"Tales of Symphonia the Animation" is an adaptation of the popular role-playing game "Tales of Symphonia," produced by Ufotable and released as an OVA series. The story is set in the world of Sylvarant, a land suffering from a decline in mana, the life energy essential for survival. The inhabitants believe that the Chosen One, a figure destined to regenerate the world, will bring salvation. Lloyd Irving, a young swordsman, accompanies his childhood friend Colette Brunel, the Chosen One, on her journey to complete the Journey of World Regeneration. Alongside them are Genis Sage, a skilled magician and Lloyd’s best friend, and Raine Sage, Genis’s older sister and a knowledgeable scholar.
The group’s mission is to awaken the Summon Spirits and complete the seals required for Colette to ascend as an angel and restore the world. However, as they progress, they uncover unsettling truths about the nature of the regeneration process and the role of the Chosen One. They learn that Sylvarant’s regeneration comes at the expense of another world, Tethe’alla, which thrives as Sylvarant declines. This revelation forces the group to confront the moral implications of their quest and the broader conflict between the two worlds.
Key antagonists include Mithos Yggdrasill, the leader of the organization Cruxis, and his followers, who manipulate events to maintain control over both worlds. Mithos, once a hero who sought to end discrimination against half-elves, has become disillusioned and seeks to impose his vision of a perfect world. The group also encounters Kratos Aurion, a mysterious mercenary with a hidden connection to Lloyd, and Zelos Wilder, the Chosen One of Tethe’alla, who becomes both an ally and a rival.
The narrative explores themes of sacrifice, discrimination, and the consequences of idealism. The characters grapple with their personal motivations and the ethical dilemmas posed by their journey. Colette struggles with the physical and emotional toll of her transformation into an angel, while Lloyd evolves from a carefree youth into a determined leader. The series delves into the backstories of the main cast, revealing their connections to the larger conflict and their reasons for fighting.
As the story progresses, the group unites Sylvarant and Tethe’alla against Mithos’s plans, culminating in a confrontation that challenges their beliefs and resolves the fate of both worlds. The series maintains a focus on character development and interpersonal relationships, balancing action with emotional depth. The adaptation condenses the game’s expansive narrative into a cohesive storyline, emphasizing the central plot and key character arcs while retaining the core themes of the original work.