Tales of Symphonia

[Sgt_Fox]

Yea I just got this game two days ago of but something about this game really disturbs me. Its really fun but the story line is all new age junk replaceing Jesus and copies lots from the Bible like the giant tower leading to heaven, doesnt that sound like the failed tower of babel? And what about the tree of life and all the rest of this kind of junk stealing ideas and witch craft. I was really looking foward to playing this game but all this just messed it up..
P.S. Roleplaying is a counterfit power from a fantasy world that makes you double minded(which is dangerous) and can lead you astray from the real power of the Lord.

[Nate]

1. Should go in the gamers section.

2. That's nothing new. Heck, Final Fantasy IV had the Tower of Babel in it, so did Final Fantasy Tactics (granted it was an Unexplored Land and had nothing to do with the storyline, but it was there). We've had this discussion before in a couple of gaming threads...go to the search feature and search for "Christian References in RPGs," or something like that. Christian references have been used in RPGs for quite some time.

At any rate, this game looks interesting, and has been suggested by many friends of mine. The character designs are done by Kosuke Fujishima, is his name? The same guy who does Ah! My Goddess. Might give me some time to kill before Wild ARMs Alter Code F comes out, at least.

[Sgt_Fox]

I thought this was a christian site you seem to be worshiping objets, and images.

In last post
*Ah! My Goddess. Might give me some time to kill before Wild ARMs Alter Code F comes out, at least.*

I like to draw anime and have for two years. But you are talking about these things like idols. Man all RPGs are sacreligious

[K. Ayato]

You say RPGing is evil, because it gets one involved in a fantasy word. Well, my friend, you or I can dwell in a fantasy world without having anything to do with playing an RPG. It's called IMAGINATION. I for one only see one true danger with imagination or RPG: Yes, it can become an idol if you don't balance time spent playing the game with time spent in the real world. Tied into that is the danger of blurring and in the end destroying the line between fantasy and reality.

I care nothing for RPGs myself, yet some do. It's not my place to forbid them to enjoy what they are interested in. Likewise, I come up with stories and characters, and those RPGers have no right to forbid me from doing what I enjoy.

From what you've posted, you've missed a lot of points, and frankly, you appear to be contradicting yourself.

[RoyalWing]

Sgt_Fox, try to leave your thought open and see what happens. I agree with mopilesuitpilot, but also, try to beat the game and see what happens! The whole view about the Goddess Martel really changes through out the story.

[Hitokiri]

I just finally beat the game after postponing to beat it and the views and beliefs do change in it concerning goddesses and such....however SGT_Fox, from your previous statements, I think you still will not like the story. I am replaying it again and thouroughly enjoying.

I personally don't take any of the fantasy elements seriously. I take them with a grain of salt and enjoy the game without diving to deep into the reasoning and belief system of the game. maybe I'm to lenient but I just don't waste my time worrying about stuff that doesn't affect me in the first place.

To say all RPG's are sacriligious is just irrational and cliche. They don't mean to be and th eonly reason they are to you is because you view them that way. i view them as a form of entertainment and nothing more. Plus thier are Christian RPG's and RPG's that don't focus on evil (like the Lord of the Rings pen and paper RPG I am in).

Though, it's one thing to have a healthy obsession on a certain game or anime or book, it should never take place of God nor spending time with him.

[Myoti]

1. Should go in the gamers section.

Well, it's kinda liek an anime... >.>

But yes, it's a great game and the story about the goddess and all changes towards the end. It's one of the most original story lines I've heard in awhile. Also, many of the details in the game are based of mythology.
Remember Yggdrasil? Yggdrasil is supposed to be (in Norse mythology, I believe) a giant tree that holds everything together, and in the game, he has a conection with the Mana Tree (not the Tree of life).
Anyways, just an interesting little tidbit.
The game is great and if you get turned off by the usage of 'RPG' or false deitys in a game, you could missing out on alot. As long as you realize it's just a game, there typically isn't a problem (that's where the controversy over D&D came from).

[Dark_angel]

I agree with Hitokiri. I have played the game twice now, and it's very good on the entertainment level. As long as one does not spend too much time to dwell on the games and other elements of fantasy, it will not become an idol. The topic has been discussed over many times, and it is said that you must balance your time accordingly. The elements of fantasy is everywhere, as long as you don't live them and become obsessed over it, it will do you no harm. RGPs are fun on an overall basis, but they become an issue if you begin to become a video game junkie.

[Hitokiri]

I would like to see a tales of Symphonia anime. The opening sequences and the in-game anime sequences are my favorite overall other games (and yes, over the Soul Calibur II opening sequence which was almost equally awesome but not quite).

