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Namco has gotten a reputation for exploiting DLC more than most developers, and this current development really doesn’t do anything to help that image. In Tales of Vesperia, you can literally pay to get in-game gold, levels, and skill sets. Kotaku got someone to translate this screenshot, although at this point we only know what five out of the 18 items are:

• LV Up +10 (1) 300 Microsoft Points
• LV Up +5 (1) 200 Microsoft Points
• 300,000 Gald (1) 300 Microsoft Points
• Skill sets 80 Microsoft Points
• HP Recovery Cuisine Recipe Set 100 Microsoft Points

I can’t say the prices are unreasonable, but the idea in and of itself is depressing. Giving players the option to pay to get ahead is a shameless way to get money, and also encourages laziness and passive consumption. But hey, for those of you who don’t actually like playing video games, knock yourselves out.

[Kotaku]

This picture shows the sizeable line of eager fans waiting to get their hands on Tales of Vesperia, showing that Microsoft’s console does have a few killer apps when it comes to the land of the rising sun. I’m assuming they’ll also line up for Infinite Undiscovery in much the same way.

Due mostly to this juggernaut release, a “steady stream” of 360s are being sold in Japan now, signaling a change from the old days when lonely dogs would unsuccessfully try to sell Bioshock on the street corners of Japan.

[Destructoid]

This year is filled with great news for Tales fans. On top of the upcoming release of not one, but two Tales titles as well as the ongoing translation project of Tales of Innocence for DS, MOONPHASE reports that rumors of a Tales of the Abyss OVA have been debunked in favor a full TV run akin to Tales of Eternia’s.

The relatively unknown director Kanetsugu Kodama (a few Conan movies) will be taking the helm, and the animation will be produced by Sunrise. Whether or not the original cast will be returning to their former roles is unknown, but likely given the cast of previous Tales animations.

[MOONPHASE]