Tales of Symphonia is one of the biggest GameCube releases in 2004, which is appropriate since the game itself is a two-disc, 60-hour behemoth RPG. The game features a large ensemble cast of major characters, each one slowly and meticulously realized through some of the best character development yet seen in a video game.

Of course, we realize that many of our readers wish to avoid spoiling the game's plot, and these character profiles have been carefully tailored to avoid giving out sensitive information if at all possible. To this end, there is little or no information given on each character's background. Many of characters are very mysterious and only reveal or learn their personal histories through many hours of in-game storytelling. We have focused only on each character's fighting style, suggested battle strategies, and personality traits.

But, if you're still antsy about spoilers, you can look at these profiles in two groups. The first group, Lloyd through Kratos, includes only those characters you meet and control at the beginning of the game (within the first hour or two of playing). The remaining four characters join your party much later in the game, so extreme spoiler-avoiders can simply not read those pages of the feature.

For a ton of additional Tales of Symphonia coverage, including dozens of screenshots and gameplay movies, detailed hands-on impressions of the English version, and a full review of the Japanese version, check out our Tales of Symphonia Game Profile.