Tales of Berseria: Velvet’s Outfit Won’t Be Censored; Producer Thinks Fans Want Original Experience

Recently there have been several JRPGs in which the outfits of relevant female characters were alter either for the western version or even directly in Japan during development in order to show less skin.

Luckily, nothing of this is going to happen with Tales of Berseria.

[Heyxyz]

Yes! Here's a dev that gets it!

[cleft5]

I am glad to see that devs do get it. Just shows that we have to be vocal about these things. Devs and Publishers need to please the consumers, not some censorship group that will never buy the game anyways.

[Ogygian]

Indeed. This is the age where complaining is king, as the SJWs have taught us :p

[babadivad]

Since they're listening, let's see Vesperia 2.

[donwel]

Nice, a dev that actually listens to their fans.

[Ristul]

I didn't know about this game, but I will buy it for sure, the last Tales game I played was Tales of Symphonia so it's about time.

[rainslacker]

I'd say if you have the means, get graces f. It's one of the best ones. Xillia is pretty good too.

[Ristul]

I don't have a PS3 sadly

[rainslacker]

That's a shame. I've come to really love the tales series last gen. Always liked it before, but became a nice staple more recently. It's one of those series I wouldn't mind seeing a nice HD type collection of on the cheap for PS4. Putting in the time to try and plat Xillia 2 this week since I've been under the weather. Lots of grind though.:(

[babadivad]

Graces F is Much better than Xillia.

[rainslacker]

I agree, but I still enjoyed xillia. I just found the characters likable. Xillia 2 wasn't as good, but got my way through it.

[TheColbertinator]

Its on Steam also

[Circuitburnout]

Yes we do, please stop letting a vocal minority dictate creativity.

[FullmetalRoyale]

Good PR move, and one that I appreciate. I really dislike other people deciding what is appropriate or not. Make it how you want, devs!

[equal_youth]

Freedom!!!

[rainslacker]

Hooray.

Tales games are always awesome. So many little jokes for fans, and alternate outfits often have a bit of fan service if one chooses. I would prefer "western sensibilities" be ignored for these games, because I think the fans like the games the way they are, and they seem to be doing quite well for themselves. Definately one of the better JRPG series out there.

[GameBoyColor]

Honestly, in a fantasy world her outfit isn't that bad. Good on the tales studio

[blackblades]

Seen female wear less then that in real life publicly.

[Kalebninja]

"The design of that costume is created by Mutsumi Inomata, and she created that costume based on the character’s concept and setting, and on the storyline."

Wow, the setting and storyline inspired the design of the main character, a half beast pirate, to be almost naked?

http://gifrific.com/wp-cont...

The BS thing is, the entire Tales of series consists of male protagonists except for a single game and that one female co-lead was wearing a crop top and mini skirt. Take a look at the two mains of Xillia standing side by side and tell me thats not BS https://psvitaaddict.files....

Now that we get a second female lead she's wearing almost nothing! My deal is, I'm not supporting this entry and if the next female lead is once again scantily clad then the franchise will be dead to me.

[rainslacker]

All the Raize Maxians were overdressed, and the spirits were under dressed(technically naked) except for maxwell. Even the male spirits were under dressed. Milla and Muze were both wearing more coverings in the second game. Other than that, the clothing is no different than how the series handles it. One world which uses Artes as a way of life tends to be more flamboyant and over dressed, where the scientific one tends to be rather traditional. This one just has a main character which is not the traditional overall,and you're ready to pass judgement. Seems rational, because any skin is taboo right? It's not like they made her like this to make some political statement, and I doubt it was because they thought it was super hot. They probably just liked the character design, and from what I can see superficially, it fits.

In any case, you don't know the story line, so how can you judge if the story warrants her dressing like this? Did you ever consider given her pirate nature that they wanted to make her kind of in between...not unlike how they did the great spirits in Xillia? If I had to guess, I'd say she's probably something along the lines of a great spirit for the game.

If you won't support it, that's fine, but stop being so judgmental over such meaningless things. You'll seriously limit your playing of good games if you focus on the superficial.

[Kalebninja]

" Seems rational, because any skin is taboo right"

It's not that she's just showing any skin she's mostly exposed and it's ridiculous especially for the main character. I'm sure there will be even less of a legitimate reason like there was for Quiet in MGSV.

