With a low turnout of JRPGs in the Western market these days, it sometimes can come as surprise and joy when one is announced for a Western release. Well, another one is heading our way- Tales of Xillia.

Namco Bandai announced today that they would be bringing the latest edition in the famed Tales series to North America. The decision was made based on the sales figures and reception of Tales of Graces f on the PS3 and Tales of the Abyss for the 3DS- both released early this year.

Tales of Xillia will focus on two characters: Jude Mathis, a medical student, and Millia Maxwell, a woman who is being followed by unknown elements. You’ll be able to choose who you want to be of the two from the onset as you travel the world of Rieze Maxia, a world in which the living and dead collide in some form of ethereal connection. The story will focus on the Rashugal Kingdom using a device to drain the mana from the world (Tales of Symphonia-esqe). Jude and Millia will set forth to help solve the problem before it’s too late with their paths eventually converging.

The Linear Motion Battle System is expected to return, but it will be slightly upgraded to Double Raid Linear Motion Battle System where characters can learn and perform dual skills in battle.

The game is expected to be released in 2013 exclusively for the PS3. Expect this here writer to be picking it up despite the difficulty I have with this series (seriously…it’s pretty much the hardest JRPG series I’ve played).

What about you all? What are your comments on the release of the next Tales game?