Developers face creative challenges for bringing more Tales series JRPGs to the west.

Developers face creative challenges for bringing more Tales series JRPGs to the west.

Bringing Classic Tales to the West: A Delightful Dilemma

Last week, the world of gaming was graced with the announcement of Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn, an exciting expansion packed with over 20 hours of new gameplay. As fans eagerly anticipate its release in November, Yusuke Tomizawa, the producer behind Tales of Arise, took some time to address an important matter in a recent interview with GameTopic.

Tomizawa candidly revealed that the idea of introducing older Tales games to Western audiences has always been on their minds. They are constantly pondering the best formats and platforms to deliver these beloved classics. However, he acknowledged that it’s not as simple as hitting the localization button and calling it a day.

“Should we deliver exactly the same content nowadays?” pondered Tomizawa. With the ever-evolving gaming landscape, it’s crucial to consider how these older gems can be presented to new players. After all, there are countless newcomers who have only experienced the franchise through Arise. The producer emphasized the importance of providing these neophytes with full access to the Tales legacy, suggesting that a comprehensive localization effort must be undertaken to properly introduce the old catalog.

Alas, some of these classic tales are currently confined to older platforms. Tales of Eternia and Tales of Legendia, for instance, find themselves stranded on the PSP and PS2, respectively. As for Tales of the Abyss, while it was previously available for the Nintendo 3DS in the West, the recent closure of the handheld device’s eShop has left fans yearning for a new opportunity to explore its captivating world.

It’s worth noting that Bandai Namco initially stated in April 2022 that there were no plans for a Tales of Arise sequel. However, as we’ve witnessed with the introduction of the anticipated expansion, there’s always room for delightful surprises in the gaming realm. Tomizawa and his team have proven their ability to adapt and surprise fans, even when they least expect it.

As we eagerly await the release of Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn on November 9, let’s bask in the joy of knowing that the Tales universe continues to expand and captivate our hearts. And don’t forget to check out our exciting Games 2023 guide, brimming with upcoming games and hefty expansions set to dazzle us throughout the year.

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn

[Image Source: Bandai Namco]