Tales of Arise Reviews
Thanks to the game’s rich writing, rarely does it feel that you’re just wandering through one luscious environment after another—like the canopy-level walkways of the Gianne Woodland or steep ivied cliffs of the Aureum Falls—so much as you’re being given glimpses of a land well worth fighting for. Even the variety of your party serves a deeper function, suggesting that one person alone, however strong, cannot break down every obstacle.
Bandai Namco promised that "now is the time for change," and Tales of Arise legitimately feels like a game that's trying to bring change to Japanese RPGs. It's strong characters, epic story, engrossing battle system, and lush visuals are only marred by a disappointing final act, and those areas of the game where the team refused to let go of outdated ideas and conventions. If the Tales team can find it in themselves to push things just a little further, then this might truly be the spark that sets off a revolution in a genre that's needed a regime change for so long now.
Tales of Arise is a great J-RPG. With a great scenario much more complex than it seems, and touching characters. The seductive design is also at the rendezvous, as is the gameplay in combat, very nervous and close to a beat 'em all, and an RPG aspect a little behind but convincing. And if the PS5 version does not benefit from a most insane optimization, it was a real pleasure to play this Tales of Arise. If the J-RPG is your cam, you should not miss out.
Review in French | Read full review
Noble role-playing game with a great universe and 1a plot, but which only gets going late. Maue side tasks cloud the overall picture.
Review in German | Read full review
The Tales of franchise never ceases to amaze us. This time it offers us a renewed experience, but maintaining its most classic essence. An action combat that leaves us with a very good taste in our mouths from the beginning of the game, a wide and efficient skill tree and how not to mention our dear companions; which complement each other and are indispensable in every combat. If I had to highlight any section, it would undoubtedly be the artistic one. Each kingdom is different and with its own peculiarities, the design of the cities, characters and their own graphics, are a delight. And if we already talk about its soundtrack and animations I would lack words to express the good finish of both.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Yes, it's not a perfect game and has several technical issues that limit it, but nothing serious enough to ruin your experience. I think you can overlook this, Tales of Arise is a must-see experience for lovers of this beloved franchise, and if you are new you do not have much to worry about either, since it is not necessary to have entered any other installment to understand it and Arise in particular presents very accessible mechanics for everyone, even if it is your first JRPG.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
All in all, this feels like a safe yet enjoyable follow-up to Berseria. Longtime fans will be satisfied with this entry after the five-year wait since the last mainline game even though Tales of Arise doesn’t feel like it strays too far away from the standard series formula.
Tales of Arise is to date the highest peak ever reached by the Bandai Namco franchise, which despite the ability to tell touching stories had never managed to shine even on a technical and graphic level. The transition to the Unreal Engine 4 and the adoption of the Atmospheric Shader have instead allowed the Japanese company to overcome its historical limits and create a delicious cel-shading, which without renouncing its identity marks a strong and evident detachment from the past.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Tales of Arise is a beautiful JRPG that is fun to play that fans of the genre will no doubt get a lot out of.
Tales of Arise accomplishes the rare feat of catering to its many fans while simultaneously making a compelling case for newcomers to give it a try, and it's a JRPG must-play that was more than worth the wait.
Bandai Namco combines excellent writing, stunning anime visuals, and a deep, rewarding combat system to make one of the best JRPGs of the year.
Tales of Arise combines a wonderful combat loop with engaging party members to create an epic yet personal story.
Despite some issues, Tales of Arise is a fantastic game, especially for fans of the genre. Fortunately, it is also accessible to newcomers to the genre, because it has everything: a cool story, great characters, a charming world, and really good gameplay.
Review in Polish | Read full review
While Tales of Arise isn’t perfect by any means, it is a meaty, colourful, and engaging game that I think should be on any self-respecting JRPG fans must-play list. Mastering the action combat is a thrilling and rewarding experience, as is the satisfaction of finding rare materials to craft with or taking down massive beasts for big rewards. The overarching plot is richly detailed, filled with twists and turns that will keep you interested, all while embarking on the journey with a party of well-realised characters. With some minor flaws found in the game’s competing visual styles, graphical options, and side quest content, I think there are more than enough positives to be found that Tales of Arise could easily end up being one of the best RPGs released this year.
After nearly half a decade, Tales of Arise was worth the wait as a shining new example of what the series future may hold.
This title makes it clear that the folks at Bandai Namco have it in them to move with the times, without losing the essence of what a Tales game is.
Tales of Arise is a tremendous step forward for a storied JRPG series and should be experienced by all fans of the genre.
I came away from Tales of Arise with a new appreciation for the Tales series. I loved my time with the endearing cast of characters and the exciting, fast-paced story alongside the energetic and action-packed battles. Tales of Arise is an excellent action RPG, and a fantastic entry point into the series.