Welcome to the second article of Smashboards Character Analysis! These articles will not be looking at why a character is or isn’t likely, so please do not expect that going in. Instead, they will focus on how a character might play in Smash and how their series might be represented within the boundaries of the Fighter Pass. Previously, I focused on Doom Slayer and his game. This will be a two part series that focuses on Lloyd Irving from Tales of Symphonia.
”Lloyd Unites Smash!” A Lloyd Character Analysis
Introduction to Tales of Symphonia and Lloyd Irving
Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest may be responsible for starting the role-playing game genre, but there is one series that helped it grow: the Tales series. This series first appeared on the Super Nintendo with Tales of Phantasia and spawned sixteen main titles, with a new one coming in 2020. It deviated from traditional RPG turn-based battles to a linear motion battle system which allows players to freely move and attack. This was used a wide variety of RPG games including recent Final Fantasy. The series has grown larger over the years. Tales of Symphonia is the fifth game in the series and is largely seen as its break-out title in the West.
Lloyd Irving Character Overview
Lloyd Irving is the protagonist of Tales of Symphonia and is central to the story’s plot. Raised by his adoptive dwarven father, Lloyd travels with his good friend and “Chosen One,” Colette Brunel, as she sets off to save their dying world of Sylverant. Joining them is Lloyd's best friend Genis Sage, their teacher Raine Sage (who is also Genis’ sister), and the mysterious mercenary Kratos Aurion. Other members also join such as the flamboyant Zelos Wilder, a ninja named Sheena Fujibayashi, Regal Bryant the convict, and the ever quiet Presea Combatr. Together they learn about the mysteries of Sylverant and the alternate world, Tethe’alla, and those who control the worlds from the shadows.
In battle, Lloyd wields two swords, and his main focus is to link his attacks together to create powerful combos. Like in Smash, Tales of Symphonia's gameplay revolves around defeating opponents using a variety of attacks and techniques. Many of Lloyd’s attacks are about dealing multiple hits but lack the killing power of other characters. He can’t KO at low percentages and has to concentrate on racking up high amounts of damage quickly before trying to kill an opponent. In his game, Lloyd accessed different variations of his techniques by leveling up and meeting certain conditions. I tried adding this into his move set but decided not to as it felt awkward and unnatural. Technical Points, or TP, that are spent to perform powerful techniques and are a staple of the series. I decided to not include them in order to differentiate him from Hero. Without those character gimmicks, Lloyd is a rather straight-forward fighter who focuses on using an all-out offense while dealing multiple hits with his dual blades.
Lloyd Irving Specials and Final Smash
Neutral Special: Demon Fang/Fierce Demon Fang
Demon Fang is the first Arte that Lloyd learns, and it’s a mainstay within the Tales series. It’s a projectile fired from Lloyd’s blade that travels along the ground. It’s not particularly strong, but it's fairly safe to toss out and would be a good mind game tactic due to its low trajectory. It would function much like Cloud’s Beam Blade and Terry's Power Wave. In Tales of Symphonia, Lloyd couldn’t perform it in midair, so a more short-ranged variant such as Fierce Demon Fang would work fine. This is what happened with Terry, and considering it’s canon for Lloyd, it would make sense to give its aerial version the same treatment. Demon Fang wouldn’t be that strong with each attack dealing between 5-8%. The aerial version could be slightly stronger as a nod to the source material.
Side Special: Sword Rain
(Minus the Beta)
Lloyd launches a flurry of sword thrusts using his dual blades. This move would work well as both a combo starter or finisher because of its quick startup and attack speed. While this isn’t true to the source material, it would be a nice addition if mashing the special button during the attack animation increases the attack duration slightly. The attack does mediocre damage, but the sheer amount of attacks helps it rack up damage quickly. Each sword strike would do about 1.2% per hit with the attack landing 12 hits maximum. It could also help Lloyd stuff out approaches due with a massive wall of sword strikes.
