No, that's wrong. The games actually sells very well in Japan, and this game looks to be selling very good, especially for a JRPG published by Namco, that is based on anime.

As far as lack of substance goes: You want shallow? You should go play Eternal Sonata. Despite outward appearances, Tales of Symphonia and Tales of the Abyss have very deep fighting engines with multiple ways to vanquish your foes and fight battles. Combos are also strung between characters, and have an effect on certain in game elements.

Saying this game doesn't sell well because the fighting engine is shallow, is like saying the Titanic sunk because it wasn't big enough.

It's a completely invalid assertion, not an opinion. If you said, "This is a niche game that doesn't sell well in the US for many reasons, one of which could be lack of depth in the battle engine" that would be a valid opinion. A very wrong and misleading one, but still a valid opinion.

Now, what is an opinion is that it(I assume you mean fighting engine) "lacks substance."

However, you wrote this, did you not, in this very post:

"@OT: Tales of Vesperia looks fantastic. I have no doubt it'll sell well. I played ToS for the Gamecube and liked it for its combat system. I didn't get hooked on the story so much because it was too cliched."

Which I felt was a contradiction. Especially since I also liked the game for its great combat system, character development(not cliched story), and great sense of power-pacing, which is the increased sense of power you get from gaining levels and learning new abilities.

Oh shut up Zen. I know you like to mix up your posts with the occasional hate and trolling, but no one needs this. Besides, the pipe smoking dog looks really cool.

Although, really wasn't impressed with this after the demo. The graphics are beautiful, but that's kinda all I can give it. I don't know though, I still plan on getting it whenever it gets cheap.

@ Zen: Well, I actually meant that the story lacks substance, the combat system is one of its strong points. I would like to play ToV, however, and judge for myself regarding story. Games like Final Fantasy sell great because they have great depth to their stories, the Tales series is not at that point, I think.

 Psst: Most people freak out because the demos too tough. Try making Rita use fireball on the big dog.

Not hard.

Really, VOs are the only other thing the demo showcased. it didn't show the story, so theres no way to say it was bad or good.

So I guess you didn't like the battle system? Best in a JRPG anywhere imo.

PS the comment that guy made before Zen was very troll. Still, the hate was unneccesary even though it was funny.

Eh, Im a huge RPG fan and I didn't have to much trouble beating the dog. (hint I finished the demo)

The voice acting sucked (but I don't care to much about this), but this that really caught my eye was the animation. The transitions from attacks and being attacked, etc. was worse than Tales of Eternia on PSP. And, while I like the Tales battle system, it's the same thing as Radiant Mythology (which stole from Abyss, which stole from Symphonia, which made Eternia's 3D).

Yes, his comment was funny but still kinda unnecessary. Although, I know do people who would become interested in the game because of the cool dog.

Im mostly talking about the physical motion of attacking which really blocky. You'd be able to better understand what I'm saying if you physically play it.

It's a very subjective complaint.

Wow, this game looks absolutely amazing. Definately a buy for me, and I'll prolly play though several times

Do we know yet if the asian or american versions are region-locked?

OMG juggles!

LOL, you tell the guy that put the troll in his place to shut up.   Why not just tell the trolls not come trolling.  If you don't want the hate then don't troll.

I am still on the fence with this game but that demo sure get my interest up a notch.  I like the chaining combo in Eternal Sonata and Tales system seems to have more depth.