Tales of Berseria

The latest mothership title of the two-decade-long Namco Tales franchise, Tales of Berseria, breaks the tradition of past Tales titles because for the first time in Tales history, a heroine will be the star of the new game, under the name of Velvet, a young woman who has a thirst for vengeance following a string of tragic events. Exclusively for the Playstation consoles, PS4 and PS3, this new installment is a Tales game unlike any other, giving a fresh new spin to the two-decade-old franchise that wowed millions of fans, new and veterans alike.

Tales of Berseria (PS4)

Set years prior to the events of last year's title, Tales of Zestiria, Velvet Crowe will be accompanied with different allies such as Laphicet, Rokurou Rangetsu, Magilou, Eizen, and Eleanor Hume, as they set sail through different islands in different adventures all in the name of redemption.

Just like any other Tales games from its 20-year back catalog, the people behind the franchise worked really hard to deliver a promising feel to the brand new mothership title. You get lots of anime stuff in the game featuring cutscenes made possible by anime studio ufotable. Just by sitting back and enjoy the anime cutscenes, this game really have you hanging for more and right before your very eyes, you might just find which is your favorite Tales of Berseria moments when you hit the SHARE button on your PS4 controller. 

Anyway, if the anime cutscenes didn't put you on, the gameplay has been the hallmark for the Tales franchise and here in Tales of Berseria, it's a completely different experience. You are introduced by a brand new Liberation-Linear Motion Battle System where you can add new option to map artes to control pad buttons for chained combo attacks. You can even take advantage of your character's special abilities courtesy of the Soul Breach combo attacks with other allies. With battles so intense, you can really feel the thrill of it just by attacking multiple hostiles on the battlefield and because up to four players can join battles, it's a lot more enjoyable to help others while battling different enemies.

While you're not exploring through dungeons, caves, or any other field of adventures, there are many ways to spend time getting to know the game while taking a break from the main story. From secret objects hidden through different locations, the landmark chat system where you can get to know about your favorite characters, riding on the rare board, the possibilities are near endless if you are playing Tales of Berseria just for fun.

For added fun, Tales of Berseria will offer DLC outfits over the coming weeks ranging from summer wear, school uniforms, maid and chef outfits, IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls costumes, and more, just to have fun with your favorite characters while on the go.

So, thoughts on the latest Tales titles? While this game breaks tradition from past titles, it still delivers the same Tales action and adventure while delivering the thrills fans are hoping for. With the game now out exclusively for the PlayStation consoles, fans are eager enough to play this new Tales game and see which part that made fans enjoyed the most. Having a woman become the star of the Tales game like Velvet, this is just one sure thing to prove that girls are tougher than boys in lead roles in video games and another thing that gets you noticed that if you enjoyed this latest Tales game the most, well, you get the idea but feel free to do what's next when you had this game for the thrill of it.

A history of "Tales Of" mothership titles

The first mothership title of Namco's Tales of series, Tales of Phantasia, was launched in Japan for the Super Famicom on the 15th of December, 1995. 2015 marks the 20th year of Bandai Namco's iconic Tales of series. What might not be a better way than rediscovering the list of Tales of's mothership titles. Take note, THE mothership titles because they have strong importance in the history of the Tales franchise.

Tales of 20 years celebration
(Courtesy: BNEI)

Tales of Phantasia - This is probably the forefather of Namco's Tales franchise and the one of the most iconic JRPGs of all time. Phantasia centers on the story of a young man named Cress, who lives in the village of Toltus, and while he was hunting with his pal Chester, strange things are happening through time and space and it's up to Cress to find out. One of the most hallmarks in this game that sets the template in future Tales titles is the Linear Motion Battle, which is somewhat less complicating and very clever. In the SFC version, Flexible Voice Driver's implied to deliver high-quality voiceovers, which is very unheard of in a Super Famicom but it works.

