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Tales of Arise Review – A Tale of Two Worlds

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Tales of Arise Review – A Tale of Two Worlds

Tales of Arise

Tales of Arise
8.9

Score

 8.9/10

Pros

  • Immersive interplanetary narrative that encompasses themes of oppression and liberation.
  • Deep, fast-paced combat system with extensive abilities to level up.
  • Highly detailed graphics and anime-style art design, made even more vivid with the new game engine.
  • Varied progression system with a blend of medieval and technological equipment.
  • Strong, dedicated community providing a supportive player-base for both new and returning players.

Cons

  • Console-centric controls may be less intuitive for PC players.
  • Some elements of the story may feel derivative or predictable.
  • Difficulty curve may be steep for newcomers to the 'Tales' franchise.
  • The divide between Dahna and Rena could have been further exploited for contrasting gameplay mechanics.
  • Lack of significant changes to core gameplay mechanics may disappoint players seeking a radical departure from the series' formula.

As one of the latest entries in the illustrious ‘Tales’ franchise, ‘Tales of Arise‘ boasts a unique blend of anime aesthetics, high-paced action combat, and rich world-building. While the game maintains the essence of its predecessors, it ventures to tread new grounds, introducing players to a fascinating interstellar narrative and more refined gameplay.

Gameplay and Storyline

Tales of Arise’ is set across two starkly contrasted planets – Dahna, a world reminiscent of medieval times, and Rena, an advanced civilization that exudes a celestial grandeur. The narrative unfurls as the residents of Dahna, enslaved by the inhabitants of Rena for centuries, find themselves tangled in an uprising led by two unlikely allies.

Alphen, a Dahnan native who has lost his memory and ability to feel pain, finds himself bound to Shionne, a renegade from Rena who inflicts pain upon anyone she touches. Together, they traverse the disparate landscapes of Dahna and Rena, aiming to bridge the chasm of inequality that divides the two worlds.

The game’s combat system continues the tradition of its predecessors, focusing on dynamic and swift actions. With a multitude of unique abilities to level up and enhance, the combat is engaging and deeply tactical. Boss battles, in particular, are a showcase of epic confrontations against intimidating foes, rewarding players with a triumphant sense of achievement upon their victory.

Visuals and Controls

‘Tales of Arise’ visually impresses with its anime-inspired character designs and meticulously crafted environments. Leveraging a new game engine, the world comes alive in greater detail than any previous ‘Tales’ game, boasting realistic character models, intricate animations, and immersive world designs. The game represents a significant leap forward in the series’ visual presentation, immersing players in an artistically rich and vibrant universe.

Despite being multiplatform, the controls are predominantly console-oriented, yet with some accommodations for PC users. Numerous settings allow players to tailor the gameplay experience to their preferred style, though core mechanics remain immutable. Basic video and audio adjustments are also available, ensuring an optimal gaming experience across different display setups.

Progression and Community

As players delve further into the game, the progression system rewards them with advanced equipment and potent magical abilities. Starting with traditional swords and armors, players gradually gain access to advanced weaponry and technology as they journey from Dahna to Rena. Magic also plays a pivotal role, adding another layer of depth to the combat mechanics.

‘Tales of Arise’ benefits from a vibrant and dedicated community, a testament to the enduring appeal of the ‘Tales’ series. As the largest project within the franchise to date, it successfully melds the best elements of its predecessors with innovative gameplay elements, delivering a compelling RPG experience that caters to both casual and hardcore fans.

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

  • Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-2300 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
  • Memory (RAM): 8 GB
  • Graphics: GeForce GTX 760 / Radeon HD 7950
  • Disk Space: 45 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit only)

Recommended Requirements

  • Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD FX-8350
  • Memory (RAM): 8 GB
  • Graphics: GeForce GTX 970 / Radeon R9 390
  • Disk Space: 45 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit only)