What is Tales of Arise?

Key Highlights

1. Tales of Arise is a Japanese action role-playing game developed by Bandai Namco Studios

2. Presents a captivating storyline that follows the journey of protagonists Alphen and Shionne

3. Features a dynamic combat system referred to as the “Linear Motion Battle System” that delivers fast-paced and engaging battles

4. Takes players on a visual journey with stunning graphics and environments

5. Offers a beautiful soundtrack composed by Motoi Sakuraba and Go Shiina, renowned for their work on previous Tales games.

Introduction

Tales of Arise (テイルズ オブ アライズ, pronounced as Teiruzu obu Araizu) is an action role-playing game set to be released in September 2021. It is made and shared by Bandai Namco Entertainment. In this game, players go on an exciting journey through the different worlds of Dahna and Rena. This is the seventeenth game in the popular Tales series. Tales of Arise captures attention with its beautiful graphics, strong story, and fun gameplay.

Overview of Tales of Arise

Tales of Arise takes place in a world that is split in two. The high-tech Renans have harshly taken control of the people of Dahna, stripping people of their dignity and making them their slaves. Players take on the roles of Alphen, a man from Dahna who can’t remember his past and can’t feel pain, and Shionne, a noblewoman from Renan. She is cursed with thorns that hurt anyone she touches. Together, they go on a dangerous journey to end the harsh rule of the Renans.

The game offers a rich story and exciting battles as players explore detailed settings. During their journey, Alphen and Shionne meet a diverse cast of characters. Each character has their own goals and backgrounds. They join Alphen and Shionne on their quest, adding to the game’s engaging story.

The world of Dahna and Rena

The world of Dahna is very different from the advanced realm of Rena. Dahna is a lively planet full of natural beauty where all living things thrive. It sets the stage for the game’s early chapters. Players meet Dahnans who are suffering and want to be free from their Renan rulers. As players move through the game, they meet different Dahnan characters, including a mysterious Dahnan woman who is important to the story.

Rena represents technology and has an attitude of superiority. The Renans use advanced weapons and have a complex society. They see the Dahnans as lesser people. Their takeover of Dahna has caused deep hurt to the land and its people, impacting the connection to Rena’s Great Spirit.

Tales of Arise uses beautiful graphics and nature to show the big difference between these two worlds – the oppressor and the oppressed. Players see the effects of oppression and the strong desire of people fighting for freedom.

Core themes and narrative elements

Tales of Arise dives deep into strong themes like oppression, prejudice, and the search for freedom. It tells a captivating story that pushes players to face the hard realities of social unfairness. The game shows the effects of oppression, as players see the Dahnans trying to get back their pride.

As Alphen and Shionne, the daughter of a Renan, move through the very different worlds of Dahna and Rena, they meet various characters. Each of these characters has their own stories and views. These meetings help players understand the many sides of oppression, making them think about the viewpoints of both the Dahnans, who suffer, and the Renans, who seem to have more privileges.

Through its story, Tales of Arise wants to show that there is always hope, even in the worst times. It stresses the importance of staying strong, working together, and believing that a better world is worth fighting for, no matter how tough things seem.

Gameplay Mechanics

Tales of Arise keeps its promise to the action role-playing genre. It features a real-time combat system, along with classic RPG elements. The game blends fun combat and great exploration, giving players a chance to dive into its detailed world.

Players can explore large landscapes and fight tough enemies, providing a satisfying gameplay loop. There are fun side quests, difficult dungeons, and useful crafting methods that make the gameplay even more engaging.

Combat system analysis

Tales of Arise features a new combat system called the “Linear Motion Battle System.” This system makes battles feel smooth and lively. It lets players combine attacks easily, creating eye-catching combos that are fun to use and help take down enemies.

A key part of the combat system is the “Boost Strike.” Every character has their own special Boost Strike that can be used at the right time in a fight. These strong attacks deal a lot of damage and add a layer of strategy to the game. Players need to think about enemy weaknesses and their team makeup to make the most of their Boost Strikes.

The combat system also motivates players to try different team setups and understand what each character can do. By using enemy weaknesses, linking combos, and timing their Boost Strikes well, players can defeat even the toughest foes.

Exploration and puzzles

Tales of Arise is not just about exciting battles. It also invites players to explore a range of stunning places. You can find everything from the hot areas of Calaglia to the green forests of Elde Menancia. Each place is filled with beautiful sights and is made to be discovered.

