Tales of Arise

The story of Tales of Arise is widely praised for its compelling exploration of mature themes such as oppression, rebellion, and societal inequality, with many critics highlighting its nuanced narrative depth. Reviewers like IGN commend the game’s “outstanding” storytelling, noting its global and interpersonal stakes, while Game Informer applauds its examination of sociopolitical issues like racism and authoritarianism. The narrative’s focus on Alphen, a Dahnian slave seeking freedom, and his relationship with Shionne is frequently lauded for its emotional resonance and character growth. Checkpoint Gaming emphasizes the “richly detailed narrative” and well-realized cast, while GameSpew describes the story as “entertaining and enjoyable” with numerous twists. Themes of colonialism, class struggle, and personal sacrifice are also highlighted as strengths, with SpazioGames noting the game’s exploration of “colonialism, class struggles, and personal sacrifices.” The story’s ability to evolve beyond its initial tropes—such as the amnesiac hero archetype—is praised by Jeuxvideo.com, which calls it a “nuanced narrative” that becomes more complex over time. Despite these strengths, several critics point to flaws in execution, particularly around clichés, pacing, and character development. Gamer.no criticizes the “stereotypical cast” and “excessive dialogue,” while CGMagazine argues the story suffers from “clichéd writing” and underdeveloped antagonists. Twinfinite notes that the narrative’s “predictable themes” and pacing issues undermine emotional impact, and GamingBolt mentions “clumsy writing” and “awkward dialogue” that detract from character moments. Some reviewers, like ZTGD, feel the game’s focus on slavery and racism is “hammered on too hard,” slowing the pace unnecessarily. Additionally, Windows Central and GameCritics point to “anime clichés” and a lack of engagement in later acts, with the latter criticizing “excessive exposition” and “lack of engaging character development.” While these critiques highlight recurring issues, they are often framed as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers. Overall, the majority of critics view Tales of Arise’s story as a strong, impactful narrative that balances familiar RPG tropes with meaningful themes. Despite criticisms about pacing and depth, IGN and Game Informer celebrate its “outstanding” storytelling, while RPG Fan and Everyeye.it highlight its emotional complexity and character-driven moments. Many reviewers, including MGG and GamingTrend, acknowledge that while the story has flaws—particularly in its latter acts—it remains one of the most compelling entries in the Tales series. The consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for its thematic ambition and character work, with even critics who pointed out weaknesses agreeing that the narrative is “engaging” and “memorable.” As GameStar notes, the story begins with a classic good-vs-evil framework but evolves into something more nuanced, reflecting a broader industry trend of mature, socially conscious RPG storytelling.

The gameplay of Tales of Arise is widely praised for its dynamic combat system, which many critics highlight as a standout feature. The real-time action mechanics, combo-based strategies, and character-specific abilities create an engaging and immersive experience. Reviewers like Video Chums and IGN commend the strategic depth, noting that the combat feels "a joy" and "fluid," respectively. Game Informer and Shacknews emphasize the complexity of the battle system, with effective combo chaining, elemental weaknesses, and unique character roles adding layers of strategy. The ability to switch between characters mid-battle, as noted by Shacknews and SpazioGames, enhances versatility, while PLAY! Zine and WellPlayed praise the accessibility and visual appeal of the combat. Many critics, including GameSpot and PCGamesN, argue that the gameplay surpasses previous entries in the series, offering a fresh blend of action-RPG mechanics that keeps battles exciting and varied. Despite these positives, several critics point to notable drawbacks. Cubed3 and GameStar criticize the game’s slow progression and lack of conventional RPG elements, with GameStar noting a "slow start" that only improves after 10–15 hours. Repetition in combat mechanics is another recurring issue; Slant Magazine and Gfinity mention that battles can become monotonous, requiring constant attention to avoid being overwhelmed. AI-related flaws are also highlighted, such as Gamersky’s critique of teammates’ poor behavior and Push Square’s complaints about enemy variety and targeting issues. Additionally, Vandal and Hobby Consolas note that exploration feels linear or underdeveloped, lacking puzzles and meaningful side content. While these criticisms are significant, they often stem from specific aspects of the game rather than its core mechanics. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the gameplay being celebrated as a major strength. Despite some critiques about pacing, repetition, and AI, the majority of reviews emphasize that Tales of Arise delivers a compelling and innovative combat experience. IGN, GameSpot, and PCGamesN all highlight the system’s depth and enjoyment, while Everyeye.it and Eurogamer Italy praise its fluidity and strategic potential. While no game is without flaws, the enthusiasm for the gameplay mechanics—particularly the real-time action and character customization—underscores its appeal. As WellPlayed notes, the combat feels like the "shining jewel" of the game, reinforcing that the positives far outweigh the negatives in the eyes of most critics.

