Key Takeaways
⚡ *Tales of Berseria* is a dark and emotional JRPG, centering around a story of revenge and personal growth. |
⚡ Features Velvet Crowe, the first standalone female protagonist in the *Tales* series. |
⚡ Its combat system uses the engaging *Linear Motion Battle System* with customizable combos. |
⚡ The game serves as a prequel to *Tales of Zestiria*, set in the same world but offering a darker tone and richer character arcs. |
Tales of Berseria – A Story of Vengeance and Redemption
In a world ruled by logic and order, *Tales of Berseria* flips the script with a narrative that dives deep into emotion, revenge, and moral ambiguity. This JRPG, developed by Bandai Namco, is one of the most mature and introspective entries in the beloved *Tales* franchise, taking players on an unforgettable journey through a beautifully crafted world filled with despair, hope, and redemption.
Players take control of Velvet Crowe, a young woman consumed by a thirst for revenge after a traumatic betrayal shatters her family and her humanity. Velvet's journey stands out as one of the most emotionally charged stories in the *Tales* series, offering a rich cast of companions, morally gray choices, and a unique perspective on the conflict between emotion and logic.
"Velvet Crowe’s story is a masterclass in storytelling, pushing the boundaries of what a JRPG narrative can achieve."
Combat That Feels as Good as the Story
The *Tales of Berseria* combat system is one of the highlights of the game. It uses an evolved version of the *Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS)*, allowing players to move freely during battles and unleash devastating Artes-based combos. You can customize your characters' combo chains, linking together martial and hidden Artes for flashy attacks.
- Soul Gauge Mechanic: A system that encourages strategic use of Artes and movement by limiting the number of attacks based on your available "souls."
- Switch Blast: Swap party members mid-battle to create new combos or recover struggling characters.
- Playable Party Members: From Velvet’s devastating demon claw to Rokurou’s dual swords, each character brings a unique playstyle to the battlefield.
The battles are fast-paced, visually stunning, and addictive, perfectly complementing the emotional weight of the story with high-octane action.
A Cast You’ll Never Forget
*Tales of Berseria* introduces one of the most memorable casts in the series. Each companion brings their own motivations and flaws to the group, creating tension and camaraderie in equal measure. Characters like the playful Laphicet, the honorable swordsman Rokurou, and the mysterious witch Magilou round out Velvet’s crew. The relationships between the characters drive the story, adding depth and heart to an already compelling narrative.
The Emotional Core of Berseria
What makes *Tales of Berseria* stand out is its willingness to explore darker themes rarely tackled in JRPGs. The game's exploration of grief, revenge, and the battle between emotion and rationality resonates deeply. While many JRPGs frame their protagonists as moral paragons, Velvet’s journey is one of moral complexity—she’s a hero to her allies but a demon to her enemies.
Who’s Your Favorite Party Member in Berseria?
The *Tales of Berseria* crew is unforgettable. Which character left the biggest impression on you?
Game Details
- Title: Tales of Berseria
- Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Release Date: January 24, 2017
- Platform: PC, PlayStation 4