Tales of Arise has been around for a while, but it’s still one of the most exciting JRPGs you can play today. Many players missed it at launch. That’s a shame, because this game offers so much. If you love strong stories, epic battles, and unforgettable characters, this one is for you. Believe me, I also only discovered the game in 2025.
Let’s explore six reasons why Tales of Arise is still worth your time in 2025.
1. The Combat System Is Fast, Fun, and Skill-Based
In Tales of Arise, you don’t just stand and wait for your turn (like classic Final Fantasy titles). You fight in real time. That means you dodge attacks, unleash combos, and link up with your team. For example, you can launch an enemy into the air and follow up with a team strike. That move not only looks cool, but it feels rewarding too.
You can easily switch between characters and thus make interlocked combo’s with the whole squad. Which always feel very smooth and is a pure feast to the eyes. Especially present in all the different Mystic Artes and Team Combo Attacks.
Each character fights in a unique way. Alphen uses fiery sword skills, while Shionne supports from a distance with guns and healing. The variety makes every fight exciting. Believe me there are quite some characters to unlock. They also fight differently, so there is enough time to explore which fighting style suits you the best.
2. The Story Is Deep and Easy to Get Into
The game starts in a dark world. One planet rules over another. People are forced to live as slaves. Then, two unlikely heroes — Alphen and Shionne — team up. They don’t trust each other at first. But their journey changes that.
The story slowly opens up into something much bigger. Themes like freedom, pain, and trust are explored in a way that’s easy to follow. Even if you’re new to the series, it won’t confuse you.
3. You’ll Fall in Love With the Characters
The cast is one of the game’s biggest strengths. Each party member has their own reason to fight. They don’t feel like background characters. For instance, Law has a loud mouth but hides real pain. Rinwell starts off shy, but her magic and courage grow stronger with time.
Even their banter during battles is fun to hear. You’ll feel like you’re part of their world.
4. The World Is Beautiful and Full of Detail
Every area you visit feels different. You’ll walk through frozen cities, fiery volcanoes, and lush forests. One standout location is Elde Menancia, where flowers bloom under the stars. It’s not just pretty to look at — these places are full of monsters, hidden paths, and side quests.
The game mixes hand-drawn art styles with 3D models. This gives it a soft but modern anime look.
5. It Offers Hours of Content Without Dragging On
You can finish the main story in about 45 hours. But if you enjoy side quests, crafting, or monster hunting, you’ll find much more to do. Want to cook meals to boost your stats? You can. Want to fight secret bosses? They’re waiting for you.
Unlike some RPGs, it never feels bloated. You can play at your own pace and still feel rewarded.
6. It Honors Past Games While Staying Fresh
Fans of Tales of Symphonia or Tales of Vesperia (both great games – please also try them if never done before <3) will notice familiar systems like cooking, skits, and artes. But Tales of Arise adds smoother controls, voice acting, and better pacing. It’s a great blend of old and new.
The good news? You don’t need to play earlier games to enjoy this one. But if you liked them, you’ll feel right at home here.
BONUS REASON: an amazing DLC package that continues after the story of the main game.
Where to Buy It
You can find Tales of Arise digitally on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Steam for PC. Physical copies are also available at game retailers and online shops.
Look out for discounts. The game often goes on sale!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a story-driven RPG that also has fun gameplay, Tales of Arise is a perfect pick. It mixes heartfelt moments, thrilling battles, and strong visuals into one great package.
Don’t miss it this time around in 2025!
Do you think you are going to play Tales of Arise? Feel free to leave a reply in the comments.
Enjoyed reading? Also check out our other blog posts. We f.e. made a post about: Five Reasons Why the Launch of Oblivion Remaster Is Great for the Future of Gaming but also 5 Classic PlayStation Franchises That Need a Comeback on PS5 in 2025
Leave a Reply