The Tales of series is an old JRPG series that has been around since the days of Super Nintendo. The initial draw for most people is the battle system, which is in real-time and not the standard turn-based system seen in most JRPGs.
Nearly every game takes place in a different world or time, like the Final Fantasy series, but there is overlap at times. The characters and story have also become a popular part of Tales of games.
This list will show my top 5 picks of the best modern Tales of games and why I chose them. Now, on with the list!
5. Tales of Graces
Tales of Graces may not have the best story, but it has arguably the best battle system. In a series that is more or less defined by the unique battle system, this game deserves a top spot in the ranking.
The characters were also interesting, like most of the games, so it has that going for it as well. At the end of the day, I'll gladly take a game with an amazing battle system because that gives a lot of replay value.
4. Tales of Xillia
When you have a game series with as many titles as this one, you start to try new things. Xillia lets you choose between two different protagonists, and the scenes you see depend on who you chose.
I admire this decision, and it is things like this the series should keep trying, to make the series fresh while still retaining the core of what makes the games great.
The battle system also lets you link with other character to provide support to each other, which offers some combat variety.
The world, characters, and story were all brilliant. So much so that it prompted a sequel in Tales of Xillia 2.
3. Tales of the Abyss
This game has one of the most unlikable protagonists at the beginning. When I first started playing this game, I actually quit after a short time of playing because I could not stand Luke. Not a great way to start your game.
However, I eventually picked it back up and i'm glad that I did. Tales of the Abyss made great improvements to the battle system and has a great story. There are some huge twists and Luke turns out to be -- dare I say it -- likable!
Fans of Tales of Symphonia would certainly like this one, and some even think it is a better game.
2. Tales of Vesperia
If I were ranking these based on story and characters alone, this would be #1. The main character, and nearly every character, has flaws that make them more human. Yuri is not perfect and is willing to get his hands dirty for the greater good.
The story is one of two best friends that go their own paths to make the world a better place. Yuri meets many people along the way and they each have their own flaws and goals. This game probably has the most interesting and relatable characters in the entire series.
The game is also gorgeous and really shows how beautiful of a world Tales of games are set in.
1. Tales of Symphonia
It was hard to decide between this and Tales of Vesperia, and the choice boiled down to mostly how much time I spent playing each game.
When I first heard of this game, I thought I was dreaming. Before this, I had played many JRPGs, and they were all turn-based. The fact that this was real-time was simply unbelievable to me at the time. Throw in the fact that it was a long game like other JRPGs, and had multiplayer, and I got it without a second thought.
Symphonia was the first Tales of game I played, as I expect was the case for many others. It was the first 3D title in the series, and had one of the largest casts and available hours.
It dealt with religious and racial themes, and I think the story can still stand up to those of today. I have beaten this game many times just for the story alone.
There were also so many side things to do and places to go. There were basically two worlds for you to explore, so you had plenty to keep you busy. And that's why it's got the top spot on this list.
What do you think of the list? Any others you love? Let me know in the comments!
Published: Apr 4, 2016 06:52 am