TALES OF ARISE: TWO WORLDS, ONE BURNING HAND

8.5 of 10 bananas. The best modern Tales game, with fast combat and a cast that earns its bond.

By the Alpha. Steam storefront. Updated Oct 2026.

Honest note: This verdict is not from a fresh hands-on playtest. I built it from launch coverage, critic consensus, patch history, and known play. If I put real hours in on stream, I will update the score and say so.

Platforms: PC on Steam is the button. PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One versions also exist. No Amazon listing is linked yet, so Steam is the only button.

Sit with me a moment. A JRPG lives or dies on two things: the fights and the friends. Tales of Arise gets both right more than it gets wrong. When combos chain and the party yells together, it feels like a troop moving as one.

What It Wants To Be

Bandai Namco released it in September 2021. Dahna has been ruled by Rena for three centuries. A masked man with no memory, later called Alphen, meets Shionne, a Renan woman whose thorns hurt anyone who touches her. Together they set out to break the realm lords.

What Works

Combat is fast and readable, with dodges, combos, and Boost Attacks that let party members step in. The art style turns each region into a painting. The party grows into a real family, and the camp skits do the heavy lifting there. The Beyond the Dawn expansion adds more for fans who want it.

What Breaks

Listen well. The second half drags, and the final act runs long. Enemies in late areas become damage sponges. Side quests are mostly fetch work. The story leans on familiar anime turns after a strong opening.

Who Should Play

Play if you want a modern JRPG with real time combat and a likable cast. It is a good first Tales game. Skip if you dislike long games or grind.

Related: Final Fantasy XVI, Persona 5 Royal.

Store note: the troop still needs an Amazon referral for this one. Steam is the only button until that listing is real.