Many years ago, the development studio known as Wolf Team experienced significant internal discord among its staff, resulting in a fracture within the company. Those who departed sought to channel their talents into a new venture, which led to the birth of tri-Ace.
Tri-Ace soon carved its niche in the gaming world by launching the popular Star Ocean franchise. Meanwhile, Wolf Team continued its pursuit of a publisher for its debut game, Tales of Phantasia.
After extensive negotiations, Namco stepped in to publish Tales of Phantasia, thereby establishing a strong partnership and laying the groundwork for one of the longest-running JRPG franchises in history.
Eventually, Namco fully integrated Wolf Team into its operations, and the Tales series has since expanded to include over 15 mainline titles. This list aims to provide a comprehensive ranking of each game, adhering to a few specific criteria.
- Only mainline titles with global releases are considered, as some games remain exclusive to Japan.
- Spin-offs and mobile games are not included.
- Position on this list does not reflect the quality of the game; rather, it underscores the enjoyment found in higher-ranked entries.
15 Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
An Unworthy Direct Sequel
Although Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World isn’t inherently bad, it struggles to meet the high expectations set by its predecessor, which is renowned as one of the best installments in the Tales franchise.
The storyline unfolds two years after the events of Tales of Symphonia, featuring Emil Castagnier, a boy traumatized by witnessing his parents’ murder by the hero, Lloyd, during a brutal event referred to as the Blood Purge.
Emil battles feelings of inadequacy and is often bullied by those around him, yet he unexpectedly uncovers a mysterious power that ushers in an alternate personality, transforming him from an insecure youth into a formidable character.
This dual personality concept proves to be a major flaw for Dawn of the New World, as it detracts from the established narrative and characters of its predecessor while attempting to elevate a lackluster new protagonist.
The battle system implements a refined version of the Linear Motion Battle System. Players enjoy unique mechanics like the Elemental Grid and the ability to capture and evolve numerous monsters, adding elements of excitement to the gameplay. However, the convoluted plot and overly annoying protagonist hinder the overall experience.
14 Tales of Legendia
Good Start, Half-Baked Finish
Tales of Legendia showcases a captivating world set on an enormous ship, where players assume the role of Senel, the first protagonist not portrayed as a naive small-town hero. Instead of wielding a sword, he showcases his combat skills using his fists, trading the iconic Demon Fang for a new style.
The game opens with a compelling introduction, but the pacing deteriorates sharply in the latter half. Unnecessary backtracking and filler quests, presumably added due to Namco’s concern over game length, diminish what could have been a thrilling experience.
While Tales of Legendia employs familiar side-scrolling battles, the random encounters and formidable foes can bog down the narrative’s flow, ultimately squandering its potential for enjoyment.
13 Tales of Hearts R
The original Tales of Hearts was confined to Japan, but the release of Tales of Hearts R on the PS Vita included English localization. The original used a 2D visual style across two screens, while the PS Vita variant transitioned to a single-screen 3D format.
Players control Kor Meteor, who traverses the worlds of Organica and Minera, facing enemies called Xeroms that disrupt people’s emotions, leading to a tragic incident involving Kor’s grandfather.
Alongside companions Kohaku and Hisui, Kor embarks on a quest to restore Kohaku’s fragmented emotions scattered throughout the land. This journey features a creative premise and showcases strong character dynamics.
The gameplay introduces a 3D environment that allows free movement on the battlefield, but attacking propels characters directly towards enemies. The combat system also embraces aerial combat, enabling combo chains, and features the return of Union Artes that allow powerful character combinations. Players can customize skills through a skill tree, enhancing the depth of player progression.
12 Tales of Zestiria
The Most Criticized One
Tales of Zestiria receives more criticism than it deserves, as it possesses its own appeal. Players navigate the story through Sorey, a young man uniquely endowed with the ability to communicate with Seraphim and cleanse Hellions plaguing the realm.
Sorey’s skills cast him as a reluctant hero with a straightforward mission—to battle evil and save his world, all brought to life by a compelling ensemble of characters.
The battle mechanics maintain the series’ action RPG essence, featuring seamless transitions from exploration to combat when confronting foes on the world map.
A standout feature is the Armatization system, allowing particular characters to fuse with Seraphim, unlocking a variety of new skills and abilities.
However, two major pain points are the intricate and somewhat baffling equipment system and the uninspired dungeon designs, which tend to rely on bland corridors. Despite these critiques, players can still find enjoyment in this entry.
11 Tales of Xillia 2
Another Lackluster Direct Sequel
In many ways, Tales of Xillia 2 suffers from the same predicaments that plagued its predecessor, Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. The emphasis on a new protagonist comes at the cost of storytelling cohesion.
The player assumes the role of Ludger Kresnik, a silent protagonist for narrative purposes, allowing players to make choices that affect the storyline.
