My brother got the game and I´ve played it a little bit. Here´s my thoughts so far:

I just finished though the sewers and am going back to the lower quarters with Estellise.

The fighting real-time system is very different then what I´m used to, so I´m still having problems with easy enemies (I´m playing on normal <--- Will I regret it later or it won´t be too hard?).

The fight with Zagi (I think that´s his name) was really hard for me. I died 2 times before learning to pace myself, use a bit more strategy and defend better. The second part with Estellise was particulally easier cause she kept healing me.

So far, the story hasn´t really begun so I can´t say anything about it. I like the anime style and am beginning to understand the fighting system.

It seems that it is going to be a solid game. 

P.S. - Those two knights you fight in the "tutorial" were very funny.

Alright, its pretty late but my review is finall done:

http://games-reviews.dcemu.co.uk/game-review-tales-of-vesperia-147957.html

Closing comments

Overall: 9/10
Tales of Vesperia does everything its supposed to and nothing it isn't. There isn't really any big flaw or major problem with the game, and the experience is a perfectly authentic JRPG one. However, the game doesn't break new ground by any means, and may seem a bit too similar to past Tales games. Still, Vesperia has everything a JRPG fan could want-- a great combat system, and epic(If very common) storyline, great characters, and a pipe smoking dog that fights with a sword.

I'm about done my first play. I just need enough grade for everything.

Few comments on your spoilers (but mine aren't blacked out):

1. You won't regret playing on normal. The game's battle system has a learning curve associated with it. If your willing to *not* button mash in battles, and use actual strategy through well placed combos and blocking, you'll have no problems. Once you get to the overworld, fight a few dozen battles to "figure it all out".

Being a relative Tales newbie, I died on the same boss you did - once. However, I am 10hrs in, and the only time I died was against him. I got beat up pretty badly by the demo game boss, but beat him too.

10hrs in, the game is VERY solid, and the story is very good. The game rivals Dragon Quest VIII in terms of polish, and overall feel. However, Yuri Lowell is one of the best (if not THE) lead JRPG characters to emerge since.......Terra from FFVI, or Cecil from FFIV.

Damnit, I wanted to say something right now, but that would be a clear spoiler. Yuri Lowell is the only hero I find realistic. Also I have to say this is the first game where I do not hate the bratty kids. I tend to hate them in every rpg.

Since my topic failed I should have noticed this thread, and posted it here for anyone who cares.

Links from Tales games, in tales of vesperia:

 
First Link: MInt's Cap - A repilica cap worn by a heroine form the "Story of Legends". This is link to Tales of Phantasia as Mint is the main character. This might mean that this is in the future of tales games, or that tales of Phantasia is a folklore in Tales of Vesperia.

Second Link: In a certain ruins you can find "C...e...il...e<3Fr...ng..." which is a link to abyss since Jozette Cecille and Aslan Frings (can become engaged in Tales of Abyss). Again since the word isn't complete you are assuming it is the two names that match, and you assume it is the same people.

Here are the 4 Cameo contenders. In the 200 match. They go as follows
- Dhaos (from Tales of Phantasia)
- Girl from Eternia
- Barbatos (from Tales of Destiny 2)
- Kratos (from Tales of Symphonia)

 

Also if someone actually needs help in Tales of Vesperia, I can easily help them. I just wanted to know if anyone found more links....I'm looking for a tales of symphonia link. Also this is a great game, if you liked abyss and symphonia you will love this

 Actually, I'm pretty certain that Vesperia happened before Syphonia and Eternia since

You have to create the 4 major spirites (Efreet, Sylph, ect.) and you also end up creating all the spirits through the blastia. Also, they are turning the aer into mana, which is a huge theme in Symphonia.

Phantasia though your probably right about. 

I can't seem to get the cameo battles to work. Can you tell me how? I realllly want to fight kratos and Ferrah(from Eternia) 

Cameo battles are in the 200-man challange. I am currently working on getting it, behind right now. I just finished the 100-man.

Also if you noticed Estelle says these spirits existed in the past, she names them based on something.

Actually they loosely link to each other, Tales of Symphonia has strong links to Tales of Phantasia.

Thats what they want you to think. I was just looking for links Soriku, you like ruining my fun don't you! Anyways I will find a link to Tales of Symphonia.