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The Tales of series stands as a prominent JRPG franchise, second only perhaps to the legendary Final Fantasy. In 2015, the series celebrated its 20th anniversary with the release of Tales of Zestiria, marking several firsts for the franchise: a simultaneous English release, dual Japanese-English voice acting, and a PC port. This review explores what Tales of Zestiria brings to the table, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.

A Familiar Yet Engaging Adventure

Tales of Zestiria builds upon the successful formula of its predecessors, offering a familiar experience for veteran players while remaining accessible to newcomers. The story, inspired by the Arthurian legend of the Lady of the Lake, follows Sorey, a young man capable of perceiving ethereal beings. Destiny leads him to become the Shepherd, a legendary hero tasked with vanquishing malevolent forces and saving the world.

Sorey and his companions

The game features a cast of anime-inspired characters, each with distinct personalities catering to JRPG fans. While the narrative follows a familiar “save the world” trope, the world itself offers a refreshing take on the series. Large explorable areas, though not quite open-world, reward exploration with hidden dialogues and valuable items. Optional dungeons provide further challenges and treasures for dedicated players.

Tales of Zestiria also incorporates modern features like equipment customization and the ability to skip dialogue, catering to contemporary gaming preferences. The soundtrack, featuring the return of Go Shiina alongside Motoi Sakuraba, adds another layer of enjoyment for long-time fans.

Exploring the world of Zestiria

Refined Combat with a Few Hiccups

The combat system in Tales of Zestiria is arguably the most refined in the series, retaining the core Linear Motion Battle system while introducing new elements. The fixed SP gauge, replenished by defensive actions and depleted by attacks, encourages dynamic gameplay and strategic SP management. This blends elements from classic Tales titles with the CP system from Tales of Graces.

Combat in Tales of Zestiria

Artes, the special attacks, are further diversified with Hidden Artes and Seraphic Artes, varying depending on the character’s Human or Seraph race. Armatization, a fusion between Human and Seraph characters, grants powerful abilities but is limited by the BG gauge. Managing both SP and BG adds layers of strategy and intensity to the combat.

Technical Shortcomings and Narrative Issues

Despite its polished combat, Tales of Zestiria suffers from a flawed camera system. The close-up perspective, especially in confined spaces, hinders visibility and can be frustrating during battles. The inability to adjust the camera during combat exacerbates this issue.

Armatization in action

The narrative, while engaging, falls short in some areas. The predictable plot and uneven pacing, with a drawn-out beginning and rushed conclusion, leave some questions unanswered. The graphics, while acceptable, don’t fully capitalize on the potential of the PC and PS4 platforms. Simple and repetitive environments detract from the overall visual experience.

Conclusion

Tales of Zestiria, while celebrating the series’ 20th anniversary with innovative gameplay mechanics and a compelling world, is held back by technical issues and narrative shortcomings. The refined combat system is a highlight, but the frustrating camera and predictable story prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite these flaws, the game offers a solid JRPG experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike. A controller is highly recommended for optimal gameplay.