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Tales of Arise

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Tales of Arise
Item: Tales of Arise
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableSep 10, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperBandai Namco Games

Overview

On the planet Dahna, reverence has always been given to Rena--the planet in the sky--as a land of the righteous and divine. Stories handed down for generations became truth and masked reality for the people of Dahna. For 300 years, Rena has ruled over Dahna, pillaging the planet of its resources and stripping people of their dignity and freedom. Our tale begins with two people, born on different worlds, each looking to change their fate and create a new future. Featuring a diverse cast of characters, intuitive and rewarding combat system, and a captivating story set in a lush world worth fighting for, Tales of Arise delivers a first-class JRPG experience.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of the critics found the story of Tales of Arise to be very good, with many praising its engaging and satisfyingly epic narrative. The game's premise of a world divided between Dahna and Rena, with the protagonists on a quest to bring down the oppressive Renan rule and free the Dahnan people, was commended for its exploration of deeper issues such as slavery, privilege, and social inequality. Critics like TheGamer and GameGrin specifically highlighted the game's depiction of revolution, justice, and the fight for liberation as brilliantly handled and impactful. The narrative was also lauded for its mature themes, including racism, authoritarianism, and mental illness, which were explored with tact and finesse, according to Game Informer. The story's ability to capture the feeling of being trapped in a hostile land, as mentioned by Cubed3, added to the overall positive reception of the game's storytelling. However, there were some criticisms regarding the story of Tales of Arise. Some critics, such as ZTGD and NME, felt that certain themes, particularly those exploring racism and slavery, were hammered on too hard, leading to a slower pace and unnecessary repetition. The second half of the game was also criticized by Slant Magazine for losing focus and becoming less compelling. Additionally, Dexerto mentioned that while the story was compelling, it had some jarring conversations that could disrupt the overall experience. These criticisms indicate that while the majority of critics found the story to be very good, there were some aspects that could have been improved upon to enhance the overall narrative flow. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Tales of Arise is a major strength of the game. The majority of reviewers praised its engaging and epic nature, intriguing cast of characters, and exploration of mature themes. The narrative's ability to tackle issues of oppression, social inequality, and the fight for liberation resonated with many critics, making it one of the standout aspects of the game. Despite some minor flaws, such as pacing issues and repetitive themes, the positive reception of the story indicates that it successfully delivers an immersive and compelling experience for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Tales of Arise wows critics with its engaging narrative exploring themes of oppression and liberation, though some find certain themes repetitive and pacing issues in the second half. Overall, the story shines with its mature themes and impactful storytelling, making it a major strength of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Tales of Arise has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the real-time combat system, highlighting its fast-paced and satisfying nature. KeenGamer commends the in-depth mechanics that become more complex as the game progresses, while Dexerto describes the combat as "faster, flashier, and better than ever." The combat allows for strategic party composition and customization, with the ability to switch between four party members and unleash powerful combos, as mentioned by Dexerto. IGN Portugal also mentions the mix of Hack and Slash with JRPG elements, requiring strategy, experimentation, and skill rotation. The combat system is often described as the standout feature of the game, offering depth, challenging tactical abilities, and visually appealing action, according to Power Unlimited. However, some critics did mention a few negatives regarding the gameplay of Tales of Arise. One common criticism is the potential for repetitive gameplay due to the lack of extra content and linear progression, as mentioned by KeenGamer. Cubed3 also states that the game is lacking in conventional RPG aspects and progress can be slow. Slant Magazine points out the repetitive nature of battles and the need for constant attention, which can be seen as a negative aspect for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of Tales of Arise is highly enjoyable and offers a great balance between action-oriented combat and strategic depth. The combat system is praised for its fluidity, excitement, and the ability to string together combos, as mentioned by Game Rant. The variety of options for preparing for tough battles and the introduction of new layers to the combat system are also highlighted by GameByte. The game respects the player's time with features like fast travel and convenient save points, as mentioned by Siliconera. The positive feedback from multiple critics, including IGN, Game Informer, and WellPlayed, further solidifies the overall positive sentiment towards the gameplay of Tales of Arise.