TheTalesseries is one that maintains a large number of series staple features, butTales of Arisedoesn’t need to tie itself down with all of the series' traditions. Since its initial reveal, Bandai Namco has done a lot to show thatTales of Ariseis going to be a fresh start for the long-running RPG franchise.
For a series with such a long history though, there’s a good chance thatTales of Arisewill pay homage to its predecessors by holding onto some of theTalesseries' more iconic features. While this will certainly help the new entry maintain its identity as aTalesgame, there are a number of features that are probably better left in the past.
RELATED:Bandai Namco Reveals Best-Selling ‘Tales of’ Series Games
Leave it Behind: The Grade Shop
The Grade Shop is aTalestradition that affects New Game+. As players fight through battles, they earn an initial currency known as grade.When starting New Game+, this currency can be used to purchase game altering mechanics such as decreased experience gains or holding onto certain items from the previous playthrough.
Not only does the Grade Shop force players to grind even more than what most RPGs demand, but it’s for an arbitrary reason at this point. More recent RPGs use New Game+ to offer players more of a new experience than what the Grade Shop has ever allowed for.Dragon Quest 11 S' Draconian Quest mechanicallowed players to alter the game in a similar way for free, and it could even be done on the first playthrough. If the Grade Shop is to make a return inTales of Arise, it would need some major tweaks to modernize the system.
Keep it: Skits
Some fans would argue thatthe greatest point of theTalesseriesis is its wide array of loveable characters. With each game generally having at least eight main party members, it’s hard to play aTalesgame without clicking with at least one character. One of the ways thatTalesgames allow its characters to shine together is through its skit mechanic. It’s a great way to see exactly how each game’s party members feel about each other and the story as it unfolds.
IfTales of Arisehopes to feature a great castthat fans latch onto as much as with past games, the skit mechanic making a return is an easy way to do it. As an evolution of the franchise, it would be great ifTales of Arisewould take skits to a new level by featuring them as more than still portraits interacting. Regardless, theTalesskit mechanic is a great one that shouldn’t be left behind.
Leave it Behind: Cooking
TheTalesseries cooking mechanic is one that sounds great in theory, but has never amounted to much in-game. Across several of theTalesentries, players can find different recipes around the world and cook them after battle. For the most part, these meals just give a slight HP or MP boost or boost character’s stats for the next battle. It’s really easy toplay through aTalesgamewithout using the feature at all.
As it exists now, cooking really doesn’t have much purpose inTales of Ariseor any futureTalestitles. The recipes and ingredients needed aren’t worth the hunt and the results of cooking are rarely noticeable. If the cooking feature were to make a return, it should come back as another way to see party members interacting, much like the previously mentioned skits feature. Likewise, its perks should offer a more permanent boost,similar to games likeFinal Fantasy 15.
Keep it: Titles and Costumes
TheTalesseries has continued to evolve its titles and costumes mechanics with each entry. Together, the two have become series staples that allow players to personalize their parties both cosmetically and in terms of combat ability.Tales of Arisecould get away without changing anything about these features, but it could go beyond with even more customization options than what previous games have offered. While it may look different from what fans are used to,Tales of Arieswill likely maintain the spirit along with many of the features that keep fans feeling right at home.
Tales of Ariseis in development for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