As you play, there are dungeons spread across the land. These dungeons are tricky, with complex designs, puzzles, and strong enemies. They mix fighting with problem-solving. Exploring these dungeons rewards players with useful items and advance the captivating story.

While you explore, you will find collectibles, hidden treasures, and fun side quests. These add more depth to the game’s world and its exciting story. The joy of discovering new things becomes an important part of the Tales of Arise experience.

Character Deep Dive

The charm of Tales of Arise comes from its interesting characters. Alphen and Shionne are key to the story. They have detailed personalities and strong backstories. Their journey of finding themselves and growing is the heart of the tale.

The other characters aren’t just there for support. Each one has depth and their own goals. They also have unique backstories that connect with the main plot.

Alphen and Shionne’s dynamic

At the center of Tales of Arise’s story is the interesting relationship between Alphen and Shionne Vymer Imeris Daymore. Alphen is a mysterious man from Dahna, while Shionne is a noblewoman from Renan who suffers from a painful curse. The game begins when they meet unexpectedly. Alphen cannot feel pain, so he is drawn to Shionne, whose curse makes anyone feel pain if they touch her, a situation that could attract the attention of the Lord of Ganath Haros.

Their meeting is not just by chance. They share a goal to end the harsh rule of the Renan. At first, they are cautious of each other because they are very different. Over time, they build a strong bond based on trust and understanding as they travel together.

This growing relationship is one of the most interesting parts of the game. Alphen’s strong will to fight for freedom in Dahna and Shionne’s desire to escape her troubled past create an engaging connection. Additionally, as a member of the Silver Swords, Alphen’s ability to use Shionne’s Blazing Sword adds even more depth to their bond.

Supporting characters and their development

Tales of Arise has a strong connection between Alphen and Shionne. It also has a diverse cast of characters that make the story even more interesting. Each character offers a unique view, which adds depth to the main story.

Rinwell is a young and talented mage from Dahna. She feels angry towards Renans because of the terrible things they did to her people. With her loyal pet owl, Hootle, she joins Alphen and Shionne’s journey, wanting revenge at first. As she travels, Rinwell starts to face her anger and finds a better purpose for it.

Dohalim il Qaras is a noble from Renan who cares about Dahnan culture. He finds it hard to mix his background with his hope for everyone to be treated equally. He shows that society can be very complex and often unfair. Through their stories, the characters help each other rethink their beliefs, tackle personal challenges, and become a strong team working towards a shared goal.

Visuals and Soundtrack

Tales of Arise stands out because of its amazing graphics, showing what Unreal Engine 4 can do compared to previous entries in the series. The places you visit in the game are beautiful. They have bright colors, detailed surfaces, and stunning views. Whether you are in busy cities or peaceful nature, each place in the game looks great.

Along with these beautiful images is a fantastic soundtrack. It creates the right feel for each moment in the game. Motoi Sakuraba and Go Shiina made the music. They are famous for their work on the “Tales of” series and other well-known games. The soundtrack mixes orchestral music with modern sounds very well.

Artistic direction and the Atmospheric Shader

One of the most amazing things about Tales of Arise is its special visual style. It is different from the earlier games in the series. The game uses a unique art style that mixes anime looks with real-life details. The places in the game really shine because of this art direction. They show off stunning views that are bright and keep you interested.

The game smoothly moves from bright cities filled with warm sunlight to dark dungeons covered in shadows. This careful design makes a beautiful world that pulls players in. One standout feature is the “Atmospheric Shader.”

This shader makes the game’s visuals even better. It simulates how light scatters in the air. This means the lighting effects look more real and immerse you in the game. You can see how sunlight filters through the leaves and how fog covers certain areas. The Atmospheric Shader greatly improves the visual quality of the game.

Musical scores and voice acting

The music in Tales of Arise is a true work of art. It mixes orchestral tunes with modern sounds. This creates a soundtrack that feels both grand and full of emotion. You will hear uplifting melodies during big battles and sad songs during quieter moments. The music always matches what is happening on the screen.

Fans of the “Tales of” series, especially those who love Tales of Symphonia, will be happy to see the return of Motoi Sakuraba. He is a skilled composer for the series. His new work feels both familiar and fresh. The game’s amazing soundtrack adds richness to the story, pulling players deeper into the world of Dahna and its struggles.

