The monumental RPG “Tales of” series will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2020. The moving story featuring a number of attractive characters and highly action-packed battles are popular among a wide range of age groups.
However, since over 60 titles in the Tales series have been released so far, including remakes and spin-offs, beginners to the series may be confused as to which one to start playing. Therefore, this time, we will introduce recommended titles in a ranking format based on how to choose the Tales series.
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table of contents
- What is the Tales of series?
- How to choose Tales of series
- Recommended ranking of Tales of series
What is the Tales of series?
By: amazon.co.jp
“Tales of” is a popular RPG series produced by Bandai Namco. Since the first work, “Tales of Phantasia”, released in 1995, the series has continued to produce hit works one after another, and the latest work, “Tales of Arise”, is scheduled to be released in 2020, which marks the series' 25th anniversary.
The Tales of series is attractive for its high level of story-telling. Each title features many unique characters and is characterized by a moving human drama. Although each title has an independent world view, it is popular among a wide range of age groups because it allows you to enjoy classic stories that focus on the growth of the main character and the bonds he develops with his friends.
Another appeal of the Tales series is its highly action-packed battle system. It uses the unique “Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS)”, and is characterized by the ability to freely run around the field and engage in battle, regardless of turns or speed. New elements are added as the series progresses, and the strategic nature is also increased, making it a game that will satisfy everyone from RPG beginners to advanced players.
How to choose Tales of series
We recommend the remastered version with additional elements.
By: amazon.co.jp
The Tales series has been around for over 20 years, so there are many titles released on older game consoles. However, the point is that even titles released 10 or 20 years ago have been repeatedly remade.
In particular, the remastered version has been re-edited to match the specifications of the latest game consoles, so it is attractive that you can enjoy playing with beautiful graphics. In addition, the entire story is fully voiced, and various additional elements are included, allowing you to enjoy the charm of the work even more deeply.
On the other hand, the problem is that there are some elements that were omitted from the original version. Please note that some stories may have changed slightly.
Works that have been made into anime are especially popular.
By: amazon.co.jp
Another feature of the Tales series is that many titles have been made into anime. TV animations and OVAs have been produced for titles such as “Fantasia'', “Eternia'', “Sinfonia'', “Ziabis'', “Vesperia'', “Zestilia'', and “Berseria'', and each work is known for its high popularity.
The appeal of anime is that you can easily get a feel for the world of the work through the visuals. However, there are many episodes that have been omitted due to the length, so if you want to deeply experience the full story and the true charm of the work, please play the original work.
Also refer to the artist who sings the theme song
By: amazon.co.jp
Another feature of the Tales series is that the theme songs for each title are composed by popular artists. Early works include day after tomorrow, Every Little Thing, Do As Infinity, and BUMP OF CHICKEN, while recent works include songs by Ayumi Hamasaki, Superfly, and FLOW.
It is also recommended to choose a title with the theme song sung by your favorite artist. The theme song is played not only at the opening but also at important scenes and endings of the play, so you can enjoy the effect of making it easier to empathize more deeply with the story of the work.
Recommended ranking of Tales of series
1st place Tales of the Abyss[PS2,3DS]
“RPG to know the meaning of birth” which can be said to be the culmination of the early series.
“Tales of the Abyss” is the eighth Mothership title released for PS2 in 2005. It is a masterpiece created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Tales of series, and its highly complete story and battle system remain popular even today.
The main character is Luke, the only son of a duke who has lost his memories of his childhood. When he is attacked by the girl Tia while training with his sword master Van, his abilities go out of control and he teleports to an unknown location. He works with Tia to return to the mansion, but beyond that he throws himself into a struggle to learn the mysteries of the world and the meaning of his birth. The battle system uses “FR-LMBS”, which has free run elements. You can enjoy battles while running around the 3D battlefield.
If you want to start playing now, we recommend the 3DS version. In addition to being able to activate techniques using shortcuts on the touch screen, many bugs have also been removed, making the game even easier to play. The theme song is “Karma'' by BUMP OF CHICKEN, which has also been made into an anime.
