Tales Of Arise For Pc Review

“Tales of Arise” for PC is, without a doubt, a stellar JRPG experience that largely translates exceptionally well to the platform, offering a visually stunning world, engaging combat, and a compelling story that stands out in the genre. While a few minor PC-specific quirks exist, the overall package delivers a smooth, highly customizable, and immersive adventure that fans of action RPGs or newcomers to the “Tales” series will find incredibly rewarding. It’s not just a good port. it’s arguably the definitive way to play the game, leveraging higher frame rates and resolutions for an even more breathtaking journey through Dahna and Rena.

The game distinguishes itself with its breathtaking “Atmospheric Shader” that makes every environment feel like a vibrant painting, coupled with a dynamic combat system that keeps you on your toes.

Beyond the technical prowess, “Tales of Arise” delves into mature themes of prejudice, liberation, and sacrifice, grounding its fantastical elements with relatable human struggles.

The voice acting is top-notch, the character development is nuanced, and the pacing strikes a satisfying balance between epic narrative beats and intimate character moments.

For those looking to dive deep into a richly crafted world with satisfying gameplay loops, “Tales of Arise” on PC offers a fantastic return on investment.

Here’s a breakdown of some essential gear that can enhance your PC gaming experience, especially for titles like “Tales of Arise”:

• Logitech G502 HERO High Performance Gaming Mouse

  

  • Key Features: HERO 25K Sensor up to 25,600 DPI, 11 programmable buttons, adjustable weights, LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting, dual-mode scroll wheel.
  • Average Price: $40-$60
  • Pros: Highly customizable, excellent sensor precision, comfortable grip, durable build quality, great for various game genres.
  • Cons: Can be a bit heavy for some, cable can occasionally snag if not managed.

• HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset

  • Key Features: 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound, 53mm neodymium drivers, detachable noise-cancelling microphone, memory foam ear cushions, durable aluminum frame.
  • Average Price: $70-$90
  • Pros: Exceptional sound quality for gaming and podcast, incredibly comfortable for long sessions, clear microphone, robust build.
  • Cons: Virtual 7.1 can be hit or miss for some users depending on game, non-detachable cable.

• Razer BlackWidow V3 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

  • Key Features: Razer Mechanical Switches Green/Yellow, durable aluminum construction, transparent switch housing for brighter RGB, ergonomic wrist rest, multi-function digital dial.
  • Average Price: $100-$130
  • Pros: Satisfying keyfeel, vibrant RGB lighting, robust build, comfortable wrist rest, programmable macros.
  • Cons: Can be noisy with certain switch types Green, Synapse software required for full customization.

• LG 27GL850-B 27 Inch Ultragear QHD IPS Gaming Monitor

  • Key Features: 27-inch QHD 2560 x 1440 IPS display, 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time GtG, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, HDR10 support.
  • Average Price: $300-$400
  • Pros: Stunning image quality with excellent color accuracy, fast refresh rate for smooth gameplay, G-SYNC support for tear-free gaming, versatile stand.
  • Cons: HDR performance is decent but not exceptional, IPS glow can be present.

• Western Digital Black SN770 1TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen4 interface, up to 5,150MB/s read speeds, 1TB capacity, DRAM-less design optimized for gaming.
  • Average Price: $60-$80
  • Pros: Significantly faster load times for games and applications, competitive pricing for Gen4 speeds, reliable Western Digital brand.
  • Cons: DRAM-less design might slightly impact sustained writes compared to higher-end drives, requires a compatible motherboard slot.

• Xbox Wireless Controller PC compatible

  • Key Features: Seamless wireless connectivity with PC via adapter or Bluetooth, comfortable ergonomic design, textured grip, customizable button mapping.
  • Average Price: $50-$60
  • Pros: Industry-standard for PC gaming controllers, excellent build quality, wide game compatibility, great for action RPGs like “Tales of Arise”.
  • Cons: Requires AA batteries or a rechargeable pack sold separately, wireless adapter needed for some PCs without Bluetooth.