The voice acting in Tales of Arise is also very impressive. The voice actors bring their characters to life. They give amazing performances filled with emotion. Whether it is Alphen’s strong will, Shionne’s sensitive nature, or Rinwell’s spirited personality, each actor leaves a strong impact.

Critical Reception and Community Feedback

Tales of Arise received a lot of praise after it came out. Reviewers liked its interesting story, beautiful graphics, updated combat system, and memorable characters. I played the demo, and this good feedback helped it stand out as a top choice for Game of the Year awards.

The game’s success also connected well with the gaming community. Players from every background, whether new or experienced with the “Tales of” series, loved the engaging world.

Sales performance and awards

Tales of Arise achieved remarkable commercial success as the first game in the series to surpass expectations and solidify its position as one of the best-selling titles in the ‘Tales of’ series. Within its first week of release, the game shipped over 1 million copies worldwide, a testament to its widespread appeal. By 2022, this number reached an astounding 2 million, a significant milestone for the franchise.

The game’s critical acclaim translated into numerous nominations and awards from prestigious gaming publications and award ceremonies. The following table showcases some of the accolades received by Tales of Arise.

Award Ceremony	Category	Result
The Game Awards 2021	Best Role Playing Game	Nominated
Japan Game Awards 2021	Award for Excellence	Won
Golden Joystick Awards 2021	Best Storytelling	Won
D.I.C.E. Awards 2022	Role-Playing Game of the Year	Nominated

Tales of Arise’s impact on the industry extended beyond its initial release. The game garnered praise for its stunning visuals, captivating story, and engaging combat, attracting a new generation of fans to the “Tales of” franchise and reaffirming its position as a beloved and enduring JRPG series.

Fan reactions and content creation

Tales of Arise created a strong excitement in the gaming world. Fans showed their love for the game by making many types of content. Social media was full of talks, fan art, cosplays, and heartfelt stories celebrating the game’s story, characters, and world.

The game’s fame went beyond just ordinary content. Many skilled people made amazing cosplays that copied the detailed outfits and looks of their favorite characters. Others expressed their feelings through art, creating beautiful pieces that showed important moments or represented character relationships in an emotional way.

Rinwell’s friend, Hootle, also became popular as fans made cute items. The “Vacation Hootle Doll” became a hit, with fans sharing the adorable owl doll dressed in different outfits and settings inspired by the game. This little doll helped show how much Tales of Arise means to its community.

Conclusion

Tales of Arise is an exciting game with a story that takes place in the unique worlds of Dahna and Rena. The base game has a lot of interesting themes and fun gameplay. The characters are lively, and the graphics are beautiful. The soundtrack makes it even better. Critics and fans have both loved it. Whether you are experienced with RPGs or just starting out, Tales of Arise will give you a great gaming experience. Start your adventure and see the magic of this RPG!

Experience the adventure of Tales of Arise today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play Tales of Arise on multiplayer?

Tales of Arise does not have an online multiplayer mode. However, players can enjoy local couch co-op with friends or family. Bandai Namco Entertainment made this game to provide a great single-player experience. Players can really dive deep into the world and build strong connections with their party members.

How does the crafting system work?

Tales of Arise has a crafting system. This system lets players make new weapons, accessories, and consumables. Players use materials they find as they travel through the game. They can open the crafting menu by talking to certain characters or finding crafting stations. As players explore or finish certain quests, they can collect recipes, including some from DLC. This helps unlock more items they can craft.

Are there any secret bosses in Tales of Arise?

Tales of Arise has strong optional bosses called “Gigants.” They challenge players and provide great rewards. Each Gigant has special abilities and high stats. To defeat them, players need to plan carefully, make a good strategy, and master the combat skills.

What makes Tales of Arise different from other RPGs?

Tales of Arise is different from traditional turn-based RPGs. It has a real-time action combat system, just like Tales of Zestiria and Tales of Symphonia. This active fighting style, along with its captivating story, interesting characters, and stunning world, makes it stand out in the RPG genre.

Can I start with Tales of Arise if I’m new to the Tales series?

Tales of Arise has a brand new group of characters and a fresh story. This means that new players can enjoy the game without needing to know anything about the previous games in the Tales series. It is made to be a separate experience just for them.