The Redemption of the Tales Series: A Fresh Take on a Classic RPG
The world of video games is filled with franchises that rise and fall, and the Tales series is no exception. In 2015, the series hit a low point with Tales of Zestiria, a game that, despite its innovative battle system, fell flat with a lackluster plot and forgettable characters. But fear not, RPG enthusiasts, because its successor, Tales of Berseria, is here to save the day!
Tales of Berseria is a brilliant redemption story, both for the series and its protagonist, Velvet Crowe. Set a thousand years before the events of Zestiria, this game offers a fresh perspective on the Tales universe. The story follows Velvet's quest for revenge against the exorcist Artorius Collbrande, who sacrificed her younger brother in a ritual. What makes this game truly captivating is its nuanced portrayal of an antihero. Velvet's complex backstory and motivations immediately draw players into her journey, a refreshing change from the typical altruistic heroes we often see in RPGs.
A Cast of Complex Characters
The characters in Berseria are a delight, each with their own unique personalities and relationships. One standout is Laphicet, a young boy under the spell of Artorius' religious organization, the Abbey. Velvet takes him under her wing, and their relationship adds depth to the narrative. The character development doesn't stop there; Eleanor, a former Abbey follower, undergoes a compelling transformation, questioning her beliefs and eventually joining Velvet's cause. These characters feel real, and their growth is earned through the game's narrative arcs.
Skits and Voice Acting Bring Characters to Life
The game's optional skits are a treasure trove for character enthusiasts. These small scenes provide insights into the characters' thoughts and relationships, and the stellar voice acting brings them to life. It's a testament to the game's writing and voice talent that these skits become a highlight, adding layers of personality to an already captivating cast.
Combat: A Perfect Blend of Strategy and Action
Berseria shines in its real-time action combat, offering a strategic twist to the typical hack-and-slash formula. The Soul Gauge system encourages players to balance offense and defense, creating a dynamic and engaging battle experience. The ability to unleash powerful Break Souls adds a cinematic flair, making each fight feel like an epic encounter. The game's combat is a significant improvement over Zestiria, allowing players to customize their combo strings and experiment with different strategies.
Remastered: Quality of Life Improvements
The remastered version of Berseria addresses some of the original's pacing issues. By providing unlimited consumables early on and increasing the running speed, the developers have smoothed out the gameplay experience. These changes might seem minor, but they significantly enhance the overall flow of the game.
However, the Switch port is not without its flaws. Technical limitations, such as a capped frame rate and texture issues, may disappoint some players. Yet, these shortcomings do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
A Timeless RPG Experience
Tales of Berseria stands the test of time with its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and refined gameplay. The remastered version, despite its minor technical drawbacks, provides an excellent opportunity for both newcomers and returning players to experience this gem on the go.
Personally, I believe Tales of Berseria is a prime example of how a sequel can surpass its predecessor. It takes risks with its storytelling, character development, and gameplay mechanics, resulting in a rich and immersive RPG experience. The game's ability to blend a compelling narrative with addictive combat is a feat not many RPGs can achieve. In a market saturated with open-world adventures, Berseria reminds us that linear RPGs can still offer depth and replayability.
So, if you're a fan of the Tales series or just a lover of RPGs in general, Tales of Berseria is a must-play. Its engaging story, well-crafted characters, and strategic combat will keep you hooked from start to finish. And who knows, you might just find yourself rooting for an antihero like never before!
