Tales of Arise

 PlayStation 5
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 727 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 543 out of 727
  2. Mixed: 73 out of 727
  3. Negative: 111 out of 727
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  1. giannis2001
    Feb 9, 2023
    9
    I hadn't played any Tales game before this and just bought this game because I liked the demo, so I went completely in the dark of what to expect from the series. And I have to say I love Tales of Arise. The characters are truly unforgettable. Everyone has a very well done design to his personality and the interactions between them has huge depth.

    The story in itself is nothing special    I hadn't played any Tales game before this and just bought this game because I liked the demo, so I went completely in the dark of what to expect from the series. And I have to say I love Tales of Arise. The characters are truly unforgettable. Everyone has a very well done design to his personality and the interactions between them has huge depth.

    The story in itself is nothing special by my opinion, but combining with the development of each characters it become truly amazing.

    The art style and soundtrack are outstanding as well.

    Let's talk about the combat. Maybe slow at start, but later on you get one of the best Action RPG combat system to date. It feels like hack and slash but keeps every aspect of RPG. Truly great combination. Also, the lengh of the game is exactly as it should. Overall, the excellent presentation of characters and the fantastic combat make this game a masterpiece. Highly recommend it.    … Expand
  2. Sphendaroh
    Mar 4, 2023
    10
    I enjoyed the game immensely. I really liked the gameplay (especially the combat) as well as of course the graphics. The story wasn't a masterpiece by any means, but I greatly enjoyed it nonetheless, and the characters really shine in this game (especially the character dynamics). This game tried to do something different with the classic Tales formula (which I also liked, given that II enjoyed the game immensely. I really liked the gameplay (especially the combat) as well as of course the graphics. The story wasn't a masterpiece by any means, but I greatly enjoyed it nonetheless, and the characters really shine in this game (especially the character dynamics). This game tried to do something different with the classic Tales formula (which I also liked, given that I love the classic games like Tales of Vesperia and Tales of the Abyss, as well as liked the more modern entries like Tales of Xillia and Tales of Bersaria) and I think it overall succeeded. The game overall was an incredible experience from start to finish, and I have hopes that they can continue to improve upon this strong basis in the future (whether that be building upon this good new framework they established with this game, or going back to a more traditional style but incorporating several of the good aspects from this game). As long as one plays this game with a mindset open to an Tales experience that tries something new, I think there is a lot to enjoy from this one. I highly recommend this game.… Expand
  3. Unkodesu
    Sep 11, 2021
    10
    I am the type who yearns for (1) medieval-like fantasy and (2) party adventure when it comes to RPG games. I remember when I was in middle school getting so attached to the world-building, story, music, and characters in the games like Final Fantasy 6 or Chrono Trigger. Later in high school, I got my PlayStation 2 with Final Fantasy 10. I was so absorbed with these fantasy games to a pointI am the type who yearns for (1) medieval-like fantasy and (2) party adventure when it comes to RPG games. I remember when I was in middle school getting so attached to the world-building, story, music, and characters in the games like Final Fantasy 6 or Chrono Trigger. Later in high school, I got my PlayStation 2 with Final Fantasy 10. I was so absorbed with these fantasy games to a point that I can still reminisce very clearly the events and the journey that I experienced from these games. These games have impacted me so much that they shape me into what I am now.

    It has been so long since I felt like this until I play Tales of Arise. Although my playtime on the game while writing this review is just around 20 hours and probably around a third (or maybe half? I don't know) of the main story, I am enjoying my time so much with the game, combat, story, exploration, etc. Tales of Arise has a good medieval fantasy world-building and a group of friends with distinctive personalities. I am usually fond of mage classes in every fantasy game so I am mainly playing as Rinwell. The variety of magic is awesome and the ability to combine magic is fun as hell. Playing Tales of Arise gives me the feeling that I am inside that fantasy world and adventuring together with the party. Especially within the combat where they smash the enemy and help me on their own, it just feels like they are all real people fighting and adventuring together with me.

    Western RPGs in general give you a feeling like you are solo playing and the story plot and combat system are usually one-main-character focused. These qualities are not in itself a bad thing but they are just not my preference. On the other hand, while there are modern Japanese RPGs that are enjoyable like Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Scarlet Nexus, and Persona 5 that have the quality of party adventure that I love, they don't have a classic medieval fantasy setting that I am yearning for. You know, the classic medieval fantasy setting like the ones that you see in Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy 6, 9, 10 (and hopefully 16 too!!) or in the typical Japanese isekai manga/anime like Mushoku Tensei, Slime Tensei, Cautious Hero, Re:Zero, Shield Hero, etc.

