As a seasoned gamer and long-time fan of the Tales of series, I must admit that my heart skips a beat every time I reminisce about the good old days when I first embarked on these epic journeys. The Tales franchise has been an integral part of my gaming life since its inception, and I’ve grown up alongside these characters as they evolved through the years.
In the past, a development studio known as Wolf Team experienced disagreements among its team members, resulting in a division within the workforce. The individuals who departed from Wolf Team united and established a new entity called tri-Ace.
Meanwhile, as Tri-Ace embarked on creating a fresh series called Star Ocean, the Wolf Team was persistently seeking a publisher for their first game, Tales of Phantasia.
In due course, Namco consented to distribute “Tales of Phantasia”, which signified the inception of a formidable collaboration and one of the most enduring Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) series in history.
Over time, Wolf Team was incorporated into Namco’s business, leading to the popular “Tales of” series now having more than 15 primary installments. This ranking list intends to evaluate each game from the “Tales of” franchise, but with some specific criteria.
Initially, we focus solely on main titles that have been globally distributed, as certain Tales of series never ventured beyond Japan. Furthermore, we disregard spin-offs and mobile games. Keep in mind that a lower position on this list doesn’t necessarily imply poor quality; it simply means the top choices are more engaging.
15. Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
An Unworthy Direct Sequel
Dawn of the New World” isn’t a poor game, but since it follows one of the top-rated Tales of games, it faced high expectations – and regrettably, it didn’t meet them in various aspects.
Two years have passed since the events of “Tales of Symphonia”. Our protagonist, Emil Castagnier, is now a young boy, still haunted by the memory of his parents’ brutal murder at the hands of Lloyd during the Blood Purge. Despite Lloyd being celebrated as a hero by most, Emil’s bitterness towards him remains unchanged.
Initially, Emil is timid and whines often, finding it tough to convey his feelings. He’s frequently subjected to bullying from family members and friends. However, one day, he stumbles upon an enigmatic ability that transforms him into a confident, assertive individual – essentially, turning him into a real tough guy.
“The main problem with Dawn of the New World is that it weakens the narrative and character development of its original story, in an attempt to introduce a less compelling new lead character.
The fight offers a modified form of the Linear Battle System with distinct features, like the Elemental Grid and the power to catch and develop numerous creatures. Although the gameplay is strong and entertaining, it’s eclipsed by an implausible storyline and an overly irritating main character.
14. Tales of Legendia
Good Start, Half-Baked Finish
In Tales of Legendia, an extraordinary backdrop is presented. The game unfolds on a massive vessel since the world is entirely submerged under water. We take on the role of Senel, the initial hero in this franchise, who isn’t your average wide-eyed small-town boy discovering everything novel. Furthermore, he chooses to use his fists instead of a sword, opting for Demon Fist over the renowned Demon Fang.
The opening and storyline of the game are engaging, but the second part lacks rhythm due to pacing problems. Additionally, there are unnecessary revisits and excess quests (included because Namco believed the game was too brief), which reveal how Tales of Legendia squandered its opportunity for enjoyment.
Another area for improvement with Tales of Legendia is its gameplay. The 2D side-scrolling battles return, offering a sense of familiarity, but the random encounters and beefy enemies drag things out, worsening the narrative’s pacing.
13. Tales of Hearts R
The Portable Entry
Initially, “Tales of Hearts” was only available in Japan. However, Bandai Namco later released an updated version called “Tales of Hearts R” for the PlayStation Vita, which included an English translation. The original game featured a 2D perspective spanning two screens on the DS, while the PS Vita edition switched to a single-screen 3D view.
In the game “Tales of Hearts R,” Kor Meteor is the main character who navigates through the realms of Organica and Minera. These villains known as Xeroms either assault or contaminate individuals’ feelings, and one of them ends up killing Kor’s grandfather.
Accompanied by Kohaku and Hisui, Kor sets out on an adventure aimed at reclaiming Kohaku’s crystallized feelings, fragments of which are scattered throughout the world. The unique environment they traverse and their solid bond make for an engaging narrative.
From a gameplay perspective, Tales of Hearts R incorporates 3D settings, allowing characters to roam freely on the battlefield. In contrast, when engaging in combat, the character will directly charge towards the opponent during an attack.