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Tales of Arise gameplay wows critics with fast-paced combat, deep mechanics, and strategic party customization. While some mention repetitive battles, overall consensus is highly enjoyable action with great balance and depth. Critics praise fluidity, exciting combos, and player-friendly features, making it a standout feature of the game.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Tales of Arise, with many describing it as stunning, beautiful, and visually impressive. They commended the game's art style, character designs, and attention to detail. KeenGamer noted the game's unique art style and how well it reflected the characters' personalities. Metro GameCentral highlighted the anime-style character designs and modern edge of the visuals. Siliconera mentioned the gorgeous and detailed environments, as well as the artistic feel of the skits. In terms of positives, critics mentioned the lush biomes, striking cities, and flashy battle animations that made the game visually spectacular (TheGamer). They also praised the watercolor art style, 3D anime-inspired designs, and charming environments (Dexerto). The visuals were described as consistently updated and impressive, with beautiful watercolor visuals (GameGrin). PC Invasion called Tales of Arise one of the prettiest JRPGs ever released, with gorgeous visuals and attention to detail. ZTGD highlighted the highly detailed character models, colorful environments, and aggressive use of particle effects. However, there were some negatives mentioned by the critics. KeenGamer pointed out that the dungeons could be visually repetitive. Dexerto mentioned that the dungeons had bland interior designs. Siliconera noted that some movements in the skits appeared stiff on the PS4. ZTGD mentioned texture/shading pop-in issues in the PC port. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of Tales of Arise are very good. The majority of the critics praised the stunning visuals, beautiful art style, and attention to detail. They appreciated the unique character designs, colorful environments, and impressive animations. While there were some minor issues mentioned, such as repetitive dungeons and technical issues in the PC port, these did not detract from the overall positive reception of the game's graphics and visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Tales of Arise wows critics with stunning visuals, beautiful art style, and impressive attention to detail. Lush biomes, striking cities, and flashy battle animations make it visually spectacular. While some minor issues like repetitive dungeons and technical glitches were noted, they don't overshadow the game's overall positive reception for its graphics and design.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Tales of Arise, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Many critics praise the voice acting in the game, with both the English and Japanese voice overs being well-done. IGN specifically mentions that the voice cast is stellar, while Player 2 commends the exceptional job done by the voiceover cast in balancing grounded performances with anime elements. The music in Tales of Arise is also widely appreciated by the critics. Press Start Australia describes it as a high-quality soundtrack that beautifully accompanies different moments, from dramatic reveals to high-energy battles. Shacknews highlights the superb original soundtrack, with wondrous music that reinforces the scope of the story and enhances the presence of different locations and characters. WellPlayed adds that the music is lofty, grand, electric, and rocking, never tiring throughout the game, carrying emotional heft and adding to the overall enjoyment of the world. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of Tales of Arise. Cubed3 criticizes the music as lackluster and repetitive, while GameByte mentions that there is one specific song that feels out of place in certain moments. KeenGamer points out that the combat audio can be monotonous, although it can be muted in the settings menu. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Tales of Arise remains largely positive. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Tales of Arise are well done. The praise for the voice acting, with both English and Japanese options available, is a recurring theme among the critics. The high-quality soundtrack, with its orchestral and rock-inspired elements, is also widely appreciated. The positive reception of the sound design and music is further supported by the mention of specific moments where the audio effectively conveys the appropriate emotions and enhances the overall experience of the game. While there are some criticisms regarding repetitiveness and one out-of-place song, the overall sentiment remains positive, with the sound design and music contributing to the enjoyment and immersion of Tales of Arise.