"In any case, you don't know the story line, so how can you judge if the story warrants her dressing like this?"

In what story does something ever warrant a protagonist to wear so little?

"If I had to guess, I'd say she's probably something along the lines of a great spirit for the game"

This is set in the world of Zestiria there are no spirits there are Seraphim and they dress pretty modest.

"If you won't support it, that's fine, but stop being so judgmental over such meaningless things. You'll seriously limit your playing of good games if you focus on the superficial."

I already consider the Tales of series the junk food of RPG's so it's not like i'm missing a masterpiece and thus far I haven't been limited since most good games out there don't pull bullshit like this. Just because it's something that doesn't concern you doesn't mean it's not an issue or meaningless

[rainslacker]

"In what story does something ever warrant a protagonist to wear so little?"

See that's the thing about anime. The art style, namely the character design which includes what they're wearing, is representative of certain aspects of the character. I look at Velvet, and I see a kind of pissed off emo type who probably has more going on than meets the eye. Her facial expressions, stature, body style, and even her clothing represents this about her. If I knew what the story was, I could probably relate that character to the story.

"This is set in the world of Zestiria there are no spirits there are Seraphim and they dress pretty modest. "

Spirits, seraphim, whatever. I was speaking on the common themes prevalent within the graces series. While they go under different names in different universes, they ultimately boil down to the same thing, but serve different purposes to the story line.

"I already consider the Tales of series the junk food of RPG's"

Yeah, from what I can tell you consider every game the worst of the worst, and often your judgement comes down to some character model. If you don't like the series to begin with, why are you bothered either way? Why go to such great lengths to try and serve some political agenda, when you could just disregard it, and leave those that actually like the series to enjoy it the way the creators made it. Doesn't hurt you, doesn't hurt anyone else. We go on our happy way, and all is good.

And I hate to tell you, but plenty of games put out sexy characters in various stages of dress. I'm not sure what BS was pulled other than not changing some character model. All they did was design a character, and she's not even so far out there that most people would have thought twice about it....except you, who seems to have a pre-occupation for freaking out over a woman not wearing a burka.

And I'm sorry. It's not really an issue. The bigger issue is should games in general be censored for western audiences because a vocal minority decides it's not appropriate, and less so the fact that Japanese devs seem to be clueless about what is appropriate or acceptable within normal limits in the west and react too much to avoid controversy. Beyond that, there is no issue which affects anyone unless they try to make it into an issue which affects them, which apparently you are, because you, and others like you, are the only ones who seem to be offended by this.

[Kalebninja]

"See that's the thing about anime. The art style, namely the character design which includes what they're wearing, is representative of certain aspects of the character."

Are you honestly attempting to explain how anime character design is to me, like I'm ignorant on the subject? I understand the process but that doesn't hold up for every design and that's a cheap defense since they said the outfit was designed based on the characters concept, setting, and story, nothing about the characters aspects like with anime giving them certain hair or eye colors based on their personality.

"While they go under different names in different universes, they ultimately boil down to the same thing, but serve different purposes to the story line. "

And like I said, unlike spirits, the Seraphim are all modestly dressed, except for one, so there's a difference and seemingly the opposite of what you said.

"Yeah, from what I can tell you consider every game the worst of the worst, and often your judgement comes down to some character model."

That's bullshit right there, design choices do affect my opinion, obviously, but I hardly ever make those comments because most games aren't doing things like this but you will see me on articles that do feature those games saying my piece. I don't go around immediately hating games.

"And I hate to tell you, but plenty of games put out sexy characters in various stages of dress"

You think I don't know that? I don't complain about every sexy character because not all of them are an issue, not every sexy character is automatically sexist.

"If you don't like the series to begin with, why are you bothered either way?"

When did I say that? I said junk food, they aren't GOTY worthy RPG's but they're still fun to play on the weekend, not bad games but not great. I still like the series though but I don't have to think the games are amazing.

"except you, who seems to have a pre-occupation for freaking out over a woman not wearing a burka. "

Oh here it is, the over exaggerated idiotic example that everyone on your side uses and acts like that's what we actually suggest, if you're going to be ridiculous then just stop.

