Tales of Arise (v2023.12.12 & ALL DLC)

Dahna’s sunlit valleys, ruined settlements, and volcanic wastelands frame a fast, cinematic JRPG about rebellion against an occupying world. Tales of Arise follows Alphen, a Dahnan slave who cannot feel pain, and Shionne, a Renan woman whose touch injures anyone who gets close to her. Their uneasy alliance becomes a campaign to overthrow the five Renan lords ruling Dahna, but the story reaches beyond a simple liberation fantasy as it examines prejudice, trauma, and the cost of inherited hatred. The tone balances earnest character drama and colorful anime adventure, with lavish animated sequences giving major story moments extra impact.

Combat runs in real time, with the player controlling one party member while three allies fight alongside them. Basic attacks, dodges, jumps, and screen-filling Artes create a quick rhythm that rewards chaining aerial and ground combos instead of waiting through turn-based menus. Each companion brings a Boost Attack designed to counter specific enemy traits, such as armored foes, flying targets, or spellcasters, while paired Boost Strikes deliver stylish finishing moves when an enemy is broken. Between battles, the group crosses broad interconnected regions, gathers ingredients and crafting materials, cooks at campsites for temporary bonuses, takes on side quests, fishes, and upgrades equipment through shops and forging systems.

Its presentation is the immediate standout: the atmospheric shader gives environments the look of an anime painting while retaining sharp character models and dramatic lighting. The party chemistry also carries the lengthy adventure, with frequent skits expanding on friendships, rivalries, food preferences, and the emotional aftermath of major events. Although its structure is more focused than an open-world RPG and some later encounters demand careful resource management, the combat remains accessible thanks to adjustable difficulty and flexible party control. Fans of Final Fantasy VII Remake’s action-driven spectacle, Xenoblade’s sweeping landscapes, or earlier Tales games will find a polished entry point, while series veterans get one of the franchise’s most visually ambitious battles and stories.