• Gamer Finger Sleeves

  • Key Features: Made from conductive fiber, breathable and sweat-absorbing, ultra-thin design, designed for improved grip and responsiveness.
  • Average Price: $7-$15 for a pack
  • Pros: Prevents sweaty hands from affecting grip and mouse control, enhances precision, comfortable, inexpensive.
  • Cons: Can feel strange initially, might wear out over time with heavy use.

Visual Fidelity and Art Style: A Masterclass in “Atmospheric Shader”

“Tales of Arise” isn’t just a game.

It’s a moving painting, and on PC, this artistry truly shines.

The developers at Bandai Namco meticulously crafted a unique “Atmospheric Shader” that gives the world a painterly, yet distinctively three-dimensional feel.

This isn’t your typical hyper-realistic graphic push.

Instead, it’s a stylized approach that imbues every environment with a sense of wonder and epic scale.

How the “Atmospheric Shader” Elevates the Experience

The PC version leverages higher resolutions and frame rates to make this shader sing.

• Dynamic Lighting: The way light filters through trees, casts shadows across desolate ruins, or reflects off water is simply stunning. It creates a palpable sense of atmosphere, from the oppressive glow of volcanic regions to the serene luminescence of moonlit forests.
• Expressive Character Models: Characters are rendered with a blend of anime charm and detailed textures. Their expressions are nuanced, conveying emotion effectively during cutscenes and combat. This blend avoids the uncanny valley while still delivering high fidelity.
• Environmental Storytelling: Each locale, from the desolate plains of Calaglia to the vibrant, verdant expanses of Elde Menancia, tells a story through its design. The shader emphasizes these details, making every vista a screenshot-worthy moment.
• Resolution Scalability: On a powerful PC, running the game at 4K resolution makes the already sharp details incredibly crisp, further enhancing the art style’s impact. The clean lines and vibrant colors pop off the screen, creating an unparalleled visual feast.

Performance Impact on PC

While the game looks gorgeous, it’s also remarkably well-optimized.

• Scalable Settings: “Tales of Arise” offers a robust suite of graphical options, allowing players to fine-tune settings to match their hardware. This ensures that even mid-range PCs can achieve a smooth experience, albeit perhaps not at native 4K with maxed settings.
• Minimal Visual Compromises: Even on lower settings, the core aesthetic of the “Atmospheric Shader” remains intact. The game gracefully scales down without losing its distinctive visual identity, a testament to its strong art direction.

Combat System: A Dynamic Evolution for the “Tales” Series

The combat in “Tales of Arise” is a significant departure from previous entries, blending classic “Tales” action with modern action RPG elements.

On PC, the higher frame rates contribute immensely to the responsiveness and fluidity of the combat.

Core Mechanics and Innovations

Bandai Namco introduced several new mechanics that revitalize the series’ combat: Lenovo Thinkpad P15 Gen 2 Review

• Boost Attacks: These character-specific, flashy abilities allow you to interrupt enemy actions, break their defenses, and set up devastating combos. For example, Shionne’s Boost Attack can knock flying enemies to the ground, while Law’s can break through armored foes. Timing these attacks is crucial and adds a layer of tactical depth.
• Boost Strikes: When enemies are sufficiently staggered or low on health, you can unleash a cinematic “Boost Strike” with two party members, dealing massive damage and often ending the fight in style. These are visually spectacular and highly gratifying.
• Strike Woven Artes: This system encourages combining regular attacks with Artes special abilities for seamless, powerful combos. It feels less like a turn-based system and more like a true action game.
• Improved Enemy AI: Enemies are more aggressive and smarter than in previous “Tales” games, requiring players to actively dodge, guard, and exploit weaknesses rather than simply button-mashing. This elevates the difficulty and engagement, especially on higher settings.

PC Control Schemes and Responsiveness

The PC version offers flexible control options, which is a major plus.

• Keyboard and Mouse: While possible, the game is designed for a controller. The default keyboard and mouse mapping can feel a bit clunky, especially for movement and camera control. However, it’s fully remappable, allowing dedicated PC players to configure it to their liking.
• Frame Rate Advantage: The higher frame rates achievable on PC e.g., 60 FPS vs. 30 FPS on consoles directly translate to more responsive inputs and smoother combat animations. This makes dodging attacks, chaining combos, and executing precise Boost Attacks feel significantly better. It’s a tangible gameplay advantage.

