Gamecube does not have a lot of RPG games. And some of them weren't really an rpg. But Tales of Symphonia is really an RPG.
Your mission is to protect the chosen Collette in her quest. So like all RPG's walk around, talk to people, battle, buy magical stuff, etc. But the different thing is the battle system. Is not a turn based RPG. You can walk in the battle area. Is more like the fighting games but in this one you have magical spells and that kind of stuff. And is really better then turned base. Also your party members help you fight the monsters. Now my only problem was that sometimes it just got way to difficult that you needed to heal a lot of times. And the game is very long.
The graphics are cell shaded like The Legend of Zelda the Wind Waker. But Zelda looks better. And the special effects are very well done.
The music is orchestrated like most RPG. And it haves well done sound effects. Almost forgot yes we have voice acting. The voices were very well done too.
It's sometimes difficult controlling at the beginning when you are battle. But you will get used to it later.
The game is very long that will keep you playing a long time. Almost like 80 hours of gameplay.
In the ends Tales of Symphonia has a cool battle system. And is the best RPG you can find in the Gamecube right now.