2nd place Tales of Vesperia[PS4/Switch/Xbox One/STEAM]
“RPG that perseveres through “justice'''', which is hailed as the best masterpiece in the series.
“Tales of Vesperia” is the 10th Mothership title released for Xbox 360 in 2008. It is a masterpiece that competes for popularity among Tales fans, and also became a hot topic for its high-definition animation and anime-style 3D depiction called Toon Rendering.
The main character is Yuri, a young man who lives as a bodyguard in the downtown area. Knowing the darkness of power that cannot be judged by law, he formed a guild with his friends to carry out the justice he believes in. Immediately afterwards, he becomes embroiled in a conspiracy surrounding the mysterious power hidden in his fellow princess Estelle.
The battle system uses “EFR-LMBS” which is based on free run. It also features “Fatal Strike,'' which allows you to defeat an enemy in one blow by triggering it the moment you reduce their durability to zero, and “Secret Mission,'' which allows you to receive bonuses by clearing conditions.
If you want to start playing now, we recommend the HD remastered version released for the latest game consoles. You can enjoy playing with more beautiful graphics. The theme song is “Kane wo Ringite'' by BONNIE PINK. An anime version of the movie depicting a prequel to the story is also being screened.
3rd place Tales of Graces[PS3]
One of the most complete and popular “RPG to know the strength to protect'' in the series.
“Tales of Graces” is the 12th Mothership title released on Wii in 2009. The story begins with the protagonist's childhood. Coupled with the high level of perfection of the battle system, the game remains popular even today, more than 10 years after its release.
The main character is Asbel, a young knight apprentice who lost a friend in his childhood. He suddenly reunites with his friend Sophie, who was thought to have died in the turmoil, and together they take control of the country's civil war, but soon they find themselves in a battle for the survival of the planet. The battle system is “SS-LMBS” where you fight while switching between two styles. You can also enjoy tricky tactics with “Around Step”, which allows you to avoid enemy attacks laterally.
If you want to start playing now, we recommend “Graces F” released on PS3. In addition to the addition of various new elements, it is also attractive that you can play an additional scenario, “Genealogy to the Future'', which is set six months after the main story. BoA's “Mamoritai ~White Wishes~” is used as the theme song.
4th place Tales of Berseria[PS4/PS3]
“An RPG for you to live your life” that depicts the story of a girl who burns with revenge.
“Tales of Berseria” is the 16th Mothership title released in 2016 for PS3 and PS4. It is the latest work in the Tales of series, and has been highly praised for its well-crafted storyline, albeit a gloomy scenario with a theme of revenge.
The main character is Velvet, a girl bent on revenge. After his younger brother Raffi was killed by his brother-in-law Artorius, he acquired a hand that could devour monsters, called the Karma Hand, but was defeated by the supernatural beings called the Holy Rei, which Artorius used. Three years later, Velvet gathers her powers and sets out on a journey of revenge to avenge her brother's death.
The battle uses “L-LMBS”, which incorporates the latest system based on free run. There is nothing that can be hit by normal attacks, so you fight by setting magic techniques to all four buttons. Another feature is “Break Soul,'' which allows you to use powerful character-specific skills when you fill up the gauge. FLOW's “BURN” is used as the theme song. The main character, Velvet, also appears in part in the previous Zestiria anime.
5th place Tales of Zestiria[PS4/PS3]
“An RPG where passion lights up the world” created with the theme of returning to basics.
![Tales of Zestiria[PS4/PS3]](https://blogcdn.allanime.day/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/1766002121_357_16-recommended-rankings-for-the-Tales-of-series-Introducing-popular.jpg)
“Tales of Zestiria” is the 15th Mothership title released in 2015 for PS3 and PS4. This is a commemorative work for the 20th anniversary of the Tales series, created with the theme of “returning to origins.” You can enjoy the classic story of the Tales series, set several thousand years after the latest work “Berseria”.
