Tales of Berseria, developed and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, stands as one of the most emotionally charged and thematically daring entries in the long-running Tales series. Released on Steam in 2017, this JRPG blends the franchise’s signature real-time combat with a darker, more character-driven narrative than many of its predecessors. Set in the same world as Tales of Zestiria—though centuries earlier—Berseria explores themes of revenge, morality, and identity through the eyes of a protagonist unlike any the series had featured before. With its rich storytelling, nuanced characters, and satisfying battle mechanics, it has earned a place as a modern classic within the genre.
The game centers on Velvet Crowe, a young woman whose tragic transformation from an innocent sister into a vengeful daemon is the catalyst for the entire story. After losing her brother to a ritual orchestrated by the seemingly righteous Artorius, Velvet is imprisoned for years before escaping with a singular goal: revenge. This setup lays the groundwork for a narrative that isn't about saving the world in the traditional sense, but about personal catharsis, moral ambiguity, and rebellion against a system that justifies its actions in the name of order. Velvet’s arc is refreshingly unorthodox; she is not a hero in the classic JRPG mold, but an anti-hero driven by fury and grief. Her emotional depth and raw humanity make her one of the most compelling leads the series has seen.
Supporting Velvet is a party of misfits and outcasts, each with their own reasons for opposing the authoritarian Abbey. Characters like the cheeky demon Rokurou, the cryptic witch Magilou, the naive exorcist Eleanor, and the young Malak Laphicet bring distinct perspectives and personalities to the group. Their banter, frequently delivered through the series’ trademark skits and in-battle dialogue, adds levity and texture to an otherwise heavy story. Importantly, Tales of Berseria doesn't shy away from showing how flawed and broken these characters are, yet it also allows them to grow through their bonds with one another. The result is a party dynamic that feels organic and emotionally resonant.
Combat in Tales of Berseria continues the evolution of the Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS), this time emphasizing flexibility and fluidity through the use of the Soul Gauge mechanic. Players can string together Artes (special attacks) freely, customizing their combo chains to fit different enemy types and combat situations. The Soul Gauge adds a layer of strategy by limiting the number of consecutive actions, replenished by dodging, defeating enemies, or exploiting weaknesses. This encourages aggressive, thoughtful play rather than mindless button mashing. Each character plays differently, offering a mix of melee, ranged, support, and magic roles, and switching between them mid-battle allows for even deeper tactical control. It’s a combat system that is both accessible and nuanced, rewarding mastery without overwhelming newcomers.
Graphically, Tales of Berseria is a product of its time and budget. Built on an older engine, the visuals don’t always impress by modern standards, especially when it comes to environmental detail and texture quality. However, strong art direction compensates for the technical limitations. Character designs are striking, animations are smooth during combat, and the world is filled with stylish fantasy motifs that feel cohesive and distinct. The game’s cinematics, especially key emotional moments, are rendered with care and carry real weight thanks to expressive performances and sharp direction. The soundtrack, composed by Motoi Sakuraba, combines haunting piano melodies and high-energy battle themes to underscore both the melancholic tone of the story and the thrill of combat.
Structurally, the game follows a traditional JRPG format: explore towns, tackle dungeons, engage in cutscenes, and battle enemies. What sets it apart is how tightly integrated the story is with the gameplay. Each dungeon or region visited ties directly into character development or narrative escalation, keeping the player engaged beyond just grinding or fetch quests. There’s a good mix of linear storytelling and side content, including optional skits, hidden bosses, and sidequests that flesh out the lore and character relationships. Although some backtracking and repetitive dungeon design can wear thin, these moments are often softened by the strength of the cast and writing.
Tales of Berseria also deserves praise for how it handles its themes. It’s a game about emotion versus reason, chaos versus order, and the cost of revenge. It frequently challenges the player's expectations about what is right and wrong, presenting a world where the so-called “heroes” have built their peace on sacrifice and manipulation. The game doesn’t offer easy answers, and its ending, while bittersweet, provides a powerful conclusion to Velvet’s journey. It’s a story that lingers, not because it shocks or dazzles with twists, but because it builds a consistent, meaningful emotional arc that respects its characters and the player’s intelligence.
In the end, Tales of Berseria stands as one of the most ambitious and emotionally resonant entries in the Tales franchise. Its gameplay is engaging, its characters are memorable, and its story takes meaningful risks that pay off with a narrative that feels mature and impactful. While its visuals and dungeon designs may not rival the most polished AAA RPGs, the game’s heart, writing, and combat depth more than compensate. Whether you're a long-time Tales fan or a newcomer curious about what the series has to offer, Berseria is a standout experience well worth the journey.
Rating: 9/10