"And I'm sorry. It's not really an issue"

There we go, stating you're opinion as a fact

" because you, and others like you, are the only ones who seem to be offended by this."

And the ever so classic, "you have a minority opinion". No I don't stop acting like there are so few people that find this as an issue, N4G not represent any kind of majority of gamers.

[rainslacker]

"Are you honestly attempting to explain how anime character design is to me"

Not trying. Doing.

Never said you were ignorant of the subject, but it apparently wasn't part of your argument, and in fact was actively ignored to make it. It's not a cheap defense, it's just the way it is. Velvet is likely to be a strong character, like most Tales main characters. You even ignore it in your followup.

"nothing about the characters aspects like with anime giving them certain hair or eye colors based on their personality"

BS and you know it. The character designer themselves said as much...but what would a world renowned character designer know compared to you? Every aspect of good character design represents something about the character. This is the same as with real people. What people wear, represents something about themselves. For this character, what it represents will be based upon the lore and culture surrounding the story.

"Seraphim are all modestly dressed"

Maybe she isn't a seraphim. I don't know. I said it's a possibility. here's another one. The world of Bersaria takes place in a wasteland, and this character is the captain of a ship. Maybe the wasteland is hot, maybe the ocean is hot. Maybe the character just wants to be a sexy dominatrix type....cuz you know, that is a real personality that exists. Does it matter? I doubt the clothing really has a big purpose to the story, and it was pure conjecture to give the benefit of the doubt, which is something you are unable to do.

"but I hardly ever make those comments because"

BS. You're in every article where it somehow becomes something for you to rail about. The second some controversy comes up, there you are to criticize as if it's the worst thing possible. The fact you can play games and save face is because most games don't get the controversy, but you and I both know that these kinds of character designs are not uncommon, particularly in JRPG's.

"I don't complain about every sexy character"

Could have fooled me and everyone else around here. There is no real logical reason to complain about this characters dress. It's revealing, but not so far out there that it's ridiculously offensive. You've built yourself a boy who cried wolf reputation. The only reason you're here is because someone asked the question, and it gave you the chance to act all superior again, just like you are in every article like this. Before this, I don't recall it ever being mentioned. I'm glad Abrial asked the question, and one of his comments in the article was quite enlightening on why he asked.

"I said junk food"

Misread on my part. If you enjoy the games, but this one thing turns you off then you really have problems and should seek psychiatric help, because I don't know how you can function in society with real people who don't care what you think and not having an outlet to express your prudish nature. Please spare me the comeback that I result to insults to make a point. Again, you've built this reputation for yourself, and it's really not healthy.

[rainslacker]

"Oh here it is, the over exaggerated idiotic example"

Yep, and you are the other side of the idiotic exaggerators who wants to take everything as offensive and make it all about how you're offended, instead of caring to talk about why things may be the way they are due to design or desire of the creators. It's always about what you want, and any other reason just isn't good enough for you. You've brought this upon yourself with this constant criticism of the most mundane things which can trigger people's morality senses.

"There we go, stating you're opinion as a fact"

Nope, stating my opinion as opinion. In my opinion the only issue here is Japanese games being censored for western release, and the feeling that Japanese devs in general don't know what their audience actually wants as a whole. No reason to spell it out again. Read the above as opinion, and then maybe you can address both sides of the issue next time.

"And the ever so classic, "you have a minority opinion"."

Go look at every article about this on a gaming site that isn't Kotaku or some SJW safe place. Look here. It's plainly obvious you have a minority opinion. Accept it, and then learn how to express what it is you want without the pretentious self righteous judgemental attitude.

"No I don't stop acting like there are so few people that find this as an issue"

Never said it was a few. Just implied it was a minority. I can go get more substantial evidence to back up this belief, but you ignored it the last time I spelled it out for you.

For this, to see what's more an issue here, go read Abrials comment in the original article. The fact he asked shows that the issue is more about censorship, and less about what SJW want. Censorship is a byproduct of a non-issue, or at least a byproduct of an issue that is being addressed the wrong way and focusing on the wrong aspects making spurious analogies and extrapolating confirmation bias from said extrapolations. I know you know what I'm talking about here, so I'm not going to spell it out.