The JRPG now includes aerial combat, enabling players to lift adversaries off the ground and string together combos. Additionally, Union Artes are present, providing potent abilities based on character combinations. Furthermore, Tales of Hearts R comes equipped with a skill development tree, allowing players to enhance individual character attributes and unlock fresh skills in the process.
12. Tales of Zestiria
The Most Criticized One
I find myself more lenient towards “Tales of Zestiria” than many other players might be, as I believe this game possesses certain enchanting qualities. In “Tales of Zestiria”, we follow the story of a young boy named Sorey, who holds the unique ability to converse with celestial beings known as Seraphim and cleanse malevolent spirits called Hellions from the world.
With this present, he now carries the responsibility to confront the formidable adversary and rescue all those in peril. The plotline might be straightforward, yet it’s enriched by an engaging ensemble of characters.
In the game Tales of Zestiria, the battle system keeps its Action Role-Playing Game (RPG) flavor, with an innovative feature allowing smooth shifts from exploring to fighting, triggered when you encounter a monster on the world map.
One notable characteristic of this game is the Armatization mechanic, enabling specific characters to combine with a Seraphim entity, thereby unveiling an array of fresh capabilities.
One major point of critique for Tales of Zestiria revolves around its intricate and somewhat perplexing equipment system, as well as its repetitive dungeon layout consisting primarily of monotonous corridors. However, if you’re drawn to exploring this game, it could prove quite enjoyable.
11. Tales of Xillia 2
Another Lackluster Direct Sequel
In the sequel to Tales of Xillia, similar problems arise as seen in Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. The storyline overemphasizes the role of a new main character, yet neglects to provide a convincing rationale for this focus, leaving many events seeming implausible.
The main character is Ludger Kresnik, a silent protagonist for plot reasons and because the game allows players to make choices at various points in the narrative.
Ludger hails from a lineage that is responsible for eliminating parallel realities. Struggling with mounting medical bills, he finds employment with a firm that keeps the equilibrium of our world in check.
In the storyline, certain figures from the game Tales of Xillia decide to join forces with him, including Jude, Milla, and Alvin. However, it’s peculiar how everyone seems overly fond of Ludger, even though he doesn’t speak much, which appears to lessen the significance of the previous main characters and make them more like supporting figures in the narrative.
Speaking from a gamer’s perspective, let me tell you, I’ve found myself utterly immersed in the world of Tales of Xillia 2. The Linked Arte system is back, and it’s all about capitalizing on enemies’ elemental vulnerabilities this time around. What’s more, there’s a fresh addition that lets me swap out party members right in the heat of battle, adding an extra layer of strategy to my gameplay experience. Absolutely fantastic!
In the realm of JRPGs, the imaginative mechanism known as the Lilium Orb is swapped out for the Allium Orb, a device that transforms raw elemental ores into actual elements. Once specific limits are surpassed, characters acquire new abilities and techniques, much like in the system found in “Tales of Hearts R”.
10. Tales of Arise
The Western Tales Of
In simple terms, “Tales of Arise” is considered the most Western-influenced game within the “Tales of” series, appealing to some players but potentially less so for others due to this change in style.
In the game titled “Tales of Arise,” we assume the role of Alphen, an individual devoid of physical pain, who by happenstance encounters Shionne, a woman whose touch causes suffering to others. United as a formidable duo, they embark on a journey aimed at aiding the suppressed world of Dahna, a realm currently under the control of Rena.
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but express my awe at the initial part of Tales of Arise. The narrative kicks off with a thrilling pace, shedding light on the unjust treatment meted out to the Dahnans by the Renans, a stark portrayal of persecution and slavery that leaves an indelible mark.
Yet, The latter part suffers from excessive exposition, unexpected story twists, and antagonists lacking emotional resonance. The pace may become a turn-off for those who have been engrossed in the JRPG’s tale until then.
The gameplay is as modernized as it gets, fully embracing an action RPG scope. Characters can learn Artes mid-combat, and the skill tree is tied to titles. Investing all points to unlock every ability within a title grants an extra bonus.
