This post details all of the Tales of games in the popular JRPG main series, listed in order of release. From Namco Studios, the first installment was released in 1995. And the latest chapter is due out later in 2021. Available to play on various PlayStation and Nintendo platforms.
Details for each game includes a game story summary, game play, features, release date and available platforms. For more JRPG games, see my posts listed below.
June 2021 Update: The next Tales of game, Tales of Arise now has a release date. See below for details.
Tales Games List – Main Series in Order
Developers: Namco Tales Studio (Wolf Team) from 1995 to 2011/Bandai Namco Studios from 2012 | Genres: Action, Adventure, JRPG, Battle.
1. Tales of Phantasia
Released: December 1995.
Story: Tales Of Phantasia is a classic-style RPG with a real-time battle system, for a new kind of action. When young swordsman Cress Albane finds his home village destroyed and his parents killed, Cress sets off on an adventure to find those responsible. In his efforts to uncover those behind this evil deed, Cress soon finds himself on a mission that will take him back and forth through time. [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- Battle in real time: The Linear Motion Battle System puts the emphasis on action as players attack their enemies without the use of menus.
- New game events, dialogue sequences and other features enhance the adventure on this release.
- Crack open the Monster Dictionary to view the strengths and weaknesses of the enemies they meet in battle.
- Players will want to collect data on them all.
- Innovative Cooking System to collect ingredients and recipes to brew up meals that restore their health and magic.
*Available from Amazon for PlayStation 1 (US), PS 1 (UK), PlayStation Portable (US), PSP (UK), Nintendo Game Boy Advance (US) and GBA (UK).
2. Tales of Destiny
Released: December 1997.
Story: Following the story Stahn, a young man who comes across a sentient sword named Dymlos. On his journey he encounters other similar sword-wielders. Eventually, they must unite against the evil forces seeking to use a relic from an ancient war.
Game Play and Features
- Incorporating the elements that made Final Fantasy VII such a huge success on the PSX Namco is bringing the RPG back into the limelight.
- With beautiful animation and hours of intense gameplay this is sure to please every gamer not just RPG fans.
*Available from Amazon for PlayStation 1 (US) and PS2 (UK).
3. Tales of Eternia
Released: November 2000.
Story: This opus offers a gigantic adventure mixing action and reflection, with dynamic real-time battle system and tons of mini-games. Follow the incredible adventures of two friends, Reid and Farah, as they battle to stop their planet colliding with another. [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- Real-time action RPG that takes place within two massive worlds.
- With engaging storyline presents a huge cast of characters, each with distinct personalities and abilities. Intriguing sub worlds and countless mini-games lie within this quest to provide over 60 hours of gameplay.
- Travel through various cities, regions and continents, learn about their destiny and change the fate of your world.
- Build up your own heroes: Boost & customise your characters with hundreds of different items, enchanted weapons and powerful spells.
- A diversity of gameplay: Discover a bunch of challenging mini-games perfectly implemented to the story that will make the characters earn unique features.
*Available from Amazon for PSP (US), PSP (UK), PS1 (US) and PS2 (UK).
4. Tales of Destiny 2
Released: November 2002.
Story: This Tales centers on the realm of Eternia, a place where the surfaces of two worlds meet. Inferia is home to our heroes, and Celestia is the world of the skies above. Inferia is rich in academia, art, history, and culture. Celestia is inhabited by the uncivilized (by Inferian standards).
A girl shrouded in mystery, finds her way to Inferia and crash-lands her spaceship in a nearby forest. Nothing is known of her except that she has come with a message of impending doom. Here, the adventure begins… [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- Real-time action RPG that takes place within two massive worlds.
- Its engaging storyline presents a huge cast of characters, each with distinct personalities and abilities.
- Intriguing subworlds and countless minigames lie within this quest to provide over 60 hours of gameplay.
- Hundreds of arcane items, powerful spells, and enchanted weapons are at a player’s disposal.
*Available from Amazon for PS2 (US), PS2 (UK), PSP (US) and PSP (UK).
5. Tales of Symphonia
Released: August 2003.
Story: On a dangerous mission to save the dying world of Sylvarant, you’ll fight battles in real-time on a 3-D battlefield.
