Tales of Arise’s characters are an interesting bunch - orphans, warriors and even Renan nobility - who initially start out with misgivings and even doubts against one another. Along the way both meet new allies, each with their own tragic personal story that drives them to action. Their unlikely partnership kicks off a far-reaching adventure across Rena as they target the various lords one by one. They even share a deep-seated desire to overthrow the Renan lords who oversee Dahnan’s various domains, even though their exact reasons may differ. In that sense, Alphen and Shionne are an odd yet perfect pair who complement each other well. The proud Renan is also the owner of a very powerful flame sword, one that she can’t use herself because it burns and puts anyone who touches it under immense, searing pain. It’s a trait that arises from a powerful curse that hurts anyone who touches Shionne. Unlike Alphen, Shionne is essentially an emotional sieve who tries not to show any affection. Interestingly, Shionne is like a mirror image of Alphen. It is under these circumstances that Alphen meets the game’s other protagonist, the haughty Renan runaway Shionne. Things take an even more interesting turn after Alphen finds himself caught up in a sabotage attempt by Dahnan rebels against their Renan overseers. Physically, however, the man is unable to feel anything, including his own injuries. In fact, the overly caring Alphen can be a bit of an emotional sponge who’s susceptible to passionate outbursts from time to time.
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The Tales of Arise protagonist still has full possession of his emotions, mind you.
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What’s especially intriguing is Alphen’s unique trait: the inability to feel anything. It’s one of the less original aspects of Tales of Arise’s storytelling, though it adds an extra layer of mystery about Alphen’s origins. Admittedly, amnesia is an oft-abused trope in JRPGs. It is under this backdrop that we meet Alphen, a masked Dahnan slave who has lost his memories of the past. To make things worse, each Dahnan man, woman and child is implanted with a device that gradually siphons their life force in order to provide immense power to each region’s lord as part of the “Crown Contest.” Whichever lord amasses the most power ends up being chosen as the next Renan sovereign and sits atop everyone else. A typical day finds Dahnan laborers shackled in chains while they are often beaten by guards for the littlest of reasons. Three centuries after their defeat, the Dahnan remnants find themselves a pitiful and fully subjugated lot. The invasion by the technologically superior Rena ended up with the subjugation of Dahna and its residents, a once-proud people who were reduced to slavery while their rich culture was erased from the annals of history. Tales of Arise’s story is born from the conflict between the Twin Worlds of Dahna and Rena, rival planets that engaged in an epic clash 300 years ago. Does it rise to the top of the franchise’s best games? Let’s just say it certainly makes a good case for it. Oftentimes, however, simple things such as empathy and little acts of kindness form the cracks that eventually send the thickest of walls crashing down.ĭespite its brighter, more colorful palette, Tales of Arise is about as dark a Tales game as I’ve ever seen - at least right off the bat. Hope that each new day will be just a little bit better than the last. Hope that once-bitter enemies can turn into beloved brethren. Hope that people will listen to their better angels.
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Whether it be the horrific aftermath of war or the disturbing imagery of centuries of slavery, Tales of Arise’s story hits you early and hits you hard.Īmid all the despair and destruction, however, is hope.
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In fact, the plot for Tales of Arise plays out like a record of humanity’s worst hits. What the Japanese role-playing game truly excels at, however, is picking at the scabs that typically cover up humanity’s ugliest scars.Īll are fair game and used unapologetically to paint a disturbing picture about humans at their worst. Yes, the game certainly has its moments of levity.
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It’s an approach that Tales of Arise employs to great effect. They always garner a reaction while also making you feel a bit uncomfortable. The best stories are like good standup comedy.