Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the world of Dahna in Tales of Arise, where magic and technology collide. Experience epic battles, captivating storytelling, and stunning visuals that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The game is available for free download and can be installed on supported Windows versions and hardware mentioned below.
Tales of Arise Overview
Tales of Arise is a Japanese action role-playing game developed and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It is the seventeenth main entry in the Tales series and was released in September 2021 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The game is set in a fictional world called Dahna, which has been enslaved by a technologically advanced neighboring planet called Rena. The player takes on the role of Alphen, a masked warrior who leads a group of heroes in a quest to liberate Dahna from Rena's oppressive rule.
Gameplay Mechanics
The combat system in Tales of Arise free download is an evolution of the series' trademark "Linear Motion Battle System." Players control one character, while AI controls the others. It has a real-time combat system that focuses on chaining together attacks and combos to deal damage to enemies. The player can dodge, guard, and use special abilities known as Artes to overcome enemies. The game also features a new mechanic called Boost Strike, which allows the player to execute powerful cooperative attacks with party members. As the player progresses through the game, they will be able to unlock new Artes and abilities for their characters, which can be customized to suit different playstyles.
The game's progression and leveling system is based on gaining experience points through combat and completing quests. As characters gain experience, they will level up and gain new abilities and stat boosts. It has a skill tree system that allows players to unlock new abilities and upgrades for their characters by spending points earned through leveling up. It also has a crafting system that allows players to create and upgrade weapons and armor.
Tales of Arise also has exploration and puzzle-solving elements. Players can explore the open world and discover new locations, hidden treasures, and side quests. The environmental puzzles require players to use their abilities and ingenuity to overcome obstacles.
Setting and World-building
Tales of Arise latest version is set in the world of Dahna, which Rena has enslaved for over three hundred years. Rena is a technologically advanced planet that has exploited Dahna's natural resources and subjugated its people. The story revolves around the struggle of the people of Dahna to overthrow Rena's oppressive rule.
The lore and history are revealed through various means, such as cutscenes, conversations with NPCs, and collectible items. The game's world is rich with culture and history, and players can learn about the different regions, factions, and groups that inhabit it.
Players will encounter various factions and groups throughout the game, each with their own agendas and motivations. These include the Resistance, a group of rebels fighting to free Dahna from Rena's rule, and the Sovereign, the ruler of Rena, who is shrouded in mystery and power.
Tales of Arise Characters
Tales of Arise features a diverse cast of characters with unique personalities, backgrounds, and abilities. The main protagonist is Alphen, a masked warrior determined to liberate Dahna from Rena's oppression. Alphen suffers from amnesia and cannot feel pain, making him a formidable battle fighter.
It also comes with a supporting cast of characters who join Alphen on his quest. These include Shionne, a woman from Rena who is cursed with the ability to hurt people with her touch; Rinwell, a mage from Dahna who is seeking to learn more about her people's history; Law, a Dahnan man who is initially aligned with Rena, and Kisara, a member of the Dahnan Resistance.
Tales of Arise PC download strongly emphasizes character development and relationship-building mechanics. It has skits and optional conversations between party members that reveal more about their personalities, backgrounds, and relationships with each other. Various events can trigger these skits, such as completing a quest or entering a new area. The game also has a bond system that tracks the relationships between party members. As these bonds develop, characters will gain access to new abilities and battle mechanics.
The supporting cast also plays an important role in the story. These characters have their story arcs and motivations, and their interactions with the main cast help to flesh out the world and lore. They also contribute to the solidarity and resistance against oppression themes.
Graphics and Sound
Tales of Arise features stunning visuals and art design. The environments are richly detailed and feature a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to barren deserts. The character designs are also top-notch, with each character having a distinct look and personality. The visuals are enhanced by using Unreal Engine 4, which allows for smooth and fluid animations during combat.
The sound design and music are also excellent. The soundtrack is composed by Motoi Sakuraba and Go Shiina, well-known for their work on previous Tales games. The soundtrack features a mix of orchestral and electronic music, with each track perfectly complementing the mood and setting.
The voice acting is also noteworthy, with each character's voice actor delivering a convincing performance that adds to the immersion. The game features both Japanese and English voice options, allowing players to choose their preferred language.
Reception and Criticisms
Tales of Arise has received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising the story, characters, and gameplay mechanics. The visuals and art design have also been highly praised, with many critics calling it one of the best-looking games of the year. The combat system and character customization options have also been praised for their depth and accessibility.
However, some critics have criticized the pacing, with some saying that the game's story takes too long to get going. Others have criticized the lack of innovation, with some saying that it doesn't do enough to differentiate itself from previous Tales games. Despite these criticisms, the game has been widely praised and is considered to be one of the best games in the series.
Final Words
Tales of Arise is a must-play for fans of action role-playing games. Its compelling story, diverse cast of characters, and engaging gameplay mechanics make it one of the year's best games. The game's visuals and sound design are top-notch, and its emphasis on character development and relationship-building mechanics adds an extra layer of depth to the game. Despite a few minor flaws, Tales of Arise is a game that should not be missed by anyone who loves a good adventure.