Tales of Destiny - After the success of Tales of Phantasia, the producers of the franchise decided to make another Tales game, only this time on the original Sony PlayStation. Called Tales of Destiny, it ventures on the story of Stahn Aileron, who encounters a mysterious sword that triggers series of cataclysmic events and he sets off on a journey along with his allies in the quest to uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization. This game was launched in Japan on the PSX on the 23rd of December, 1997, with a remastered PS2 version followed on the 30th of November, 2006.

Tales of Eternia - The dawn of the 21st century deserves the dawn of the next Tales and launched on the PSX on November 30, 2000 (with a PSP version followed five years later), Tales of Eternia ventures on the story of Reid, Farah, and other valiant heroes as they venture out from the village of Rasheans to uncharted territories in order to avert a prophesized cataclysm. Following the game, there was an anime version of the said game aired on the 8th of January, 2001.

Tales of Destiny 2 - Sequel to the 1997 PSX game, it's the first Tales game made for the Playstation 2. Launched in the 28th November 2002 (with a PSP version followed on the 15th of February, 2007) the sequel takes 18 years after the events of the original Tales of Destiny. It now revolves on a story of a young boy named Kyle Dunamis as he set off to a journey to make new friends, solve mysteries, and in due course, prevent world chaos. This game comes with an improved Linear Motion Battle System with added Trust and Tactical features.

Tales of Symphonia - Probably known to be one of the most iconic of all the Tales games, Tales of Symphonia features an innovative battle system with numerous special attacks, spells, and combos, it also comes with a customizable growth system which allows you to change your fighting style and alter the storyline according to the character's relationships. Aside from the battles, there's also a wide variety of minigames and side quests for added gameplay value. As Lloyd Irving, Colette Brunel, and Genis Sage, they must venture out to reveal the prophecy of the Chosen One that will spell salvation in a dying village on Sylvarant, team up with iconic allies, and avert the cataclysm plotted by evil forces. We love the characters in this installment, especially Refill (Raine) Sage, Sheena Fujibayashi, Presea Combatir (one who's doing the iconic Klonoa catchphrase), Regal Bryant, and more importantly, Zelos Wilder. The Gamecube version was launched on the 29th of August, 2003 while a PS2 version was launched a year later. It was included in the Unisonant Pack for the PS3 in 2013, in honor of Symphonia's 10th anniversary. Aside from that, there's even an anime series titled "Tales of Symphonia: The Animation" as well.

Tales of Rebirth - One of the most dramatic installment of the Tales series, Set in the world where humans and beasts live in harmony, Rebirth centers on the story of Veigue Lungberg as he is one of the characters possessed by the Force from the fallen King and work together with a handful of allies as the story progresses in order to prevent further threats to the kingdom of Karegia by a primordial destructive force. The PS2 version was launched in the 16th of December, 2004, while the PSP version was launched on the 19th of March, 2005.

Tales of Legendia - Continuing on the Tales action on the PS2, Tales of Legendia centers on the role of Senel Coolidge as he explores the mystery of the giant mysterious ship he encountered alongside his sister. This game features a more dynamic approach to the LMBS, called X-LMBS, which allows the player to fight enemies like a fighting game. This game was launched on the 25th of August, 2005.

Tales of the Abyss - Tales of the Abyss is known to be one of the most enjoyable Tales game on the PS2. The story revolves on a young aristocrat named Luke fon Fabre. After being kidnapped seven years ago, he returns to his family with no memories of him. However, he was thrown into the outside world to become one of the Oracle Knights, served to protect the prophecy known as the Score. Choices play a crucial part in this game. Do the story right, you'll get a good ending. But get it wrong, you might end up on a horrid bad ending. The game was launched on the 15th of December, 2005, about the same date when the Tales series celebrated its 10th year. Talk about a birthday gift, per se?