The majority of critics praised Tales of Arise for its visually striking and distinctive art style, with many highlighting its vibrant environments, unique aesthetic, and technical execution. The game’s use of Unreal Engine 4 was frequently lauded for creating lush, detailed worlds that blend anime-inspired character designs with hand-painted, watercolor-like backdrops. IGN noted the “painted, watercolor-like art direction” that sets it apart from previous entries, while GameStar described its presentation as “wahnsinnig stark” (insanely strong). Critics like WellPlayed and Destructoid celebrated the “softly outlined anime characters” against dense, faux-painted landscapes, emphasizing the game’s immersive world-building. The visual design also received acclaim for its variety, with Games.cz noting “diverse and detailed environments” and Cubed3 praising the effort put into each realm. Additionally, the combat visuals and animations were highlighted as dynamic and engaging, with Gfinity calling it “phenomenal” and Game Rant hailing it as a “technical marvel.” However, several critics pointed out notable flaws in the game’s graphics and visual design. Issues such as inconsistent quality, technical limitations, and missed opportunities for next-gen optimization were recurring concerns. Worth Playing criticized the “inconsistent” visuals, noting that some scenes felt lifeless despite others shining brightly. We Got This Covered and TheXboxHub pointed to “last-gen” graphics and dated environments, while TrueGaming and Digitally Downloaded mentioned low-quality shadows and standard character designs compared to other JRPGs. Technical issues like texture problems (Vandal), loading times (MGG), and clipping errors (IGN France) were also noted. Additionally, some critics, such as EGM and Destructoid, observed that minor characters lacked detail or facial animations appeared static, detracting from the overall polish. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among reviewers was overwhelmingly positive, with most acknowledging Tales of Arise as a visually impressive entry in the series. While some felt it didn’t fully leverage next-gen hardware—such as Gameblog.fr, who noted its PS4 origins, or MGG, who cited longer loading times—the majority praised its art style and technical execution. IGN and GameSpot highlighted the “beautiful environments” and “stunning visuals,” while Gamer.no and Shindig celebrated its hand-painted aesthetic and memorable locations. Even critics with reservations, like CGMagazine (who called character designs “generic”) or We Got This Covered (who noted “last-gen” graphics), acknowledged the game’s strengths. Ultimately, the visual design of Tales of Arise was seen as a significant step forward for the series, blending creativity with technical craftsmanship to create a visually captivating experience.

