’ll plan events and information releases.
for supporting the series.
