Eliot Gay of Japanator writes:
"Animated films and TV series based off of video game properties rarely do a good job of representing their source material. Either the production focuses too hard on the fanservice or it tells a story too unrelated for fans to identify with the characters and universe. The First Strike hits the sweet spot in that it dives into the past of two of the most beloved characters from the game, telling a smaller, more personal tale. In doing so, director Kanta Kamei and his crew have created a film that fans and non-fans alike can enjoy.
Pick this one up if you're a serious Tales of Vesperia fan or you just a dig a good fantasy romp."
