Horrible Combat System

[アキ君]

I started the demo and was positively surprised by the graphics and general controls only to find out it has this mongrelized combat system where you're never really in control of what's going on. Either make it fully real time (Dragon's Dogma, Dark Souls, Automata, etc) or stick to turn based. But what you chose to do here is complete nonsense. That's a big !NO! from me.

[brialav]

I so agree your comment. I so hated this combat system.

[Knyght]

I only just started playing, but I think you can change the combat system from auto, semi auto, to fully manual in the menu. You can also change how your party member behaves in combat.

I currently have it on manual and have full control over my character. I even switched the main character to be the girl (forgot her name).

[Simon]

Not really. It is set to semi-auto by default, but you can always change your controls to Manual to have 100% complete control over your character. Only NPC characters are controlled by AI.

[jclosed]

Indeed. You can take full control. But even if you do not want to, you can fine-tune how the party members behave. Take a look under the Strategy tab, and you see a few "general" rules. You can, however, dive into those rules and set the conditions under what actions will be taken, and what items will be used.
I think it's a fair amount of control that's offered here...

[Zzyl_tsw]

Does it mean it is actually like any other "Tales of" combat system ?
I read around release complaint about the combat system that seems more automatic than previous "Tales of" ?

[Judeo-communism]

Originally posted by Zzyl_tsw:

Does it mean it is actually like any other "Tales of" combat system ?
I read around release complaint about the combat system that seems more automatic than previous "Tales of" ?

I actually like semi-auto in the 2D Tales games like Phantasia and Eternia, while manual in the 3D like Symphonia, Abyss and Vesperia.

Dunno how Arise plays yet

[Simon]

Originally posted by Zzyl_tsw:

Does it mean it is actually like any other "Tales of" combat system ?
I read around release complaint about the combat system that seems more automatic than previous "Tales of" ?

The basic idea of the combat is still the same, but may have different mechanics depending on each Tales game. Semi-auto mode had always existed and been the default settings, which is helpful to new players. But if you prefer more control over your character, you could always switch to Manual. You could even just it to Auto if you don't want to play during combat. lol

I don't think Arise is more automatic.

[Assirra]

Originally posted by Zzyl_tsw:

Does it mean it is actually like any other "Tales of" combat system ?
I read around release complaint about the combat system that seems more automatic than previous "Tales of" ?

The general gist is the same as ever. There are of course twists with extra mechanics each game like double attacks in Xillia, those magic circles in Abyss or in Arise case, each character gets a special ability you can use on cd to do things like break shields, interupt spells or knock down.

[Tiasmoon]

Originally posted by Zzyl_tsw:

Does it mean it is actually like any other "Tales of" combat system ?
I read around release complaint about the combat system that seems more automatic than previous "Tales of" ?

Automatic movement towards the targeted enemy which can be disabled for full manual.

Which actually makes the combat more manual then something like Zestiria where you had to get a skill to unlock free movement. Combat is similar to a more evolved Berseria. One where every character (except Law.. lol) is as responsive to use as Velvet was (except without her OP invincibility)

I dont know where you read complaints like these, but they arent a real thing.

[Troglodyte]

git gud lol

[Exturpi]

This is really silly. If you're confused about the combat (or perhaps so convinced it's 'automatic') please just go watch some combo videos to get a sense of how fine the control over the characters really is.

There are even enemy matchups to memorise, fighting-game style. As a brief example off the top of my head, think about Dohalim's combos. Elusive Deity --> Soaring Blast --> Eagle Rage can whiff terribly, mostly hit, or hit at every stage, depending on a few factors. On wolf-type enemies, you have to wait for the peak of the bounce from Elusive Deity to get an extra close range hit at the start-up of Soaring Blast. You then have to wait for the right amount of time before using Eagle Rage to get the full number of hits. It's not supposed to be as complicated as a fighting game, but there's so much fine-tuned control here.

This is just for *one* character. It of course gets more hectic with a party, but you also have room for different and more detailed combos!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zfe06NlQQI&t=25s

What is it that you believe you are not in control of!?