Tales of Arise Reviews

Tales of Arise is ranked in the 98th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8 / 10
Sep 9, 2021

Tales of Arise is a classic case of almost is never enough. It nails nearly every open-world JRPG staple; the gameplay, exploration, characters, music and presentation are all top-notch. It’s just a pity that the story wrestles with a litany of issues that keep this entry in the Tales of series from reaching legendary status.

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Sep 8, 2021

Tales of Arise is a fun game, but one with a bit of tonal disparity to it. One moment, you'll be searching for owls wearing goofy accessories on behalf of the owl king, and then next you'll watch in horror as a town of people is literally liquified before your eyes. As long as you try not to think too much about the stifling and nearly overwhelming amount of horror the characters have been put through, you'll likely feel like you got your money's worth of this very long and winding game. Even with some of its over-the-top plot points, this is definitely one of the better games I've played in 2021 and should be enjoyed by both newcomers to the franchise and veterans alike.

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8.8 / 10.0
Sep 8, 2021

Tales Of Arise is hands down one of the best chapters of the series, as well as a JRPG able to charm a much wider audience than in the past thanks to an immediate playful system, fun and perfectly blended with a solid and well-written narrative sector.

Review in Italian | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Oct 1, 2021

With fast paced combat and a gorgeous presentation Tales of Arise marks a clear step forward for the long running JRPG series.

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4.5 / 5.0
Sep 25, 2021

This is one of the best games of the year so far. It's a must play not only for fans of the Tales series, but also for fans of JRPGs in general.

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Oct 13, 2021

Characters develop in fascinating ways, the story has resonance and is emphatically told, and the stylish, substantial combat make it a fantastic Japanese RPG that is free of the genre’s many trappings.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 16, 2021

Bandai Namco introduced a new part of the Tales series, one of the most famous JRPG game series. This part contains a beautiful story, wonderful characters, fast and easy-to-understand gameplay, with a variety of tasks and activities, which gave a distinct flavor to the game. Personally for me Tales of Arise is one of the best Tales games of all time.

Review in Arabic | Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Oct 9, 2021

Tales of Arise lacks the grandiosity and polish befitting of the 25th anniversary. That isn’t to say it’s a bad game. Far from it in fact–but this franchise deserves better now that it’s in the mainstream spotlight.

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9 / 10
Sep 28, 2021

What we have here is a game that puts the franchise in a new spotlight at the start of a new generation of consoles, reminding us that the Tales Of series is alive and in good hands. This linear adventure can serve as a great escape, with enough content to keep you invested for weeks, or even months. A few issues can be found in Tales of Arise, but they weren’t enough to taint my time with the game, as this is easily one of the best JPRGs I’ve played in years.

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INVEN
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Sep 8, 2021

"Tales of Arise" successfully built clear story, great actions and evolved graphics that players will be satisfied of it. Although not all the things are perfect, it would be the best present for the 25th anniversary of the series.

Review in Korean | Read full review

4 / 5.0
Sep 17, 2021

While it doesn’t end as well as it begins, Tales of Arise told a story I wanted to see through. Even when the plot dipped a bit in the back half, the wonderful cast of characters kept me engaged. Its combat never stopped being a blast either. This is the strongest Tales game in years and definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a new adventure.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 30, 2021

Tales of Arise is a clear evolution of the series' formula, with deeper scenarios and graphics that breathe newness! The more intuitive gameplay, combined with a very competent AI, allows you to enjoy an experience that enhances the interiorization of the plot and characters of this world. Even though it presents a level of difficulty above the average for the series, the challenge presented proves to be gratifying for the player, as the recurring feeling is of justice in the result of our efforts. The future is bright and Tales of Arise may well be the title that will elevate this franchise to the highest levels of the video game market, in a deserved position of greater prominence and recognition.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

95 / 100
Oct 4, 2021

The best Tales of to date and a must have of the generation .

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Sep 23, 2021

A new benchmark has been set for the franchise with Tales of Arise, demonstrating how refinement and dedication can raise a game to the level of its rivals.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 18, 2021

Tales of Arise is positioned as one of the best Tales of the whole saga. A great story with a frenetic combat system and a wonderful artwork. One of this year's must-haves.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8.3 / 10.0
Sep 23, 2021

Tales of Arise will make fans of the franchise fall in love with its charismatic characters, a colorful addictive combat and many hours of fun.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Pure Dead Gaming
K.A. Pedersen
Sep 22, 2021

As yet another fantastic JRPG from Bandai Namco, Tales of Arise is a great entry in the long-running series - and one that should please players both old and new.

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Unscored
Sep 22, 2021

Bandai Namco has been on a roll with its Japanese releases this year, starting with the very stylish Scarlet Nexus a couple of months ago. Tales of Arise is yet another hit in the series that you’ll want to add to your JRPG library, and one that is very likely to keep you entertained for weeks, if not months, to come.

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8.5 / 10.0
Sep 17, 2021

Tales of Arise is a fascinating JRPG that builds on the series' legacy. The new episode captivates with charismatic characters and their fun interactions, even though the plot and themes aren't very creative. Combat is more electrifying than ever with a system that lets you fight on the ground and in the air, with plenty of stylish moves. Plus, there's plenty to do in its vast world, and the visuals are exceptional. Behind the qualities, there are some recurring problems in the series (such as visual chaos in some battles), as well as the very timid use of the new exploration mechanics. Not only that, the general structure of the game is the same as the last titles, being far from the promised revolution. Despite all that, Tales of Arise turns out to be a great JRPG for both novices and veterans alike.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8 / 10
Sep 20, 2021

With a beautiful new style, a more adult narrative, wonderful characters, and a modernised tone and feel, Tales of Arise brings the franchise smashing into the current era. It’s still got the tried-and-true Tales flavour, both good and bad, yet innovates with fluid combat that feels fresh. The best and most essential Tales game in well over a decade.

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