Story and Characters: A Mature Narrative with Depth

“Tales of Arise” tackles more mature themes than many of its predecessors, delving into complex social issues and personal struggles.

The narrative is compelling, driven by a charismatic cast of characters who undergo significant development throughout their journey.

Themes Explored

The story isn’t just about saving the world. it’s about understanding it.

• Slavery and Oppression: The game immediately thrusts you into a world where the Renans, technologically advanced conquerors, have enslaved the Dahnans. This forms the core conflict, exploring themes of resistance, prejudice, and the long-lasting scars of oppression.
• Prejudice and Empathy: As the party grows, they encounter different Renan Lords and Dahnans, forcing them to confront their own biases and learn empathy. The game excels at portraying shades of gray, showing that not all Renans are evil, and not all Dahnans are purely virtuous.
• Sacrifice and Self-Discovery: Each character carries their own burdens and motivations, leading to moments of profound personal sacrifice and growth. The journey is as much about their individual awakenings as it is about liberating Dahna.
• Environmentalism Subtle: While not the central theme, there are elements of resource exploitation and the environmental impact of Renan technology on Dahna, adding another layer to the world-building.

Character Development and Interplay

The strength of “Tales of Arise” lies in its well-written characters and their dynamic relationships.

• Alphen and Shionne: Their initial adversarial relationship blossoms into a deep bond, forming the emotional core of the story. Alphen’s inability to feel pain and Shionne’s thorny curse create unique challenges and opportunities for growth.
• Pacing: The story maintains a good pace, balancing epic plot reveals with smaller, character-focused moments. The narrative avoids feeling rushed or bogged down, keeping players invested from beginning to end.

PC Optimization and Performance: A Smooth Operator

One of the most critical aspects of any PC port is its optimization, and “Tales of Arise” largely delivers here.

The game runs smoothly on a wide range of hardware, offering a stable and enjoyable experience for most players.

System Requirements and Scalability

The game is surprisingly forgiving for its visual fidelity.

• Minimum Specs: The minimum requirements are quite modest, allowing older systems to run the game at lower settings. Typically, a GTX 970 or RX 480 with an i5-4590 or Ryzen 3 1300X, and 8GB RAM will get you by.
• Recommended Specs: For a comfortable 1080p 60 FPS experience, a GTX 1060 or RX 590 with an i5-8400 or Ryzen 5 2600, and 8GB RAM is usually sufficient.
• High-End Performance: With modern GPUs like an RTX 3060/RX 6700 XT or higher, achieving consistent 4K 60 FPS or higher resolutions at lower refresh rates is very achievable, allowing the game’s stunning visuals to truly shine. Utilizing an SSD, like the Western Digital Black SN770 1TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD, significantly reduces load times.

Graphical Settings and Their Impact

The PC version offers a comprehensive array of graphical options:

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• Resolution: Native support for various resolutions, including ultrawide.
• Framerate Cap: Options for 30, 60, 120, or uncapped, providing flexibility based on monitor refresh rates. Uncapped generally provides the smoothest experience if your system can handle it.
• Texture Quality: Affects the detail of environmental and character textures. Higher settings require more VRAM.
• Shadow Quality: Impacts the sharpness and resolution of shadows. A noticeable performance hit on higher settings.
• Anti-Aliasing: Options like FXAA and TAA help smooth out jagged edges. TAA generally offers a cleaner image but can introduce some blur.
• Bloom, Ambient Occlusion, Volumetric Lighting: These post-processing effects significantly enhance visual fidelity but can be performance heavy. Experimenting with these settings can help balance visuals and performance.
• V-Sync: Helps prevent screen tearing but can introduce input lag. Using G-SYNC or FreeSync with a compatible monitor like the LG 27GL850-B 27 Inch Ultragear QHD IPS Gaming Monitor is often preferred.

