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Tales of Arise takes a significant evolutionary leap forward with intelligent gameplay improvements, Unreal Engine 4 enhancements, and a mature narrative featuring a compelling roster of playable characters, the latest entry revitalizes the series in a way that cannot be ignored. This installment in the Tales saga not only meets expectations but exceeds them.
Tales of Arise effortlessly juggles a variety of enjoyable activities, from candid conversations by a crackling fire to intense battles with tentacled monstrosities. When I wasn't tending to livestock for stat-boosting ingredients or delivering rare ore to local blacksmiths, I found solace in secluded fishing spots or engaged in interactions with stray owls, trading for amusing cosmetics. These engaging side activities provide a welcome break from the intense journey that Tales of Arise presents. This is far from a low-stakes adventure, as the game delves into profound sociopolitical issues like racism, authoritarianism, and mental illness, notably PTSD. These central themes thoughtfully drive character motivations and never feel like superficial gimmicks.
Protagonists Alphen and Shionne, while traveling companions, are allegorically worlds apart. A centuries-long race war between the technologically advanced Renans and the naturalistic Dahnans has resulted in labor camps, surveillance states, and rampant hate crimes.
Additionally, Renan-made creatures called zeugles roam the far reaches of Dahna, indiscriminately claiming the lives of unsuspecting travelers and asylum seekers. Regardless of their ethnic differences and fluctuating feelings towards each other, Alphen and Shionne are two peas in a pod. The amnesiac warrior literally can't feel pain, while the gun-toting fashionista inflicts nothing but pain. Watching these two characters grow closer through trivial arguments and heartfelt revelations during their arduous mission to bring about positive change is a narrative highlight.
The remarkable level of sophistication in Arise's story is also expressed visually. Dahna's landscapes feature stunning geographical structures, from sizzling canyons overlooking lava lakes to winter wonderlands with glistening snow. Elde Menancia, a lush expanse, offers breathtaking vistas, with a flourishing kingdom perched atop an ancient forest being a personal favorite. Exploring these locales feels smooth, as narrow passages open up to hubs filled with mineable resources, edible flora, and wildlife. The convenience of finding chests and hidden scenic views along the way is appreciated. However, dungeon segments like age-old sewer systems, abandoned ruins, and multi-floor castles with dry puzzle designs were noticeable rough spots, with the repetitive tasks of finding keys or obtaining other mundane progression items growing tiresome.
Combat is the heart of the experience and compensates for some of Tales of Arise's less inspiring environments. If there were enemies to face, I was satisfied. Even sub-quests, often consisting of simple fetch objectives, were tolerable as long as I could slay zeugles to my heart's content. Don't be deceived by the minimalist battle UI; effectively chaining combos for optimal damage output is trickier than it appears. Even with Alphen and Shionne's abilities combined, there are limits to their fighting prowess. Introduce the various other heroes you'll meet along the way, and things get even more interesting.
Victory hinges on exploiting elemental weaknesses, utilizing astral artes (magic), well-timed "boost attacks" that call upon party members to disable foes single-handedly, and team-finishers known as "boost strikes." The action is streamlined with simple button inputs and a free camera, allowing you to focus on the most important aspect: the vibrant explosions and stylish cinematics that accompany your relentless pummeling of opponents. Aerial attacks and last-second dodges add extra flair and, more importantly, temporary damage boosts.
Switching to another party member who can capitalize on staggered enemies is satisfying, as each character comes with their own unique abilities and playstyle. For instance, there's nothing quite like juggling a wild boar in mid-air and having the party's martial artist, Law, swoop in with a flying kick, or watching your unparalleled arte caster, Rinwell, unleash beams of fire on multiple adversaries.
Boss fights forced me to adjust tactics, as haphazardly activating abilities often resulted in quick defeats. Tales of Arise offers a plethora of options to prepare for its toughest battles, from dining at rest points for attribute bonuses to customizing party behavior to prioritize healing artes. Traditional grinding, combined with "battle chain" effects, increased the chances of encountering higher-tier enemies and reaping better rewards. Having a diverse range of progression options was always empowering, even when I narrowly survived these challenging encounters.
Tales of Arise seamlessly blends beloved systems like visual novel-inspired skits and upgradable titles with new and improved gameplay tweaks. Intricate world-building in sub-quests and even mundane conversations helps with pacing and narrative coherence. Classic JRPG themes like the power of friendship and slow-burning romantic tension are prevalent throughout the game. However, I found myself fully invested in the cast's triumphs and tribulations, even when awkward pauses and stiff cutscene animations occasionally threatened to break my immersion. Tales of Arise is a fantastic reinvention of Bandai Namco's tried-and-true formula. In fact, it might just be the best entry in the franchise to date.
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