[Dark_angel]

....that would be really cool, since it's already kinda like an anime in the first place. I wonder if it's based on anything, or if there's a manga like that, like with Kingdom Hearts...^__^ it would be really good though, and the music is awesome too.

[MasterDias]

This really should be moved to the gaming section. Seriously.

But, anyway...
If you are bothered that badly by fantasy elements, then just stay away from RPGs in general.

P.S. Roleplaying is a counterfit power from a fantasy world that makes you double minded(which is dangerous)

This doesn't really make any sense.

....that would be really cool, since it's already kinda like an anime in the first place. I wonder if it's based on anything, or if there's a manga like that, like with Kingdom Hearts...^__^ it would be really good though, and the music is awesome too.

I am unaware of any Tales of Symphonia anime or manga series.

There was a Tales of Eternia TV series and a Tales of Phantasia OAV. There were Tales of Destiny and Tales of Eternia manga series. So I suppose a Tales of Symphonia anime is technically possible should Namco desire one.

[K. Ayato]

This thread needs to be moved. Seriously.

[inkhana]

Thread moved.

I thought this was a christian site you seem to be worshiping objets, and images.

Sgt_Fox, do not start making accusations like that. You are new here, and you cannot possibly know the state of a person's heart, particularly based on one post from a person you've never met and also from which you seem to be twisting the meaning.

[Sgt_Fox]

It doesnt matter how new I am I have drawn anime for a long time and enjoy it. Ok well then would Jesus play this game in his spare time? Im sorry if my last post was offensive cause I had no idea so many people would respond like that I was tired yestreday.

[Nate]

Ok well then would Jesus play this game in his spare time?

*shrugs* Who knows? For that matter, would Jesus watch or play ANYTHING we do? Probably not. We're in a fallen world, and most things are tainted, even a lot of Christian shows, more than likely. So...it's really up to your personal convictions as to what to play. Tales of Symphonia, from what I've heard, probably wouldn't bother me at all...but it might bother someone else. So they shouldn't play it. But the person who doesn't play it shouldn't judge the one who does.

Because remember...

Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. - Romans 14:4

[K. Ayato]

Right on, kaemmerite! Oh, and Sgt. Fox, please try to refrain from posting if you're tired. I've had it happen to me in emails and conversations in real life. I understand if you've had a bad day, but that still doesn't give you the right to lash out. Please try to do better next time.

[Hitokiri]

It's not the RPG makes it bad (unless it is MADE or DESIGNED to take a evil look). I don't think Magic the Gathering or Dungeons and Dragons is bad in anyway.

However, it's the people who plays the aforementioned games and various others that makes the games "bad". People who lack a goo grasp of reality should avoid these games.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

how far are you into the game? Because it seems that you havent gone through the game far enough if you're gonna say "It's a big Christian rip-off"... I mean... SO many things are blatant Christian rip offs, including other games and animes. But if you cant handle it, then don't view things that offend you.

Simple as that

[Sgt_Fox]

I was never judging anybody. I was only warning you guys about a sacreligious game. I want you all to do some reseach on RPGs and to read the book of revelations about thoughs who steal stuff from the bible and use them in it. If we play play sacreligious games, listen to sacreliogious music, watch magik practices in anime forme through movies ,cartoons, games how are we different from the rest of the world. And we should not buy products and support them to make more of it.

To say that you cant handle RPGs and perverse pictures because your strong with faith is only a trap from Hell. Im gonna stick with Jesus and stay above the waves.

[Sgt_Fox]

Hitokiri: It's not the RPG makes it bad (unless it is MADE or DESIGNED to take a evil look).

Do you think Satan wants to look bad, do people want to do stuff that looks bad wouldnt people would avoid it or would he use perverse pictures that are pleaseing?

[Nate]

I was never judging anybody. I was only warning you guys about a sacreligious game. I want you all to do some reseach on RPGs and to read the book of revelations about thoughs who steal stuff from the bible and use them in it. If we play play sacreligious games, listen to sacreliogious music, watch magik practices in anime forme through movies ,cartoons, games how are we different from the rest of the world. And we should not buy products and support them to make more of it.

Okay, I wasn't gonna go here, I was going to keep quiet. But your ignorance has forced me.

What anime do you watch? If that anime has a single swear word, one violent act, one character having a perverse thought, one character lying, then guess what? IT'S SINFUL! Games are no different from anime. Name ONE anime with NO objectionable content. *waits for it* Yeah, I thought so. Even "innocent" anime like Snow Fairy Sugar has magic in it. So NO anime is safe to watch.

So if you're gonna pull this "holier-than-thou" crap on me, I'm gonna pull it right back on you.