Minor PC-Specific Issues and Workarounds

While generally excellent, a few minor issues have been reported:

• Occasional Stuttering: Some users might experience minor stutters, particularly during shader compilation or asset loading. Ensuring drivers are up-to-date and installing the game on an SSD often mitigates this.
• Controller Recognition: Rarely, specific controllers might not be immediately recognized. Restarting the game or Steam/PC often resolves this. The Xbox Wireless Controller PC compatible generally has seamless plug-and-play support.
• UI Scaling: For very high resolutions, some UI elements might appear small, though this is usually adjustable within the game or through display settings.

Audio and Voice Acting: Immersive Soundscapes

The audio design in “Tales of Arise” is a major contributor to its immersive quality, featuring an excellent soundtrack, superb voice acting, and impactful sound effects that elevate every moment.

Soundtrack and Podcastal Score

Motoi Sakuraba’s score is a highlight, blending orchestral grandeur with rock elements.

• Atmospheric Exploration Tracks: The environmental podcast sets the mood for each region, from the desolate calm of the desert to the vibrant energy of populated cities. It enhances the sense of discovery and exploration.
• Emotional Cutscene Podcast: During pivotal story moments, the podcast swells with emotion, emphasizing the narrative’s dramatic beats and character development.

Voice Acting: Dual Language Excellence

Both the English and Japanese voice casts deliver exceptional performances.

• English Dub: The English voice actors bring a surprising amount of depth and nuance to their roles. The dialogue feels natural, and the emotional delivery is consistently strong. This is a rare case where the English dub is on par with, if not preferred by some over, the original Japanese.
• Japanese Dub: For purists, the original Japanese voice track is also available and is equally well-done, featuring many seasoned voice actors.
• Skits and Character Interplay: The voice acting truly shines during the numerous skits, which are often light-hearted but occasionally delve into serious character moments. The delivery here makes these optional conversations genuinely enjoyable and worthwhile. Using a quality headset like the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset enhances the immersion by delivering crisp dialogue and impactful sound effects.

Sound Effects and Positional Audio

The sound design extends beyond just podcast and voices.

• Impactful Combat Sounds: Every sword swing, spell cast, and enemy hit carries weight, providing satisfying audio feedback during combat. Boost Attacks and Boost Strikes are accompanied by powerful, distinct sound effects that emphasize their impact.
• Environmental Audio: The ambient sounds of the world, from the howling wind in the desert to the chirping of birds in a forest, contribute to the game’s rich atmosphere.
• Positional Audio: While not a dedicated competitive shooter, the game does utilize positional audio to some extent, allowing players to discern enemy positions or attack directions during combat, which can be useful in chaotic encounters.

Replayability and Post-Game Content: More Than Just the Main Story

“Tales of Arise” offers a substantial main campaign, but it doesn’t end there.

There’s a good amount of post-game content and incentives for replayability, ensuring you get plenty of hours out of your purchase.

Post-Game Activities

Once the credits roll, the world of Dahna and Rena still has secrets to uncover.

• New Game+: A staple for many JRPGs, New Game+ allows you to carry over certain elements from your previous playthrough e.g., character levels, equipment, money, costumes, titles into a new one. This is perfect for experiencing the story again with an overpowered party or aiming for achievements you missed.
• Optional Dungeons and Bosses: The game features several challenging optional dungeons and powerful bosses that become available after completing the main story. These often provide unique rewards and push your combat skills to the limit. Some of the toughest fights in the game are found here.
• Character Episodes: After the main story, some character-specific side quests and episodes become available, further delving into their backstories and offering additional character development.
• Artifacts and Collectibles: The game is rife with collectibles, including “Artifacts” that provide various passive bonuses e.g., increased EXP, more Gald, faster cooking. Hunting down all of these can be a satisfying post-game goal.

Length of Playtime

The main story alone is quite substantial. Adata Xpg Gammix S70 Blade Review

• Main Story Completion: For most players, completing the main story will take approximately 40-50 hours, depending on how much time is spent on side quests and exploration.
• Completionist Run: If you aim to complete all side quests, optional dungeons, and obtain most collectibles, you’re looking at 70-100+ hours of gameplay.
• Value for Money: Given the depth of the story, the engaging combat, and the significant amount of content, “Tales of Arise” offers excellent value for its price point.

