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The Tales series stands as Japan’s third-largest JRPG franchise, pioneering real-time combat systems for over 25 years. After analyzing hundreds of community discussions and replaying key entries, Tales of Arise represents the pinnacle of the series’ evolution, combining modern accessibility with classic storytelling depth.
This ranking reflects community consensus, critical reception, and each game’s lasting impact on the JRPG genre. From the groundbreaking Tales of Phantasia to the modern masterpiece Tales of Arise, we’ll explore what makes each entry special while helping newcomers choose their perfect starting point.
You’ll discover which games excel in storytelling, combat innovation, and character development. Our comprehensive analysis covers platform availability, beginner accessibility, and each game’s unique contribution to the series’ legacy.
For those seeking similar gaming beginner guides, we’ve structured this to help both newcomers and longtime fans navigate this beloved JRPG series.
Quick Summary: Tales of Arise offers the best overall experience, while Tales of Symphonia remains the perfect entry point for newcomers.
Tales of Eternia represents everything that made early Tales entries special while refining many of their rough edges. Originally released in 2000 as Tales of Destiny II in North America, this gem combines the series’ signature real-time combat with a genuinely compelling world-spanning adventure.
The game follows Reid Hershel and his friends as they journey between two worlds facing imminent collision. What sets Eternia apart is its balanced difficulty curve and innovative spirit system, which allows characters to harness elemental powers in battle. The combat feels responsive even by modern standards, with the classic Linear Motion Battle System operating at peak efficiency.
Visually, Eternia pushed the PlayStation to its limits with colorful environments and expressive character sprites. The soundtrack remains one of the series’ best, featuring Motoi Sakuraba at his most energetic. While the story follows familiar JRPG tropes, the character interactions and world-building elevate the material beyond typical genre fare.
Available on: PlayStation, PSP (Japan only)
Tales of Phantasia birthed the Linear Motion Battle System that would define the series for decades. Originally released on the SNES in 1995, this pioneering title transformed JRPG combat from turn-based menus to real-time action. While dated by modern standards, Phantasia’s historical significance cannot be overstated.
The game follows Cress Albane on a time-spanning quest to defeat the evil Dhaos. What impresses most is how many series staples originated here: the iconic TP (Technical Points) system, combo-based combat, and even the series’ trademark cooking mechanics. The story tackles ambitious themes of time travel and consequences, though the pacing shows its age.
Phantasia received numerous remasters across platforms, with the PlayStation Portable version offering the most polished experience. The combat system, while basic compared to modern entries, laid the groundwork for everything that followed. For JRPG historians, this represents a crucial piece of gaming evolution.
Available on: SNES, PlayStation, PSP, iOS, Android
Tales of Zestiria attempted to modernize the series with open-world elements and enhanced visual presentation. While not fully successful in every aspect, the game creates one of the most beautiful worlds in the series, inspired by Arthurian legend and European cathedrals. The art direction alone makes this worth exploring.
The game follows Sorey, a young man destined to become the Shepherd who must save humanity from the malevolence threatening the world. Zestiria’s unique mechanic allows human characters to fuse with seraphim (spiritual beings), creating hybrid forms with enhanced abilities. This fusion system adds strategic depth to combat, though the implementation can feel clunky at times.
Where Zestiria shines brightest is its world design and musical score. The sprawling environments encourage exploration, while Motoi Sakuraba’s orchestral soundtrack creates an epic atmosphere. The camera system and combat balance received criticism from fans, but the game’s ambition and visual artistry compensate for these flaws.
Available on: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC
Tales of Xillia introduced the series’ first dual protagonist system, allowing players to experience the story from either Jude Mathis’s or Milla Maxwell’s perspective. This narrative innovation provides unique insights into the game’s central conflict and character relationships, making multiple playthroughs genuinely rewarding.
The game explores themes of scientific progress versus spiritual belief through its two protagonists. Jude represents rationalism and medical science, while Milla embodies spiritual power and divine purpose. Their contrasting viewpoints create natural narrative tension and philosophical depth uncommon in JRPGs.
Xillia’s combat system introduced the Link system, allowing characters to form bonds and execute cooperative attacks. This added layer of strategy makes battles more engaging than previous entries. The game’s art style represents a significant visual upgrade for the series, with detailed character models and vibrant environments.
Available on: PlayStation 3
Tales of Graces f features arguably the best combat system in the entire series. The game’s style shift mechanic allows characters to switch between different combat stances on the fly, creating incredible combo possibilities and strategic depth. For players who prioritize action gameplay above all else, Graces f delivers unmatched satisfaction.
