Tales of Xillia has three types of skits, real-time party swapping

Tales of Xillia will have three forms of skits, the latest issue of Famitsu’s revealed. Skits, as featured in past Tales games, are conversation carried out between characters outside of cut scenes. In Xillia, skits include Fighting Chat, Long Chat and Short Chat.

Fighting chat is held during battle. In the upper left corner of the screen, you’ll see the characters talking to each other, displaying their respective anime portraits next to the dialogue.

Long chat is the same old type of skit from past Tales games. An icon will appear on the screen while you’re on the field, initiating anime portrait character dialogue.

Short Chat is available when you’re on the move. A character icon with text will appear in the lower left corner of the screen.

Xillia also offers real-time party switching. While in battle, players can swap out a character in battle for a character in the reserve. In the magazine, we see Jude come in and take over for Mira. The switch triggers some Fighting Chat with Jude saying stuff as he switches in.

Character swapping only works on characters whom are alive. If you’ve a dead character in battle, you won’t be able to switch them out.

Scans from the feature can be found below.

Thanks, Andriasang.