Customization and Fashion

While not directly impacting gameplay, customization adds to replayability and personal enjoyment.

• Costumes and Accessories: Players can unlock a variety of costumes and accessories for their characters, allowing for personal styling. These range from alternate outfits to humorous attachments.
• Weapon Skins: While weapons themselves have stats, their visual appearance can often be changed to a preferred skin, allowing you to maintain your favorite look without sacrificing combat effectiveness.

Final Verdict and Recommendations for PC Gamers

“Tales of Arise” on PC is an outstanding JRPG experience that leverages the platform’s strengths beautifully. Its stunning art style, dynamic combat, mature narrative, and engaging characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. While a controller is highly recommended for optimal gameplay, the overall port quality is robust and well-optimized.

Who is this game for?

• JRPG Enthusiasts: If you enjoy character-driven stories, action-oriented combat, and exploring fantastical worlds, this game is tailor-made for you.
• Fans of Action RPGs: The combat system feels more akin to a modern action game than traditional JRPGs, making it appealing to players who prefer real-time, responsive battles.
• Players Seeking a Visually Stunning Game: The “Atmospheric Shader” and overall art direction are genuinely breathtaking, especially on high-end PCs.
• Those Who Appreciate Strong Narratives: The story delves into complex themes and features well-developed characters, offering a more thoughtful experience than many typical fantasy adventures.

Essential PC Gear to Enhance Your Experience

To truly get the most out of “Tales of Arise” on PC, consider upgrading your setup:

• Logitech G502 HERO High Performance Gaming Mouse: While a controller is king for this game, a great mouse is essential for general PC usage and other titles.
• HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset: Immerse yourself in the fantastic voice acting and soundtrack with high-quality audio.
• Razer BlackWidow V3 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: A reliable keyboard for navigating menus and general PC use.
• LG 27GL850-B 27 Inch Ultragear QHD IPS Gaming Monitor: Experience the vibrant visuals at a high refresh rate and resolution.
• Western Digital Black SN770 1TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD: Drastically reduce load times, getting you into the action faster.
• Xbox Wireless Controller PC compatible: This is the single most important accessory for “Tales of Arise” on PC. The game is designed for it, and it makes the combat incredibly intuitive and enjoyable.

In conclusion, “Tales of Arise” on PC stands as a benchmark for how JRPGs can successfully transition to the platform.

It’s a rich, visually stunning, and deeply engaging adventure that earns its high praise.

If you’re looking for your next great RPG, look no further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tales of Arise a good PC port?

Yes, “Tales of Arise” is widely considered a very good PC port, offering excellent performance, scalable graphics settings, and full controller support.

Is Tales of Arise better on PC than console?

Generally, yes.

The PC version can achieve higher frame rates 60 FPS and above and higher resolutions up to 4K compared to consoles, resulting in a smoother and more visually crisp experience. Msi Delta 15 Review

What are the minimum PC specs for Tales of Arise?

The minimum PC specs typically include an Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300X, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 480, and 8 GB RAM.

What are the recommended PC specs for Tales of Arise for 60 FPS?

For 1080p 60 FPS, recommended specs usually include an Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 590, and 8 GB RAM.

Does Tales of Arise support ultrawide monitors on PC?

Yes, “Tales of Arise” supports ultrawide resolutions on PC, allowing for a more expansive view of the game world.

Can I play Tales of Arise with keyboard and mouse on PC?

Yes, you can play with keyboard and mouse, but the game’s combat is designed for a controller, and most players find it a significantly better experience with one.

Does Tales of Arise have controller support on PC?

Yes, “Tales of Arise” has excellent controller support for PC, including Xbox and PlayStation controllers.

Is Tales of Arise optimized for PC?

Yes, the game is generally well-optimized for PC, allowing for smooth gameplay across a range of hardware configurations.

