i didn't go into this game with very high expectations and i left with a bad taste in my mouth - good gameplay and characters can't save a plot THIS bad. this game is not worth your money, let me just begin with that.

what arise has going for it is that it has the same tales series charm, with a loveable party that feels like a family. gameplay is fun, it feels like a lot of my favorite mechanics from the series are there although i would say it's still not my favorite system in the series.

however, there are plenty of issues with the plot itself and while i don't see myself fit to critique them, they absolutely cannot be overlooked by any means. this game could have easily been one of the best in the series if not for the glaring issues with the story (using slavery as a major plot point? really?). it's not as if this is a new thing for tales, but it's incredibly disappointing to see it happen time and time again. the story of tales of arise is just god awful, and the villains are a new low in the series especially when the game tries to offer them redemption.

also its sad how easy this game could be wonderful if they just removed the racism because it makes no meaningful commentary on it at all