If you’ve played Tales of Graces f, you know the deal. Richard is that childhood friend who starts out as a beacon of hope and ends up trying to unmake the world. He’s the crown prince of Windor, a guy who basically wanted to be a good ruler but got dealt the worst hand possible by fate and a very specific cosmic parasite named Lambda.
Honestly? Most people remember him for being the "possessed" villain. But there’s so much more to him, especially when you look at how he plays in the Lineage and Legacies arc.
The Tragedy of the "Eternal Pact"
Richard isn't just a plot device. He's the emotional anchor for Asbel Lhant, the main protagonist. When they were kids, they made a literal blood pact. It was supposed to be "friends forever," but then adult reality hit like a freight train. Richard’s father gets murdered by his own uncle, Cedric. Imagine being a teenager, hunted by your family, and having to hide in catacombs.
That kind of trauma leaves a mark.
By the time Asbel finds him again, Richard is different. He’s colder. He’s sharp. You can see the shift in his eyes—literally. The character designer, Mutsumi Inomata, did this thing where Richard’s pupils change depending on how much Lambda is influencing him. It’s subtle, but it’s there.
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One of the most chilling moments is during the reclamation of Windor Castle. Richard doesn't just kill Cedric; he keeps stabbing the body long after the guy is dead. It’s a moment that makes you realize the "sweet prince" is long gone.
Why the Dub Matters
David Vincent voices Richard in the English version, and he brings this weird, theatrical energy to it. Apparently, the voice director (Wendee Lee) told him to do it "more Shatner." It sounds odd at first, with these stilted pauses, but it actually fits a guy who is constantly fighting an alien consciousness for control of his own vocal cords.
Playing as Richard: More Than Just a Magic Knight
For the longest time, Richard was just a "guest" character. You got to use him for a bit in the early game, then he became the final boss. But when Tales of Graces f released on PS3 (and now the 2025/2026 Remaster), he became a full party member in the post-game arc.
He is, without a doubt, one of the most technical characters in the game. He uses a rapier and heavy magic, making him a "Magic Knight" archetype.
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The Combat Loop
If you want to actually win with him on Chaos difficulty, you can't just mash buttons. Richard is frail. He’s a glass cannon.
- A-Artes for Speed: His physical attacks are meant to reduce the casting time of his B-Artes (spells).
- Vengeant Fangs is King: This is his best spell. It’s fast, hits a wide area, and picks up downed enemies.
- Shooting Stars: This is his "delete button." In Accel Mode, he can spam this to stunlock the entire battlefield.
A lot of players overlook him because Malik or Pascal seem like better mages, but Richard has the best "flow." Once you get into a rhythm with his Soul Resonance and Accel Mode, he feels untouchable. The problem is his AI. If you let the computer control Richard, he will probably die in thirty seconds. He’s a character that demands a human at the wheel.
The Lambda Connection
We have to talk about Lambda. This isn't just a generic "demon possession." Lambda is a lifeform that was experimented on and discarded, much like Richard felt discarded by his kingdom. They bonded because they were both lonely.
It’s actually kinda poetic. Richard didn't just get possessed; he found a kindred spirit in the worst possible way. In the Lineage and Legacies story, they finally reach an understanding. Instead of just "killing the monster," the game explores how they can coexist. This is why Richard is so unique compared to other JRPG villains who just vanish once the credits roll.
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Essential Tips for Using Richard in the Remaster
If you’re picking up the Remastered version of Tales of Graces f, you'll find Richard is much more accessible than he was back on the PS3. Here is how you actually make him viable:
- Focus on the "RP" Titles: You can get "Narikiri" (Roleplay) dolls that let other characters look and play like Richard. But for the man himself, focus on titles that boost his Accuracy. If he doesn't hit, he doesn't get CC (Chain Capacity) back, and his combo dies.
- Don't ignore his "Rising Phoenix": It’s a 4CC A-Arte that doubles as a movement tool. Use it to reposition yourself away from the center of the fray before you start a long spell cast like Shade Imperial.
- Accel Mode Timing: Don't waste his Accel on weak mobs. Save it for bosses. When it's active, his casting time is halved. This is the only way to safely get off spells like Holy Lance without getting interrupted.
Richard represents everything that makes Tales of Graces great—it’s a story about friendship that gets messy, ugly, and then eventually heals. He isn't a perfect person, and he isn't a perfect hero. He’s a guy who messed up, lost his mind, and spent the rest of his life trying to make it right with the people who never gave up on him.
Actionable Next Steps:
To maximize Richard's potential, focus on mastering his Vengeant Fangs spell immediately upon unlocking him in the Lineage and Legacies arc. Since his AI is notoriously poor at managing distance, set his tactical settings to "Aim for Distance" or manually control him during boss fights to utilize his Shooting Stars stunlock. If you are playing the Remaster, ensure you carry over his Accel Gauge into New Game Plus to bypass his early-game limitations.