Tales of Rebirth

PS2 installment in Namco's "Tales" RPG franchise. The game uses 2D sprites on 3D backdrops in order to give the game a more hand-drawn look, while still allowing to switch from a standard quarter view of towns to a close-up side view. Outside the sprites, everything is in full polygonal 3D. The game features an all-new battle system. Called the "Three Line Linear Motion" system, it places enemies and allies on three different planes. Characters can switch between these planes making character positioning a greater element of battle strategy. You'll have to decide to position party members on different lines or place them all on the same line for fighting that more closely resembles that of other entries in the series. A new Force Gauge replaces the Technical Points from previous Tales games.