Tales Of Vesperia The First Strike Movie
Okay, let's talk about Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike. We all love Tales of Vesperia, right? The game is a masterpiece. But what about that prequel movie?
A Little Love (and Maybe a Little Shade) for The First Strike
Don't get me wrong, it's pretty good! It's shiny. It's got young Yuri and Flynn being all idealistic. But sometimes, I wonder...
Does it hold up to the game? This might be a spicy take, but I think it's...overrated. Okay, okay, hear me out!
The Bros Before...Everything?
The heart of the story is the bromance between Yuri and Flynn. We get it! They're best buds. They are serving as soldiers.
But sometimes, it feels like the story beats you over the head with it. "Look! Friendship!" It's like, yeah, I saw them share a loaf of bread, I got it.
And honestly, while their backstory is cool, I'm not sure it was necessary. The game did a good job already.
A Villain That's...Kinda Forgettable?
Let's be honest, the villain is...meh. He's got some angst, some power. But I struggle to remember why he's even doing what he's doing.
Compared to the complex villains in the main game? He's a cardboard cutout. Sorry, dude, you're no Duke.
I always think, "What was his name again?". He is an ok character, but easily forgettable.
Animation That's...Dated?
Look, the movie came out in 2009. Animation has come a long way since then. Seeing the models of characters can sometimes look a little wonky.
Sometimes the fight scenes look pretty good! Other times? They feel a bit stiff. It is kind of nostalgic if you ask me.
It's not terrible, but it's definitely not the visual spectacle we've come to expect from modern anime.
Imagine Tales of Arise animation quality!
The Unpopular Opinion: It's Good, But Not *Great*
Alright, here it is: Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike is a decent prequel. It gives us more Yuri and Flynn, which is always a plus. We get to experience a new perspective.
But compared to the game, it falls a little flat. The story is predictable. Characters are bland at times. The villain is forgettable.
It's a fun watch for fans. But don't go in expecting the same level of brilliance as the main game. It is an addition to the Tales of series, not a milestone.
So, what do you think? Am I totally off base? Or do you secretly agree with me? Let the debate begin!
Maybe the Tales of Vesperia magic is best left within the game itself. Sometimes, prequels just can't capture the same lightning in a bottle.
I am glad that we have it, regardless. It is always fun to explore our favorite characters in new ways.
