30 Years Of Tales

A determined swordsman, time-travel, and the threat of world domination; these elements can apply to many games. However, these three assets built one of Japan’s biggest RPG series. The Tales series began with Tales of Phantasia in 1995, and its popularity has grown with each subsequent entry. Tales of Symphonia, Vesperia, Abyss, Xillia, Zestiria, Berseria, and Arise, alongside others, have each added to a legacy that today is one of Bandai Namco’s most consistent and beloved RPG franchises.

Capturing the essence of fantasy is a delicate art. Many elements need to come together for it to work, much less succeed. But with each new entry, Tales has managed to elevate itself and compete with RPG juggernauts like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Also known as Tales of in the West, the Bandai Namco franchise has been going strong for 30 years, a hallmark anniversary for any series. From the original Tales of Phantasia, the smash hit Tales of Symphonia, and the latest Tales of Arise, the anthology has had 19 mainline entries. Many of which, like Tales of Graces f and Tales of Xillia, have been remastered, with more on the way, as part of the momentous milestone.

In celebration of the occasion, I spoke with the series’ figureheads from across its 30-year run. Throughout our conversations, the team bared their hearts and souls, shedding light on the many titles that have been released and those soon to be.