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Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn
Item: Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableNov 9, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5

DeveloperBandai Namco Games

Overview

The new expansion pack taking place a year after the war between Dahna and Rena.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn delivers a mix of praise and critique. While the new character Nazamil enhances themes of identity and acceptance, and the emotional depth resonates with players, critics argue the execution falls flat. Many find the narrative superficial, predictable, and plagued by pacing issues and mundane side quests. Despite its strong thematic intentions, the DLC struggles to match the highs of the original game, leaving fans wanting more. Overall, it’s a heartfelt continuation that doesn’t quite hit the mark.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn has garnered a mix of praise for its thematic depth and character development, particularly through the introduction of the new character Nazamil. Critics such as Atomix and IGN Italia highlight the DLC's focus on significant themes like identity, acceptance, and the aftermath of societal conflicts, which resonate with the players. Atomix appreciates how the story builds upon the base game, providing closure to the main characters' arcs, while GamingTrend commends the thoughtful exploration of global slavery and character interactions, especially the romance between Alphen and Shionne. Moreover, several reviewers, including Eurogamer Germany and Finger Guns, note the emotional weight of Nazamil's journey as she navigates a world filled with cultural clashes and racism, adding a layer of heart to the narrative. However, despite these positives, many critics express dissatisfaction with the execution of the story. COGconnected and Cubed3 point out that while the DLC touches on important themes, it often fails to explore them in depth, resulting in a narrative that feels superficial. Destructoid and Multiplayer.it echo this sentiment, describing the story as predictable and standard, lacking the highs experienced in the base game. Additionally, issues with pacing and the presence of mundane side quests detract from the overall experience, as noted by critics like God is a Geek and Press Start Australia. The writing surrounding Nazamil is criticized for being thin, with RPG Fan suggesting that the story's potential is wasted, failing to deliver new insights or emotional resonance. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Beyond the Dawn offers a continuation of the Tales of Arise narrative, but it struggles to reach the same heights as its predecessor. While the introduction of Nazamil and the exploration of themes like identity and acceptance are commendable, many reviewers feel that the story lacks depth and suffers from pacing issues. Critics such as WellPlayed and Wccftech emphasize that the narrative, while heartfelt, ultimately feels stretched and fails to leave a lasting impression. In summary, while Beyond the Dawn has its merits, it appears to fall short of the expectations set by the original game, leaving some fans wanting more from the story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn impresses with engaging combat and stunning visuals, winning praise from critics for its action-packed gameplay. However, it falls short in innovation, recycling maps and lacking new mechanics, which leads to a sense of repetitiveness. While fans of the original may enjoy the familiar mechanics, many reviewers feel the expansion doesn't offer enough fresh content to justify its price.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn has garnered a mix of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding the combat system. Reviewers like Destructoid and WellPlayed praised the combat as engaging and intuitive, highlighting the satisfying combos and the action-packed nature of battles, which they consider among the best in JRPGs on the PS5. Critics such as GamingTrend noted the enjoyable combat experience and the fantastic visual design of new dungeons, while Push Square emphasized the exciting dungeon crawling and challenging enemy encounters. The familiar mechanics, which many players appreciated in the base game, have been retained, allowing for a smooth transition for returning players. However, a significant number of critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the gameplay. Many reviews, including those from Atomix, God is a Geek, and Multiplayer.it, expressed disappointment over the lack of new mechanics, skills, or character abilities, suggesting that the expansion feels repetitive and fails to innovate. Critics like Cubed3 and Noisy Pixel highlighted issues with dungeon design and boss fights, describing them as lengthy and monotonous. Furthermore, several reviewers, including RPG Fan and TheSixthAxis, criticized the recycled maps and the absence of fresh content, which they felt undermined the value of the expansion, especially given its price point. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn retains the enjoyable combat and familiar gameplay mechanics of the original, it suffers from a lack of innovation and new content. Many reviewers, such as LevelUp and Wccftech, echoed the sentiment that the gameplay remains largely unchanged, leaving some players wanting more substantial enhancements or challenges. The expansion seems to cater primarily to fans of the original game who are looking for more of the same, but it may not satisfy those seeking new experiences or improvements.