    If you like these two qualities (ie. classic medieval fantasy and party adventure) you will probably be going to like Tales of Arise too. I am happy that Arise introduces me to the Tales series. I will definitely try some of the previous Tales games later.    … Expand
  4. Hubliterate
    Feb 5, 2022
    5
    First of all, I'd like to mention that I'm a huge Jrpg fan since the ps1 era and that I'm 35h deep into the game. Tales of Arise has been on my radar for a couple months and I was really eager to try it. Sadly, I didn't get hooked at all. Everything is so repetitive, towns are absolutely lifeless, story is boring, besides Shionne the cast is weak and to combat system is unbalanced (IFirst of all, I'd like to mention that I'm a huge Jrpg fan since the ps1 era and that I'm 35h deep into the game. Tales of Arise has been on my radar for a couple months and I was really eager to try it. Sadly, I didn't get hooked at all. Everything is so repetitive, towns are absolutely lifeless, story is boring, besides Shionne the cast is weak and to combat system is unbalanced (I try/play every game on hard or higher difficulty and I'm really struggling with this one on normal mode...and then I realised there were microtransactions, now it makes sense). I don't know if Persona 5 and FF7 remake set the bar to high but I'm really struggling in enjoying jrpgs lately. That being said, the game looks absolutely fantastic, music is great and the voices are too. 7/10 for me (I'm even wondering if i'll finish it and I rarely give up on games)

    Edit: I dropped my score to 5 after playing the last part of the game: a rushed disaster and endless boring cutscenes    … Expand
  5. Pade
    Sep 15, 2021
    10
    If i compare this game to other games from this decade, i have to give it 10/10. Only few games got me engaged recently, but this is one of them. This game has so many strong points: story, music, combat and graphics are all top notch. Also it seems to be a rare thing for games to be in working state at launch, but this definitely is. Only complain i have, is with the pop in, but it is soIf i compare this game to other games from this decade, i have to give it 10/10. Only few games got me engaged recently, but this is one of them. This game has so many strong points: story, music, combat and graphics are all top notch. Also it seems to be a rare thing for games to be in working state at launch, but this definitely is. Only complain i have, is with the pop in, but it is so minor that i won't be taking point off because of that.… Expand
  6. Drakosmick
    Sep 14, 2021
    10
    This game… this is truly the “next gen” of Jrpgs. Story 10/10
    Music 9/10
    Design 10/10
    Gameplay 11/10
    Graphics 10/10

