Tales of Arise

Tales of Arise is a modern reboot of the Tales series' look, leaning on markedly more advanced technical presentation and a tighter narrative. The story pits two planets against each other: the technologically advanced Rena has exploited its neighbor Dahna for three hundred years, keeping its people enslaved. A man with no memory and an iron mask over his face joins forces with a Renan noblewoman who cannot bear another person's touch, and together they spark a rebellion. The game moves through individual dominions one by one, and each opens up a different perspective on what oppression does to both the oppressed and the oppressors.

Combat remains action-based but is noticeably faster and clearer than before. The player chains ground and aerial attacks, manages points for special abilities, and at the right moment triggers devastating combo attacks with a specific party member, each with its own unique animation. Emphasis is placed on precisely timed dodges rewarded with a counterattack, making combat feel brisk and readable. Outside of battle, the game offers cooking, fishing, resource gathering, blacksmith upgrades, and extensive campfire conversations among the party, which traditionally deepen the relationships between characters.

Technically, the PlayStation 4 version is very well done. The game uses a distinctive rendering style that combines anime stylization with painterly environments, giving it its own easily recognizable look. The landscapes are varied, from parched plains to icy wastelands, and the music works with big orchestral themes. Critics received the game very favorably and called it the strongest entry in the series in years, precisely because of its balanced combination of pacing, visuals, and story, with reservations aimed at the occasional bluntness of the second half. Today Tales of Arise is the easiest recommendation for anyone who wants to try an action JRPG without needing to know anything about the previous entries. The PlayStation 4 version loses nothing essential compared to newer consoles and remains one of the most visually striking games on this platform.