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn impresses with "gorgeous" visuals and a vibrant world, earning praise for its enhancements and new designs. However, critics note issues with asset recycling, lack of innovation, and technical glitches, which hinder its visual potential. Overall, it's a visually stunning RPG, but it doesn't push the envelope as much as expected.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions of various critics on the graphics and visual design of Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn reveal a generally positive sentiment towards the game's visual presentation. Critics like Press Start Australia laud the visuals as "gorgeous" and "watercolour-esque," highlighting the game's ability to evoke awe and maintain its status as one of the most visually stunning RPGs available. IGN Italia echoes this sentiment, appreciating the "colorful and detailed world" that players return to, while Eurogamer Germany notes the appealing new dungeon and monster designs, as well as the enhanced liveliness of the towns due to the introduction of cosmetic items. Atomix also points out the improvements made to the main cities through side quests, which add personality to the locations, further enhancing the overall visual experience. However, not all feedback is entirely positive, as several critics point out notable shortcomings. Cubed3 suggests that the DLC largely recycles assets from the base game with only minor additions, indicating a lack of innovation in visual design. LevelUp concurs, stating that while the graphics maintain a high standard, there are no significant changes or enhancements to speak of. Hobby Consolas mentions "some technical issues," while WellPlayed highlights concerns about texture and asset pop-in, particularly with non-interactive NPCs in towns. TheSixthAxis adds to this by noting that, despite visually altered environments, exploring them feels repetitive, which can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn delivers a visually appealing experience that builds upon the strengths of the original game, it does so with some limitations. The graphics are praised for their beauty and detail, with several critics noting improvements in certain areas, such as the liveliness of towns and the addition of new cosmetic items. However, the reliance on recycled assets, minor enhancements, and some technical issues prevent the visuals from reaching their full potential. Thus, while the game is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal, it also faces criticism for not pushing the boundaries of visual design as much as some might have hoped.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn impresses critics with its exceptional sound design and music, particularly praising the emotional voice acting and standout tracks by composer Motoi Sakuraba. However, some critique the soundtrack for lacking distinctiveness and note the absence of credits for English voice actors. While the audio significantly enhances the gaming experience, there's room for improvement in variety and recognition.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting the high quality of both voice acting and the musical score. Atomix commends the top-notch voice acting, noting how the performances elevate emotional scenes, while Finger Guns echoes this sentiment by praising the returning cast's seamless integration into their roles. The soundtrack, composed by Motoi Sakuraba, has been particularly celebrated, with Destructoid singling out standout tracks like "Flame of the New Dawn," and WellPlayed describing the music as ranging from ethereal to thrilling. Overall, the critics agree that the sound design and music significantly enhance the gaming experience, contributing to the emotional depth and engagement of the narrative. Despite the strong praise, some criticisms emerge regarding the soundtrack's distinctiveness. Noisy Pixel points out that while the soundtrack effectively sets the tone, many songs lack individual distinction, which could detract from the overall memorability of the score. Additionally, Destructoid raises a concern about the lack of credits for the English voice actors, which could undermine the recognition of their contributions. While the music and sound design are generally seen as excellent, these critiques suggest that there are areas for improvement in terms of variety and acknowledgment. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn excels in sound design and music, with most reviewers praising the quality and emotional impact of the voice acting and soundtrack. The positive remarks from critics like LevelUp and WellPlayed reinforce the notion that the audio elements significantly enhance the game's overall experience. However, the noted shortcomings in individual track distinction and crediting voice actors indicate that while the sound design and music are strong, there is still room for refinement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn offers engaging new storylines and side quests, with up to 20 hours of gameplay, appealing to die-hard fans. However, critics widely agree that its limited replay value, lack of substantial new content, and absent gameplay innovations make it feel optional and less rewarding for those who completed the base game. While enjoyable for some, it ultimately fails to entice broader player engagement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

