Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike [Blu-ray + DVD]

This movie is a prequel to the PS3/360 game Tales of Vesperia. The game is my single favorite game ever, especially the PS3 version (which I had to printout a lot of translation sheets for because it was only released in Japan). The movie takes place two years before the start of the game. While I have not yet seen Funimation's release I have seen the Japanese version and it is excellent, although over there it is titled Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike.

The movie centers on Yuri and Flynn as they become new recruits in the Imperial Knights. For those who played the game, you know that Yuri left the knights for their preference to help only the noble class while leaving the less affluent citizens fend for themselves. The Imperial Knights themselves are mostly made up of people from greater and lesser families of the nobility, while Yuri and Flynn were raised in the poorer area of the city.

The movie has the appearances of many important characters in the game. Of course there is Yuri and Flynn, but Rita, Raven, and Estelle are shown, although they are far less important to the plot of the movie than the game (Estelle was the most important character of the game besides Yuri; in the movie she shows for about two minutes). Unfortunately, this takes place before Estelle meets Yuri; their relationship is my favorite part of the game. Alexei is the Commandant of the Knights just like in the game. And of course Repede is there as just a puppy.

As I have only seen the Japanese version so far, I don't know how well the dub is going to be, but Funimation released their casting list and Yuri is still voiced by Troy Baker, who did an excellent job voicing him in the game. Flynn also has the same voice actor as in the game. The other characters seem to have different voice actors, but since those other characters do not have much time in the movie it isn't all that bad. The animation itself is great, and the movie, while not very long, is still longer than some of those anime "movies" that are only the length of about two episodes.

There are some issues I have regarding some of the things in the movie. The use of blastia in particular is different in the movie than in the game. In the game, having a blastia allows you to use special attacks and magic, while in the movie the blastia themselves actually shoot projectiles which is not right. But overall the movie does set up the events of the game well, such as showing how Repede and Yuri getting their blastia and why Yuri decided to leave the knights. And the new characters, such as Captain Nylen and the twin knight sisters Shastere and Hisuka that are paired with Yuri and Flynn are good too. All in all, if you are a fan of the game, get this movie. If you have not played the game, then you should play it.

This movie is a prequel to the Tales of Vesperia game made originally on the Xbox360, then a year later on the PS3 (this version not localized anywhere outside of Japan). The game itself is my all time favorite on any console, and I just got it in February 2012 (already have 200 hours of playtime). The movie, I've watched with english subtitles, and I have to be honest, I cried a few times, it was just that amazing. I will definitely be getting this combo pack, and any fan of the Tales series should consider getting it as well!

Now only if they would come out with the Tales of Symphonia OVA's as well, that would just make my year!

As for the quality of the film itself, it employes several great characters, and especially follows the story of Yuri Lowell and his ultimate quest to save the planet. The Japanse Dub is great, so I hope the English one will be as well.

Thanks again to Funimation for releasing such a great movie, and hopefully they will come out with the Symphonia OVA's as well

And thanks again for looking, and I hope this helps you.