Tales of Xillia 2 will release in the West in late August, Bandai Namco has announced. A direct sequel to the first Tales of Xillia, the PS3-exclusive JRPG will be released on August 19 in the US and on August 22 in Europe. Tales of Xillia 2 was released in Japan on November 1 2012 and features "brand new characters" in a story that spans "multiple dimensions", as stated in its original announcement. Players take control of young chef Ludger Kresnik who quickly puts his knives to work for more monumental tasks than preparing meals at a local cafeteria. Bandai Namco emphasized that choices made both inside and out of combat will shape the path of the game, which takes place "a year after the climactic end of Tales of Xillia." Bandai Namco has also revealed a $129.99 Collector's Edition for the game. It includes a Ludger figure, a replica pocket-watch (one of the game's key objects), a key charm and metal case modelled after Ludger's cat Rollo, an art book, a music CD, and exclusive costume DLC modelled after Tales of Vesperia, Symphonia Chronicles, and Graces F characters. The publisher also announced on Tuesday that Tales of Hearts R will release on PS Vita in North America this winter. European dates have yet to be confirmed. Source - CVG