The main character is Sorey, a boy with supernatural abilities who lives in a village of Celestials. After meeting Alisha, a girl who is a knight connected to the royal family, he aims to become a savior “doctor'' who can purify possessed humans, and confronts the “master of disaster'' who is the cause of disasters.
The battle system uses “FC-LMBS,'' which is characterized by “divine transformation,'' which allows you to fight by merging with fellow Celestials. Since the abilities change depending on the fused Celestials, you can use a variety of tactics. In addition, it also features “real map battles” where you fight by making use of the local terrain you encounter while moving. Superfly's “White Light” is used as the theme song, and it has also been made into an anime.
6th place Tales of Destiny[PS2]
“PRG of Destiny” that determined the popularity of the series
“Tales of Destiny” is the second Mothership title released on PS in 1997. For the first time in the series, systems such as OP animation and skits where characters chat with each other along the way were adopted, which determined the popularity of the Tales of series.
The main character is Stan, a young boy who stows away on a flying dragon with the aim of becoming a soldier. After meeting Dymuros, a sentient sword called Swordian, in a warehouse, he becomes embroiled in a conflict over the giant lens “God's Eye'' brought by a comet. In terms of the system, the Swordian also grows in the same way as the master who wears it. You can wipe out enemies with the “Crystal Art” you learn when you level up.
If you want to play the game now, we recommend the “Director's Cut'' released on PS2. The graphics are more beautiful and you can enjoy even more powerful battles. Another attractive feature is the addition of “Rion Side,'' which allows you to relive the story from the perspective of Lion, one of the most popular characters in the series. The theme song is DEEN's “Yume Deru Yo Ni''.
7th place Tales of Destiny 2[PSP]
“RPG to unleash your destiny”, the first official sequel in the series
“Tales of Destiny 2” is the fourth Mothership title released for PS2 in 2002. Released as a sequel to “Destiny”, one of the most popular series. You can enjoy hidden stories that were not told in the previous work and more strategic battles.
The story is set 18 years after the events of “Destiny,” and the main character is Stan's son Kyle, a boy who aspires to become a hero. He meets Liara, a girl searching for heroes, in a certain ruins, and accompanies her on her journey to find heroes, but eventually comes face to face with a conspiracy of gods operating behind the scenes of history. The battle uses “TT-LMBS”, which has the added concept of stamina value “SP”. If you just attack blindly, you will be at a disadvantage, and you will be required to take efficient actions and maneuver, so you can enjoy highly strategic battles.
If you want to start playing now, we recommend the PSP version. In addition to adding new enemy characters and events, the usage conditions for some techniques have been relaxed, making it easier to play. Mai Kuraki's “Key to My Heart” is used as the theme song.
8th place Tales of Symphonia[PS3]
“RPG that resonates with you” where cooperative attacks with friends are fun
“Tales of Symphonia” is the fifth Mothership title released on GC in 2003. This work is characterized by the importance of cooperation with friends, both in the story and in battle. You can enjoy elements such as special events occurring depending on the hidden parameter “favorability” value.
The main character is Lloyd, a young swordsman raised by dwarves. He sets out on a journey with his childhood friend, the miko Colette, in order to revive the life force mana that was exploited by the dark race of Desians, but soon they come face to face with the truth hidden in the two worlds. In battle, we use “ML-LMBS”, which has a 3D field. The real thrill is the “Unison Attack,'' where you fill up the gauge and collaborate with all your friends to perform a combined attack.
If you want to start playing now, we recommend the “Unisonant Pack'' released on PS3. In addition to being compatible with HD image quality, the sequel “Knights of Ratatosk'' is also included, so you can enjoy the world of “Sinfonia'' even more. Day After Tomorrow is in charge of the theme songs for both films. It has also been made into an anime.
9th place Tales of Xillia[PS3]
“RPG of unwavering belief” where you can choose between two main characters, male and female.
“Tales of Xillia” is the 13th Mothership title released for PS3 in 2011. This work was created to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Tales of series, and became a hot topic for being able to enjoy the story from the perspectives of the two male and female protagonists.