Up Special: Tempest
This move is also called Tempest Strike. Lloyd jumps into the air, does several aerial somersaults, and slashes around him while airborne. The movement of this attack propels Lloyd at a forward diagonal angle, which gives him a great up special for both damage output and recovery ability. The attack has multiple hit boxes and deals around 4.4% per hit. However, it has the ability to trap and carry opponents while traveling thus increasing the number of hits. When I was planning Lloyd, Tempest was a toss up between Rising Falcon and Tiger Blade, which are two other techniques. In Rising Falcon, he jumps into the air and then strikes down at an angle. I decided to forgo this as I felt like it was too close to Terry’s Power Dunk. Tiger Blade is where Lloyd jumps straight into the air, does two slashes and then a final downward slash attack. While a good attack, I felt Tempest was the better recovery move due to the distance it covers and its hitbox radius.
Down Special: Beast
(Mostly the same minus spinning around with an axe)
Most of Lloyd’s moves focuses on utilizing rapid and sudden sword strikes in quick succession to rack up damage. Beast would be very different, it’s his most powerful move and has good killing potential. He slams his shoulder forward, releasing an energy blast in the shape of a lion. While the damage output is mediocre, it’s excellent at launching opponents even at low percentages and works great as a combo finisher to guarantee a kill. The shoulder slam could deal about 3% damage with the subsequent energy blast dealing up to 10% depending on how far the opponent is away.
Final Smash: Unison Attack
In order to capture the concept of the “party team,'' I decided to go with Unison Attack. This consists of several attacks performed by the whole party. When starting off, Lloyd will rush forward and strike, which catches the opponent in the Final Smash. There are two options that are randomly chosen prior:
Option A includes Collete, Raine, Genis, and Kratos. Collete performs Angel Feathers, causing pink feathers to strike the opponent multiple times. Raine then unleashes Holy Lance, which stabs the opponent multiple times with spears of light. Kratos then steps forward and casts Judgement, which sends out dozens of beams of light which crash into the opponent. Shortly following this, Genis summons Meteor Storm and hurls several meteors from the heavens into the opponent.
Option B includes Sheena, Zelos, Presea, and Regal. Regal rushes forward and performs Crescent Dark Moon where he kicks three times followed by a jumping crescent kick. Presea then appears and does Eternal Devastation, flipping and slamming her giant axe down into the ground onto the opponent. Zelos then comically rushes forward and flamboyantly casts Judgement, same as Kratos in Option A. Sheena then appears through a puff of smoke. She then uses Demon Seal, which causes a flurry of cards to spin around the opponent; damaging them all the while.
Regardless of which option is chosen, Lloyd will do the same attack at the end. Lloyd rushes forward and performs Falcon Crest. He summons the Material Blades and unleashes a spiraling wave of magic, which launches the opponent up. Following them upward, Lloyd merges the two swords into one, creating the Eternal Sword. He then charges his attack and performs a powerful slash attack downwards. This deals multiple hits of damage before launching the opponent or even possibly meteor smashing them. It would be a nice touch that, upon activating Falcon Crest, his original character banner shows up instead of his Ultimate one.
Classic Mode: Journey of Smash
In Tales of Symphonia, Lloyd and the party have to awaken the Summon Spirits to complete the Journey of Rejuvenation and, later, form pacts with said Spirits. This is in order for Lloyd to finally unite the two worlds of Sylvarant and Tethe'alla. The characters and stages that were chosen resemble the Summon Spirit and the area where they were battled.
Round 1 - Vs.
Gerudo Valley
References the first Summon Spirit, Efreet, who is the Spirit of Fire. It is fought in the Triet Ruins, a massive underground shrine located in the desert.
Round 2- Vs.
Delfino Plaza
Based on the second Summon Spirit, Undine, who is the spirit of water. Undine is fought in the Thoda Geyser, which is a part of a tourist hot springs resort.
Round 3 - Vs.
Skyloft
Based on the third Summon Spirit, Sylph, who is composed of three separate beings. Together, they are the Summon Spirit of wind. Each one wields a different weapon; a sword, a shield, and a bow. Fight the trio on top of the Balacruf Mausoleum.
Round 4 - Vs.
Find Mii
References the fourth Summon Spirit, Volt, the Spirit of lightning. It is a being composed of pure lightning, which slightly resembles Volt Tackle. It’s fought in the main room of the Temple of Lightning.
Round 5 -
Yggdrasil's Altar
Based off the final Summon Spirits, the Spirits of Light pair, Luna and Aska They are both fought on the top of the Tower of Mana and were the last ones fought.
