《美德傳奇》（Tales of Graces）是由南夢宮傳奇工作室（Namco Tales Studio）開發並於2009年在Wii平台上推出的角色扮演遊戲（JRPG），是《傳奇》系列中的重要作品。以深刻的友情羈絆、動人的劇情以及創新的戰鬥系統為賣點，推出後獲得玩家與評論界的廣泛關注。發行的平台有Wii、Switch、PS4、PS5、Xbox One、Xbox Series X跟Windows。

故事發生在名為艾菲內亞（Efinea）的幻想世界，這個世界分為三大國家：溫斯特羅爾（Windor）、斯特拉塔（Stratha）與法爾希（Fendel），三國之間因資源爭奪而充滿著微妙的緊張關係。

劇情圍繞著主角艾斯貝爾‧蘭特（Asbel Lhant）展開。他是溫斯特羅爾王國邊境城鎮蘭特的長子，從小與弟弟修伯特（Hubert）和青梅竹馬的少女蘇菲（Sophie）感情深厚。然而，兒時一次意外事件中，艾斯貝爾和朋友們遇到失去記憶的神秘少女，並將她取名為「蘇菲」。隨著事件的發展，她為保護亞斯貝爾而不幸喪命，這場悲劇也成為主角人生的重大轉折點。

多年後，已經成為青年劍士的艾斯貝爾重返故鄉，卻發現家鄉面臨著嚴重的危機。蘇菲的「死而復生」更讓他驚訝不已，而這一切似乎與名為「拉姆達」（Lambda）的神秘存在有關。拉姆達是強大的異生物，企圖侵蝕世界，為了阻止這場危機，艾斯貝爾與他的夥伴們踏上波瀾壯闊的冒險旅程。整個故事貫穿著「守護」的主題，探討友情、家人與責任的意義。亞斯貝爾逐漸理解自己對親友的責任，學會真正「守護」所珍視之人。而雪綺的身世之謎、休伯特與亞斯貝爾兄弟間的糾葛，以及拉姆達的悲劇背景，都讓故事更具深度與情感張力。

在戰鬥系統上採用「線性動作戰鬥系統」（Linear Motion Battle System, LMBS）的進化版，稱為「Sofe Step Battle System」，這是即時戰鬥系統，將動作元素與戰略要素結合，使戰鬥更加流暢且具挑戰性。可以自由控制隊伍中的角色，在戰鬥中進行攻擊、防禦與閃避。系統分為兩種攻擊模式：

A技（Assault Artes）：簡單的連擊技，適合在戰鬥中快速連段。

B技（Burst Artes）：更強力的技能，消耗能量值，但能給予敵人致命的打擊。

需要根據敵人的行動靈活切換攻擊模式，並學會使用「步法」（Step）系統來閃避敵方攻擊，同時找到反擊的機會。

CC系統（Chain Capacity）:戰鬥中每個動作都會消耗「CC值」，類似行動點數的機制。要根據CC值來規劃攻擊與防禦的節奏，避免無謂的浪費。CC值會隨時間恢復，這讓戰鬥更考驗操作技巧與戰術選擇。

角色可以透過特定的動作觸發強大的「奧義」或「秘奧義」，這些技能除具有華麗的演出效果外，也能在關鍵時刻逆轉戰局。角色成長機制為「稱號系統」。透過完成任務、戰鬥或探索來解鎖稱號，每個稱號都會帶來不同的技能與能力提升。這種自由度高的成長系統讓玩家可以根據個人風格培養角色。此外，Wii的操作也融入部分體感元素，例如利用遙控器進行簡單的指令輸入，但仍以傳統按鍵操作為主，確保整體的流暢性與準確性。關卡設計包含廣大的地圖探索、城鎮互動與迷宮解謎。

地圖探索:在世界地圖上自由移動，進入各個城鎮與迷宮。每個地點都有豐富的細節設計，包括自然風光、奇幻建築與生動的NPC互動。

迷宮與解謎:迷宮設計相當精巧，要解開各種機關與謎題才能前進。例如利用角色的特殊技能來觸發機關、破壞障礙物或解鎖通道，這增加探索的樂趣與挑戰性。

支線任務:除主線劇情外，也提供大量支線任務，包括尋找物品、討伐強敵、幫助城鎮居民等，這些任務不僅豐富遊戲內容，也讓角色成長更加多樣化。

當年在發售後獲得玩家與評論家的普遍好評，尤其是在劇情、角色塑造以及戰鬥系統方面表現亮眼。故事情節感人至深，艾斯貝爾與夥伴們之間的友情與成長讓人產生共鳴。尤其是蘇菲與拉姆達的角色設定充滿悲劇色彩，使整體劇情更具張力。戰鬥系統的創新受到廣泛讚譽，CC機制與步法系統讓戰鬥充滿策略性與動作感，帶來爽快的戰鬥體驗。雖然Wii平台的硬體性能有限，但畫面表現依然出色，充滿色彩鮮豔的奇幻風格。此外，音樂由系列著名作曲家櫻庭統負責，背景音樂大氣磅礡，成功營造出史詩般的氛圍。然而，同時也存在一些缺點，例如部分迷宮設計過於重複、支線任務流程略顯枯燥等。但這些問題並未影響遊戲整體的高水準表現。作為《傳奇》系列的佳作，以深刻的故事情感、富有創意的戰鬥系統與精美的畫面表現，成功吸引大量JRPG愛好者。即使在Wii平台上，依然展現高度的完成度與娛樂價值。雖然存在部分缺點，但其劇情與角色塑造的優異表現，使得《美德傳奇》成為系列粉絲心中的經典之一。