"N4G not represent any kind of majority of gamers."

I disagree. I'd say on at least 80% of topics, this site is right in line with common consensus of any other forum. Perhaps if N4G isn't, you can say which sites actually do represent a majority of gamers in their forums. I'd be keenly interested in what you consider a majority representation.

I will agree that N4G, and the internet forums as a whole do not represent the majority of gamers in the grand scheme of things, but if you want to play that card, lets just say that the vast majority of gamers don't care about either side of either issue, and will never speak or have an opinion on it, or likely even know others discuss it.

[gamer7804]

Your agenda is pretty clear around here. Notice all your down votes. I know this is n4g, but you've got to be noticing a trend that you are in the VAST minority here. But you are free to your opinion, its just good to take a look at the opinions of those around you especially when nearly all differ from your own.

[Kalebninja]

My agenda? I always state my opinion regardless of the topic, I don't have some agenda. The fact most members on N4G have the opposite opinion on the topic female representation in games (frankly because most of them just dont care unless its for their own satisfaction) doesn't make me wrong nor does it mean that I should stop because a lot of members disagree. I simply need to continue giving my opinion to show not everyone on this site thinks the same way.

[Aura7541]

Not buying a game based on what a female character wears is a rather dumb reason. I think everyone agrees that aspects such as personality, growth/development, and interactivity are way more important than appearance.

So I ask you, Kalebninja. Instead of stating your opinion ad nauseaum, how about attempting to understand the other side? Claiming that you need to continue stating your opinions to show not everyone thinks the same way is a lame excuse because people here already know not everyone thinks the same way.

[equal_youth]

I guess her outfit is ripped apart like this because she constantly transforms into a beast and back... so much for that.
Dude.. you're easily trigg3rd. Chill out and embrace the vape ;) \//\
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[Zerii]

DOn't like it, don't buy it or look at it !! Easy

[Kalebninja]

First off, I won't be buying it, i already said I won't be supporting it, but telling me to not look at it? Get real, I'm going to voice my opinion and complain about it. I play the series so if something bothers me about an entry and how they're handling the protagonist I'm not just going ignore it.

[GameBoyColor]

So what about luke and yuri? Why aren't you saying anything about them? Why is only a problem when it's female characters with you and everyone else who has problems with "too much skin"? Tell me exactly why you are upset about fictional characters dressing lightly please. Don't say it's objectifying women though, because these aren't real women. They don't represent real life. They represent creators mind and nothing wrong with them expressing it.

[Kalebninja]

"So what about luke and yuri? Why aren't you saying anything about them? Why is only a problem when it's female characters with you and everyone else who has problems with "too much skin"?"

What about Yuri and Luke? There just not wearing undershirts, are you seriously comparing Luke showing some abs and Yuri, really? http://satrapov.net/mysst/w...

Those outfits are incredibly modest compared to velvets buddy.

[BiggerBoss]

"I have no interest in the game, I just wanna bitch about it"

[GameBoyColor]

Yuri's got some straight up inside boob going on. Im offended as it paints men in a unrealistic picture. Not even a single chest hair. I demand that the tales studio stop giving men such sexualized unrealistic outfits because I don't like it. If they keep it up I'm not buying a single game from now on. While I'm at it, why are they all slim?! Omg im so frustrated at those incompetent japanese developers, they just like to throw out these anime bodies and it effects me deeply.

[HawaiianDreads]

@BiggerBoss

"I have no interest in the game, I just wanna bitch about it"

That's pretty much Feminazi and SJW memo nowadays.

[ArmoredCoreVI]

I feel compelled to buy this just to show my support for creative freedom. Besides i haven't played a tales game since Vesperia.

[tulholdren]

Day 1 ready to have some fun with this.

[AgentSmithPS4]

You have my "sword"! IDK what this game is but if it's good I'll buy it because these people stood up to the terrorists that would take away artistic freedoms.

[ThunderGod_Cid]

What?!! A dev that actually has the balls to NOT compromise their vision. That's rare.

[Chaosdreams]

Thank you. This game has earned additional respect. I, as a gamer, want the experience that the creators/developers worked hard on creating. Last minute censoring just irks me.

[Ogygian]

I don't know what this is, but I'll buy it.