Tales of Zestiria is a Japanese role-playing game, and is the fifteenth main entry in the Tales series, developed by Bandai Namco Studios and tri-Crescendo, and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It was released on January 22, 2015 in Japan on the PlayStation 3. For western release, it was also ported to PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows for Steam account users. It was released on October 16 in Europe and Australia, and October 20 in North America. Find out what we think about the game in the article below!

Gameplay Mechanics | Tales of Zestiria for Steam Account Users

As with the previous Tales games, the game uses a variation of the action-based Linear Motion Battle System, with additional elements including a navigable open world, and the ability for certain characters to fuse into a single entity in battle to deliver powerful attacks.

New special abilities for characters are gained by performing side-quests for creatures called Normins scattered through the land. Equipment assigned to characters can be given special skills, with one piece of equipment having four skill slots. Certain combinations add additional effects produced by equipment. Some equipment types can only be obtained by fusing two different accessories. There is also a local four-player multiplayer feature.

Another great feature is the availability of items such as outfits, weapons, and armor that can be bought and sold at shops across the land. Using a certain shop enough levels it up, unlocking higher-tiered items.

Characters are fully voiced, in either English or Japanese, as with Tales of Graces and Tales of Xilia. A changeable second character accompanies the lead character, and story-relevant or trivial conversations can be started with them. Characters all have unique Support Talents, which range from locating treasure chests to monitoring a characters health, which can be leveled up along with the characters.

Open World Exploration | Tales of Zestiria for Steam Account Users

The most interesting thing about this game is that the main world employs an open world layout, in contrast to previous entries in the series. We also have our fair share of skits – extra conversations between characters that can be either dramatic or comical. During exploration of the field area between locations and while a specific Seraph character is assigned, the player can execute special commands such as slicing through minor obstacles, smashing large obstacles, temporarily shielding themselves from enemy view, igniting special lights in dungeons, or teleporting across gaps.

Players visit various regions under the control of Lords of the Land, which require the protection of the Seraphim. Ensuring this protection gives the player access via the Lords of the Land to abilities such as warping between save points for a certain fee. Other abilities including various abilities and bonuses unlocked by completing certain objectives in battle and establish further Normin. The player can increase these boons by leveling up the strength of the protection through battles in the area. Players can rest characters at inns, restoring their health and magic meters as well.

Final Thoughts | Tales of Zestiria for Steam Account Users

Tales of Zestiria is – without a doubt – beautiful. The character design, the voice acting, and the relationships between the characters is just lovable. Not as memorable as that of the older Tales’ games, but it lives up to expectations, and could be worth picking up for its beauty. Our only problem is that the combat system can be a bit too complicated and hard to understand, plus we have to deal with the awful battle camera most of the time.

Still, Tales of Zestiria is a refreshing game to play if you’re in need of next-gen JRPGs for your consoles / PCs. Steam account users who have been fans of the Tales games will surely enjoy this latest entry while waiting for Tales of Berseria. Though it feels like a poorly ported game on the console, a few technical problems shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying the story Sorey and his companions have to offer! Get this game now and try it for yourselves to increase your Steam account value!