Choose the character in your battle party that you want to control. Different characters have different strengths so choose to suit your skills or to best beat your different enemies. Includes great fight combos and easy-setup multiplayer action. [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- Execute hundreds of special attacks, spells and combos.
- Dozens of mini-games and side quests.
- For 1 to 4 players.
- Command real time battles in a 3-D battle system with full control over the characters.
- Fully customisable character growth system to suit your fighting style.
*Tales of Symphonia available from Amazon for Nintendo GameCube (US), GameCube (UK), PlayStation 3 (US) and PS3 (UK).
6. Tales of Rebirth
Released: December 2004.
Story: Set in a world where humans (Huma) and beast people (Gajuma) have managed to coexist in relative peace in a co-created kingdom.
But a magical “Force” manifesting in various people allowing characters the power to control an element or aspect of physical laws threatens the stability of the kingdom.
Game Play and Features
Battle wild creatures in the dark and mystical depths of two entwined fantasy worlds to save them from evil! Tales of Symphonia is a stunning 3D role-playing game full of twisting plots offering gamers over 80 hours of immersive real-time role-play.
*Available from Amazon for PSP (US) and PS2 (US).
7. Tales of Legendia
Released: August 2005.
Description: Epic tale of love and heroism that explores the ties that bind us all. Senel Coolidge, a young expert in the special skill called “eres,” was drifting in the ocean on a small boat with his sister Shirley when they stumbled upon a mysterious giant ship called Legacy.
Have they stumbled upon an unknown civilization, or is the Legacy a relic of something long past? FInd out with them, and become part of an incredible new adventure! [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- Face enemies bigger than any you’ve seen in an RPG.
- Battle huge monsters with fighting-game-like controls with the X-LiMBS (Crossover Linear Motion Battle System) battle system.
- Fantastic 3D graphics, with a different look that’s perfectly suited to the game.
- Unique character design by renowned artist Kazuto Nakazawa.
*Available from Amazon for PS2 (US) and PS2 (UK).
8. Tales of the Abyss
Released: December 2005.
Game Summary: Centers around Luke fon Fabre, sole heir to an aristocratic family, as he is suddenly thrust into the outside world on an epic adventure. Naive and spoiled by years of isolation, Luke struggles to learn about friendship, sacrifice, duty, and choice.
In the end, Luke’s actions may ultimately save the world or bring about its very destruction. [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- Experience Tales in a Way Only Possible with the Nintendo 3DS – Battle in a whole new dimension.
- Fight against your enemies, unleash devastating Mystic Artes, and explore the expansive World Map in 3D.
- Stunning Visuals – Lush, colorful graphics bring attention to the detailed anime art style of artist Kosuke Fujishima.
- Sprawling landscapes and beautiful towns populate the world of Auldrant and bring it to life.
- Dynamic Real Time Battles – Command the “Flex Range – Linear Motion Battle System” for unparalleled tactical control over characters’ movements and attacks.
- Hone characters’ skills using the “Field of Fonons” and evolve their fighting techniques to more powerful forms.
- Captivating Story and Depth That is the Hallmark of the Tales Series – Explore the story through more than 40 hours of riveting gameplay and fully voiced anime cutscenes.
- Follow the path of Luke fon Fabre, a child of prophecy drawn into a conflict that threatens his very existence.
*Available from Amazon for Nintendo 3DS (US), 3DS (UK), PlayStation 2 (US) and PS2 (UK).
9. Tales of Innocence
Released: December 2007.
Game Summary: Luca, a timid merchant’s son encounters an “Avatar” (humans who have developed supernatural powers) in need of rescue. In rescuing her, his own innate powers are soon awakened. [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- Using the Dimension Stride Linear Motion Battle System (DS-LMBS).
- This Tales game combines the battle systems of Tales 8 and the PlayStation 2 port of Tales 6.
- Allowing players to move around the field in full 3D movement including attacks and skills in mid-air.
- Equip characters with their own style or ability.Players can accept requests, quests or favours in return for various rewards and earn Guild Points and rise up the Guild Ranks.
*Tales of Innocence R available from Amazon for PlayStation Vita (US), PS Vita (UK), Nintendo DS (US) and NDS (UK).
10. Tales of Vesperia
Released: August 2008.
