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Key Takeaways
- The Tales series stands out with its action combat system and beloved characters, humor, and dark undertones.
- Tales of Phantasia, Eternia, Destiny, Xillia, Berseria are among the best titles for their combat, character development, and story.
- Tales of Arise sets new standards with visually stunning graphics, great combat, storytelling, and memorable characters.
Tales is one of the most popular and well-known JRPG franchises, next to Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. For years, the series’ action-based combat set it apart from its turn-based rivals. Its fighting system remains among the best, even as other JRPG giants have adopted action combat over turn-based.
In addition to the fighting system, fans have fallen in love with the Tales‘ series characters, stories, and the balance of humor and dark undertones in some entries. With seventeen main entries available for gamers to dive into, as well as a selection of spin-off titles, choosing the best Tales game can prove challenging, but certain entries definitely shine brighter than others.
Updated September 10, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The Tales of series continues to gain new fans, and those introduced to the series via the spectacular Tales of Arise have a long history of games to delve into and enjoy. Featuring some of the best stories and characters in the genre, fans of JRPGs are certain to appreciate aspects of each series entry. For those looking to experience the best Tales games available, however, certain options are arguably better than others.
10 Tales Of Phantasia
The First And Still Iconic Entry In The Tales Series
Tales of Phantasia, the first game in the long-running Tales series, established the many familiar and distinctive elements now synonymous with the franchise. The game kicks off with a bang as the protagonist, Cress, must deal with betrayals, death, and being sent back in time with his allies to thwart the evil Dhaos. It’s an excellent late SNES JRPG and places among the best on the system alongside Final Fantasy 6 and Dragon Quest 7.
Unfortunately, the Game Boy Advance port of Tales of Phantasia is the only version for the West. Thankfully, a fan translation exists for the superior PlayStation version, allowing it to be played in English. This version is more accurate than the officially localized GBA port.
9 Tales Of Eternia
Excellent Combat And Beautiful Pre-Rendered Backdrops
- Platform: PS1 and PS1
- Released: 2001
- Developer: Wolfteam and Namco Tales Studio
Originally launched as Tales of Destiny 2 in the United States, Tales of Eternia was ported under its proper name to the PSP in 2006. The proper Tales of Destiny 2 was never released outside of Japan, but there is a quality fan translation for the PS2. Nevertheless, Tales of Eternia was a step-up in visuals compared to its predecessor’s SNES-like presentation. The cutscenes, voice acting, FMV cutscenes, and beautifully pre-rendered backdrops still hold up today.
The game begins with the lead protagonist, Reid, encountering a young girl named Meredy from a world called Celestia. Reid and his friends discover that Meredy is there to prevent a collision between Reid’s and Meredy’s worlds. There are fewer playable characters besides guests, but the game works towards better character development and interactions. The overworld and dungeon exploration is better, too, with comparisons that can be made to the PS1 Final Fantasy games.
8 Tales Of Destiny
Excellent Characters With Some Of The Best Villains In The Series
Tales of Destiny is the second game in the series and was a JRPG favorite on the PS1 in the late 90s. Like the Final Fantasy series, Tales of Destiny is a standalone story unrelated to its predecessor, Tales of Phantasia. The acton-based combat system made the Tales games stand out from the crowd of turn-based JRPGs, and it’s a system that holds up well against modern titles. Moreover, the story focuses on the plucky hero named Stahn Aileron, who remains a favorite to Tales fans decades later.
Stahn begins his journey as a ship’s stowaway until he discovers a talking magical sword called Dymlos. There are some comical moments between Stahn and the sword, but Tales of Destiny finds a way to balance humor and drama in ways that don’t feel out of place, a staple for the series going forward. A Japan-only Tales of Destiny Director’s Cut launched on the PS2, which features improved graphics, music, character designs, and a second protagonist.
7 Tales Of Xillia
A Compelling Story With Dual Protagonists
Tales of Xillia features two protagonists with interconnected storylines. Players can choose between Milla Maxwell, the lord of the spirits, and Jude Mathis, a medical student who packs a punch. The perspectives aren’t dramatically different, but they offer events exclusive to the protagonist’s viewpoint. The world-building and character development that Tales is known for is present as the characters explore the world map area between towns through skits and conserving with NPCs.
The pacing is more urgent than many other Tales games and moves the narrative forward, making the stakes feel higher for the characters. Milla and Jude must prevent the empire from using a weapon that can destroy the spirit realm. Tales of Xillia’s pacing doesn’t leave much room for side content, but the focused story and excellent characters are among the best.
