Preview

Cless, a swordsman, and Mint, a Healer, are sent hurriedly back in time to try and find how their parents once imprisoned the evil sorcerer Dhaos, who is about to get loose on their present time. In their adventure to the past, they will find many adventurers to join their cause, and will learn how their parents defeated Dhaos, and thus how they can get back to present time and repeat the feat.

Pacing

Tales of Phantasia manages to get all basic elements of a RPG game and port it nicely to an anime. Each 'Class' is represented by a character which joins the party (literally) at their quest (literally) to find the mysteries of Dhaos and thus save their world - and meanwhile, they also have to find a way to get back to their timeline.

The plot focuses lightly on Cless and Mint, but also manages to get a glimpse of the other characters, however in only 4 episodes to present an epic battle in two timelines, little time is left for character development in the mist of battles, adventures and discoveries.

Conclusion

A fun and entertaining title, it does not go beyond it's premise. With the exact size not to drag too much, Tales of Phantasia is a nice title on the 'RPG' style and for all fans of medieval / mystical creatures 'epic' plots.

If you were to draw comparisons, one might say that Tales of Phantasia is a well done version of Ragnarok - the animation: without delays and dragging, just the right measure.