Game Summary: A power struggle begins in a civilisation dependent on an ancient technology, the blastia and the Empire that controls it. The fates of two friends traveling separate paths intertwine in an epic adventure that threatens the existence of all. [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- Tales of Vesperia one of the best loved installment in the “Tales of” series.
- With upscaled screen resolution, characters, events and costumes never released outside of Japan.
- Fight with flair: Assemble your favourite team and enjoy exciting real-time battles with your Mystic Artes and skills.
- Definitive Edition of Tales of Vesperia includes updated graphics, amazing music tracks, exciting mini-games, bosses, and a collection of previously unreleased costumes.
*Tales of Vesperia available from Amazon for Nintendo Switch (US), PlayStation 4 (US), Xbox One (US) and Switch, Xbox One, PS4 (UK).
*Also Tales of Vesperia + Tales of Berseria + Tales of Zestiria Compilation available from US Amazon and UK Amazon for PlayStation 4.
11. Tales of Hearts
Released: August 2008.
Plot: A young man must battle to lift the spell cast by a mysterious witch on his beloved. [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
Beautiful character design created by the prominent and familiar character designer, Mutsumi Inomata. Who has designed many characters for previous games in the Tales game series. Aerial Chase Linear Motion Battle System enables players to blow an enemy with “Break Attack”. And to speedily catch up with it with “Chase Link” that allows players to use “Chase Dash”. In this way, the players can move freely in the air and experience the innovative aerial battles!
Deep storyline described with the original JP voiceovers and EFIGS (English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish) texts. Players will be able to play the game with both the original Japanese voice over and EFIGS subtitles.
*Tales of Hearts R available from Amazon for NDS (US), NDS (UK), PS Vita (US) and PS Vita (UK).
12. Tales of Graces
Released: December 2009.
Plot: In the world of Ephinea, a civilization flourishes through the use of “Eleth,” a substance found in a material called “Crius.” Three kingdoms – Windor, Strata and Fendel – struggle for dominance of the world, while in the remote Windor town of Lhant, the eldest son of Baron Aston, 18 year old Asbel, strives to become a fully-fledged knight.
However, Asbel is forced to give up his dream when his father passes away and he is obliged to succeed him as the Baron of Lhant. [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- Over 50 hours of gameplay. blend of anime-inspired graphics, enthralling depth of story and fast paced, strategic battles.
- With a combat system lets the player freely change attack style depending on the battle situation.
- The characters’ distinctive weapons can be swapped for different styles, and the new combat system is easier to control while simultaneously making battles more involving.
- Bringing to life the rich depth of the evocative characters created by Mutsumi Inomata.
*Tales of Graces available from Amazon for PS3 (US), PS3 (UK), Wii (US) and Wii (UK).
13. Tales of Xillia
Released: September 2011.
Plot: Following Jude Mathis, a clever medical student attending school in the capital city, and Milla Maxwell, a mysterious woman accompanied by four unseen beings. Players will be able to choose either Jude or Milla at the outset of their adventure through the world of Rieze Maxia, where humans and spirits live together in harmony. [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- Choose one of two distinct heroes: Jude Mathis, a medical student or Milla Maxwell, a mysterious woman accompanied by the Four Great Spirits, and experience the story from their unique point of view.
- Dynamic Battles – Action packed, real-time battles including the all-new dual raid system that expands the strategy and combo potential by linking with a partner during skirmishes.
- Creative Collaboration – Beautiful characters designed by renowned artists Kosuke Fujishima and Mutsumi Inomata inhabit the lush, expansive world of Rieze Maxia.
- Expansive Gameplay – New and traditional RPG elements expertly crafted and designed featuring dozens of locations to explore, fierce enemies and adversaries to battle and secrets to uncover.
*Available from Amazon for PS3 (US) and PS3 (UK).
14. Tales of Xillia 2
Released: November 2012.
Plot: A Bleak World – A darker story and noir atmosphere awaits Ludger and Elle as they must make hard choices and decisions that affect not only their own welfare but that of the world and people around them. [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- New and Returning Characters – Jude, Milla and the cast of original characters fates intertwine with Ludger and Elle and unfold in character stories that players experience to see how their favorite characters have progressed in the aftermath of the story told in the first game.
- The Power of Choice – Decide how Ludger reacts to situations throughout the game changing the upcoming events and affecting his relationships with his companions, ultimately altering the course of the story.