Tales of Innocence - This is the first Tales game launched on the Nintendo DS, Innocence centers on a young boy named Luca Mildan, the reincarnation of the Sensus general Asura, his quest is to awaken his hidden supernatural powers to protect his friends and put a stop to Regnum's military insurgence. This game was launched for the DS on the 6th of December, 2007, following with the updated version called Tales of Innocence R for the PS Vita on the 26th of January, 2012.

Tales of Symphonia: Ratatosk no Kishi - Sequel to the original Symphonia game, Ratatosk no Kishi (Dawn of the New World) centers on two main characters Emil Castagnier and Marta Lualdi as they're seeking redemption from their darkest pasts after a cataclysmic regeneration of the world while uncovering the secrets of the Summon Spirit Ratatosk. One of our favorite part in this sequel is the Monster Pacts where enemy monsters you've encounter or fought may have a chance to join you. This cool feature really turn the battle to your favor if you get it right and have adequate strengths your monsters had. This game was launched on the Wii on the 26th of June, 2008, and it was included in the Tales of Symphonia Unisonant Pack for the PS3 on 2013.

Tales of Hearts - Of course with Tales of Innocence on the DS is a proven hit, there's another Tales DS game offered a year later, known as Tales of Hearts. As a young boy named Shing Meteorite (Kor Meteor), his encounter with Kohaku and Hisui spiralled his life and upon saving her at the cost of her Spiria, he must venture on the quest to restore Kohaku's Spiria and in due course, avert the cataclysm The DS version offers two different versions; a CG movie version and an Anime movie version. Both were launched on the DS in the 18th of December, 2008. Just like Innocence, there's a PS Vita remastered version, called Tales of Hearts R, launched on the 7th of March, 2013.

Tales of Vesperia - Love it or hate it, this is the first Tales title made for the XBOX 360 and it pushed the Tales franchise even further with greater storyline, greater graphics, an updated LMBS, and memorable cast of characters. The story centers on a former knight named Yuri Lowell as he delves on a mysterious plot to gain control of the magical devices that will spell salvation or doom to the world reliant on the ancient technology known as the blastia. The XBOX 360 version launched on the 7th of August, 2008 with a PS3 version followed on the 17th of September, 2009. To keep the mania going in, there was a feature length film titled Tales of Vesperia ~The First Strike~, shown in theaters the same year the PS3 version was launched.

Tales of Graces - Set on the planet of Efinea, Tales of Graces centers on a young man named Asbel Lhant as he was drawn in a conflict between rival factions vying for world domination. With the help of his childhood friends and a mysterious girl named Sophie, they must work together to put an end to the meaningless conflict and bring back peace to their home planet. This game was launched on the Wii on the 10th of December, 2009, with a reloaded version for the PS3, titled Tales of Graces f, launched on the 2nd of December, 2010, packed with added extras.

Tales of Xillia - Two sides, one story. Tales of Xillia allows players choose between the story of Jude Mathis, a medical student, and Milla Maxwell, a mysterious woman accompanied by the Four Great Spirits. Whichever character you choose, your quest on a world where humans and spirits live in harmony begins and as you meet new friends, fought tough enemies, and solving puzzles, you are closer to uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization. This game was launched on the PS3 on the 8th of September, 2011.

Tales of Xillia 2 - Set after the events of the original Xillia, this sequel centers on a young cook named Ludger Kresnik who wants to follow his brother's footsteps and work as an agent of Spirius Corporation. However, his encounter with a young girl named Elle Marta, who tries to reunite her father at the Land of Canaan, changes everything. This game was launched on the PS3 on the 1st of November, 2012.

Tales of Zestiria - This is the latest installment of the Tales franchise and the biggest birthday present in celebration of the Tales franchise' 20th year. It was launched on the PS3 console on the 22nd of January, 2015. Amazingly, Tales of Zestiria is a hybrid game because not only it has the main game on it but also comes with the complete TV mini-series of the same title, serving as the taste of what lies ahead of the main character Sorey and his allies on their epic journey to save the world from an imminent threat, so you can experience the dramatic storyline that you can expect once you start the game and go on an epic journey as Sorey and his friends.