Ludger’s family has a legacy tied to the destructive power of alternate dimensions, and after accumulating crippling medical debt, he becomes embroiled in a quest for balance in the world.
Familiar faces from Tales of Xillia reappear, including Jude, Milla, and Alvin, yet the focus on Ludger diminishes their roles, relegating them to side characters.
On a positive note, Tales of Xillia 2 offers an engaging gameplay experience. The return of the Linked Arte system is present, allowing players to exploit enemy vulnerabilities while a new feature enables swapping party members dynamically during battles.
The Lilium Orb mechanic is replaced with the Allium Orb, converting elemental ore into elements, and characters learn new Artes and skills through progressive thresholds.
10 Tales of Arise
The Western Tales Of
Tales of Arise represents a more Western-style approach within the franchise, which may resonate positively or negatively among fans.
In this installment, players engage with Alphen, a character who is unable to feel physical pain. His journey intersects with Shionne, a woman cursed to inflict pain on anyone she touches. Together, they strive to liberate their oppressed world, Dahna, from the grasp of the tyrannical Rena.
The narrative begins with compelling intensity, showcasing the harrowing persecution endured by Dahnans, but the latter part becomes bogged down by extensive lore explanations and abrupt plot twists that can alienate engaged players.
Modernized gameplay emphasizes action RPG mechanics, allowing mid-combat learning of Artes, while the skill tree is intrinsically linked to character titles for added depth. Despite possessing an attractive equipment system, Tales of Arise feels less ambitious than earlier entries renowned for innovative progression.
9 Tales of Fantasy
The Franchise’s Forefather
Tales of Phantasia marks the inception of the franchise, introducing countless features that would become foundational elements in subsequent titles. Initially released for the SNES, it has received multiple adaptations, including for PS1, PSP, and GBA, with the latter being localized for English audiences.
The storyline chronicles the journey of Cress Albane, a swordsman seeking vengeance against the dark knight Mars, who annihilated his village and family.
Throughout this adventure, Cress delves into themes of spirit summoning, elemental manipulation, and time travel—narrative elements that JRPGs cleverly interweave.
Tales of Phantasia introduced the groundbreaking Linear Motion Battle System, employing a 2D action-oriented combat style. Players engaged in random battles that divided allies and foes into distinct sections, allowing for dynamic interactions on the battlefield.
While combat mechanics occasionally faced clunkiness, the innovative systems for learning new Artes and spells made for an engaging introduction to a new franchise.
8 Tales of Destiny
The Series Debut on PlayStation
Building upon the foundations laid by Phantasia, Tales of Destiny features improved visuals, refined mechanics, and the introduction of new gameplay elements. Players can now assign Artes to directional shortcuts, which enhances combat fluidity and responsiveness.
Another innovative addition was the multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to join battles with the assistance of a multitap for the PS1. Although the core mechanics are retained, these enhancements elevate the overall gameplay experience.
The tale unfolds with protagonist Stahn Aileron, who stows away on an airship and uncovers a sentient sword named Dymlos when the ship comes under attack.
Armed with this powerful artifact, Stahn embarks on a quest to locate other Swordians while navigating the complexities of a world shaped by the ancient Aeth’er Wars.
7 Tales of Eternia
The Introduction of Skits
Tales of Eternia, marketed as Tales of Destiny II in the US despite being an independent story, follows Reid and Farah, childhood allies who cross paths with a mysterious girl named Meredy.
What begins as an innocent inquiry into Meredy’s identity evolves into an epic adventure woven with elements of Phantasia’s spirit summoning and interplanetary exploration.
Retaining the franchise’s Linear Motion Battle format, Tales of Eternia enhances real-time spellcasting, requiring players to dodge spells rather than simply observe their effects unfold. Combat mechanics allow switching characters during battles or issuing commands through menus.
A significant contribution from Tales of Eternia is the introduction of Skit mechanics, enabling optional character dialogues that significantly develop relationships and backstories, becoming a staple of future Tales entries.
6 Tales of Xillia
Two Protagonists To Choose From
Tales of Xillia is set in the world of Rieze Maxia, a land where civilization coexists with spirits, breaking ground as the first title allowing players to select their protagonist: either Jude or Milla. While varying events follow your choice, the overarching plot remains intact.
Jude is a medical student, while Milla presents herself as the Lord of Spirits. Their fateful encounter occurs outside an investigative facility linked to the mysterious decline of spirits.
Inside, they discover dire circumstances, leading Jude to pursue a deeper understanding of the phenomena while striving to protect his mentor.
The combat system offers a fully 3D experience, albeit with a stiffness reminiscent of traditional action RPGs. Tales of Xillia introduces the Link System, enabling characters to support each other while battling enemies and discover new Artes through character interactions.
