In Tales Of Symphonia, increasing your health is easier than increasing your Tech Points. Most items replenish only some of a character's TP or HP. Stock up on Life Bottles, which revive a fallen teammate, and Orange Gels, which restore 30% of a member's Tech Points.

When you defeat certain creatures, you pick up Quartz stones. Use these in battle to add an elemental bonus (water, fire and the like) to a party member's weapon. For example, if you add the Quartz of Fire to your sword, you'll inflict more damage on water-based creatures. Using a Magic Lens allows you to see how much health and Tech Points an opponent has left. It's particularly valuable against bosses.

The unusual All-Divide item reduces all damage inflicted during battle by 50 percent. This applies to both your and your enemy's attacks. If nothing else, this item keeps members of your team from getting wiped out with one fell swoop. It lengthens the battle, but that works in your favor if you're well stocked with items.