The story follows Asbel Lhant, whose childhood promise shapes the game’s decade-spanning narrative. While the plot deals with familiar themes of friendship and responsibility, the character development feels genuine and emotionally resonant. The game excels at building relationships between its cast members, making the dramatic moments more impactful.
Graces f represents the series’ evolution toward faster, more technical combat. The CC (Chain Capacity) system replaces traditional TP, encouraging aggressive playstyle and mastery of combo mechanics. This focus on combat excellence makes the game accessible to action game fans while maintaining JRPG depth.
Available on: Wii, PlayStation 3
Tales of the Abyss features one of the most compelling character arcs in JRPG history through its protagonist Luke fon Fabre. The game’s seven-year journey transforms Luke from an arrogant, sheltered noble into a selfless hero willing to sacrifice everything for the world. This character development alone makes Abyss essential playing.
The story explores complex themes of identity, cloning, and environmental responsibility through the concept of fonons—particles that form the basis of all matter. The world-building impresses with its detailed political landscape and moral complexity. Unlike many JRPGs, Abyss rarely presents clear-cut heroes or villains, instead focusing on characters with understandable motivations and flaws.
Abyss’s combat system builds upon previous entries with the free run mechanic, allowing full 3D movement in battle. This addition revolutionized Tales combat, creating more dynamic encounters. The game also features one of the series’ best supporting casts, with each character receiving meaningful development throughout the story.
Available on: PlayStation 2, Nintendo 3DS
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition represents the series at its most polished and complete. Originally released on Xbox 360 in 2008, the enhanced version adds previously PlayStation-exclusive content, creating the ultimate Vesperia experience. The game follows Yuri Lowell, a mature protagonist who operates outside traditional hero archetypes.
What makes Vesperia special is its consistent quality across all elements. The combat system refines the series’ mechanics with the Over Limit system and burst artes. The story balances serious themes of justice and morality with lighthearted moments and character humor. The art style remains beautiful even by modern standards, with distinctive cel-shaded graphics that have aged gracefully.
Yuri stands out as one of gaming’s most interesting protagonists—a morally gray anti-hero who delivers vigilante justice while questioning traditional heroism. The game explores complex ethical questions without providing easy answers, rewarding thoughtful players with narrative depth rare in the genre.
Available on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC
Tales of Symphonia introduced Western audiences to the Tales series and remains many fans’ favorite entry. The game follows Lloyd Irving and his friends on a world-saving journey that deals with surprisingly mature themes of racism, sacrifice, and redemption. Symphonia’s emotional story and lovable characters create an unforgettable experience.
What makes Symphonia timeless is its perfect balance of accessibility and depth. The combat system welcomes newcomers while offering advanced techniques for dedicated players. The story tackles heavy themes without becoming preachy, instead focusing on character relationships and personal growth. The two-world mechanic creates fascinating environmental variety and narrative complexity.
“Symphonia is one of my all-time favorite games and obviously my favorite Tales game.”
– Longtime series fan on Reddit
Symphonia’s visual style, while dated, possesses a charm that modern games sometimes lack. The emotional weight of key story moments remains powerful even two decades after release. For newcomers to the series, Symphonia offers the perfect introduction to what makes Tales games special.
Available on: GameCube, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PC, Nintendo Switch
Tales of Berseria represents the series’ narrative peak, delivering a mature, complex story that challenges players’ moral expectations. The game follows Velvet Crowe, a vengeance-driven protagonist who blurs the line between hero and villain. Berseria’s dark tone and ethical complexity make it stand out in the JRPG landscape.
The story explores themes of revenge, morality, and redemption through Velvet’s three-year quest for vengeance against the man who destroyed her life. What makes Berseria remarkable is its refusal to paint characters in black and white. Even the apparent antagonists possess understandable motivations, while Velvet’s heroic actions often come from selfish places.
Berseria’s combat system introduces soul mechanics that add strategic depth to battles. The game also features one of the series’ best supporting casts, with each character receiving meaningful development and screen time. The emotional payoff of the story’s conclusion ranks among the most satisfying in gaming.
Available on: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC
Tales of Arise represents the culmination of 25 years of series evolution, delivering the most complete Tales experience to date. The game follows Alphen and Shionne as they journey across the planet Dahna, fighting to liberate its people from Rena’s oppression. Arise combines modern action gameplay with classic Tales storytelling for an unforgettable adventure.