    GOTY 2021 imho.
  7. KidxIcarus
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    Literally made an account to post this review. I grew up (old asf now) playing RPG’s like FF and the like because they were more alive than books and i loved the strategy and story. Then for like 10 years everything sucked because writers got lazy and life got in The way. This game is a masterpiece. If you love or used to love RPG games with meaningful combat, tons of replay value, andLiterally made an account to post this review. I grew up (old asf now) playing RPG’s like FF and the like because they were more alive than books and i loved the strategy and story. Then for like 10 years everything sucked because writers got lazy and life got in The way. This game is a masterpiece. If you love or used to love RPG games with meaningful combat, tons of replay value, and all the feels, this game is a bargain at any price. Bravo Bandai, made me feel like a kid again.… Expand
  8. Dorn1776
    Nov 8, 2021
    4
    I'm convinced most of these 10/10 reviews are fake. Expect cliche tropes, shallow writing, generic music, serviceable VA, bland combat, hollow set pieces, and uninteresting side mechanics.
  9. SOTZ
    Nov 15, 2021
    0
    Easily one of the worst stories the series ever told. A lot of grindy gameplay and its just not a good Tale's game overall and is being pandered unnecessarily to fame that an average game doesn't deserve.
    Tales of Arise is a dark future for the series if this is the direction they will take for it has lost the spirit the series once had.    Easily one of the worst stories the series ever told. A lot of grindy gameplay and its just not a good Tale's game overall and is being pandered unnecessarily to fame that an average game doesn't deserve.
    Tales of Arise is a dark future for the series if this is the direction they will take for it has lost the spirit the series once had.
    http://mysticallis.blogspot.com/2021/10/tales-of-arise-critical-review.html    … Expand
  10. Rhaekaos
    Sep 16, 2021
    9
    Tales of Arise es un juego increíble , desde que empieza hasta que termina su Gameplay te atrapa y su apartado visual te enamora , si tuviera que ponerle una pega es que la historia empieza demasiado lenta , se toman su tiempo para introducirte al mundo y una vez despega tampoco destaca demasiado , aún así los personajes son bastante carismáticos y consiguen que te mantengas enganchado ,Tales of Arise es un juego increíble , desde que empieza hasta que termina su Gameplay te atrapa y su apartado visual te enamora , si tuviera que ponerle una pega es que la historia empieza demasiado lenta , se toman su tiempo para introducirte al mundo y una vez despega tampoco destaca demasiado , aún así los personajes son bastante carismáticos y consiguen que te mantengas enganchado , al principio la relación entre estos se nota poco natural porque cogen confianza demasiado rápido y pareciera que se conocen de hace tiempo pero una vez avanzas se empieza a consolidar la amistad y provoca muchos momento de risa y típicos de la saga. A niveles generales Tales of Arise cumple más que bien , siendo uno de los mejores JRPG que hayan salido últimamente y dando pie con sus innovaciones a un nuevo público y abre nuevos camino para mejores juegos.… Expand
  11. Taryl
    Sep 13, 2021
    10
    Best Jrpg of decade!!! Story 10,music 10, graphics 9. Wonderful characters design and personalities! I'm in love! Best Tales of all time, Berseria was ok, but with a confusing combat, this one is perfect in every aspect! Must buy!
  12. OldManLav
    Sep 15, 2021
    10
    I f**king love this game. Top 3 in the series, easily. Battle system is a perfect evolution for the series, usual colorful cast of characters, gripping story, great graphics, and another excellent soundtrack. Other than maybe FF7R, this is the best JRPG you can get on current gen. Expect some crashing on Series X, but that's really the only negative thing I could dock it for.
  13. mikatalon
    Sep 11, 2021
    10
    the first tales games and not gonna lie, this better win GOTY because is the best story so far
  14. kannguy
    Sep 11, 2021
    10
    Game of the year Game of the year Game of the year Game of the year Game of the year Game of the year Game of the year Game of the year Game of the year Game of the year
  15. slazapuss
    Sep 14, 2021
    10
    Anyone who leaves a bad review is just hating lol. This game is as close to flawless as you can get and anything negative I can find is just nitpicks. Tales of Arise offers everything you would want from a Jrpg. Great cast of characters that interact with each other ALL the time. The game is gorgeous and has a unique art style that will hold up well with age. I can’t think of a jrpg thatAnyone who leaves a bad review is just hating lol. This game is as close to flawless as you can get and anything negative I can find is just nitpicks. Tales of Arise offers everything you would want from a Jrpg. Great cast of characters that interact with each other ALL the time. The game is gorgeous and has a unique art style that will hold up well with age. I can’t think of a jrpg that has better combat. The story is pretty serious for a jrpg and can be a little dark but it still offers pieces of comedy throughout. Man I could praise this game forever, solid 10/10 for me and I have NO complaints. Amazing job Bandai!… Expand
  16. Tequilae
    Sep 12, 2021
    10
    Just WOW. Everything about this game oozes with Quality, Passion, and BUDGET. Everything was carefully placed and there's so much attention to detail that I can't stop praising the game. The Gameplay is addictive and so fun to play, I just get lost on grinding most of the time.Thank you Bamco for this masterpiece.
  17. Tacitus_Gaming
    Sep 12, 2021
    10
    This has become the best Tales game in every way. Quality, gameplay, character, enemy and environmental designs. Arguably the best Tales story as well. It's perfect for veterans and new players to the series and should be treated as a new beginning, a blank slate. This overhaul was badly needed and now many fans and gamers alike are happy.
  18. shoeletariat
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    The most compelling story I've played in a JRPG in a long time, a beautifully rendered world, and a battle system that never really gets old. What more could you want? The best JRPG since Dragon Quest XI, easily.
  19. wdnk
    Oct 1, 2021
    10
    From the opening song till the end of the game, this game never disappointed me. Dark and epic story; Alphen who never felt the pain, and Shionne who never touched by other people, is the perfect combination to find out what happen and make them happy ending. Epic!
    Great presentation and story telling, this game strong built the relationship between characters, and their combo Arts is the    From the opening song till the end of the game, this game never disappointed me. Dark and epic story; Alphen who never felt the pain, and Shionne who never touched by other people, is the perfect combination to find out what happen and make them happy ending. Epic!
    Great presentation and story telling, this game strong built the relationship between characters, and their combo Arts is the epic part of the battle system.    … Expand
  20. hamoonbeigi
    Sep 15, 2021
    10
    ti's game so far great, gameplay great, story, and music so goodness , amazing stuff and steph
  21. lasmas
    Sep 15, 2021
    10
    What a game what a combat.