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise the voice acting in Tales of Arise, highlighting stellar performances in both English and Japanese. The music is widely appreciated for its high quality and ability to enhance different moments in the game. Despite some criticisms of repetitive music and combat audio, overall sentiment towards the sound design and music remains positive, adding to the enjoyment and immersion of the game.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Tales of Arise is largely positive, with several critics praising the performances of the voice cast. KeenGamer commends both the English and Japanese voice overs, stating that they are well-done with great performances in cutscenes, skits, and dialogue. GameGrin also praises the voice cast, without providing specific details. IGN describes the voice cast as stellar, enhancing the charm and depth of the well-rounded and flawed characters. Player 2 further supports this sentiment, stating that the voiceover cast has done an exceptional job, keeping the anime hysteria to a balanced level, with grounded and well-balanced performances. While the majority of critics have positive opinions, there are some minor criticisms regarding the voice acting in Tales of Arise. GameByte mentions that there are moments where the delivery could be better, but overall, it is not terrible. Video Chums also notes occasional awkward conversations, which suggests that there may be some inconsistencies in the voice acting performances. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Tales of Arise is engaging, top-notch, and enhances the overall experience of the game. COGconnected highlights the player choice of dual audio, which is appreciated by players. Press Start Australia mentions that the fully voiced pivotal dialogue between major characters adds to the energy of the scenes. WellPlayed emphasizes that the voice acting is equally engaging regardless of the preference for English or Japanese dubs. Xbox Tavern simply states that the voice acting is well-delivered. These positive evaluations, along with the minor criticisms, suggest that the voice acting in Tales of Arise is generally well-received and contributes positively to the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise Tales of Arise voice acting for stellar performances, enhancing characters' charm and depth. Some minor criticisms exist regarding delivery inconsistencies, but overall, the voice cast does an exceptional job. Player choice of dual audio is appreciated, adding to the engaging experience. The general consensus is that the voice acting in the game is top-notch and contributes positively to the overall enjoyment.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the PC platform, PC Invasion praises Tales of Arise for being a strong PC port with native support for higher resolutions and refresh rates. This indicates that players on PC can enjoy the game with enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay. The inclusion of options to enable common graphical settings is also a positive aspect, allowing players to customize their experience. However, ZTGD's review highlights some negatives for the PC port, such as texture and shading pop-in issues, as well as the lack of PC-centric features like Ultrawide, DLSS, or FSR. These drawbacks may detract from the overall technical performance on PC. Moving on to the PS5 platform, Game Rant commends Tales of Arise for being a smooth game with minimal loading screens and a lack of bugs. This positive feedback suggests that the technical performance on the PS5 is solid, providing players with a seamless and enjoyable experience. IGN's review also mentions the game's overall polish, with the exception of small localization issues like lip synching and occasional typos in subtitles. While these issues may be minor, they do slightly impact the overall technical performance on the PS5. On the other hand, Press Start Australia's review states that the game performs smoothly on the PS5 with no noticeable stutters or performance issues, further reinforcing the positive technical performance on this platform. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Tales of Arise delivers a solid technical performance, but with some limitations and issues across different gaming platforms. The PC version receives positive feedback for its native support for higher resolutions and refresh rates, as well as the inclusion of common graphical settings. However, it is criticized for texture and shading pop-in issues, as well as the absence of PC-centric features. On the PS5, the game is praised for its smooth performance, minimal loading screens, and lack of bugs. However, there are occasional technical limitations, such as frequent load screens, graphical load-in issues in town locations, and minor localization issues. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment suggests that Tales of Arise generally delivers a satisfactory technical performance on both PC and PS5.

