1. Tales of Eternia
Platforms: PS1, PSP
Tales of Eternia is the third main entry in the Tales of series, initially released for the PlayStation in 2000. The story follows Reid Hershel, a young man who embarks on a quest to prevent the collision of two planets, Inferia and Celestia, after meeting a mysterious girl named Meredy from Celestia. The game features the series’ signature real-time Linear Motion Battle System and a vibrant, anime-inspired world. The story balances lighthearted moments with serious themes, making it a beloved classic among Tales fan.
In North America, Eternialaunched as Tales of Destiny 2 despite not being a direct sequel.
2. Tales of Arise
Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC
Tales of Arise is the most recent and most modern entry. It stands out for stunning visuals, fluid combat, and a darker, mature storyline. The world of Dahna and Rena’s lore is well-built, making the game’s exploration as thrilling as its battles.
Arisefeatures upgrades to the Linear Motion Battle System, this time focusing on countering attacks. It also features a diverse cast with characters from two worlds, a good score, and tons of content, including an expansion.
3. Tales of Vesperia
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, Definitive Edition for modern consoles
Tales of Vesperia boasts an intricate plot featuring Yuri Lowell’s moral journey. It’s also the first game to launch as an Xbox 360 exclusive at a time where many RPGs were finding a new home on the console. Its battle system refines the series’ signature real-time combat and adds a polished art style, memorable characters, and strong world-building.
Vesperia’s use of the Linear Motion Battle System was incredible. Thanks to the addition of Over Limits and Fatal Strikes, it was possible to deliver infinite combos that utilised the party’s skills to defeat enemies en masse.
4. Tales of Berseria
Platform: PS4, PC
Tales of Berseria is a darker, revenge-driven tale with Velvet Crowe as the anti-heroine, making Berseria one of the series’ most emotionally resonant games. While it is technically a prequel to Tales of Zestiria, it can be played as a standalone title.
Its combat, featuring switching between characters during battle, adds dynamism.Berseria is also the first game to introduce a solo female protagonist.
5. Tales of Xillia
Platform: PS3
Tales of Xillia is known for its dual protagonist system, offering two perspectives—Jude and Milla—for better replayability. While it doesn’t have the same reputation as Vesperia or Symphonia, it features an exciting cast, an interesting world and fast-paced combat.
A direct sequel, Tales of Xillia 2, launched a year later. It introduced a new protagonist, Ludger Krenik, who could jump between dimensions. It also introduced the Cross Dual Raid Linear Motion Battle System, a battle system that focused on linked artes with allies.
6. Tales of the Abyss
Platform: PS2, 3DS
Tales of the Abyss is loved for its rich character development and emotional depth, particularly protagonist Luke’s transformation from a selfish noble to a selfless hero. The Free Run combat system was a huge innovation at the time allowing you to move freely in the combat area.
While a 3DS port came later,Tales of the Abyss is one of the most requested ports for modern consoles. It also provided fans with one of the best introductions to date with Bump of Chicken’sKarma.
7. Tales of Destiny
Platform: PS1, PS2
Tales of Destiny originally launched for the PlayStation where ot was part of a strong year for RPGs, including Final Fantasy Tactics. It brought strong character work and a solid side-scrolling combat system that set it apart in the early days of the series. Despite being a classic, it has a simple charm that resonates.
Destiny introduced the iconic Swordians, includng Dylmos, an ancient sentient sword from the Aeth’er Wars. Soon after, Stahn Aileron, the protagonist of the story meets others who quickly join his quest to save the world.
A PlayStation 2 remake launched in Japan that has never cross the ocean.
8. Tales of Graces f
Platform: PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch, PC
Tales of Graces ffeatures one of the best battle systems in the series, with deep strategy and customizable options. Its characters, though less compelling, still offer strong camaraderie and the narrative explores themes of friendship and trust.
It originally launched as a Nintendo Wii exclusive and remained one for three years before going international where the port included new skits, bonus chapters, and more.
9. Tales of Symphonia
Platform: GameCube, PS3, PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Tales of Symphoniabecame iconic due to its engaging plot, loveable characters, and action-packed multiplayer battle system. Its epic narrative of chosen one Colette Brunel and Lloyd Irving tackling moral dilemmas resonated with fans.
Symphonia introduced the Mult-Line Linear Motion Battle System, which allowed players to move linear to deal with enemies. It also introduced the Over Limit mechanic and Unison Gauge.
A sequel, Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World,launched in 2008 for the Wii follwoed by a PlayStation 3 port in 2014. It has since remained there inaccessible to modern consoles. It also introduced the Flex Range Element Enhanced Linear Motion Battle System, which was an amalgamation of previous games Abyss and Destiny’sbattle system.
10. Tales of Xillia 2
Platform: PS3
Tales of Xillia 2 is a direct sequel to Xillia. Xillia 2 introduces a silent protagonist with branching storylines, multiple endings, and a deeper dive into the original’s world. The innovative debt repayment system offers narrative-driven choices.
Each of these games excels in story complexity, character development, or battle system innovation, ensuring they leave a lasting impact on both fans and the series.
Furthermore,Xilla 2 expanded on the Cross Dual Raid Linear Motion Battle Systemfound in its predecessor.
