Tales of Rebirth

Tales of Rebirth is another instalment in Namco's "Tales" series of RPG's, set in the kingdom of Karegia. Once again using Linear Motion Battle System for the random encounters, Tales of Rebirth expands on LMBS with the possibility of 3 separate "lines" characters can be on at one time. Tales of Rebirth also has a new "Force" feature, where characters in battle no longer have "TP" stats, and instead, special abilities are represented by 4 Force Gauges in the shape of a diamond next to the character's HP. When filled, the special connected to the Force Gauge in question will reap certain benefits, such as a larger amount of health being regained when using it, or dealing more damage.

Plot
In the kingdom of Karegia, the Humas and the Gajumas have lived in peace together for many years. However, after the death of the most recent king, his Force spread all over the world, causing devastation. In Sulz, a young man named Veigue was a victim of the king's force, and discovers the incident has awakened the power of Ice in him. However, Veigue's sudden awakening caused him to encase his close friend Claire in a large block of ice. A year later, Mao and Eugene come to meet him, and Veigue begins on his adventure...

In Tales of Rebirth, there are 2 primary races, Humas, and Gajumas. Humas are normal humans. Gajumas are humanoid animals, with the power of speech. Both share many similar traits, but have completely different looks. The two races have quite a bit of discrimination between them, but for the most part, live in harmony.

Playable Characters
Spoilers may be contained in the following paragraphs. Read at your own risk.

Veigue Lungberg

 * Race: Huma
 * Age: 18

Veigue, the main character, is a swordsman from the town of Sulz. Orphaned at a young age, he was adopted by Claire's parents, and lives with them. When Claire is kidnapped, Veigue begins on his journey to save her. Veigue has the power of Ice as his Force Power.

Veigue uses a large sword in combat, and uses a unique repertoire of Ice element techniques.

Mao

 * Race: Huma
 * Age: 13

Mao is the first character you will meet in Tales of Rebirth, along with Eugene. Living with no memories prior to meeting Eugene, Mao follows Eugene on his journey to recruit Force Users. Mao commands the power of Fire as his Force Power.

Fighting with Tonfas, Mao fills that niche between mage and attacker. Although he generally uses magic, used properly, Mao can do large amounts of damage physically as well.

Eugene Gallardo

 * Race: Gajuma
 * Age: 40

Eugene used to be the commander of the King's Royal Guard. But after Eugene killed Annie's father, he was kicked out of the Royal Guard, and travels with Mao in search of Force Users.

Fighting with a spear, Eugene is one of the more powerful characters in Tales of Rebirth, complete with a large HP stat.

Tytree Crowe

 * Race: Huma
 * Age: 17

After his sister gets kidnapped by the same people that kidnapped Claire, Tytree decides to join the party. Being very devoted to nature, he commands nature as his Force Power, although it is almost never used in battle. Very enthusiastic, Tytree adds some much needed comic relief to Veigue's group.

Tytree is the physical fighter of Tales of Rebirth. Fighting with his fists, he deals small amounts of damage, but attacks extremely quickly. Most of his techniques consists of martial arts moves.

Annie Barrs

 * Race: Huma
 * Age: 15

The daughter of Dr. Barrs, a renowned medical doctor, Annie has the Force Power to heal, but unfortunately suffers from some racial discrimination. She often refuses to treat Gajumas, mostly because Eugene killed her father.

Annie mostly uses her various healing techniques in battle, and wields a staff. However, most of her healing techniques merely increase the regeneration rate of the Force Gauge, or other small things.

Hilda Rhambling

 * Race: Huma/Gajuma
 * Age: 21

One of the other mages of Tales of Rebirth, Hilda is a oddity in the world of Karegia; she is the offspring of a Gajuma and a Huma. She tries to hide this by wearing a hat over her horns. Also orphaned at a young age, she initially intends to kill Veigue's group, until her benefactor betrays her, and she joins Veigue. She commands Thunder as her Force Power.

Hilda is the other mage of Tales of Rebirth, and a powerful one at that. She attacks with special cards called Tarot Cards, and learns many different magical techniques. However, she has the lowest HP stat in the game.