The battle system has been evolved from the past Tales of games and now, TOZ features a brand new "Fusonic Chain - Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS)" which gives the series' real-time battle system a whole new overhaul and features a gauge that allows characters free battle to their heart's content and effects such as healing and blowing away enemies are usable. Also, this battle system comes with the brand new "Kamui" feature and don't tell them what that is because this feature lets Sorey join forces with Heavenly Beings such as Lailah, changing his form and unleash a barrage of powers to blow away the opposition. Now this is a strategic work players need to master if they want to survive the battlefield.

Aside from new ways to battle, there are other ways to do on foot as well. You can engage in a chat sequence (which is kinda like the skit part from past titles), clear obstacles, accessorize your characters with new outfits and accessories, engage in optional subevents, test your battle skills on the colosseum, and so much more. There are so much to do while you're taking a break on the main quest or if you need a little boost on what lies ahead.

Tales of Berseria - Coming soon this 2016 on the PS3 and PS4 consoles, the upcoming chapter of the Tales franchise sees a break of tradition because for the first time in Tales history, it now centers on a female protagonist in the form of Velvet.

Tales of Zestiria

Tales of Zestiria

Since the first ever Tales of game launched in late 1995, the Tales of series from Namco has been the forefront of Japanese RPG history. As the franchise keeps evolving into new and exciting ways that will keep JRPG fans longing for more tales, fans will really keep looking forward for the series' 20th year this 2015.

Bandai Namco kicks off the Tales series' 20th birthday with the brand new addition to the Namco Tales family and it's called Tales of Zestiria.

According to the people behind the scenes, the latest installment of the long-running Tales franchise is classified as an "RPG where passion lights up the world" and because 2015 is the Tales of's 20th birthday, they want this latest installment to be the template for the series' future just like what other past Tales titles done for the fans worldwide. For this new chapter in Tales history, Tales of Zestiria will hopefully garner a new set of fans, old and new alike, thanks to new and exciting features as well as the storytelling which has been the forefront of the Tales of series.

Amazingly, Tales of Zestiria is a hybrid game because not only it has the main game on it but also comes with the complete TV mini-series of the same title, serving as the taste of what lies ahead of the main character Sorey and his allies on their epic journey to save the world from an imminent threat, so you can experience the dramatic storyline that you can expect once you start the game and go on an epic journey as Sorey and his friends.

The battle system has been evolved from the past Tales of games and now, TOZ features a brand new "Fusonic Chain - Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS)" which gives the series' real-time battle system a whole new overhaul and features a gauge that allows characters free battle to their heart's content and effects such as healing and blowing away enemies are usable. Also, this battle system comes with the brand new "Kamui" feature and don't tell them what that is because this feature lets Sorey join forces with Heavenly Beings such as Lailah, changing his form and unleash a barrage of powers to blow away the opposition. Now this is a strategic work players need to master if they want to survive the battlefield.

Aside from new ways to battle, there are other ways to do on foot as well. You can engage in a chat sequence (which is kinda like the skit part from past titles), clear obstacles, accessorize your characters with new outfits and accessories, engage in optional subevents, test your battle skills on the colosseum, and so much more. There are so much to do while you're taking a break on the main quest or if you need a little boost on what lies ahead.

There are DLC contents heading your way on Tales of Zestiria, as well as collaboration ones from Evangelion, Capcom's Sengoku Basara, God Eater 2, and of course, The iDOLM@STER. Expect more DLC items heading your way, especially those that can make a match not just for Sorey, but also Rose, Leilah, Edna, Alisha, and more!

So, how come we sum this game up? Well, while this game remains available only to Japan while Bandai Namco awaiting their decision for its global debut, the latest chapter of the Tales of series sees this franchise grow into new and exciting ways that fuels not just Tales veterans but also newcomers as well. There's so much to love about TOZ and we think that's enough for that.

