[Update] Namco Bandai releases Tales of Phantasia on iOS for free
...but the IAP isn't what you'd think (Updated: Currently exclusive to North America)
Not to be outdone by Square Enix's mid-90's nostalgia, Namco Bandai slid a pleasant surprise onto the App Store - a completely free download of the classic RPG Tales of Phantasia.
Before you grab your torches and pitchforks, you can rest easy - this isn't a pay-per-chapter sort of game, and you don't need to pay to unlock anything.
In fact, Namco's pretty up front about the fact that you can play this classic "from start to finish" for free - assuming that you're online. You cannot play Phantasia unless you have an active internet connection.
If you're tempted to spend, you can buy completely optional power-ups that grant boosts such as being able to continue from the point that you died.
Now hear thisMore excitingly, this new version contains animation sequences along with Japanese voice-overs added for important events, main story cutscenes, and battles as well.
For those who felt a rush of euphoria over that start screen, skip down and click on the black button to download the game.
For those who need some background, Tales of Phantasia is the first installment in the sprawling Tales roleplaying franchise.
Phantasia follows the story of two young heroes, Cress and Chester, who find themselves wrapped up in a plot to resurrect the evil sorcerer king, Dhaos.
Turn-based battles, betrayal, and time-travel all ensue as the two young men learn that their struggle is part of a much bigger adventure.