The next entry in Bandai Namco‘s Tales series, Tales of Arise, finally releases this September. With the best graphics in the series to date and the return of fan-favorite game mechanics, there seems to be a lot to look forward to, but the jury is still out on whether the storytelling — the heart of every Tales game — will deliver. A Tales game is only as good as its cast, and in a game so focused on character interaction, it just takes one annoying party member to drag the story down.
Thanks to its lengthy development cycle and a recent slew of trailers in the build-up to the game’s launch, there’s already a good idea of what to from the cast of Tales of Arise. Six party members have been showcased, which is likely the whole team if the conventions from previous games apply. Fans may have to wait for the final release, however, to make a true decision on if these characters will make the game worth their time.
Alphen
The main hero of Tales of Arise, Alphen, is an amnesiac swordsman who cannot feel pain and wants to bring freedom to the Dahnan people. The planets Dahna and Rena have been caught in a cycle of conflict for centuries, with the latter pillaging and subjugating Dahna. Alphen intends to cut a path to freedom on both planets no matter the cost to himself, exemplified by his use of the Blazing Sword. This sword is incredibly powerful but harms all those who wield it with its flames, including Alphen. Given his commitment to walking a path of self-destruction, it’ll be a surprise if Alphen has a happy ending in store for him.
Shionne
Shionne is the main heroine of the game. In contrast to Alphen, she’s a Renan noblewoman who bears the Curse of Thorns. This curse inflicts pain upon all those who touch her, which may be helpful in combat but ultimately makes her life a lonely one. Because of this, Alphen is one of the few capable of touching her without repercussions.
Shionne first encounters Alphen while on the run from her own people and ultimately allies with him for mysterious motives of her own. She is a versatile mage specializing in healing but can also hold her own in combat with her sniper rifle and fire magic.
Rinwell
Rinwell is a mysterious young woman who collapses in front of Alphen and Shionne. Despite hailing from Dahna, she’s a capable mage, which should be impossible according to society’s conventional understanding of magic. It’s said that only Renans can use magic, so Rinwell’s mere existence as a Dahnan mage could shake the bedrocks of their society.
She’s accompanied by a baby owl named Hootie, though the significance of her owl is not yet known. Together they’re a valuable addition to the team, since Rinwell can pack quite a punch with her offensive spells. Water, wind, lightning, and ice all obey her command.
Law
Law is a man of contradictions. Like Alphen and Rinwell, he’s a Dahnan who seeks the freedom of his people, yet he’s an agent of the Snake Eyes — also known as the Renan secret police. He believes that the best way to help Dahnans is by working as a mole inside the Snake Eyes, though it seems his encounters will Alphen and Shionne will force him to change his strategy. Whether it’s ironic or played straight, his name is sure to relate to his philosophical outlook on life.
Law is a skilled martial artist whose combat style revolves around aggressive offense. His special perk allows him to deal heavy damage so long as he remains on the attack.
Kisara
Kisara isn’t just a formidable warrior in the Dahnan army; she’s hailed as one of their strongest. On account of her combat prowess, she’s been assigned as a bodyguard for the Renan nobleman Dohalim. The reasons for a Dahnan soldier protecting a Renan will certainly be revealed in the story, but players can only speculate for now. All that is known for sure is that Kisara and Dohalim share a close bond.
She wields her massive tower shield in tandem with a mace during combat. This suggests a hyper defensive style to contrast with Law’s hyper offense.
Dohalim il Qaras
Dohalim il Qaras is the final known party member in Tales of Arise. He’s a Renan nobleman from Elde Menanica, a land where Dahnans and Renans live in harmony together. Given that he’s from Elde Menancia’s capital city and guarded by a legendary woman like Kisara, it wouldn’t be too much of a shock to find out that he’s actually a member of the Elde Menanican royal line, though nothing of this nature is confirmed yet. We do know he’s an eccentric man versed in all kinds of art, including music and poetry.
Despite his noble nature and full-time bodyguard, Dohalim is a capable fighter in his own regard. He wields a staff in accompaniment with spells. His skill at fighting hints that, like most of Arise’s party members, he carries secrets with him that will inevitably be brought to light.
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