Tales of Arise is something that I was really looking forward to play, since the very first trailer it had. And I'm really happy to say that it manages to live up to my expectations and BN has delivered a very strong game that modernizes a lot about the Tales formula, while still being true to its roots. For me, it feels like a game that basically sets the standards I'd like to see in future "anime" JRPGs. QoL elements, like a very detailed record and menus, and easy fast travel, a dense world that feels nice to explore, fantastic visuals that elevate the art style and are actually appropriate of a modern game. It was basically a bliss to play through. A slight nitpick, but despite how great the game looks, I though the reuse of enemies was really egregious, and the dungeons were distinct but felt kind of monotonous. Both seem like decisions due to budgetary reasons mainly, though I don't think the game was "cheap-looking" or anything like that.
As far as the characters go, I was very surprised with how much I loved the character dynamics that exist within the game. First and foremost, I really liked Shionne and Alphen's intimate romance, and I found them a very strong duo of protagonists, that carried a lot of the best moments in the game. But really, I couldn't neglect mentioning the chemistry between Rinwell and Law or Law and Alphen, or Dohalim and his quirkiness. While a lot of the focus is the main story, there are quite a few skits or extra scenes that highlight how good the party is, and I enjoyed how down to earth the characters felt. As for the main story, it is good overall, and I think it does a great job with highlighting most of the important moments, but there were some parts that I don't think were as strong as the rest of the game, mostly due to the pacing of the story. But regardless, I thought it was satisfying, and despite some common tropes in use, the conclusion was emotional and very pleasant.
Lastly, I wasn't a big fan of the combat in Berseria, but I think Arise improves upon it to a great extent. The flow is very good, and the combat is very satisfying, either you fight single, big bosses or mobs of enemies. Combos flow greatly, all of the characters feel like the play a role and a lot of the artes are fun to use. I think fun is a very apt word to describe it in general. Moreover, every character is unique, and feels like they have their own ways that completely change how you play. Altogether, maybe a bit hectic at times but definitely a fantastic combat system.
Basically, I had a great time with it, something I'd definitely recommend to people that enjoy JRPGs and to newcomers alike.
As far as the characters go, I was very surprised with how much I loved the character dynamics that exist within the game. First and foremost, I really liked Shionne and Alphen's intimate romance, and I found them a very strong duo of protagonists, that carried a lot of the best moments in the game. But really, I couldn't neglect mentioning the chemistry between Rinwell and Law or Law and Alphen, or Dohalim and his quirkiness. While a lot of the focus is the main story, there are quite a few skits or extra scenes that highlight how good the party is, and I enjoyed how down to earth the characters felt. As for the main story, it is good overall, and I think it does a great job with highlighting most of the important moments, but there were some parts that I don't think were as strong as the rest of the game, mostly due to the pacing of the story. But regardless, I thought it was satisfying, and despite some common tropes in use, the conclusion was emotional and very pleasant.
Lastly, I wasn't a big fan of the combat in Berseria, but I think Arise improves upon it to a great extent. The flow is very good, and the combat is very satisfying, either you fight single, big bosses or mobs of enemies. Combos flow greatly, all of the characters feel like the play a role and a lot of the artes are fun to use. I think fun is a very apt word to describe it in general. Moreover, every character is unique, and feels like they have their own ways that completely change how you play. Altogether, maybe a bit hectic at times but definitely a fantastic combat system.
Basically, I had a great time with it, something I'd definitely recommend to people that enjoy JRPGs and to newcomers alike.