Are there any performance issues with Tales of Arise on PC?

While generally stable, some users might experience occasional minor stutters, often related to shader compilation or asset loading, which can be mitigated by installing the game on an SSD and updating drivers.

How big is Tales of Arise on PC?

The installation size for “Tales of Arise” on PC is typically around 45 GB.

Does Tales of Arise use Denuvo on PC?

Yes, “Tales of Arise” uses Denuvo anti-tamper technology, which can sometimes be a point of contention for some PC gamers due to potential performance impacts or DRM concerns.

Does Tales of Arise have a New Game+ mode?

Yes, “Tales of Arise” features a New Game+ mode, allowing you to carry over progress and experience the story again with increased power. Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Review

How long is Tales of Arise on PC?

The main story typically takes 40-50 hours to complete, while a completionist playthrough can extend to 70-100+ hours.

Is Tales of Arise an open world game?

No, “Tales of Arise” is not an open-world game.

It features large, interconnected zones and explorable areas rather than a single seamless world.

What is the “Atmospheric Shader” in Tales of Arise?

The “Atmospheric Shader” is a unique graphical technique used in “Tales of Arise” that gives the game a distinctive painterly and stylized look, enhancing lighting and environmental aesthetics.

Is Tales of Arise a demanding PC game?

While it looks beautiful, “Tales of Arise” is not exceptionally demanding.

It scales well across hardware, with good optimization allowing mid-range PCs to run it smoothly.

Can I play Tales of Arise with an Xbox controller on PC?

Yes, the Xbox Wireless Controller is highly recommended for “Tales of Arise” on PC due to its native support and ergonomic design.

Does Tales of Arise support ray tracing on PC?

No, “Tales of Arise” does not feature ray tracing support.

Its visual fidelity comes from its unique art style and atmospheric shaders.

Is there a free demo for Tales of Arise on PC?

Yes, a free demo for “Tales of Arise” is available on PC via Steam, allowing players to try out the combat and exploration before purchasing. Amazon Fire Tv Stick 4K Max Review

Does Tales of Arise have mod support on PC?

Officially, no.

However, a community of modders creates various modifications, often for cosmetic changes or quality-of-life improvements. Use community mods with caution.

Are the cutscenes in Tales of Arise pre-rendered or real-time on PC?

“Tales of Arise” uses a mix of real-time cutscenes rendered by the game engine and pre-rendered anime-style cutscenes.

Is Tales of Arise good for someone new to the Tales series?

Yes, “Tales of Arise” is an excellent entry point for newcomers to the “Tales” series, as it features a standalone story and a modernized combat system.

What kind of RPG is Tales of Arise?

“Tales of Arise” is an action RPG Role-Playing Game with real-time combat and a strong emphasis on story and character development.

Does Tales of Arise have good replayability on PC?

Yes, with New Game+, optional bosses, and extensive side content, “Tales of Arise” offers good replayability.

Are there any DLCs for Tales of Arise on PC?

Yes, “Tales of Arise” has several DLCs available on PC, including cosmetic packs, additional content, and a major story expansion titled “Beyond the Dawn.”

How important is an SSD for Tales of Arise on PC?

While not strictly required, an SSD significantly reduces load times in “Tales of Arise,” greatly improving the overall fluidity and experience, similar to the benefits seen from using a Western Digital Black SN770 1TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD.

Does Tales of Arise have good English voice acting on PC?

Yes, the English voice acting in “Tales of Arise” is widely praised for its quality and emotional delivery. Sandisk Professional G Drive Armoratd Review

Can Tales of Arise be played offline on PC?

Yes, once downloaded and installed, “Tales of Arise” can be played completely offline on PC.

What’s the best monitor for Tales of Arise on PC?

A monitor with a high refresh rate 120Hz or 144Hz and a good resolution 1440p or 4K will best showcase the game’s visuals, such as the LG 27GL850-B 27 Inch Ultragear QHD IPS Gaming Monitor.

Are there any post-game activities in Tales of Arise?

Yes, after completing the main story, players can engage in optional dungeons, challenging bosses, and additional character-focused episodes.