The two main characters are Jude, a medical student, and Mira, the organizer of spirits. They work together to destroy the “Krusnik Spear” which steals the power of spirits and has a negative impact on the world. However, he is unable to stop the spear from exploding, and the border with the other world of Erenpios is destroyed, and he becomes embroiled in a battle for the survival of humans and spirits.
The battle system is “DR-LMBS,'' which features a link mode in which two people fight cooperatively. In addition to being able to use tactics such as pinching enemies and protecting allies, it is also attractive that when the gauge fills up while linking, you can unleash powerful “link arts.” Ayumi Hamasaki's “progress” is used as the theme song.
10th place Tales of Xillia 2[PS3]
“RPG where your choices weave the future” where you can enjoy free scenarios
“Tales of Xillia 2” is the 14th Mothership title released on PS3 in 2012. A sequel to “Xillia”, set one year after the previous work. The feature of this game is that it uses a free scenario, and the choices you make during play affect the subsequent development and ending, so you can enjoy a different story development each time you play.
The main character is Ludger, a young man who lives in Erenpios and is looking for a job. After meeting Elle, a girl heading for the “Land of Canaan” on a train, he takes on the challenge of resolving the turmoil surrounding the parallel world, “The Secular World,” which has branched off from the original world line. Another appeal of this work is that in addition to the main story, you can enjoy “character episodes” that focus on your friends.
For battle, we use “XDR-LMBS”, which is a further development of the previous system. Features include “Weapon Shift,'' where the main character fights while switching between three types of weapons, and “Husk,'' which allows you to overwhelm enemies for a certain period of time by transforming. Ayumi Hamasaki's “Song 4 u'' is used as the theme song for the second time after the previous work.
11th place Tales of Hearts R[PS VITA]
“RPG that meets the heart'' with a popular classic story
“Tales of Hearts” is the 11th Mothership title released on DS in 2008. It was the second mothership title for mobile game consoles, and the release of an edition in which CG was used in the movie, separate from the regular version, also became a hot topic.
The main character is Sing, a hot-blooded and serious boy. Kohaku, the girl he falls in love with at first sight, becomes mentally ill, and he attempts to rescue her using Soma, a weapon that allows him to enter the minds of others, but fails. He goes on a journey in search of the pieces of Kohaku's heart that have been scattered all over the world. The battle system uses “CNAR-LMBS”, where combos with allies are important. You can also perform powerful techniques called “combined techniques'' by combining the techniques of characters participating in battle and stand-by characters.
If you want to start playing now, we recommend “Hearts R” released on PS VITA. The graphics have changed from 2D to 3D, and the entire story is fully voiced, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world. The theme song is “Eternal Tomorrow” by DEEN, which is the second time after “Destiny”.
12th place Tales of Innocence R[PS VITA]
“An RPG that connects your feelings” with fun wave attacks from the ground and the air
“Tales of Innocence” is the ninth Mothership title released on DS in 2007. It was released as the first mothership title on a mobile game console, and became popular because it allowed you to play high-quality RPGs anywhere.
The main character is Luka, a shy boy who is the only son of a merchant family. In fact, in his previous life, he was a great general who once ruled the turmoil in the heavens, and when he meets Iria, a girl with special abilities who also happens to be a supernatural being, he throws himself into a fight to protect his feelings from his previous life over the power of creation. The battle system uses “DS-LMBS”, which combines free run with aerial attack and defense. It is also attractive that you can change the character you are controlling with a single touch, making it easy to connect combos with friends.
If you want to start playing now, we recommend “Innocence R” released for PS VITA. It features a variety of new elements, including fully voiced main scenarios and a new battle system called the “Rave System.” The theme song is “New Day, New Life” by KOKIA.
No. 13 Tales of Eternia[PSP]
“RPG of Eternity and Bonds” where the basics of the system have been completed
“Tales of Eternia” is the third Mothership title released on PS in 2000. Systems that would become indispensable in later series were introduced for the first time, such as “Cooking,'' which allows you to combine and cook ingredients to obtain various effects such as HP recovery, and “Secret Techniques,'' which are hidden elements but allow you to perform powerful techniques after a cut-in.