Round 6 Vs
Green Greens
Slightly based off of Origin, the master of the summon spirits. He wields a sword in each of his four arms. He is fought in Torrent Forest, which rests in the hidden elven village of Heimdall. Kratos was also previously fought here by the party.
Final Round - Vs. Master Hand
Final Destination
While Master Hand may not physically resemble the end boss, Mithos Yggdrasil; it is still a divine being with immeasurable power and has had a “hand” in shaping the events in the game much like Mithos.
Victory Animations
One aspect about all Tales games are the interactive ending victory screens where party members have a small conversation. It would be amazing if other party members appeared rather than a traditional victory screen. Characters such as Genis, Collete, Raine, Kratos, and Presea could show up and provide interesting commentary! How cool would it be if the Dwarven vows showed up! Genis could say “Justice and love will always win!” with Lloyd replying, "I always hated that one."
Victory Theme
Lloyd Dialog
One unique aspect I think would be appropriate for Lloyd would be additional dialog for various character Gameplay elements, such as his entrance animations, being defeated, and so on. For example, when he first enters a fight or after respawning, he could say “Don’t let up!” or “Give it all you got!” After being KO’d, he could say “I’m sorry everyone…” or “I’m sorry, Dad.” When he KO’s an opponent, he could say “Eat this!”or “Out of my sight!” If another opponent respawns, he might say “Reinforcements, huh?” and, if he’s against many opponents, his line could be “Wow, there’s a lot of them!” Finally, when on a team, he could also say “Let’s go, guys!” or “I’m counting on you guys!” These are all quotes that could be taken from the source and repurposed for Smash, making it quite easy to implement!
Alternate Costumes
Red - Default
Yellow - Based on Colette
Purple - Based on Kratos
Blue - Based on Genus
Pink - Based on Presea
Black - Based on Yuri Lowell
White - His Noble Costume
Tan - His Swimwear Costume
Closing
That finishes Part 1 of the Lloyd Irving and Tales of Symphonia analysis. The Tales series is a huge series spanning multiple generations. While Lloyd is just one of many protagonists of the series, he is seen as being the main one, both in Japan and the West. Next time, we will take a look at Tales of Symphonia content within the Fighter Pass!
Author’s Note: I hope I did Lloyd and Tales justice in part one of my character and series analysis. Did you agree with how the character was implemented? Was there anything else you wanted to see? Let us know below!
”Lloyd Unites Smash!” A Lloyd Character Analysis
Introduction to Tales of Symphonia and Lloyd Irving
Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest may be responsible for starting the role-playing game genre, but there is one series that helped it grow: the Tales series. This series first appeared on the Super Nintendo with Tales of Phantasia and spawned sixteen main titles, with a new one coming in 2020. It deviated from traditional RPG turn-based battles to a linear motion battle system which allows players to freely move and attack. This was used a wide variety of RPG games including recent Final Fantasy. The series has grown larger over the years. Tales of Symphonia is the fifth game in the series and is largely seen as its break-out title in the West.
Lloyd Irving Character Overview
Lloyd Irving is the protagonist of Tales of Symphonia and is central to the story’s plot. Raised by his adoptive dwarven father, Lloyd travels with his good friend and “Chosen One,” Colette Brunel, as she sets off to save their dying world of Sylverant. Joining them is Lloyd's best friend Genis Sage, their teacher Raine Sage (who is also Genis’ sister), and the mysterious mercenary Kratos Aurion. Other members also join such as the flamboyant Zelos Wilder, a ninja named Sheena Fujibayashi, Regal Bryant the convict, and the ever quiet Presea Combatr. Together they learn about the mysteries of Sylverant and the alternate world, Tethe’alla, and those who control the worlds from the shadows.
In battle, Lloyd wields two swords, and his main focus is to link his attacks together to create powerful combos. Like in Smash, Tales of Symphonia's gameplay revolves around defeating opponents using a variety of attacks and techniques. Many of Lloyd’s attacks are about dealing multiple hits but lack the killing power of other characters. He can’t KO at low percentages and has to concentrate on racking up high amounts of damage quickly before trying to kill an opponent. In his game, Lloyd accessed different variations of his techniques by leveling up and meeting certain conditions. I tried adding this into his move set but decided not to as it felt awkward and unnatural. Technical Points, or TP, that are spent to perform powerful techniques and are a staple of the series. I decided to not include them in order to differentiate him from Hero. Without those character gimmicks, Lloyd is a rather straight-forward fighter who focuses on using an all-out offense while dealing multiple hits with his dual blades.
