Tales of Graces Getting American Localization – Wii Owners Get Screwed Again

Alright, so here is something to ponder about localizing games that has absolutely nothing to do with Nintendo of America this time around. Something that shows just how little faith serious developers have in the present Wii product. Makoto Yoshizumi did a special interview in France over the weekend and had this to say about latest iteration of the Tales series:

“We wish to deliver the best and most complete experience for US and European fans, therefore we’re localizing Tales of Graces f. The game on the PS3 version is on a blu-ray disc. It would be next to impossible to condense all the game’s data on a Wii disc, so unfortunately, there will be no Wii release,” said Yoshizumi, Tales studio head

For those not aware because you haven’t even heard of any other Tales game outside of Tales of Symphonia back on the GCN, Tales of Graces was originally released on the Wii in Japan, and then later ported to the PS3 in an “updated version” that contained a higher resolution presentation and notably more content. Of course, that doesn’t really change the fact that Tales of Graces for the Wii was still a pretty solid experience regardless.

Don’t play the “localizing costs too much to do two different versions” game with me. If you wish to hold that card, I really suggest you check out the latest Jimquisition where he mentions how significantly smaller studios than that of Namco Bandai are localizing stuff all the time. Heck, it’s not even like the text doesn’t EXIST in English already, given that they plan to release it in English.

While the Wii version is generally considered the lesser of the two versions, the fact they don’t even think it’s worth bringing the Wii version over sure says a lot about what Namco really thinks of the Wii. This, despite the mountains of evidence that core titles DO sell decent on the Wii, especially compared to most of the shovelware. Tales has never really been one of those multi million game sellers, but it could of moved close to 200,000 or so if I had to guess for the Wii. Especially with it’s weak lineup (read, Skyward Sword and a little Kirby at some point). Seems like Nintendo of America isn’t the only ones giving up on one of the best selling console platforms of all time. Really sad to see the Wii heading out the door the way it is in the States with just no support.

Seriously. Did any of us expect anything less? After Nintendo of America has dropped support, this seems only natural. Up next, best selling franchise Just Dance moves to Kinect, abandons Wii audience despite record selling numbers. Declares Wii a “dead market”.

Source: IGN