24%

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

The opinions on the replay value of Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn highlight some positive aspects that may appeal to dedicated fans of the franchise. Critics such as Press Start Australia and PlayStation Universe commend the expansion for introducing new storylines, side quests, and gear to collect, which can provide an engaging experience for players looking to immerse themselves further in the game’s world. Eurogamer Germany notes that the DLC can offer up to 20 hours of gameplay when exploring all content, including side quests, suggesting that there is a substantial amount of material for players to enjoy. Additionally, Noisy Pixel mentions the inclusion of coliseum challenges, which adds variety to the gameplay experience. However, the majority of critics express concerns regarding the limited replay value of the DLC. Atomix and Cubed3 both highlight the lack of substantial new content and gameplay additions, which they believe diminishes the overall replayability. Critics like Finger Guns and God is a Geek point out that the absence of new features or significant changes makes the experience feel less rewarding, especially for those who have already completed the base game. Multiplayer.it emphasizes that the DLC fails to deliver new revelations or character development, further contributing to the sentiment that the expansion feels somewhat optional and lacks the depth needed to encourage multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn offers some enjoyable content for fans, it ultimately falls short in terms of replay value. Many reviews, including those from LevelUp and Wccftech, suggest that the expansion does not provide enough fresh experiences or significant gameplay innovations to entice players back for additional playthroughs. While there are some redeeming qualities, such as the engaging story and the opportunity to explore new areas, the prevailing sentiment is that the DLC may not be compelling enough for players who are not die-hard fans of the series.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment towards Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn reflects a mixture of appreciation and nostalgia among critics, particularly for its ability to provide fans with more content and a chance to revisit beloved characters and settings. Reviewers like Destructoid and Press Start Australia highlight that the DLC serves as a satisfying continuation of the main game, tying up storylines in a way that feels rewarding for dedicated fans. Eurogamer Germany also praises the expansion for enriching the experience with new monsters and dungeons, suggesting that it offers a worthwhile revisit to the Tales of Arise universe. Additionally, critics such as GamingTrend commend the thoughtful storytelling and the emotional depth it brings, particularly in addressing themes like the aftermath of global slavery, which adds a layer of significance to the narrative. However, a significant number of reviewers express disappointment regarding the lack of substantial new content and gameplay innovations. Critics like Atomix and Finger Guns note that while the DLC is enjoyable, it fails to stand out due to its familiar mechanics and storytelling that doesn't quite resonate. Many reviewers, including Multiplayer.it and RPG Fan, argue that the expansion feels unnecessary and overpriced, particularly for those who may not be die-hard fans of the franchise. The consensus suggests that while the DLC provides a nostalgic experience, it does not justify its $30 price tag for a broader audience, as it lacks the depth and innovation that players might expect from a standalone expansion. Overall, the critics reach a consensus that Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn is best suited for fans of the original game who are eager for more content and character interactions. While some, like TheSixthAxis and God is a Geek, find value in the opportunity to revisit the world and characters, they also acknowledge the shortcomings in terms of new features and impactful storytelling. The general sentiment leans towards the idea that while the expansion is enjoyable and offers a decent experience, it ultimately falls short of being an essential addition to the Tales of Arise universe.

TL;DR

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn garners mixed reviews, celebrated for nostalgic content and character depth, yet criticized for lacking substantial new gameplay and innovation. While it satisfies die-hard fans with a rewarding continuation of the story, many reviewers deem it overpriced and unnecessary for casual players, failing to justify its $30 price tag. Overall, it's a fun revisit but not an essential expansion.

MONSTER

Reviews

39 reviews found

GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Nov 16, 2023

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

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn is described as a delightful follow-up, with a thoughtful story, enjoyable gameplay, and a realistic impression of the aftermath of global slavery. The reviewer considers it exactly what it should be.

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Multiplayer.it

PlayStation 5

Nov 10, 2023

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

Beyond the Dawn is a disappointing and unnecessary DLC that fails to add much to the base game. It arrives two years late and offers little new content or meaningful additions. It is only recommended for die-hard fans of the main game, and even then, it should be purchased at a discounted price.

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Eurogamer Germany

PlayStation 5

Nov 9, 2023

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

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn is a satisfying DLC that allows players to delve back into the world of Tales of Arise. It enriches the experience with new monsters, dungeons, and exploration elements. The story takes time to pick up, but the last third of the DLC is engaging and well-developed.

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GameGrin

Nov 8, 2023

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

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn DLC is a must-play for fans of the base game, but it may not change the minds of those who didn't enjoy the original game.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Nov 9, 2023

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

Tales of Arise Beyond the Dawn is a welcome revisit, providing a satisfying epilogue for those who value engaging character relationships and complete the sidequests. The gameplay issues from the base game persist, but the DLC was crafted with care.

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Atomix

PlayStation 5

Nov 17, 2023

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

Beyond the Dawn is a worthwhile addition to the game, providing an engaging and satisfying continuation of the Tales of Arise universe. However, the lack of substantial new content and gameplay additions prevent it from truly standing out.

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Press Start Australia

PlayStation 5

Nov 9, 2023

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

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn is a great way for fans to come back to the game, offering more of what made the main game excellent. It treads familiar ground and has some awkward integration, but it's still worth seeking out for franchise fans and those who enjoyed the main game.

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The Games Machine

PlayStation 5

Dec 1, 2023

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

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn is a solid narrative expansion that offers a chance to revisit the world and characters, but it falls short in gameplay innovation and exploration.

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SomosXbox

Xbox Series X

Nov 8, 2023

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

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn is a recommended expansion for those who want to explore the world of Rena and Dahna further and discover the new secrets it presents. However, for those seeking a standalone experience or substantial gameplay improvements, this DLC may not fully meet those expectations.

Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

Nov 8, 2023

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

Good expansion, lacks gameplay innovations

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