In simpler terms, the gear setup in this game seems quite ordinary to me. From a personal perspective, “Tales of Arise” appears to be the least groundbreaking installment in the series, given its reputation for presenting unique and trailblazing advancement mechanisms.
9. Tales of Phantasia
The Franchise’s Forefather
The first major game in the series, Tales of Phantasia, pioneered numerous features that have since been a part of subsequent games. This game is highly acclaimed as one of the best JRPGs on the SNES, despite not being released outside Japan. It was later ported to the PS1, PSP, and GBA, with the English version for the GBA finally becoming available.
As an ardent admirer, I’d like to share my take on the captivating narrative of “Tales of Phantasia”. In this epic tale, I find myself embodying Cress Albane, a skilled swordsman, who embarks on a deeply personal mission. This mission is sparked by the heinous act of a shadowy knight named Mars, who ruthlessly assaults my village and takes the lives of my beloved family members.
As part of his voyage, Cress gets entangled in the art of conjuring spirits, elementals, temporal navigation, and assorted aspects that JRPGs seamlessly integrate without appearing as an odd medley.
Back in the day, I stumbled upon an innovative battle system they called Linear Motion Battle System. This 2D action-based combat was a game-changer for its era. In this system, battles were random and my allies would line up on the left side of the screen, while enemies took positions on the right. The entire fight unfolded within that 2D plane – a simple yet thrilling setup!
Despite occasional awkwardness during battles, it offered a distinctive gaming adventure. As characters progressed, they picked up new abilities, like Artes and spells, and combat pauses allowed for strategic item usage. In summary, it served as a captivating entry point into a novel game series.
8. Tales of Destiny
The Series Debut on PlayStation
In a fresh take, the game Tales of Destiny significantly advanced upon its predecessor, Phantasia, by enhancing visuals, making quality-of-life adjustments, and introducing novel features. For instance, players now have the ability to assign Artes (special abilities) to directional shortcuts, enabling them to execute multiple weapon skills concurrently.
The game “Tales of Destiny” additionally offered multiplayer capabilities. Using a multi-tap for the PlayStation 1, as many as four players could partake in combat. Although the core gameplay remained consistent, these new features served to enhance the overall enjoyment.
The narrative of “Tales of Destiny” commences as our main character, Stahn Aileron, secretly boards a flying vessel. During an assault on this ship, Stahn seeks a means of self-protection and unexpectedly encounters a living sword called Dymlos.
Equipped with this artifact, Stahn embarks on a quest to locate fellow Swordians, all while traversing a realm steeped in remnants from the long-ago Aeth’er Wars.
7. Tales of Eternia
The Introduction of Skits
The game titled “Tales of Eternia” is known as “Tales of Destiny II” in the US for promotional purposes, despite not being a sequel. It narrates the story of Reid and Farah, two friends from childhood, who cross paths with Meredy, a girl shrouded in mystery.
Initially, seeking out more information on Meredy appears to be a straightforward endeavor; however, it eventually transforms into an epic journey that encompasses summoning spirits from the realm of Phantasia and traversing through different planets.
In the game “Tales of Eternia“, the combat system retains the Linear Motion Battle structure. However, instead of being turn-based, spells are now executed in real-time, possibly due to the technological progress during that timeframe.
In my perspective as an enthusiast, what this implies is that instead of merely observing the visual impact of spells, you’ll need to actively dodge them. What’s more, during battle, players can swap characters or give commands using the menu. On a broader note, combat-wise, it retains a similar feel to its previous iterations.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but credit “Tales of Eternia” for introducing one of my favorite features in the entire series – Skits. During gameplay, these occasional prompts would pop up on-screen, giving players the opportunity to delve deeper into the lives and relationships of our beloved characters through optional conversations among party members. Since then, these interactions have become a cornerstone of every “Tales of” game, growing and evolving with each new entry, enriching the cast and deepening my connection with them.
6. Tales of Xillia
Two Protagonists To Choose From
In the realm of Rieze Maxia, a place where humans and spirits share existence, Tales of Xillia unfolds. This is the inaugural game in the series that allows you to decide between Jude or Milla as your primary character. Although certain incidents vary, the overall narrative remains consistent for both choices.