5 Tales of the Abyss
I Swear Luke’s Behavior Improves
Experiencing Tales of the Abyss often leaves players in stunned disbelief, especially due to its unexpected plot twists. The narrative unfolds in Auldrant, where spirits’ elements, known as fonons, fuel existence, and a new element, the Fonon of Sound, emerges with the ability to predict events.
The main character, Luke fon Fabre, is characterized initially as arrogant and self-centered, confined to his opulent estate after a childhood kidnapping. His life begins to unravel after a tumultuous encounter with Tear, who embroils him in larger conspiracies.
Transported to a distant locale, Luke’s desire to return home becomes a complex narrative journey filled with obstacles and growth.
The game’s combat blends 2D and 3D styles, retaining the linear essence of action while introducing freedoms in movement. The Field of Fonons (FOF) system allows skills to evolve based on matching elemental circles, providing depth and strategic gameplay.
4 Tales of Graces F
Considered The Best Battle System
Initially released for the Wii, Tales of Graces remained exclusive to Japan until its PS3 port, Tales of Graces F, brought it to international audiences. Set in Ephinea, where the life source Eleth is derived from colossal obelisks called calkines cryas, the story follows protagonist Asbel Lhant and his companions.
Asbel’s journey begins with a mishap at Barona Castle when Sophie, an amnesiac girl, rescues him and his friends from monsters, which ignites a series of events spanning years.
The game’s narrative builds slowly, centering on Asbel’s development alongside returning companions Hubert and Cheria. Tales of Graces F is well-regarded for its battle system, where it features two distinct fighting styles for each character and fosters aggressive combat tactics.
The Chain Capacity system, which replaces traditional MP or TP systems, encourages continuous attacking and evasion. Players’ skills increase with action, resulting in high-octane, tactical battles rewarding those who take risks.
3 Tales of Berseria
Zestiria’s Direct Prequel
Set in the same universe as Tales of Zestiria, Tales of Berseria serves as a prequel rich with narrative depth. Players embody Velvet, a compelling character transformed by vengeance following her brother’s murder at the hands of her brother-in-law. She resists the pull of full demonhood but evolves into a Therion, wielding remarkable powers while clinging to her humanity.
As Velvet traverses her path of reprisal against Artorius, her actions cast long shadows leading into the events of Zestiria.
Tales of Berseria builds on Zestiria’s gameplay mechanics, maintaining a similar granular equipment system while incorporating the Soul Gauge in combat. Players wield unique abilities while managing their gauge to extend combo durations, creating a balance between offensive capabilities and defense.
2 Tales of Vesperia
One of Xbox 360’s Greatest JRPGs
Tales of Vesperia stands as a pinnacle within the franchise, celebrated by fans for its robust narrative and character development. Originally launched for the Xbox 360 in 2008, it later garnered a Definitive Edition in 2019 for multiple platforms.
The journey follows Yuri Lowell, one of gaming’s most unconventional protagonists, whose rebellious nature sharply contrasts the typical heroic mold. His quest begins as he seeks to reclaim a stolen aqua blastia core, which disrupts the water supply for his city.
Throughout his adventure, Yuri assembles a diverse party, including Estelle, unraveling the layered social complexities through skillful storytelling with classic JRPG twists.
Although the initial chapters can feel slow, the story gains momentum in the second half, incorporating a range of new mechanics and engaging combat that builds upon the Linear Motion Battle System.
The gear system in Vesperia rewards players with a sense of continuous development, allowing the acquisition of new skills through prolonged equipment use and gear synthesis for enhanced gameplay progression.
1 Tales of Symphony
Remastered Three Times So Far
Tales of Symphonia receives unanimous acclaim as arguably the finest entry in the Tales series, a sentiment echoed by Bandai Namco’s commitment to remastering the title multiple times. Its enduring popularity stems from a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovative gameplay.
Set in the world of Sylvarant, where diminishing mana threatens the very fabric of nature, the narrative revolves around Colette, the Chosen tasked with the Journey of World Regeneration, accompanied by her steadfast friend Lloyd as a bodyguard.
The storyline unfolds through rich character dynamics, revealing profound truths about their world amidst engaging twists that never feel extraneous.
Tales of Symphonia introduces a unique 3D combat system while adhering to a 2D plane for player movement. This evolution in gameplay marks a significant shift for the franchise.
Character development options are diverse, allowing players to choose between Technical or Strike Artes, thus influencing character progression and enhancing the immersive experience.
Overall, Tales of Symphonia stands out as a quintessential entry point for newcomers to the series. Good news for fans: it has been remastered for contemporary consoles, while Bandai Namco has hinted at more classic titles being primed for remastering in the near future.
For further exploration, many classic Tales of Games are in the remaster development pipeline, allowing fans to relive their favorite stories.
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