Bandai Namco has done it again.

The developer announced that Tales of Xillia would be next in the long-running franchise to get the remaster treatment. While many complain, I think these remasters offer a great way to experience older games that often seem lost to time.

Furthermore, it provides newcomers a chance to enjoy something they might not otherwise pick up. It is here where Tales of Xillia remastered, and other similar rereleases, will always be a welcome sight for me.

Many may see remasters as a cheap way to get money, and often that can be true. I, however, also see them as more opportunities for newcomers.

It adds diversity to a franchise with games that are aimed for a more modern audience. If you were interested in the Tales of franchise, your options would be limited to Tales of Arise, or Tales of Berseria if you want to go back a bit further, as your modern options for the franchise.

With remasters, those wanting to try the franchise can also dive into Tales of Vesperia, Tales of Graces F, and Tales of Symphonia, adding a wider array of choices to newcomers to try. This bodes well for a franchise.

There’s always hesitation to try something new, and the unknown of a new game can be daunting for newcomers. Remastered titles provide that middle ground that can give players a chance to try a franchise without diving completely into something new.

That said, it’s not a bad idea to try the most recent option, but it can help knowing there is variety so you can find the game that works for you. Furthermore, it helps to have myriad options available for newcomers after they try their first one.

Of course, it can add the stress of where to start in a new franchise. This is always a somewhat petrifying prospect for me as I consider a new franchise.

Still, I would rather have multiple options to pick from so I can get a more well-rounded view. It can also help set me up for future games in that franchise.

Capcom’s Monster Hunter saw its two Stories games rereleased for fans ahead of the recent announcement of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Those remasters could help set this game up for success because it brought in new fans.

Newcomers can be a little hesitant when it comes to new games. A lack of reviews or friend recommendations can make it daunting. Remasters don’t have that issue because there is likely someone out there ready to sing a game’s praises.

That adoration may not carry over to the remaster, but newcomers can at least know that the base game had love. If that game is never brought forward, those looking to try something new may feel left out like they are missing something.

Now, newcomers are not the end all in these decisions, nor should they be. That said, remasters still present a great opportunity for people to try something new and that applies to any one.

We all have times when we want to try something new but don’t know where to go. That is where a remaster can come in.

What about you? Do you think remasters can make trying a new franchise either? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.

Featured Image: Bandai Namco (via Polygon)

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