Tales of Arise! A Breathtaking JRPG Adventure with Deep Moral Conflicts!

“Tales of Arise” isn’t just another entry in the long-running “Tales” franchise; it’s a revival, a reimagining that breathes new life into the series while staying true to its core values. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, this action RPG launched on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in September 2021.
From the outset, “Tales of Arise” grabs you with its stunning visuals. The world of Dahna is a vibrant tapestry of rolling plains, snow-capped mountains, and bustling cities, all rendered in breathtaking detail thanks to Unreal Engine 4. Character designs are equally impressive, reflecting both the distinct personalities of the party members and the overall stylistic flair of the game.
But “Tales of Arise” goes beyond mere aesthetics; it boasts a captivating story that explores complex themes of oppression, freedom, and the cyclical nature of violence. The narrative centers around two protagonists: Alphen, an amnesiac Ironblood slave bearing a mysterious flaming sword, and Shionne, a Renan woman with a curse that causes pain to those around her. Their paths intertwine as they fight to liberate Dahna from the tyrannical rule of Rena, a technologically advanced nation that has been exploiting Dahna’s resources for centuries.
The story unfolds through beautifully animated cutscenes and engaging in-game dialogue, drawing players into a world where morality isn’t black and white. Both Alphen and Shionne grapple with their own inner demons while confronting the complexities of a conflict that spans generations. The supporting cast is equally compelling, each member bringing their unique skills, motivations, and perspectives to the table.
Gameplay: Mastering the Artes and Forging Bonds
“Tales of Arise” retains the series’ signature action-based combat system but with significant refinements. Battles are fast-paced and exhilarating, allowing players to seamlessly chain together attacks, artes (special abilities), and Boost Strikes for devastating combos. The game introduces a new “Boost Attack” mechanic that allows characters to unleash powerful attacks by temporarily consuming their Boost Gauge, adding an extra layer of strategic depth to combat encounters.
Each party member wields a distinct weapon type and possesses unique artes, encouraging players to experiment with different combinations and find the playstyle that suits them best. As you progress through the game, your characters will gain access to new artes and abilities, allowing you to customize their combat roles and create powerful synergies within your team.
Beyond its captivating combat system, “Tales of Arise” emphasizes the importance of relationships between party members. Through engaging dialogue scenes and optional side quests, players can deepen the bonds between their companions, unlocking unique benefits in battle and gaining a deeper understanding of each character’s backstory and motivations.
Exploration and Side Quests: Unveiling the Secrets of Dahna
While “Tales of Arise” offers a compelling main storyline, it also encourages exploration and rewards those who delve into its world.
Dahna is a vast and diverse world brimming with hidden secrets, optional dungeons, and challenging side quests. Completing these side quests not only provides valuable experience points and rare items but also reveals fascinating lore and insights into the history of Dahna and its people.
Sound and Music: A Sonic Landscape that Enhances the Experience
“Tales of Arise” boasts a beautiful soundtrack composed by Motoi Sakuraba, a renowned composer known for his work on numerous JRPGs, including other entries in the “Tales” series. The music perfectly captures the emotional depth of the game’s story, ranging from soaring orchestral pieces during dramatic battles to poignant melodies that underscore moments of reflection and character development.
The voice acting is equally impressive, with a talented cast bringing the characters of “Tales of Arise” to life. Each character’s voice reflects their personality and motivations, further enhancing the immersion and emotional connection players feel with the story.
Key Features:
- Stunning Graphics: Experience the world of Dahna in breathtaking detail thanks to Unreal Engine 4.
- Captivating Story: Engage with a complex narrative that explores themes of oppression, freedom, and the cyclical nature of violence.
- Fast-Paced Action Combat: Master the “Artes” system and unleash devastating combos with your party members.
- Deep Character Relationships: Strengthen bonds between your companions through engaging dialogue and side quests.
- Vast World to Explore: Discover hidden secrets, optional dungeons, and challenging side quests across Dahna’s diverse landscapes.
Table: Party Members and their Weapon Types:
Character | Weapon Type | Description |
---|---|---|
Alphen | Sword & Arm Blades | A powerful amnesiac Ironblood slave with a mysterious flaming sword. |
Shionne | Guns | A Renan woman burdened by a curse that causes pain to those around her. |
Rinwell | Staff | A young Dahnan mage with a strong sense of justice and a sharp wit. |
Law | Axe & Bow | A stoic and honorable Dahnan warrior who seeks to protect his people. |
Kisara | Dual Daggers | A skilled and agile Renan assassin who joins the party for her own mysterious reasons. |
Dohalim | Whip | A wise and benevolent Renan nobleman with a strong connection to Dahna’s history. |
“Tales of Arise” is more than just a game; it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve put down the controller. Its breathtaking visuals, captivating story, engaging combat system, and memorable characters combine to create a truly unforgettable JRPG adventure.
So, if you’re looking for a game that will immerse you in a rich world, challenge your skills, and leave you contemplating the complex nature of humanity, then look no further than “Tales of Arise.”