I really like the idea of switching up the setting. The Tales series, despite changing the gameplay up a bit for the Team Destiny games, have largely stuck to familiar fantasy territory. Sure, they often describe fantasy worlds with vastly different termonology, but that doesn't change the fact that its still fantasy. Switching things up is great! Remember when Final Fantasy went with a more steampunk style setting for Final Fantasy VI? That sure worked out. A more modern setting ultimately helped the Legend of Heroes series as well, given that it wasn't hugely popular in Japan before Trails in the Sky. Of course, this all depends on them pulling off a convincing setting. As for techno-babble and the like, I'm sure it'll be present, so we can only hope they don't go overboard. Oh, and you'll probably be stuck with a stereotypical girl healer so be prepared to crack some skulls!

I'm look forward to hearing more about this new Tales game. Hopefully we'll have Xillia localization news to celebrate around the same time.

Sadly no, I don't think it'd appeal much to someone with little knowledge of the setting. Though there's plenty of in-game material to help explain things, I think ultimately the game makes up for its gameplay weaknesses with tons of touches to appeal to fans, so I think a non-fan will find it quite disappointing. With that being said, you should read the books! The "characters get killed off all the time" statement is quite exaggerated because when it does happen, you'll know the character so well that it has much more impact. The series has quickly become my favorite book series ever, topping Lord of the Rings.

Excellent, it seems you are the only one who answered Phil's call!

Is that a covert reference to The Last Starfighter? Anyway, it is definitely a hobby. As far as RPGs go, I think we choose them as our favorite genre to fill our needs for adventure, to challenge our minds (with tactical games and the like), and to fill a need for compelling story (though not all RPGs fit this bill). I mean it's more fun to interact with a story than to watch one on TV isn't it?

Sure, why not? Diablo can be quite addicting, but it is fine in moderation. Just don't quit your job and do nothing but play Diablo III! Besides, RPGamer's own  Adriaan den Ouden loved it.

I hope this was a joke! Blizzard will do just fine without your $14.99 a month. Especially if you're going and buying Diablo III.

I'd say it would be better to keep buying and pruning games out of the backlog when you realize you aren't ever going to play them. However, if enjoy buying and playing new games, why stop? I think if you sell everything you'll quickly regret it and just have to re-buy a bunch of games (I've had this happen to me before when selling old games). Good luck!

I would only play games in order if they're directly story connected. So for example, play the Suikoden games in order. Other than that, just play the ones you feel like playing at the moment and you'll have a much better time digging your way through the various series you mentioned. Too often people like to play the games in direct order, when playing the newer games can often give you a different perspective on the older games. Just have fun and don't sweat that kind of thing. I'll reiterate again though, play the Suikoden games in order.

Thanks for the letter!

I seem to have completely forgotten about this challenge. Perhaps because I don't really know anything about fish? I mean I could always just say the entire population in Final Fantasy X are like fishes since they all seem to be able to breathe under water. I could say that Quina from Final Fantasy IX is like a goldfish because she eats a lot. Kefka is like a clown fish because he looks like a clown. I think I've failed this challenge and kindly ask for a new one!