TL;DR

technical performance

Tales of Arise earns praise for strong PC port with enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay, but criticized for texture issues and lack of PC-specific features. On PS5, the game is commended for smooth performance and minimal bugs, although minor technical limitations like load screens and localization issues are noted. Overall, critics agree that Tales of Arise offers a solid technical experience on both PC and PS5.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of the replay value of Tales of Arise, the majority of the critics have highlighted several positive aspects. Metro GameCentral mentions that the game offers various elements such as five big bosses, mini-bosses, side quests, dungeons, and collectibles, which provide players with ample opportunities to engage with the game beyond the main story. IGN also praises the game for its crafting system, cooking system, costume customization, and exploration of hidden items and rare monsters, which adds incentives for replayability. Game Informer emphasizes the presence of engaging side activities and incentives like titles with new artes and permanent stat increases, as well as a variety of options for progression. These positive aspects contribute to the overall replay value of Tales of Arise. However, there are a few critics who do not explicitly mention any negatives but provide more limited insights. ZTGD only mentions challenging cameo boss fights in New Game+ mode for longtime fans, which implies that the replay value may be more appealing to those who have already completed the game. Press Start Australia highlights the adjustable difficulty, which allows players to choose between an easier or more challenging experience. While this feature adds some replay value, it may not be a significant factor for everyone. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Tales of Arise offers a good amount of replay value. The game provides players with a range of activities, such as side quests, collectibles, and customization options, that encourage multiple playthroughs. The presence of additional content in New Game+ mode, as mentioned by ZTGD, also contributes to the replayability. The accessibility and time-saving options, praised by NME, further enhance the game's replay value. Although there are no explicitly negative opinions mentioned, it is important to note that the limited insights provided by some critics may suggest that the replay value may not be equally appealing to all players. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment is positive, indicating that Tales of Arise offers a satisfying level of replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Tales of Arise offers high replay value with engaging side activities, crafting systems, and customization options praised by critics. While some mention challenges in New Game+ and adjustable difficulty, overall consensus is positive for multiple playthroughs.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the majority of critics had a very positive opinion of Tales of Arise, considering it a great addition to the Tales series and a standout JRPG. One of the game's biggest strengths is its visuals, with stunning graphics and a watercolor world that captivated reviewers such as Dexerto and GameByte. The character design and animations were also praised, with multiple critics, including Metro GameCentral and GameSpew, commending the lovable and well-developed cast of characters. The combat system was another standout aspect, with critics like Siliconera and NME highlighting its enjoyability and depth. The game's storytelling and narrative were also highly regarded, with critics such as TheGamer and WellPlayed praising the mature and engaging story, as well as its political themes. The overall consensus among critics is that Tales of Arise offers a memorable and immersive experience, with Game Informer even considering it the best installment in the franchise. While the majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions, there were a few minor flaws and criticisms mentioned. One recurring criticism was the repetitive nature of the gameplay, as mentioned by KeenGamer and Metro GameCentral. Although the combat system was praised, some critics, like ZTGD, pointed out pacing issues that held the game back from reaching its full potential. Additionally, Cubed3 mentioned that the game felt more like an adventure/action game rather than a traditional JRPG, which might not appeal to players seeking a more conventional RPG experience. Technical problems with the PC port were also mentioned by ZTGD, which affected the overall experience for some players. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics is that Tales of Arise is a highly recommended and must-play game. The game's strengths, such as its stunning visuals, enjoyable combat, well-developed characters, and engaging story, outweigh the minor flaws mentioned. The game's ability to modernize and broaden the appeal of the Tales series while maintaining its JRPG roots was praised by Metro GameCentral. IGN Portugal also highlighted the evolution of the combat system and the excellent cast of characters. The game's high production value, smooth technical performance, and captivating storytelling were mentioned by Shacknews and Press Start Australia, further solidifying the positive overall sentiment. Ultimately, Tales of Arise stands as a standout JRPG that has garnered praise from both long-term franchise fans and newcomers alike, earning its place as one of the best JRPGs and games overall, according to Game Rant.

TL;DR

Tales of Arise is a visually stunning and immersive JRPG that captivates critics with its graphics, well-developed characters, engaging story, and enjoyable combat system. While some minor flaws like repetitive gameplay and pacing issues were noted, the game is highly recommended and considered a standout installment in the Tales series. A must-play for both franchise fans and newcomers, offering a modernized take on JRPGs with high production value and captivating storytelling.

MONSTER

Reviews

179 reviews found

100

GameGrin

Sep 16, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Arise is highly recommended and a must-play for anyone, even if they are not typically a fan of role-playing games.

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100

Game Rant

PlayStation 5

Sep 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Arise is a high-quality, highly-detailed JRPG that is recommended for both long-term franchise fans and newcomers. It is considered one of the best JRPGs and games overall.

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Game Informer

PlayStation 5

Sep 12, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes Tales of Arise as a fantastic reinvention of the franchise and possibly the best installment to date.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Sep 17, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A great JRPG experience that excels in storytelling, gameplay, and visuals

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Video Chums

PlayStation 5

Sep 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A masterpiece with a few minor flaws

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Player 2

PlayStation 5

Sep 22, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Arise is a treat for fans of the franchise and a great entry point for newcomers. It offers a powerful narrative, tight combat, impressive visuals, and a charming experience throughout.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Sep 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Arise is a masterfully crafted adventure and the best JRPG the reviewer has played in a very long time, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the heavy hitters of the genre.

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Softpedia

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Arise is one of the best titles launched this year and the best game in the Tales series.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Sep 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Arise is a huge and engrossing game that fully delivers on everything you would expect from a massive sequel over five years in the making. It's a refreshing step-up for the series.

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WellPlayed

PlayStation 5

Sep 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tales of Arise is a celebration of the best that JRPGs have to offer, with a refined combat system, captivating visuals, and a thematically mature story. It is the best role-playing game the reviewer has played this year.

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