    Perfectly recomended no doubt best jrpg on this years
  22. Avorax
    Sep 16, 2021
    10
    One of the Best tales of up yo date,the long wait was paid off.
    Gorgeus visuales, polished gameplay, mature story. 10/10
  23. Sairento
    Sep 17, 2021
    10
    I will just copy paste from PC review, I don't think there is big difference, just on PS5 there is more ppl :P

    For me one of the best Tales game. I'm let's call it veteran of this serie and Arise made huge step forward. Easly in Top 4 with Tales of The Abyss, Vesperia, Berseria(this one mostly for story and characters). Great graphic with music. Characters are as always interesting and    I will just copy paste from PC review, I don't think there is big difference, just on PS5 there is more ppl :P

    For me one of the best Tales game. I'm let's call it veteran of this serie and Arise made huge step forward. Easly in Top 4 with Tales of The Abyss, Vesperia, Berseria(this one mostly for story and characters). Great graphic with music. Characters are as always interesting and well written (specially Rinwell), story is great, even combat is pretty good. Maybe it looks like no depth in it but it's just easy entry to combat, u can do rly nice combos ( I recommend to try Rinwell ofc :V). Huge success after bad Zestiria and good Berseria. And if multiplayer was for someone important in Tales game, then this person is funny, cause it was one of the most boring part in Tales games ^^    … Expand
  24. DevilsDivide
    Oct 3, 2021
    10
    It’s simply 10/10. I won’t accept anything lower.

    I want to be YOU if you haven’t finished the game. Someone please brainwash me. I want to experience this game one more time. Masterpiece. Brilliant. It’s the best game of 2021 nothing else.

    Best best best game.
  25. Plushjavi
    Sep 13, 2021
    10
    Que pasada de juego como mola perderse por su mundo con una música tremenda un 10/10 el mejor JRPG del año
  26. Davil76
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    Not stupid, beautiful, Adult, goid history
    Best JRPG Since 10 years!
    Play this game if you are nostalgic of jprg's ps1 and ps2. I think it's clear
  27. Bufarrier
    Sep 14, 2021
    10
    en la version de pc, increible fluidez. 144 fps. los cambios le sentaron excelente.
  28. DaLawUK
    Sep 15, 2021
    10
    Story 10/10
    Dialogue 9/10
    Graphics 10/10
    Gameplay 10/10
    Character Design 10/10 (Though didn't like the armour)

    Now the only reason I say dialogue is a 9 is because the main character references the 'wall' way too much, ended up making me laugh every time he said it.

    I didn't want to put this game down at all though, Very high contender to my top games.
  29. RomulusReviews
    Sep 16, 2021
    9
    This was a great game! Tales of Arise may have just made me a legit fan of JRPGs moving forward. I haven't mind a few JRPGs but usually I take a hard pass on this genre. I. Glad that isn't the case for Tales of Arise. The graphics are crisp, story deep and thrilling, characters are interesting and the combat is very engaging. Besides the gross DLC that the game advertises at every partyThis was a great game! Tales of Arise may have just made me a legit fan of JRPGs moving forward. I haven't mind a few JRPGs but usually I take a hard pass on this genre. I. Glad that isn't the case for Tales of Arise. The graphics are crisp, story deep and thrilling, characters are interesting and the combat is very engaging. Besides the gross DLC that the game advertises at every party camp this may be game of the year for a lot of games out there… Expand
  30. 1dur
    Sep 13, 2021
    10
    Super smooth battles. Awesome so far. Can’t wait to pick the controller up to play some more.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2021
17
#17 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 76 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 76
  3. Negative: 0 out of 76
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 19, 2022
    85
    The latest entry in the Tale series offers everything loyal fans could have expected, but also has a chance to enamor many newcomers. The story about two heroes from the opposite sides of a conflict joining forces is surprisingly multi-layered, the combat is flashy and satisfying, and the journey leads you across beautiful, varied regions. As for the flaws, I need to mention problems with map legibility and the necessity to grind, but fortunately both issues are occasional. [12/2021, p.68]
  2. Gamersky
    Dec 2, 2021
    85
    Tales of Arise achieved steady progress under the traditional JRPG framework. With a solid plot and refreshing battle, a very good JRPG experience has been created for players. Although the overall quality is very high, the game still has some problems in character creation and story logic, which prevents it from reaching the peak of the JRPG category.
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  3. We Got This Covered
    Nov 3, 2021
    90
    Tales of Arise offers fast and fluid combat and an epic story, paving the way for the first great JRPG of a new console generation.
    Read full review
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