Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
- Developers: Bandai Namco Studios
- Publishers: Bandai Namco Entertainment, Bandai Namco Entertainment America, Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe
Tales of Berseria: A Tale of Revenge and Redemption
Tales of Berseria is a Japanese role-playing game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It is the sixteenth main installment in the Tales series, and was released for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows in August 2016 in Japan, and in January 2017 worldwide. The game follows the story of Velvet Crowe, a young woman who seeks revenge against the Abbey, a religious organization that killed her family and friends three years prior. Along her journey, she is joined by a group of companions who each have their own reasons for opposing the Abbey.
Gameplay
Tales of Berseria is an action role-playing game in which the player controls Velvet Crowe and her party of three other characters. The game’s battle system is based on the “Linear Motion Battle System” (LMBS) that was introduced in Tales of Zestiria. In the LMBS, the player can move their characters freely around the battlefield, and can chain together attacks to create combos. Velvet also has a unique ability called “Malak Artes,” which allows her to use powerful attacks that are fueled by her anger.
Story
Tales of Berseria is set in a world where the Abbey, a religious organization, has become increasingly powerful. The Abbey believes that the world is divided into two realms: the Material Realm, where humans live, and the Astral Realm, where spirits reside. The Abbey teaches that humans are inherently evil, and that the only way to salvation is to sacrifice themselves to the Astral Realm.
Velvet Crowe is a young woman who was once a member of the Abbey. However, after her family and friends were killed by the Abbey, she turned against the organization and vowed revenge. Velvet is joined on her journey by a group of companions who each have their own reasons for opposing the Abbey.
Characters
- Velvet Crowe: The protagonist of the game, Velvet is a young woman who seeks revenge against the Abbey for killing her family and friends. She is a powerful fighter who wields a sword called “Therion.”
- Laphicet: A young boy who is created in the image of “light.” He is an important ally to Velvet, and helps her to control her anger.
- Rokurou Rangetsu: A skilled swordsman who is searching for a way to defeat the Abbey. He is a loyal friend to Velvet, and is always willing to fight by her side.
- Eleanor Hume: A nun who has left the Abbey after witnessing its corruption. She is a powerful healer, and is a valuable member of Velvet’s party.
- Magilou: A mysterious woman who claims to be a witch. She is a skilled mage, and is always looking for a good time.
Development
Tales of Berseria was developed by Bandai Namco Studios, and was directed by Tomomi Yamashita. The game was originally announced in December 2015, and was released in Japan in August 2016. The game was released worldwide in January 2017.
Reception
Tales of Berseria received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its story, characters, and combat system. The game was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Tales of Berseria is considered to be one of the best games in the Tales series. The game has been praised for its dark and mature story, and for its well-developed characters. Tales of Berseria is a must-play for fans of JRPGs, and is a great entry point for newcomers to the series.
Additional Information
- Tales of Berseria is the first game in the Tales series to feature a female protagonist.
- The game’s story is inspired by the real-world events of the Salem witch trials.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Motoi Sakuraba, who has also composed the music for other Tales games.
- Tales of Berseria has been adapted into a manga series and an anime series.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