The main character is Rid, a boy who lives as a hunter in a rural village. One day, he meets Meredy, a girl who fell from the sky, and sets out on a journey with his childhood friend Farah, but they end up taking on a major problem that involves the two worlds facing heaven and earth. The battle system uses “A-LMBS” with enhanced action. You can enjoy speedy battles that combine normal attacks, magic techniques, and secret techniques.
If you want to start playing now, we recommend the PSP version. In addition to fixing the noticeable bugs in the PS version and making it more comfortable to play, new movies have also been added. The theme song is “flying” by GARNET CROW. It has also been made into an anime.
No. 14 Tales of Phantasia[PSP]
“Legendary RPG” that incorporates many ambitious elements
“Tales of Phantasia” is the first Mothership title released by SFC in 1995. As a memorable debut work in the Tales series, it is still deeply loved by many fans even now, more than 25 years after its release.
The main character is Cress, a young swordsman whose parents were killed. In order to avenge him, he sets out on a journey with his best friend Chester and the magician Mint he met in a prison, but along the way, he learns of the existence of the legendary demon lord Dhaos, and fights against him while traveling through the past, present, and future. Another feature is that it uses the series' signature “Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS)'' for the first time. You can attack regardless of turn or speed, so you can enjoy action-filled battles.
If you want to start playing now, we recommend the “Full Voice Edition'' released on PSP. The entire story is fully voiced, so you can become more immersed in the story. Another attractive feature is the addition of new events and the “Grade Shop,'' which you can enjoy after clearing the game. The theme song is Yukari Yoshida's “Dreams wa Never Ending ~Drops of Falling Down~'', which has also been made into an anime.
No. 15 Tales of Rebirth[PSP]
“An RPG in which you are reborn” with a high level of playability that even experts can enjoy
“Tales of Rebirth” is the sixth Mothership title released for PS2 in 2004. The theme of this work is coexistence and conflict between different races and ethnic groups. Although it has a somewhat heavy and dark taste, you can enjoy one of the most profound stories in the series.
The main character is Veigue, a boy who gains the power of ice “Fors” due to an accident. In order to rescue his childhood friend Claire who has been kidnapped, he sets out on a journey with Mao and Eugene, who also have the same abilities, but eventually takes on the great evil lurking behind the racial conflict. In battle, “3L-LMBS” is used, which adds an element of depth. Another point is that there is no recovery magic in this game, and the means of recovering HP are limited, so a high level of strategy is required.
If you want to start playing now, we recommend the PSP version. It is characterized by the addition of an arena where you can obtain special items and new events. The theme song is “Good Night” by Every Little Thing.
No. 16 Tales of Legendia[PS2]
The story is an “RPG where bonds weave legends'' that will bring you to tears.
“Tales of Legendia” is the seventh Mothership title released for PS2 in 2005. Because it is produced by a different project team than the previous series, you can enjoy a story and battles that are a little different from previous works.
The main character is Senel, a boy whose job is to protect the coast and sea. He searches for his younger sister, Shirley, who has been kidnapped in the ruins of an ancient civilization's giant ship, but soon finds himself involved in a battle with an invading force and a conflict between different races. The key point of this work is that after the main scenario, a character quest focuses on each companion character.
The battle uses “X-LMBS”, which incorporates elements of fighting games. You can enjoy heated battles while making full use of techniques such as “passing through”, where you get behind the enemy, and throwing techniques, which are used to attack downed enemies. The theme song is “TAO” by Do As Infinity. The attractive background music, which uses many stringed instruments, is also worth a listen.
A message from a writer
To date, 16 Mothership titles in the Tales of series have been released. However, unlike regular RPG series, there is no numbering set, and each title has an independent worldview, so the point is that you can enjoy it no matter which title you play. Please play the titles that interest you and enjoy the charm of the Tales of series.