- Enhanced Battle System – The DR-LMBS (Double Raid Linear Motion Battle System) real-time battle system is improved and expanded with special battle abilities including the Weapon Swap system and Chromatus transformations.
- A Tale of Designs – Adding to the characters designed by famed Tales of character designers, Mutsumi Inomata and Kosuke Fujishima, Daigo Okumura, character designer on previous Tales of titles joins to design Ludger and Elle for Tales of Xillia 2.
*Available from Amazon for PS3 (US) and PS3 (UK).
15. Tales of Zestiria
Released: January 2015.
Plot: In a world divided by war as two powerful nations fight to rule and for ultimate supremacy, follow the journey of Sorey, a young man with a good heart looking for answers about an ancient lost civilization and seraphim, superior entities mentioned in legends.
Together with his best friend Mikleo, Alisha – a knight girl found unconscious in collapsing ruins, Sorey and friends must set out on a journey to save their world, and will discover soon enough a powerful force is rising in the shadow… Welcome to Tales of Zestiria – your adventure starts now! [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- Diversified and huge! You’ll discover vast environments throughout your adventure with the help of Seraphim.
- Advanced Battle System! Fusions between Sorey and seraphim bring about new strengths and incredible Artes.
- Plus there’s no more need for loading screens or transition as the battle scenes are now seamlessly integrated into the environments.
- Medieval Fantasy World! Tumble head first into Sorey’s epic journey across beautiful landscapes with a companionable cast of character and beautiful animations realized by the famous animation studio, ufotable.
*Available from Amazon for PS3/PS4 Download (US), PS3/PS4 (US) and PS3, PS4 (UK).
*Tales of Vesperia + Tales of Berseria + Tales of Zestiria Compilation available from US Amazon and UK Amazon for PlayStation 4.
16. Tales of Berseria
Released: August 2016.
Plot: embark on a journey of self-discovery as they assume the role of Velvet, a young woman whose once kind demeanor has been replaced and overcome with a festering anger and hatred after a traumatic experience three years prior to the events within TALES OF BERSERIA.
Velvet will join a crew of pirates as they sail across the sea and visit the many islands that make up the sacred kingdom of Midgand in an all-new adventure developed by the celebrated team behind the TALES OF series.
Veteran TALES OF character designer Mutsumi Inomata has personally designed Velvet and famous Japanese animation studio, ufotable, returns to animate the game’s breathtaking cutscenes; delivering truly epic and emotional storytelling in their unique style. [Source: Amazon]
Game Play and Features
- New battle system – Evolved form of Linear Motion Battle System adds new option to map artes to control pad buttons for chained combo attacks.
- Powerful playable character options – Play as one of six different characters, each with his or her own unique skills, further enhanced by Soul Breach combo attacks with other party members.
- Beautiful animation movie – Famed animation studio ufotable returns to produce Tales of Berseria’s stunning cinematic sequences.
*Tales of Berseria available from Amazon for PlayStation 4 (US) and PS4 (UK).
*Tales of Vesperia + Tales of Berseria + Tales of Zestiria Compilation available from US Amazon and UK Amazon for PlayStation 4.
17. Tales of Arise
Release Date: 10 September 2021.
Plot: Challenge the fate that binds you. On the planet dahna, reverence has always been given to Rena, the planet in the sky, as a land of the righteous and divine.
Stories handed down for generations became truth and masked reality for the people of dahna.
For 300 years, Rena has ruled over dahna, pillaging the planet of its resources and stripping people of their dignity and freedom.
Our tale begins with two people, born on different worlds, each looking to change their fate and create a new future.
Featuring a new cast of characters, updated combat, and classic Tales of gameplay mechanics, experience the next chapter in the world-famous Tales of series, Tales of arise.
Game Play and Features
- Experience the next Chapter in the Tales of series, brought to life in stunning HD powered by Unreal Engine 4.
- Dynamic action RPG featuring an updated battle system that retains classic Tales of gameplay.
- Rich story featuring a vibrant world and new cast of characters.
- High quality animation created by ufotable.
*Available from Amazon for PS4, Xbox One (US) and PS4, Xbox One (UK).
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See also my latest role-playing games posts for PC, Mac, mobile and consoles.
And my check out my Game Series Lists Index for an A to Z of all the lists I’ve posted on this blog so far!
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