Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition Yuri Voice Actor Troy Baker Replaced for New Lines
Troy Baker, renowned video game voice actor and the voice of Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition protagonist Yuri, was replaced for all new recordings and lines with the remaster. Baker himself confirmed that he had not been contacted by publisher Bandai Namco for recording the new scenes that will be in the Definitive Edition of the upcoming JRPG.
This was initially discovered by Twitter user Featherhoof, who noticed that in the most recent video from PS360HD showcasing seven minutes of new Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition gameplay that the voice noticeably changes in the scene in the forest with Patty. While the replacement does a great job of attempting Baker’s deep voice, it is clear that it isn’t him. It’s worth noting that all of Baker’s original lines do seem to remain in the game.
Troy Baker then responded to Featherhoof’s tweet, retweeting and confirming that he wasn’t approached about recording any new lines. Baker notes that he is “pretty gutted” by not reprising his role as Yuri in Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition, as he “would’ve jumped at the chance to step into those boots again.”
What makes it more bizarre is that other party members in that same scene with Patty seem to have the exact same voices as the initial 2008 Xbox 360 title. The only one that has changed since then is the protagonist Yuri himself. Bandai Namco has yet to comment on this odd matter. With Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition releasing early next year, it is doubtful that Baker will be brought back to reprise the role.
Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition releases for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC on January 11, 2019. This remastered version of the game will come with enhanced visuals, online scoring, all content that was previously locked to the Japan-exclusive PS3 version, and the ability to switch between the original Japanese voiceover and the English one.