Lloyd Irving Specials and Final Smash
Neutral Special: Demon Fang/Fierce Demon Fang
Demon Fang is the first Arte that Lloyd learns, and it’s a mainstay within the Tales series. It’s a projectile fired from Lloyd’s blade that travels along the ground. It’s not particularly strong, but it's fairly safe to toss out and would be a good mind game tactic due to its low trajectory. It would function much like Cloud’s Beam Blade and Terry's Power Wave. In Tales of Symphonia, Lloyd couldn’t perform it in midair, so a more short-ranged variant such as Fierce Demon Fang would work fine. This is what happened with Terry, and considering it’s canon for Lloyd, it would make sense to give its aerial version the same treatment. Demon Fang wouldn’t be that strong with each attack dealing between 5-8%. The aerial version could be slightly stronger as a nod to the source material.
Side Special: Sword Rain
(Minus the Beta)
Lloyd launches a flurry of sword thrusts using his dual blades. This move would work well as both a combo starter or finisher because of its quick startup and attack speed. While this isn’t true to the source material, it would be a nice addition if mashing the special button during the attack animation increases the attack duration slightly. The attack does mediocre damage, but the sheer amount of attacks helps it rack up damage quickly. Each sword strike would do about 1.2% per hit with the attack landing 12 hits maximum. It could also help Lloyd stuff out approaches due with a massive wall of sword strikes.
Up Special: Tempest
This move is also called Tempest Strike. Lloyd jumps into the air, does several aerial somersaults, and slashes around him while airborne. The movement of this attack propels Lloyd at a forward diagonal angle, which gives him a great up special for both damage output and recovery ability. The attack has multiple hit boxes and deals around 4.4% per hit. However, it has the ability to trap and carry opponents while traveling thus increasing the number of hits. When I was planning Lloyd, Tempest was a toss up between Rising Falcon and Tiger Blade, which are two other techniques. In Rising Falcon, he jumps into the air and then strikes down at an angle. I decided to forgo this as I felt like it was too close to Terry’s Power Dunk. Tiger Blade is where Lloyd jumps straight into the air, does two slashes and then a final downward slash attack. While a good attack, I felt Tempest was the better recovery move due to the distance it covers and its hitbox radius.
Down Special: Beast
(Mostly the same minus spinning around with an axe)
Most of Lloyd’s moves focuses on utilizing rapid and sudden sword strikes in quick succession to rack up damage. Beast would be very different, it’s his most powerful move and has good killing potential. He slams his shoulder forward, releasing an energy blast in the shape of a lion. While the damage output is mediocre, it’s excellent at launching opponents even at low percentages and works great as a combo finisher to guarantee a kill. The shoulder slam could deal about 3% damage with the subsequent energy blast dealing up to 10% depending on how far the opponent is away.
Final Smash: Unison Attack
In order to capture the concept of the “party team,'' I decided to go with Unison Attack. This consists of several attacks performed by the whole party. When starting off, Lloyd will rush forward and strike, which catches the opponent in the Final Smash. There are two options that are randomly chosen prior:
Option A includes Collete, Raine, Genis, and Kratos. Collete performs Angel Feathers, causing pink feathers to strike the opponent multiple times. Raine then unleashes Holy Lance, which stabs the opponent multiple times with spears of light. Kratos then steps forward and casts Judgement, which sends out dozens of beams of light which crash into the opponent. Shortly following this, Genis summons Meteor Storm and hurls several meteors from the heavens into the opponent.
Option B includes Sheena, Zelos, Presea, and Regal. Regal rushes forward and performs Crescent Dark Moon where he kicks three times followed by a jumping crescent kick. Presea then appears and does Eternal Devastation, flipping and slamming her giant axe down into the ground onto the opponent. Zelos then comically rushes forward and flamboyantly casts Judgement, same as Kratos in Option A. Sheena then appears through a puff of smoke. She then uses Demon Seal, which causes a flurry of cards to spin around the opponent; damaging them all the while.