What makes Arise special is its perfect balance of accessibility and depth. The combat system feels smooth and responsive, with boost attacks and aerial combos creating exciting battles. The story tackles serious themes of slavery and oppression without sacrificing the series’ trademark humor and heart. The visual presentation represents a quantum leap for the series, with stunning environments and expressive character models.
Arise achieves the rare feat of appealing to both newcomers and longtime fans. The streamlined systems make it accessible to JRPG newcomers, while the combat depth and storytelling satisfy veterans. The emotional connection between Alphen and Shionne creates one of gaming’s most compelling relationships.
✅ Pro Tip: Start with Tales of Arise if you want the most modern experience, or Tales of Symphonia for classic JRPG charm.
Available on: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS): The Tales series’ signature real-time combat system that distinguishes it from traditional turn-based JRPGs.
Choosing your first Tales game can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Based on community feedback and our testing, here are our recommendations:
For Complete Beginners: Start with Tales of Arise or Tales of Symphonia. Arise offers the most modern and accessible experience, while Symphonia provides the perfect introduction to classic Tales gameplay. Both games feature self-contained stories that don’t require series knowledge.
For Action Game Fans: Tales of Graces f delivers the most satisfying combat system in the series. The style shift mechanic and combo possibilities will appeal to players who prioritize gameplay mechanics above all else.
For Story-Lovers: Tales of Berseria or Tales of the Abyss provide the deepest narratives and character development. Berseria’s dark, mature story challenges players morally, while Abyss features one of gaming’s best character arcs.
For RPG Veterans: Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition offers the most complete package with refined mechanics and a morally complex protagonist. The game’s depth and polish reward experienced players.
For those seeking more beginner guides for complex RPGs, our Tales recommendations mirror other popular gaming guides in focusing on accessibility and gradual complexity introduction.
| Game | PlayStation | Xbox | Nintendo | PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tales of Arise | PS4, PS5 | Xbox One, Series X/S | ❌ | ✅ |
| Tales of Berseria | PS3, PS4 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Tales of Symphonia | PS2, PS3 | ❌ | GameCube, Switch | ✅ |
| Tales of Vesperia | PS3, PS4 | Xbox 360, One | Switch | ✅ |
| Tales of the Abyss | PS2, PS3 | ❌ | 3DS | ❌ |
| Tales of Graces f | PS3 | ❌ | Wii | ❌ |
The series has excellent modern platform support, with most major entries available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. The Nintendo Switch offers several key titles, making it a great platform for portable Tales gaming.
The Tales series’ greatest contribution to JRPGs is the Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS), which revolutionized turn-based combat by introducing real-time action mechanics. Over 25 years, this system has evolved from simple 2D battles to complex 3D aerial combos.
Early entries like Phantasia established the foundation with TP-based skills and basic combo systems. Symphonia introduced free run, allowing full 3D movement in battle. Modern entries like Arise feature boost attacks, aerial combat, and seamless transitions between exploration and battle.
For detailed technical game specifications and system requirements, modern Tales games typically require modest hardware, making the series accessible to most PC players.
Most Tales games feature self-contained stories with no connection to other entries. Each game takes place in its own world with unique characters, though some entries like Berseria and Zestiria share loose connections.
Main story completion typically takes 50-70 hours. Completing side content and trophies can extend playtime to 100+ hours. Tales of Arise averages 60 hours for the main story.
Tales of Arise (2021) is the most recent mainline entry. Bandai Namco continues supporting the series with updates and potential new announcements in development.
Tales of Graces f features the most technical and satisfying combat system, while Tales of Arise offers the most polished and accessible modern combat mechanics.
The Tales series represents a remarkable evolution in JRPG design, consistently innovating while maintaining the core elements that make these games special. From Phantasia’s revolutionary real-time combat to Arise’s modern presentation, each entry contributes something valuable to the genre.
For newcomers seeking the best overall experience, Tales of Arise stands as the clear recommendation. Its accessibility, polished presentation, and engaging story make it the perfect entry point. However, fans of classic JRPGs will find immense satisfaction in Symphonia’s timeless charm and emotional storytelling.
The series’ strength lies in its consistency—every ranked game offers something worthwhile. Whether you prioritize combat, story, or character development, the Tales series delivers exceptional experiences that rank among gaming’s best.
For those seeking other complete game guides or ultimate gaming guides, the Tales series offers dozens of hours of quality RPG entertainment that rivals the best in the genre.