The sound design and music of Tales of Arise received widespread praise for their emotional depth, orchestral quality, and atmospheric contributions. Critics like GameOver.gr and MGG highlighted Motoi Sakuraba’s compositions as fitting the game’s tone, with Screen Rant noting the score’s memorability and IGN praising its blend of classical and rock-inspired fight music. The soundtrack was frequently described as epic and immersive, with Vandal and RPG Fan emphasizing its ability to enhance narrative moments and create a captivating atmosphere. Additionally, voice acting received mixed but generally positive feedback, with Games.cz and GameGrin noting the excellence of Japanese voices and GameSkinny acknowledging the impact of NPC sound bytes despite their limitations. The dual audio options (English/Japanese) were also appreciated by COGconnected and GameSpace, adding flexibility for players. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws in the sound design and music. GamingBolt criticized the voice acting as "mediocre at best," while Cubed3 and GamingTrend found the music repetitive and poorly mixed, with battle tracks often drowned out by effects. Gamer.no described the audio as "overwhelming," and Easy Allies noted that repeated use of the same tracks reduced their impact. Technical issues like KeenGamer’s mention of monotonous combat audio and TierraGamer’s lip-sync problems in English versions further highlighted inconsistencies. Some critics, such as GameTrend, also pointed to the "forgettable" nature of many tracks, suggesting a lack of originality in certain areas despite the overall quality. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers viewed Tales of Arise’s sound design and music as strong, with RPG Fan calling Sakuraba’s work "one of the best in years" and Shacknews praising its ability to reinforce the game’s story. While issues like repetition and mixing were noted, they were often overshadowed by the soundtrack’s emotional resonance and technical execution. Critics like GameStar and Everyeye.it emphasized the balance between epic moments and subtlety, while Digital Trends highlighted its role in enhancing immersion. Overall, the consensus leans positive, with the music and sound design seen as a key strength that complements the game’s narrative and gameplay, even if not without flaws.

The voice acting in Tales of Arise is widely praised for its emotional depth, technical quality, and ability to enhance character development across both English and Japanese versions. Critics like BaziCenter, GameSpace, and KeenGamer highlight the strong performances in both dubs, noting that they provide a satisfying experience regardless of language preference. Attack of the Fanboy specifically commends the main characters Alphen and Shionne for their compelling portrayals, while IGN and RPG Fan praise the stellar cast for bringing "charm and depth" to the narrative. The Japanese version often receives acclaim for its emotional resonance (GameSpace, Gameblog.fr, Games.cz), with some critics like Eurogamer Italy and Everyeye.it noting its superior synchronization and storytelling impact. Additionally, LevelUp and Worth Playing emphasize how the voice acting elevates both battle sequences and narrative moments, creating a more immersive experience. However, several critiques point to technical and tonal inconsistencies. GamingBolt calls the voice acting "mediocre" and "laughably bad" in parts, while Gamer.nl criticizes stiff animations and poor lip synchronization, which detract from immersion. Generación Xbox mentions reliance on Japanese voices with subtitles, citing readability issues, and Screen Rant highlights translation errors that disrupt the flow. Ragequit.gr notes minor animation glitches during dialogue, while Gamer.no argues that overly present voice acting lacks chemistry among characters. Though less common, these criticisms suggest that while the voice acting is generally strong, some technical flaws and tonal mismatches occasionally undermine its effectiveness. Overall, the consensus leans heavily positive, with most critics agreeing that Tales of Arise’s voice acting is a standout feature. IGN, RPGamer, and We Got This Covered praise the performances for their emotional delivery and character immersion, while COGconnected and TrueGaming appreciate the dual audio options for player flexibility. Though some issues like lip sync (Gamer.nl) or translation errors (Screen Rant) are noted, these are often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise strong presentation. The Japanese version is frequently favored for its authenticity and synchronization, but the English dub also receives high marks for its energy and engagement. As GameGrin and Hey Poor Player observe, the voice acting consistently contributes to the game’s narrative and character-driven appeal, making it a key strength of the experience.