Regardless of which option is chosen, Lloyd will do the same attack at the end. Lloyd rushes forward and performs Falcon Crest. He summons the Material Blades and unleashes a spiraling wave of magic, which launches the opponent up. Following them upward, Lloyd merges the two swords into one, creating the Eternal Sword. He then charges his attack and performs a powerful slash attack downwards. This deals multiple hits of damage before launching the opponent or even possibly meteor smashing them. It would be a nice touch that, upon activating Falcon Crest, his original character banner shows up instead of his Ultimate one.
Classic Mode: Journey of Smash
In Tales of Symphonia, Lloyd and the party have to awaken the Summon Spirits to complete the Journey of Rejuvenation and, later, form pacts with said Spirits. This is in order for Lloyd to finally unite the two worlds of Sylvarant and Tethe'alla. The characters and stages that were chosen resemble the Summon Spirit and the area where they were battled.
Round 1 - Vs.
Gerudo Valley
References the first Summon Spirit, Efreet, who is the Spirit of Fire. It is fought in the Triet Ruins, a massive underground shrine located in the desert.
Round 2- Vs.
Delfino Plaza
Based on the second Summon Spirit, Undine, who is the spirit of water. Undine is fought in the Thoda Geyser, which is a part of a tourist hot springs resort.
Round 3 - Vs.
Skyloft
Based on the third Summon Spirit, Sylph, who is composed of three separate beings. Together, they are the Summon Spirit of wind. Each one wields a different weapon; a sword, a shield, and a bow. Fight the trio on top of the Balacruf Mausoleum.
Round 4 - Vs.
Find Mii
References the fourth Summon Spirit, Volt, the Spirit of lightning. It is a being composed of pure lightning, which slightly resembles Volt Tackle. It’s fought in the main room of the Temple of Lightning.
Round 5 -
Yggdrasil's Altar
Based off the final Summon Spirits, the Spirits of Light pair, Luna and Aska They are both fought on the top of the Tower of Mana and were the last ones fought.
Round 6 Vs
Green Greens
Slightly based off of Origin, the master of the summon spirits. He wields a sword in each of his four arms. He is fought in Torrent Forest, which rests in the hidden elven village of Heimdall. Kratos was also previously fought here by the party.
Final Round - Vs. Master Hand
Final Destination
While Master Hand may not physically resemble the end boss, Mithos Yggdrasil; it is still a divine being with immeasurable power and has had a “hand” in shaping the events in the game much like Mithos.
Victory Animations
One aspect about all Tales games are the interactive ending victory screens where party members have a small conversation. It would be amazing if other party members appeared rather than a traditional victory screen. Characters such as Genis, Collete, Raine, Kratos, and Presea could show up and provide interesting commentary! How cool would it be if the Dwarven vows showed up! Genis could say “Justice and love will always win!” with Lloyd replying, "I always hated that one."
Victory Theme
Lloyd Dialog
One unique aspect I think would be appropriate for Lloyd would be additional dialog for various character Gameplay elements, such as his entrance animations, being defeated, and so on. For example, when he first enters a fight or after respawning, he could say “Don’t let up!” or “Give it all you got!” After being KO’d, he could say “I’m sorry everyone…” or “I’m sorry, Dad.” When he KO’s an opponent, he could say “Eat this!”or “Out of my sight!” If another opponent respawns, he might say “Reinforcements, huh?” and, if he’s against many opponents, his line could be “Wow, there’s a lot of them!” Finally, when on a team, he could also say “Let’s go, guys!” or “I’m counting on you guys!” These are all quotes that could be taken from the source and repurposed for Smash, making it quite easy to implement!
Alternate Costumes
Red - Default
Yellow - Based on Colette
Purple - Based on Kratos
Blue - Based on Genus
Pink - Based on Presea
Black - Based on Yuri Lowell
White - His Noble Costume
Tan - His Swimwear Costume
Closing
That finishes Part 1 of the Lloyd Irving and Tales of Symphonia analysis. The Tales series is a huge series spanning multiple generations. While Lloyd is just one of many protagonists of the series, he is seen as being the main one, both in Japan and the West. Next time, we will take a look at Tales of Symphonia content within the Fighter Pass!
Author’s Note: I hope I did Lloyd and Tales justice in part one of my character and series analysis. Did you agree with how the character was implemented? Was there anything else you wanted to see? Let us know below!
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