Tales of Xillia 2 expands its combat and adds new characters

Famitsu released screenshots for the newly announced Tales of Xillia 2 revealing tidbits of information that's both exciting and remeniscent for the series. Link Artes will be making a return in the series but will be set up a bit differently this time around. Split up in to Common and Unique, the former will allow linked characters to perform artes regardless of the pairing. The Unique Link Artes require specific linked characters to perform a certain Arte. Hopefully this feature will overcome the limited amount of Link Artes that players could perform in its predecessor. 

Alvin and Leia will making their return in Xillia 2 as playable characters. While they will play similar to their previous counterparts they will have new Artes and Link Artes available to them. In addition to the Link Artes, it seems like the weakness system from Tales of Graces will be added into Xillia 2's combat. This means that enemies will have a variety of weaknesses and by stacking them up, players can dish out heavier damage. 

The newer cast of characters include Ludger's brother Julius and his former classmate Nova, who works at a bank. Although it's uncertain if they will be playable or not, it seems as though these two characters will play a pivotal role in Xillia 2's narrative. 

Tales of Xillia 2 is a direct sequel to Tales of Xillia set a few years after its ending. The game will center Ludger Wil Kresnik as he travels around the technologically advanced world Elenpios. Look forward to more information and media about Tales of Xillia 2 at RPG Site in the future.