The gameplay changes didn't bother me too much. It definitely is different than the past Tales I've played, and I prefer a traversable world map over a menu, but I thought the large field areas made up for that. The Monster Hunter type gathering quests were a bit foreign, but considering I'm a big MH fan, that didn't really bother me either. Basically, I could keep an open mind to any gameplay changes, as long as the story remained strong like the previous titles I've played.

...But it really didn't IMO. Some of the skits were funny, but overall I don't find myself caring about the characters all that much. Elise's story felt kinda flat to me. Rowen and Leia were just sorta there...though maybe I just haven't gotten far enough for them to be important. I'm keeping an open mind with Jude, since he seems set up for character development, but so far he still strikes me as being a whiny kid. Alvis reminded me a lot of Zelos in Symphonia, and even takes part in a similar type of character twist, with him betraying the team temporarily. Only with Alvis, said twist really didn't have any impact. Especially now that it's happened...three times? Maybe I'm just looking at it from the wrong angle, but at this point it just ruins my immersion whenever he tries to play the quadruple agent and everyone but Milla just buys into it. On that note, Milla is probably the only main cast member I really care about, but it's kind of a struggle for her to carry the whole game. 

Also the voice acting is terrible for certain characters, Milla and Elise in particular. I really wish this game had dual audio. Not a deal-breaker, and it really only pertains to the localization...but it's definitely more than a minor annoyance for me.

It's funny, since on paper, a Tales game with a pairing as the main focus seems like something I would drop everything and enjoy. And with a blonde heroine no less! But actually playing it...that doesn't seem to be the case. I still want to finish it, so hopefully something picks up.

That's promising to hear that Zestiria doesn't have these problems. I'll probably wait for Graces to appear in a Flash Sale, since I'm not really in a hurry to play that game.

I agree with your criticism completely. I can't say for certain if Zestiria fixes everything though. I think the overworld structure is basically the same, but at least there is dual audio if certain voice actor performances are just too painful. Seeing as I have yet to actually sink my teeth into the game (neeeeed money), I can't say if the characters and story are passable or not, but I can't imagine that they could get worse.

As for Graces F, I honestly really enjoyed it. It isn't the best Tales game. I have no problem admitting that, but it does a lot of fun things. I enjoy the way they use titles, the story and characters are interesting and fun enough, though don't expect them to break the more standard Tales character roles you're getting used to, and most of all, I just prefer the combat.

I liked some games of the series a lot and others not so much, but yeah, it would be nice to have it back on Nintendo's consoles.

I do want Tales of Zesty. More interested to see how Berseria is received.

Considering the userbase shift from 6th -> 7th gen, Tales was going to go to the platform with the most RPG fans.

I played Tales of Symphonia and Tales of the Abyss on Nintendo platforms and they were good.

Zestiria is on Steam, so I may try it out, but at a lower price.

This series has become so repetitive and stale for me, that I will never play another game unless someone translates Tales of Rebirth (ps2). I loved Tales of Phantasia, then I played Tales of Destiny and Eternia (decent games), then Abyss (really great game), but I could not continue with either Xillia games or Graces. Great combat systems aside, I am just sick of the typical plot/cast/progression in the series. They need to switch it up. 

Zestiria is fucking awesome. It's a lot like Graces (one of the best tales of ever!). The only fatal flaw is the camera but I can deal with it as I'm a tales of fanboy.

Yeah, I wish they would release them on Ninten consoles. I started with the GC, so Bamco had made me chase its tail all the time.

Tales of series is the reason I held on to my PS3 so long. Of course with ToZ being on PS4. I'm trying to decide why I haven't gotten rid of my PS3 yet.

Never tried one yet