Do research on RPGs? Dude, I've been playing RPGs my WHOLE LIFE. I've played them on SNES, on Playstation. I play D&D. And know what? My faith is stronger now than it's ever been, and I STILL play those things. Know why? Because it's JUST A GAME.

Oh, and I really like your last quote.

To say that you cant handle RPGs and perverse pictures because your strong with faith is only a trap from Hell. Im gonna stick with Jesus and stay above the waves.

I'm gonna assume you meant "can" instead of "can't." But ignoring your lack of proofreading, this is basically what you just said:

"I'm not judging anyone, but if you play RPGs you're not with Jesus!"

Do I sense a bit of contradiction there?

Whatever. You know, I'm sick of Christians who sit there and separate themselves from the world and badmouth every Christian who doesn't. God came into this world as a lowly human being to save us. He wasn't afraid to go into enemy territory to accomplish His mission.

IN the world, not OF the world. You are allowed to play RPGs, which are in the world, as long as they don't become a substitute for God (i.e. as long as they don't make you of their world).

One last thing, I'm not condemning you for not playing RPGs. If you don't want to play them, that's fine with me. More power to you. But do NOT badmouth people who do like it. You have NO right whatsoever, because the SECOND you watch an anime that has one character commit a sinful act, you are doing the EXACT same thing you're bashing RPG fans for, and that's called being a hypocrite. And last time I checked, Jesus condemned hypocrites. Oh yeah, it's right there:

How can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. - Luke 6:42

[Sparrowhawk]

Hey Sgt_Fox. I sent you a private message explaining the religion of games. You are new here so maybe you don't know. Go to user cp. and look for private messages. I sent you one explaining my views, which are probably shared by many here. Real quick I'll put one thing here that I put in there

I think its great you are so cautious, and i admire you for it and my views should not stop you if you believe you are right. However, you still cannot accuse others, cause as said earlier, you dont know us or our views really well. Thats why i sent that message to you, explaining mine. If you want to debate, I would recommend (if CAA allows it and if I may suggest) that you pm that person and you talk about it privately, not bash them on forums.

Like I'm said, glad your so cautious, but one role Jesus played was He came to them, but it was up to them if He changed them. So, try to not accuse and if you want to discuss views, learn the other person's first and do it privately.

[K. Ayato]

You hit the nail right on the head, Sparrowhawk. Both you and kaemmerite. If you want to continue a debate/bashing, then do it through PM. We don't need you or anyone to drag other innocent members into this.

[Sparrowhawk]

Thanks for the back up mobilesuitpilot. One last thing to clear up here. I called you "new" Sgt_Fox, and by join date I'm newer. Which was what i wanted to say. I'm new too. I'm very protective of my beliefs, and the reason i want to talk is you remind me a lot of myself before I toned down a bit. When your new, its best to learn your situation before jumping in.

I would love to talk to you. If you know you are right, you should be open minded because the facts will prove it in the end. Also remember when your debating, that your a Christian. Duh right? lemme explain

I'm no where near perfect at this but... being a Christian means surrendering to God. Surrendering...admitting you were wrong. Approach the debate the same way. Full of confidence that you are right, but be on the lookout. I try to listen to everybody because being a Christian isn't about being right...its about becoming right with God. So I will listen to you if you are willing to listen to me. And who knows? Neither may change, but I will sincerely listen, cause i dont want to be sinful in ignorance so i will listen to different ideas than mine.

[Sgt_Fox]

I dont want to hurt anyones feelings. I just want to no what is right and wrong, I am struggling with life because my parents are separating.And my heart has gone hard and cold for i am struglling with lust and addiction. My heart is dieing... Please pray for me...

[Sgt_Fox]

please forgive me everyone

[K. Ayato]

Hey, it's ok, pal. Tell you what, if you're in doubt about posting something here on CAA, send it in a PM to me or one of us, and we'll look it over and give you feedback.

Sorry about your struggles. Maybe you can discuss 'em in the Prayer Room .

[Sparrowhawk]

Hey Sgt_Fox its ok. and what do you know. I made a mistake on this forum. I said something that could be taken the wrong way.

I said Christianity is about becoming right with God. That's not very clear. You become right with God (atoned) the instant you become a Christian. I meant the journey of your walk, learning to live the way He wants. That's what i meant by becoming right with God.

See? No probs here. And I'm sorry about your parents. I will pray for you and your parents. God has a purpose for everything. I hope you will forgive ME if i came on a little strong (i try to avoid it, but I sometimes fail and never realize it even afterwards). I wish you well.

[Myoti]

Actually, I heard that "Tales of Eternia" was an anime. Still, one based of Symphonia would .

[Mr. SmartyPants]

its all good sgt_fox