8.2 does seem a little low.  From the written review, ToV should've gotten a 9.0.

That is why people shouldn't give too much importance to the final score, but instead read the review itself.
If you fit in the niche group that likes JRPGs then it should get a higher personal score.
IGN reviews for the general public, some of which doesn't like reading too much text or find the Tales battle system boring compared to other games (i.e sports games).

from the demo of tales and from everything i have read about the game, i would give tales a 8.7 and after playing it for a good while might get a higher score from me, still gonna get infinite undiscovery when it comes out on sept 2.

seems like a good score.

I wrote this yesterday evening, before reviews started to pour in, and I stand by it.

I, ZenfoldorVGI, believe and hope that Tales of Vesperia will recieve between a 75 and 85 percent rating on gamerankings. This won't mean the game sucks, but instead that it is not for everyone, and instead pleases jrpg fans, and in particular, the Tales of fanbase. Similar games that will always recieve these scores are the Phoenix Wright series, and the Disgaea series. The vast majority of people touting and looking forward to this game also realize that it won't be reviewed as a AAA title. When the scores are released, no one will be "owned" and no one will be dissapointed. This game is not the next Haze. Nobody on this forum believes ToV will get 90 percent, not even close. We're shooting for an 85, and such a score should be considered AAA for the series.

	Tales of Symphonia  Publisher: Namco Number of P/Reviews: 179	GameCube	85.7%

	Tales of the Abyss  Publisher: Namco Bandai Games America Number of P/Reviews: 46	PlayStation 2	79.1%

Both superb games, and fantastic examples of the jrpg genre, in the eyes of most Tales fans.

Now, if the game ends with a 74 or below, I'll probably still get it, but I think that would be a fair starting point for calling the game a flop. I still wouldn't be dissapointed. Not even a little. I really hope it ends up somewhere in the 80s. That would be a great day for me, and a victory for the game. - August 22, 2008

8.5 is a perfect score for a Tales game. 8.2 is very strong, when the main weakness cited is the graphics.

well anything above the 80's to me is above acreage.

I liked this line:

"If you like a lot of character-driven story in your role-playing games, then Tales of Vesperia is calling your name. If you're the type who gets bored or annoyed with constant chatter and would much rather fight than talk, then steer clear of Tales of Vesperia."

Yep, this is a Tales game guys, and a good one.

Apparently it has excellent storytelling, great character development, and a huge scope and impact....just like the other Tales games.

This, like ToS, has the things that I tout every good jrpg needs:

A. Character Development
B. Feeling of power increase(scope of the game)
C. A fun in-battle gameplay element that doesn't get old(fighting game in a rpg)

That's what ToS delivered, and that's what IGN says ToV delivers.

For prospective buyers, I suggest you read this very review, and if it turns you on, try it out, if it doesn't skip it. It is surprisingly accurate at describing a Tales game.

but in our experience following the main storyline, listening to every line of dialogue along the way and doing a few side missions here and there, we put a good 60 hours or so into Tales of Vesperia before all was said and done.

Yes, that's right, Tales of vesperia is 60 hours long on an average playthrough and encourages multiple playthroughs with the best new game + options any series sports that doesn't have the word "Chrono" in the title.

I'm not saying that is good or bad, but personally, I love it. You get a lot of bang for your buck, and in a Tales game, your not spending much of that time grinding, the game is actually that huge. It's a double edged sword, but to those of us who like any jrpgs, or those of us who are particularly fond of really long ones with great stories, this is your game. Tales series freakin rawks!!!

(ok, I'm a tales fanboy, but read that review, IGN agrees with me!)

That review definitely turned me on

I was thinking it could get something in the range you mentioned simply because it is a a Square Enix/Tri-Ace project and reviews may be biased with their love.

But looking at what I know about it's voice acting (if you can call it that), it's good (Not great) graphics and only a 20 Hour Main Quest (i'm sure it will be more with Side stuff) and I think this game will score in the low 8's. The battle system looks like its strong point, but that is expected with Tri-Ace games. The key will be the storyline and it's character development in determining whether this is a good game or a great game.

It could end up in the range you mentioned, but I'd be surprised if it got higher then. But I'll be playing it eventually no matter what, the only question is when. If the game scores really high, I'll run out and get it sooner.