Story

Tales of Berseria is a captivating entry in the long-running Tales series, known for its distinctive blend of action-packed gameplay and compelling narratives. Released by Bandai Namco Entertainment, this installment takes a darker, more mature approach compared to its predecessors, weaving a tale of revenge, loss, and redemption.

The story centers on Velvet Crowe, a once kind-hearted girl transformed into a vengeful daemon after a traumatic event. The narrative begins in the tranquil village of Aball, where Velvet lives with her younger brother, Laphicet, and her brother-in-law, Artorius. However, her world shatters when Artorius sacrifices Laphicet in a ritual intended to quell the world’s malevolence. This act transforms Velvet into a therion, a being with immense power and a demonic arm, setting her on a path of vengeance against Artorius, now hailed as the savior of the world.

As Velvet embarks on her journey, she assembles a diverse crew of outcasts and misfits, each with their own motivations and backstories. These include the mysterious witch Magilou, the exorcist Eleanor, and the enigmatic daemon Rokurou, among others. Together, they navigate a world gripped by the Abbey’s oppressive rule, uncovering secrets about the nature of daemons and the true cost of Artorius’s “salvation.”

Tales of Berseria’s narrative is rich with themes of moral ambiguity and the exploration of human emotions. The game challenges players to consider the complexities of vengeance and justice, often blurring the lines between good and evil. Velvet’s transformation from a caring sister to a hardened anti-heroine is both compelling and tragic, making her one of the series’ most memorable protagonists.

Gameplay

True to the Tales series’ tradition, Tales of Berseria offers a real-time action combat system that is both engaging and strategic. The game introduces the Liberation Linear Motion Battle System (L-LMBS), allowing players to freely move their characters across the battlefield and execute a variety of Artes, which are special attacks or spells.

The combat system emphasizes fluidity and versatility, enabling players to create combos by chaining together different Artes. Each character has a unique fighting style, from Velvet’s devastating claw attacks to Rokurou’s dual-wielding swordplay. The Soul Gauge mechanic adds an extra layer of depth, governing the use of Artes and requiring players to manage their resources effectively during battles.

One of the standout features of Tales of Berseria’s gameplay is the emphasis on character progression and customization. Players can tailor their characters’ abilities and equipment to suit their playstyle, experimenting with different Artes and skills to optimize their combat strategies. The game also includes a cooking system that provides temporary buffs and benefits, adding a layer of preparation before heading into challenging encounters.

Beyond combat, Tales of Berseria offers a vast world to explore, filled with hidden treasures, side quests, and engaging mini-games. The game’s pacing allows for both intense battles and moments of exploration and discovery, ensuring that players remain immersed in its richly detailed world.

Graphics and Sound

Tales of Berseria boasts a visually appealing art style that blends anime-inspired character designs with vibrant and detailed environments. The game’s graphics, while not the most cutting-edge, effectively convey the atmospheric tone of the story. The character animations are fluid, particularly during combat sequences, where the dynamic action is both thrilling and visually satisfying.

The game’s artistic direction shines in its portrayal of diverse locales, from bustling towns to eerie, daemon-infested landscapes. Each area is crafted with attention to detail, enhancing the overall immersive experience. The character models are expressive, capturing the emotional depth of the story and the complex personalities of the cast.

Complementing the visuals is the game’s exceptional soundtrack, composed by Motoi Sakuraba. The music ranges from hauntingly beautiful melodies to intense, adrenaline-pumping tracks during combat. Voice acting is another strong point, with both the Japanese and English casts delivering stellar performances that bring the characters to life and add emotional weight to the story.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Tales of Berseria received critical acclaim for its engaging narrative, character development, and innovative combat system. Critics and fans praised the game for its willingness to tackle darker themes and its focus on a morally complex storyline, distinguishing it from previous entries in the series.

The character of Velvet Crowe has been highlighted as a standout protagonist, with her journey resonating deeply with players. Her evolution from a compassionate individual to a driven anti-heroine is often cited as one of the game’s greatest strengths, providing a compelling emotional core to the story.

While some critiques were aimed at the game’s visual presentation, which some felt was dated compared to other titles of the era, the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive. Tales of Berseria has been credited with reinvigorating interest in the Tales series, setting a high standard for future installments.

The game’s success has also contributed to its lasting legacy within the franchise, influencing subsequent games in terms of storytelling and gameplay design. Its impact is evident in the continued popularity of the series, as Tales of Berseria remains a beloved entry among fans and newcomers alike.

Conclusion

Tales of Berseria stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Tales series, offering a rich and emotionally charged narrative that delves into complex themes of revenge, identity, and morality. With its innovative combat system, memorable characters, and captivating story, the game has left a lasting impact on both the franchise and the RPG genre as a whole.

For those seeking an RPG experience that combines action-packed gameplay with a thought-provoking narrative, Tales of Berseria delivers on all fronts. Its legacy endures as one of the most acclaimed entries in the series, cementing its place as a must-play title for fans of the genre.