Tales of Graces is a role-playing game (JRPG) developed by Namco Tales Studio and released in 2009 for the Wii platform. As a significant entry in the Tales series, the game is celebrated for its themes of deep bonds of friendship, emotional storytelling, and innovative battle systems. It has been made available on multiple platforms, including Wii, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Windows.

The story is set in the fantasy world of Efinea, which is divided into three major nations: Windor, Stratha, and Fendel. These nations are locked in a tense struggle over limited resources. The narrative centers around Asbel Lhant, the eldest son of a border town lord in Windor. He shares a close bond with his younger brother, Hubert, and their childhood friend, Sophie. One day, during an unexpected incident, Asbel and his friends encounter a mysterious girl with no memory. They name her Sophie. However, tragedy strikes when Sophie sacrifices herself to protect Asbel, marking a turning point in his life.

Years later, now a young swordsman, Asbel returns to his hometown only to find it facing a grave crisis. To his shock, Sophie reappears, seemingly revived. This revelation ties into the emergence of a mysterious entity known as Lambda—a powerful being that threatens to consume the world. Determined to stop this catastrophe, Asbel embarks on an epic journey alongside his companions.

The story revolves around the theme of "protection," exploring the meaning of friendship, family, and responsibility. Asbel matures, learning the true essence of protecting those he cares about. The narrative is enriched by Sophie's enigmatic origins, the complex relationship between Asbel and Hubert, and the tragic backstory of Lambda, adding depth and emotional resonance.

Gameplay and Combat System

The game features an evolved version of the Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS), called the "Sofe Step Battle System." This real-time combat system blends action and strategy, delivering a fluid yet challenging experience. Players can freely control party members during battles to attack, defend, or evade.

Key Combat Features:

Dual Attack Modes:

A-Artes (Assault Artes): Simple combo attacks for rapid chaining.

B-Artes (Burst Artes): Powerful skills that consume energy but deal significant damage. Players must switch between these modes strategically and utilize the "Step" system to evade enemy attacks while creating counterattack opportunities.

Chain Capacity (CC) System: Every action in battle consumes CC points, similar to action points. Players must manage their CC to balance offense and defense efficiently. CC regenerates over time, encouraging tactical play and precise execution.

Mystic Artes: Characters can unleash powerful Mystic Artes or Hidden Artes through specific actions. These skills are not only visually spectacular but also game-changing in critical moments.

Title System: Character progression relies on the Title System, which allows players to unlock new abilities and stat enhancements by completing quests, battles, and exploration. This system provides significant customization options for character development.

The Wii version also integrates motion controls for simple commands, while traditional button inputs ensure smooth and accurate gameplay.

Exploration and Content

The game includes expansive maps, interactive towns, and intricately designed dungeons that blend exploration with puzzles.

World Map: Players can freely traverse the map, visiting towns and dungeons. Each location is richly detailed, featuring natural landscapes, fantastical architecture, and dynamic NPC interactions.

Dungeons and Puzzles: Dungeons are thoughtfully designed, requiring players to solve various mechanisms and puzzles to progress. Utilizing character-specific skills to activate switches, break obstacles, or unlock paths adds depth to the exploration.

Side Quests: The game offers a wide range of side quests, including item collection, monster hunting, and helping town residents. These quests enhance gameplay variety and contribute to character growth.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, Tales of Graces received widespread acclaim from players and critics, particularly for its storytelling, character development, and innovative battle system.

Story and Characters: The heartfelt narrative, focusing on the bonds between Asbel and his companions, resonated with players. The tragic yet compelling backgrounds of Sophie and Lambda added layers of emotional depth.

Combat System: The CC and Step systems brought a fresh sense of strategy and dynamism to battles, delivering a thrilling combat experience.

Visuals and Music: Despite the Wii's hardware limitations, the game featured vibrant visuals and a rich fantasy aesthetic. The soundtrack, composed by series veteran Motoi Sakuraba, complemented the epic scale of the story with powerful and atmospheric themes.

However, some criticisms were directed at repetitive dungeon designs and occasionally tedious side quest mechanics. Despite these shortcomings, the game's overall quality remained high, cementing its place as a standout title in the Tales series.

Conclusion

Tales of Graces is a masterpiece in the Tales franchise, praised for its emotionally driven narrative, creative battle mechanics, and polished presentation. Even on the Wii, the game demonstrated exceptional quality and entertainment value. While not without its flaws, the exceptional storytelling and character development have secured Tales of Graces as a beloved classic among JRPG enthusiasts and a cherished entry in the series.