The technical performance of Tales of Arise varies across platforms, with notable strengths on newer hardware. On PS5, several reviewers praised its smooth 60 FPS stability (IGN Italia, GamingBolt) and reduced loading times (Gameblog.fr, Press Start Australia), while others highlighted the flexibility of graphical and framerate modes (Checkpoint Gaming, Push Square). The Xbox Series X version also received commendations for quick load times and stable frame rates (MGG Spain, Generación Xbox), with some noting improved optimization compared to older consoles. On PC, critics like PCMag and Merlin'in Kazanı emphasized smooth performance on recommended hardware, avoiding common pitfalls like FPS locks, though ZTGD criticized the lack of PC-centric features such as DLSS or ultrawide support. The PS4 version was generally well-received for its stability (GameSpace, Cultured Vultures), with some noting improved mechanics and reduced bugs compared to predecessors. However, technical issues plagued several platforms. On PS5, the most frequent complaints included frame rate drops during battles (Atomix, MGG), texture pop-in (PLAY! Zine, Gameblog.fr), and graphical glitches like character disappearance (WellPlayed) or clipping (Jeuxvideo.com). Critics like RPG Site and Stevivor also pointed to minor polish issues, such as dialogue mismatches and typos, which, while not game-breaking, detracted from immersion. The PC port faced criticism for its lack of optimization, with ZTGD highlighting texture/shading pop-in and the absence of features like DLSS or FSR. On Xbox Series X, MGG Spain noted dungeon loading issues, though overall performance remained solid. Meanwhile, PS4 users reported occasional frame rate drops (GRYOnline.pl) but generally found the experience smooth compared to newer consoles. Overall, critics reached a mixed consensus, acknowledging Tales of Arise as technically polished for its genre despite platform-specific flaws. The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions were praised for their stability and optimization, though both faced issues with graphical consistency (e.g., pop-in, frame rate dips). PC received positive feedback for smooth performance but was criticized for lacking modern features. While some reviewers like GamingBolt and IGN France highlighted the game’s technical improvements over predecessors, others like GameSkinny and PLAY! Zine emphasized that technical hiccups—such as NPC behavior glitches or loading screen disruptions—still impacted the experience. Despite these issues, the majority of critics agreed that Tales of Arise delivers a largely stable and enjoyable gameplay loop across platforms, with the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions standing out for their performance consistency.

The overall sentiment toward Tales of Arise’s replay value is largely positive, with many critics highlighting its substantial side content, post-game options, and variety of activities that encourage exploration. Reviewers like RPG Fan and IGN Italia emphasize the game’s plethora of side quests, collectibles, character progression systems, and New Game Plus mode, which provide incentives for multiple playthroughs. Destructoid and GameCritics note the presence of optional bosses, post-game challenges, and content like crafting, cooking, and costume customization that extend engagement beyond the main story. Additionally, Worth Playing and LaPS4 point to the game’s 40–70 hour completion time, with side quests and activities offering enough depth for players seeking extended play. The inclusion of adjustable difficulty (Press Start Australia) and diverse character dynamics (SomosXbox) further enhances its appeal for replayability. However, several critics express concerns about the limitations of the game’s replay value, particularly regarding repetitive or underdeveloped side content. TrueGaming and Hey Poor Player criticize the superficiality and repetitiveness of many side quests, while Games.cz and GamePro Germany note the game’s linear structure and minimal side activities. Atomix and Cultured Vultures highlight that fetch-quest-style missions and grinding can feel stale, diminishing long-term engagement. Multiplayer.it and Checkpoint Gaming also mention that simplistic side quests and a lack of clarity in difficulty may deter players from revisiting the game. Additionally, Ragequit.gr and Wccftech point to the game’s predictable JRPG structure and absence of multiplayer as factors that could limit its replayability for some audiences. The consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward moderate replay value, with many acknowledging the game’s content-rich design while recognizing its flaws. While IGN France, Digital Trends, and Hardcore Gamer praise the 50–60+ hour gameplay and post-game incentives like New Game Plus, others such as Games.cz and Hey Poor Player argue that the lack of meaningful side quests or an interactive world hampers its longevity. The game’s appeal seems to depend on player preferences: those who enjoy exploration, character progression, and JRPG tropes may find it rewarding, while others might be deterred by repetition or linearity. Ultimately, Tales of Arise offers a balanced mix of content that caters to completionists but falls short of being universally compelling for all types of players.