Let’s just go ahead and say this up front, but the Tales games are bad. They’re incredibly trite. It is not without it’s highlights, however, and it’s these games that trick people into thinking that it’s a good series. That is what I’m here to talk about today, so you don’t need to go through the entire series, literally just stick to these ones and you’ll be fine.
Number 7: Tales of Phantasia
This is the one that started it all, but despite that it remains my favourite out of the ones that are super fucking old. Every one of these characters is a joy to bond with and watch come together as a party. The story is one that gets somewhat repeated throughout the Tales games, sure, but here, on the originator, you won’t want to miss a single thing that happens, and you’ll be no less surprised when it concludes.
The music is awesome and it keeps you engaged the whole way through. The battle system is primitive, but still good. The big problem with the battle system is just the load times and spell animations, which breaks the flow of combat very often. That’s sort of the thing, Phantasia’s only real glaring issue is the fact that it’s old, but if you can handle that, Phantasia is an amazing game.
Numbers 6 and 5: Tales of Xillia 1 and 2
I gotta say, pretty much the entire cast does it for me. My only thing is, while being able to choose the main character is neat, why the fuck would you ever pick Jude? Just look at Milla’s hair, come on now.
Depending on who you pick, you’ll also miss out on some massive context to the story very late game. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it adds replayability if you enjoyed the game and want to play it again, but I think it comes across as a little forced.
Xillia is the game that pretty much killed mechanically complex dungeons, which is a shame. This isn’t unique to the Tales series, pretty much every RPG is like this now, and I can’t say that I’m a fan.
The combat is one of the better ones, in my opinion. Everyone has their role in battle that they can play, which I’m a fan of, and you can also swap team members on the fly pretty easily, giving everyone a chance.
Xillia 2 was a pleasant surprise. It does what “Dawn of the New World” couldn’t, which is make a good game! This adds a third main playable character in Ludger, who doesn’t talk much, but that’s the point, he’s supposed to be your self insert. He loves Tomato Soup! He’s just like us!
This second game has a debt system, so you must pay off a debt to progress the story. The first game forced you to farm, sure, but here it doubles down on that, so now you have to side-quest. The dungeons are still bland, but the story carries it, as well as the combat.
The problem with Xillia is just that it has some annoyances, but despite that, it manages to be worth your while. It deserves a spot in my recommended pile.
Number 4: Tales of Symphonia
Okay, full disclosure, I am "one of those". Symphonia was my very first Tales game and it changed my fucking life, so no, it is not overrated, how dare you.
Symphonia has 8 or 9 playable characters to choose from (it’s complicated), but it never feels like too much. The closest that comes to mind is Regal, but even he has some pivotal moments that draw you in. I could talk about the cast, but we would be here for hours, there’s just so much to each of them.
The story, you could say, borrows from Phantasia, but it’s more in depth. There are parallels, sure, but Symphonia is still able to feel like it’s own beast despite that. This is a problem that some other Tales games run into, that Symphonia manages to avoid.
The battle system is a bit stiff to play, but it’s solid, I really enjoyed it at least. The dungeons however, are a lot of fun, and this is the Sorcerer’s Ring at it’s best, it makes for a lot of fun puzzles.
It runs into a similar problem that Phantasia runs into, in simply the fact that it’s old. The movement doesn’t feel super fluid, and even though there are multiple ports, the best one is still the Gamecube version.
And yeah, the story can get cringe or a bit too cheesy at some points, but I don’t mind it. This is the perfect starting point if you want to get into the Tales games. Don’t listen to the haters, become one of us.
Number 3: Tales of Berseria
Alright, some context. This game released right after Zestiria, which was mid as fuck. Berseria, however, was the breath of fresh air that the series needed at the time, which went out of it’s way to do something different... and it succeeded!
No more by the book heroes, no more we gotta save the world (at least not yet), it’s just Velvet and her desire for revenge. Most of the team doesn’t care about saving the world, just their own desires, and as they grow they become more human. Okay, there’s Eleanor, but the rest of the crew literally just kill people.
The combat is divisive from what I understand, but it’s one of those that I was constantly switching between different characters, and I really liked it. You eat people, man, you just don’t get it.
The problems just come from the trends that spawned with the newer games, with the bland world and the boring dungeons. It can also feel bloated, with a huge amount of items that you need to go through.
Still, it’s got a fantastic story, colourful characters, and a unique battle system. Play this instead of Final Fantasy 13, seriously, it’s the better version of whatever the fuck that was trying to be.
Number 2: Tales of Vesperia
If you’re into the Symphonia-style Tales games like I am, then you could argue that Vesperia is the pinnacle of that in a lot of ways. It’s very character focused, but thankfully the characters are all fantastic, with perfect interactions between each of them.
Yuri is another anti-hero, but less overtly edgy compared to Velvet. Still, his methods are sketchy, and you never know what his next move will be. Estelle is the light to his darkness, and they balance each other very well. No character is one dimensional in any way, they’re all multifaceted with much more than meets the eye.
The battle system is polished and feels good, the dungeons are a lot of fun, and the world is enchanting. I don't know, man, Vesperia is just very nearly a perfect Tales game. And it has a cool puppy!
Number 1: Tales of the Abyss
Now, if Symphonia is the perfect starting point, then Abyss comes close. I don’t want to hear about how the characters are too annoying because they all go through arcs and changes like you would never believe.
Character interaction is one of my favourite parts about the series, and Abyss has some of the most worthwhile party dynamics. You’ll never guess what’s happening next, or who does what as you experience the game.
Luke is an arrogant rich kid, who becomes more in tune with himself as the game progresses, and wants to do what’s best at his heart. Tear is Luke’s opposite, in terms of wisdom and worldly experience. Now, I find that anime likes to do that a lot, where they’ll introduce a main character, alongside “the girl” who acts as their necessary opposite, usually in order to provide of a voice of reason. I just think that’s neat.
The world is rife with storytelling, and the story itself goes to some wild places. The art direction is unique but in a good way. And we’re still in that era where the dungeons are good, with puzzles you must solve in order to progress. The combat is really fluid, and both Luke and Guy offer interesting play styles. It’s for sure one of those games that you need to play in your life at some point.