In summary, Jude, who’s studying medicine, encounters Milla, who asserts herself as a Spirit Ruler, at a location where Milla is probing an enigma surrounding the unusual deaths of spirits, near an investigation site.
Within, I discover fellow humans depleted of their life energy, or mana, among them my revered mentor, who tragically succumbs during this draining process. We resolve unanimously to delve further into this enigmatic predicament.
In the game Tales of Xillia, the battles are presented in full three-dimensional format, but they might feel a bit more rigid compared to typical action role-playing games. What truly stands out about this game, however, is the innovative addition of the Link System.
Whenever needed, the player-managed character can join forces with another teammate on the spot, receiving backup during battles with enemies. Additionally, linking two characters opens up the possibility of learning novel techniques, resulting in unique combat outcomes.
5. Tales of the Abyss
I Swear Luke’s Behavior Improves
The game Tales of the Abyss was the one that left me exclaiming, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming!” when it came to a surprising plot development. I played it during my teenage years, and although I wasn’t fully grasping the mechanics at the time, my brother generously joined me in playing and helped clarify the storyline for me.
In the world of Auldrant, living entities are governed by tiny energy particles known as fonons, representing various elements. A new element, the Fonon of Sound, arises with an extraordinary power – it can foretell the future.
The main character, Luke fabre, known for his unpleasant demeanor, lives secluded within his manor following an abduction during childhood. On one occasion, he crosses paths with Tear, who is making an attempt on the life of Luke’s superior.
Yet, there’s an unseen bond linking them, causing their sudden transport to a distant realm. Longing for home, Luke, typical of a JRPG, can’t possibly escape so effortlessly.
In the game “Tales of the Abyss,” the gameplay combines elements from both 2D and 3D environments. While players have the freedom to roam around during combat, the actual execution of actions follows a sequential or linear path.
As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my excitement about the intricate battle system in this game. Instead of traditional methods, it weaves in its unique fonon theme through something called the Field of Fonons (FOF). Here’s the twist: when a character unleashes a skill that aligns with an FOF circle, it transforms into a more advanced form. It may seem complex and perplexing at first, but trust me, there’s nothing quite as gratifying as seeing it click into action!
4. Tales of Graces F
Considered The Best Battle System
Originally, “Tales of Graces” was exclusive to Japan on the Wii platform. However, it wasn’t until its port to the PS3, titled “Tales of Graces F,” that an English version became available. The game is set in Ephinea, a world where massive obelisks known as Calkines Cryas provide Eleth, the life essence for all creatures, to the realm.
In a turn of events, the main character Asbel Lhant, accompanied by his sibling Hubert and Cheria, come across an amnesiac girl named Sophie. A series of playful escapades lead them into Barona Castle, where they are ambushed by monstrous creatures. In a selfless act, Sophie sacrifices herself to shield her companions from harm.
In the course of time, Asbel transforms into a skilled swordsman and makes his way back home, reconnecting with Hubert who has undergone changes, and Sophie who miraculously survives. Tales of Graces F might begin rather leisurely, but Asbel’s insecurities can be grating at first, yet as the story unfolds, he becomes more endearing.
Numerous enthusiasts regard the fight system in “Tales of Graces F” as the finest within the franchise. Every character boasts two unique methods for engaging in combat, and the action tends to reward aggressive playstyles.
In this JRPG, rather than using Mana Points (MP) or Technical Points (TP), the game employs a Chain Capacity system for skills. Each skill has a CC cost, and performing actions such as dodging, blocking, or attacking increases your CC. The higher your CC, the more actions you can execute in battle. This leads to swift and strategic combat, with players earning advantages for head-on approaches while also excelling at evasive maneuvers.
3. Tales of Berseria
Zestiria’s Direct Prequel
In contrast to other installments in the series, “Tales of Berseria” stands out as the one that really hits the mark, even though it’s not strictly a sequel. This role-playing game (JRPG) takes place in the same world as “Tales of Zestiria“, but serves as a prequel set millennia earlier.