Overall, Tales Of Zestiria is definitely the best present for the series' 20th anniversary since 1995's Tales of Phantasia.

Tales of Symphonia Unisonant Pack

Ten years ago, it's the year 2003. Let's see...what things does the year brought us out? In the year 2003, we got...Yumeria? Okay...What about Braniac? The one with Richard Hammond on it before? All right...What else? What else does the year 2003 brought us? Yes, the war on Iraq and the fall of Saddam Hussein. We all remember that. Anyway, there's this game we all remember in the year 2003 and that's Tales of Symphonia, one of the most memorable Namco Tales games ever made and it's definitely one of the Tales games we got hooked on.

Before explaining what it's about, let's look back at last year's Tales of Xillia 2. For starters, it maybe somewhat more of a sequel to the Xillia game that most Tales fans got talked about. Sometimes, even though it's the latest chapter, fans sometimes kinda let themselves down to the storyline that leaves everyone puzzling with questions left to be answered but that's the whole point of the Tales stories, you'll expect more twists and turns as the player made crucial choices.

What fans want for the Tales of game is a Tales of game that is new but it's not new. What they actually want is this...

Tales of Symphonia Unisonant Pack

Refreshed from the archives of the history of NAMCO, this is Tales of Symphonia Unisonant Pack. At first glance, it looks like the old 2003 video game as well as its 2008 follow-up; Ratatosk no Kishi (Dawn of the New World) but it's been peppered with modern touches.

It's a classic Tales of game but since it's made to celebrate Symphonia's 10th anniversary, you can now play both Symphonia and Dawn of the New World into one in your PS3 console! Although it maybe an old game redefined but when you played both of these two in a new packaging and the same mechanics, it gets you in there, relieving every moments you have encountered throughout the Symphonia storyline. This is like a tribute band which rocks like the original! No, wait! Even better!

Featuring an innovative battle system with numerous special attacks, spells, and combos, it also comes with a customizable growth system which allows you to change your fighting style and alter the storyline according to the character's relationships. In Tales of Symphonia, aside from the battles, there's also a wide variety of minigames and side quests for added gameplay value.

Meanwhile in the 2008 followup: Ratatosk no Kishi (Dawn of the New World), as Emil, a young man who posses the power of Ratatosk, you can acquire different kinds of monsters which you can raise to their full potential after battles. It also features an enhanced free-run battle system complete with unison attacks and a strategic elemental system.

However, those mechanics doesn't matter to us because celebrating Symphonia's 10th anniversary since its 2003 debut on the Gamecube is more than enough to celebrate one of the most adorned Namco Tales ever assembled. Despite being made as a tribute to the game's 10th year, I had a confession to make. As a matter of fact, they could have overdone this. Since Tales of Symphonia was launched in 2003 on the Gamecube and its Dawn of the New World followup launched on the Wii in 2008, why would they have to put these two chapters into one and plug it on the PS3 console instead of the newer Wii U console? Perhaps the reason why they put it on the PS3 is because they are concentrating on the looks, the feels, the sounds, and everything to make it even better for the masses. That's how that really mattered.

Thing is though, this is like more of a worship. It's like the monks paying respect to their idol and they are blessing it with exquisite gifts. If by gifts, there are surprises because here in Symphonia, you can expect unlocking costumes from various Tales of games.For Lloyd and Genus, you can unlock their costumes derived from Tales of the Abyss. For Collete and Sheena, costumes from Tales of Vesperia.  For Kratos, Presea, and Zelos, good luck finding the costumes from the Tales of Xillia chapters. Lastly, for Regal and Raine, find outfits derived from Malik and Pascal from Tales of Graces F. As for the 2008 followup, hats! Good luck unlocking some hats for Emil, Marta, and some of the returning cast! Also, when you finished Dawn of the New World, you'll get the Gallery Mode featuring character concept artworks as well as the skits from the game itself.

What this is, in truth, is more than just a gala for the devoted Tales fan. It's like a love letter to a game.