6 Tales Of The Abyss
Excellent Character Development Despite A Slow Start
Tales of the Abyss is a stunning entry in the Tales of series, and the combat feels like a big step up from the Tales of Symphonia. The game features some of the best character development in the series but requires patience to put up with Luke, its lead protagonist.
In the beginning, Luke is a spoiled and entitled teenager, starting the game as one of the most unlikable leads in the series. However, the surprisingly well-told story of identity and finding one’s place in the world drives Luke’s redemption, and his destiny to become the hero he is supposed to be is gripping and enjoyable. Credit must also go to Tales of the Abyss‘ world-building, the NPCs, and the distinct towns that still look beautiful on the PS2 and 3DS.
5 Tales Of Berseria
A Darker Tale For The Series
Tales of Berseria is a prequel to Tales of Zesteria but can be played as a standalone title. It was a significant improvement over its predecessor and served to elevate the story of Zesteria by adding more context to its world-building. Tales of Berseria is the darkest game in the Tales of series, with its protagonist, Velvet, being hellbent on vengeance. Velvet’s appearance and personality share similarities with Guts from the Berzerk manga and anime series.
The supporting cast is just as compelling as Velvet, each with dark and powerful motivations that drive them. The combat system implements a modified version of the staple Linear Motion Battle System and is frantic and flashy. Berseria is one of the most accessible titles, and its appealing visuals and character designs will attract new players. More importantly, its story is one of the best and most emotional in the series.
4 Tales Of Arise
The Most Visually Stunning Tales Game And Great Combat
With the best visuals and soundtrack in the series, Tales of Arise serves as an excellent starting point for JRPG fans. It has flashy but accessible combat, a good cast of supporting characters, and excellent villains. The environments and towns are stunning, and there are monster hunts, collectibles, and side quests to keep fans busy outside the main quest.
The Tales games have often touched upon themes of slavery, prejudice, and oppression, and Tales of Arise is no different. The execution is implemented well but suffers from excessive exposition in the later chapters, derailing the pacing. Thankfully, it picks up the pace and delivers an excellent conclusion that fans will enjoy. The Beyond the Dawn expansion adds a satisfying conclusion to tie up some loose ends and give Tales of Arise fans a reason to continue their adventures with the cast.
3 Tales Of Graces F
Arguably The Best Combat System In The Tales Series
Tales of Graces F is an enhanced port of the original game that launched as a Japanese-only title for the Nintendo Wii. The PS3 version has enhancements to the gameplay, and a Lineage & Legacies bonus chapter occurs after the main story ends. The story appears lighthearted, even for a Tales game, but it features more depth than meets the eye. Moreover, it is home to one of the best antagonists in the Tales series. Moreover, Tales of Graces F shines with some of the best combat that Tales fans can discover.
The character development is excellent as it follows the stories of five children until they become young adults. The prologue aspect is well-executed and lengthy as it develops the characters. However, the game opens up when they are grown up. Even without the main story, the solid crafting system, and the highly customizable characters, players are sure to be kept busy.
2 Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
A Refreshingly Mature Protagonist And An Excellent Cast Of Characters
Tales of Vesperia: The Definitive Edition made one of the best games in the Tales series available on other platforms after the original version remained an Xbox 360 exclusive for several years in the West. The art design and cel-shaded visuals hold up beautifully in the 4K remaster, and the new version features a new character included in the Japan-only PS3 version.
The main protagonist, Yuri, is one of the best (if not the best) protagonists in the Tales series. Refreshingly, he’s a mature and cynical character from the start and isn’t afraid to take the law into his own hands. The supporting cast is terrific, and the story remains strong throughout. The combat takes the best elements of Tales of the Abyss and fine-tunes them into a better system overall with flashier Over Limits and Fatal Strike mechanics.
1 Tales Of Symphonia
A Fan Favorite And Still One Of The Best Tales Games
For many, Tales of Symphonia was the first game in the series, especially as it was the only title in many years to launch on a home console in European territories. Even after Tales of Symphonia, Europe was left out in the cold, missing out on Tales of the Abyss and Tales of Legendia on the PS2, forcing fans to import. Thankfully, Tales of Symphonia is more readily available due to the remaster launching on modern consoles.
Tales of Symphonia is a fantastic title that holds a special place in fans’ hearts thanks to its character development and terrific story. The combat is excellent, even though it lacks 3D movement on the battlefield, and the cel-shaded visuals have a colorful and timeless look, making the characters and the towns look beautiful. Admittedly, the remaster didn’t score well because it lacked modern enhancements, but it is a worthwhile game that’s far better than its reviews suggest.