In the game titled “Tales of Berseria,” we take control of beloved character Velvet, initially a gentle girl. However, after witnessing her brother’s brutal murder at the hands of her brother-in-law, she transforms into a vengeful and embittered individual. Rather than succumbing fully to demonhood, Velvet transforms into a Therion, which grants her demonic powers while preserving her human essence. Driven by revenge, Velvet sets out on a journey targeting Artorius, leaving a lasting impact that echoes in the game “Tales of Zestiria.
In the game Berseria, several of its systems have been developed based on what was observed in Zestiria. The equipment still features specific attributes, but they are less random this time. Additionally, combat employs a variation of the Chain Capacity system from Tales of Graces F, substituting Magic Points (MP) with the Soul Gauge instead.
As I pump up my Soul Gauge, I find myself capable of stringing together longer, more powerful combos. However, it’s crucial to be aware that a high Soul Gauge isn’t guaranteed to stay that way. A misstep can cause me to lose Soul and drop down to only one, which significantly weakens my offensive capabilities and pushes me into defensive mode instead.
2. Tales of Vesperia
One of Xbox 360’s Greatest JRPGs
Among cherished game titles by the fan community, we’ve reached one – Tales of Vesperia. Originally launched on Xbox 360 in 2008, it later got a Definitive Edition update in 2019, which was made available for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox One.
In this JRPG, we meet Yuri Lowell – a character who stands out among others due to his rebellious nature. His hands-on method sets him apart from the usual morally upright protagonists, giving a fresh breath of life to the series.
The adventure starts as Yuri pursues a thief who swiped the aqua blastia core from a fountain in the lower part of town, causing disruption to his neighbors’ water supply. During this pursuit, he encounters Estelle and other companions, gradually unearthing secrets about the world and its beliefs. This discovery triggers the expected ups and downs of a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG).
The first half of the game is slow, but the second half picks up the pace.
Compared to newer “Tales of” games released since 2008, particularly the Definitive Edition from 2019, the gameplay might seem less smooth or fluid. However, it remains one of the finest examples of the Linear Motion Battle System before the game transitioned fully into a 3D environment.
Just like the storyline, battles initially seem slow-paced, but they gain momentum as you acquire new Artes and master the art of linking them together in impressive combos.
The gear system also teaches characters new skills: by using equipment for a certain amount of time, skills are learned permanently, and the gear can be synthesized into stronger versions, unlocking even more skills. This creates a constant sense of progression.
1. Tales of Symphonia
Remastered Three Times So Far
Many people often think that “Tales of Symphonia” is the top-notch game in the “Tales of” series, and it appears that Bandai Namco concurs, as evidenced by its multiple remastered editions. Personally, I find myself particularly fond of it, although I must acknowledge that my affection for it might be influenced to some extent by nostalgia.
In the world of Sylvarant, where the vital force known as mana is dwindling, causing nature to wither, a selected group of individuals are tasked with embarking on a quest for World Renewal to reestablish harmony.
At present, Colette, a close acquaintance of our hero, Lloyd, has graciously agreed to join him as his protective escort. Along their adventure, Lloyd, his companions, and you, the player, gradually expose the secrets hidden within this mysterious world.
In a nutshell, Tales of Symphonia traverses across two realms and offers an extended playthrough. Its plot unfolds with well-timed twists and turns that never appear contrived or monotonous. The characters add depth to the narrative, making it all the more captivating. Moreover, the game masterfully combines elements of magic and technology in accordance with its world construction.
Regarding battles, this “Tales of” game is the first one to offer a 3D battlefield, despite the player’s movements being confined to a 2D plane. In terms of playability, it’s quite similar to its predecessor, but “Symphonia” introduces distinct paths for character development and progression.
Based on the character’s unique role, their abilities progress in distinct manners. Additionally, you have the option to specialize in either Technical or Strike combat skills for each individual, which impacts the development of particular battle techniques.
In essence, “Tales of Symphonia” stands out as one of the franchise’s most balanced installments and an excellent introduction for novice players. Fortunately, this game has been updated for contemporary gaming platforms.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some fantastic news! Bandai Namco has officially announced that they’re working on remasters for several beloved Tales of Games. So, we gamers can look forward to revisiting many of these classics soon enough. It won’t be long before we dive back into our favorite entries!
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2024-12-17 21:11