Not Bad
As an overall package the storyline/fighting system and graphics are of this game are not too bad.

The story is a class jRPG style "main character's village is attacked by evil force" type but it is told well. The fighting system is well put together and fun to play although it seems like I spent a lot more time reading dialog than fighting. The background graphics are fairly detailed but the characters are drawn in a very strange "super deformed" style that really is not too good looking and they lack detail.

I would not recommend this game (or any other RPG) if you can't read Japanese at least fairly well. My Japanese is not terrific but I managed ok. If you are worried, the dialogue contains a fair amount of Kanji but most of it is fairly common.

For the $15 I paid, I am more than happy.

I should qualify this with the fact that I am not a big fan of the Tales series, the only other Tales game I have played is Tales of Symphonia.

I will never understand critics
Tales of Tempest is actually a very good RPG.
True the character Graphics suck and its not the best of the Tales series, but thats about it.

Everything else about the game was awsome. The backgrounds and towns were well designed, and the music was stunning [i currently obsessed over the opening song sung by Misono].

The game-play is as good as any tales game. The battle systems not the best, but it still makes the battles feel entertaining rather than a waste of time.

The story is remarkable, and anyone who imports this game should have a translation guide in handy. One thing that usually makes a RPG satisfying to me is a decent story.

I give this game 4/5, because even though it not perfect, its still worth the 15$ i payed to buy it.

Not as horrible as the reviews say
Sure, it's an easy (I even bumped it to hard as soon as I started and had no trouble finishing it in under level 40), been-there-done-that title, but the truth is that it's definitely a fun time waster. The battle system is fun, however, could use better presentation. Over all, a 4 star game.

Play-asia has some of the best service, as well. Thanks for some of the best service I've received!

three star game
Tales fans may cry tears of blood if they are expecting way too much from this, lots of flaws, game is short and it doesn't translate well to 3d, however it is a tales game, it is somewhat worth your time if you know Japanese, just please, for the love of god, jesus, and whatever holy diety you believe in, do not expect an epic game when buying this, you will be disapointed

however if you are a tales collector then obviously this is worth snatching up

going into its flaws, and what i find wrong may detract people from buying lol

but honestly, hand on heart, check this game out, i dont think its awful

It's pretty good
Got it today and i enjoyed playing it for the time that i played it for