Tales of Arise is arguably the best entry from Tales in years. It successfully pays tribute to the classics while moving the series forward. This move is a leap in the right direction, as the reviews are almost universally positive. Tales fans had to wait longer than usual as the team adapted Unreal Engine 4 for this entry and future titles.

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It was the right move because fans and newcomers are getting a classic series modernized in such a way that it can be held in the same regard as Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. Tales of Arise has enough content to keep even the most seasoned JRPG fanatic busy for hours. When Tales of Arise is finished, this list has alternatives that can fill the gap until the inevitable next entry in the Tales series.

Updated November 22, 2023 by Jouanna Bondakji: With the launch of Tales of Arise's expansion, Beyond the Dawn, there's more reason to go back to the game than ever. But what about once you're done playing it? We've added even more ARPGs to the list if you're craving something similar to Tales of Arise. Some of them may even become your new favorites.

16 Yakuza 0

Remarkable Combat And Drama With A Twist Of Humor

Kiryu walking the city streets in Yakuza 0 with a cigarette in his mouth

There's somewhat of a debate on whether the Yakuza games before Like A Dragon should be considered ARPGs, but they have all the makings of one: experience and level up systems, skill trees, side quests, and action-packed combat. Yakuza 0 is the best game to play first if you're looking to get into the series, or if you just want a standalone experience.

Though the graphics are more realistic than anime, it doesn't stop the gameplay from being showy and even downright outrageous at times. The main story's focus on drama inside and outside yakuza clans makes for thrilling high-stakes moments, but much of the side content showcases the game's sense of humor and self-awareness.

15 Tales Of Symphonia

Another Great Tales Game

Tales of Symphonia party members in a conversation
Tales Of Symphonia Remastered

Platform(s)
PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
Released
February 17, 2023

Tales of Symphonia served as an introduction to the Tales series for many JPRG fans. Symphonia is rightly considered one of the best in the long-running series, and now you can play it again thanks to the remastered version. Namco has also launched the Tales of Symphonia anime series on YouTube, but you should watch it after completing the game.

Like Tales of Arise, Symphonia centers on opposing worlds with political and racial divides. It features classic Tales combat gameplay and introduces unison attacks that work similarly to Arise. It also has a terrific cast of characters that grow and develop as the plot progresses. This is especially so of the protagonist Lloyd, who matures from a likable clown into a young warrior, wizened by the horrors of the world and his desire to protect the Chosen One Celeste.

14 Final Fantasy 15

A Game Where The Characters Are The Highlight

Noctis, Gladiolus, Ignis, and Prompto with their weapons out preparing to face an incoming threat
Final Fantasy 15

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC , Stadia
Released
November 9, 2016
Developer(s)
Square Enix

Thanks to Final Fantasy 16, the hype surrounding the Final Fantasy series is at an all-time high once again. However, the somewhat underappreciated Final Fantasy 15 deserves some love too. The combat is flashy, and the story feels complete after the updates. It also features one of the best villains in Final Fantasy history.

For Tales of Arise fans, there is a lot to love about Final Fantasy 15. The open world has lots of monsters to fight and side quests to complete. There is a fun little cooking mechanic that functions like the staple Tales series. While not a perfect game, Final Fantasy 15 is a good triple-A JRPG with enough mechanics to satisfy you if you're an Arise fan.

13 Star Ocean: The Divine Force

One Of The Best Star Ocean Games

Star Ocean Divine Force Private actions mechanic
Star Ocean: The Divine Force

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox One
Released
October 27, 2022
Developer(s)
Tri-Ace

After the lackluster reception of Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness, the developers needed a win with Star Ocean: The Divine Force. Even though fans kept their expectations low, there was always a hope that the series would return to its former glory as one of the best ARPGs.

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Thankfully, The Divine Force is a step in the right direction with its fast-paced combat that is responsive and smooth with its consistent framerate. Like Tales of Arise, it has a good cast of characters, dual protagonists, and a beautiful world with a sense of openness.

12 Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Old And New Come Together To Make Greatness

Cloud fighting a group of Shinra Troopers in the streets in Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS5 , PC
Released
April 10, 2020
Developer(s)
Square Enix

Final Fantasy 7 Remake was one of the biggest hits of 2020. Despite being only the first part of a planned trilogy, it surpassed impossibly high expectations. The stunning action RPG experience is more linear than Tales of Arise, but like Tales, its strength is in its characters.

Despite its linearity, there is still a lot of freedom to explore and enjoy in the iconic Midgar setting as the events surrounding Cloud and co unfold. Interestingly, Final Fantasy 7 Remake was built using Unreal Engine 4, the same used in Tales of Arise.

11 Nier: Automata

Nothing Is Insignificant Here

2B and 9S standing next to each other and looking into the distance
NieR: Automata

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC , Switch
Released
March 7, 2017
Developer(s)
Platinum Games

Though it's technically a sequel, you don't have to play any other Nier games before diving into Nier: Automata. In fact, you'll find fans who argue that playing it before Replicant actually adds more to the experience. Regardless, what makes this game special is that everything comes together to provide a stellar experience.

Everything feels like it has a meaning behind it. Every weapon has noteworthy lore around it that you uncover with each level, and the side quests provide a proper look into Automata's world. Like Arise, its storyline deals with the divide and animosity between two groups — in this case, androids and machines. Combine that with satisfying combat, and you've got a game that'll stay with you.

10 Nier: Replicant

A Worthy Remake

The protagonist looking at a Crashed Ship in NieR Replicant
NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139...

Platform(s)
PS3 , PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Released
April 27, 2010
Developer(s)
Cavia

Launched in 2010, Nier became known as a diamond in the rough for genre fans. It has a heartfelt storyline with a lot of replay value. Despite some negative reviews outside JRPG fan sites, Nier gained enough of a cult following for Square Enix to commission the hugely successful sequel Nier: Automata.

Thanks to Automata’s mainstream success, a remaster was launched as Nier: Replicant ver.1.22474487139. This version involves a younger protagonist trying to save his sister — as opposed to a father. Both versions are excellent, but the recommendation must go to the remaster, which features a new ending and much smoother combat.

9 Star Ocean: The Second Evolution

Another Excellent Sci-Fi World

Star Ocean Second Story - Claude and Rena conversing

Star Ocean: The Second Evolution is still considered the best by its fans. First launched as Star Ocean: Second Story in 1999 for the PS1, it features dual protagonists and a science-fiction fantasy story that will probably appeal to you if you liked Arise.

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The studio tri-Ace has a storied history with the Tales series. The founding members were part of the same team that created Tales of Phantasia, which is considered a precursor to the Star Ocean series. Second Evolution is the remastered version that's only available for the PSP in the West, but either version is a superb choice.

8 Code Vein

Something Like Arise With A Bit Of Dark Souls

Code Vein the hero thirsts
Code Vein

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Released
September 27, 2019
Developer(s)
Bandai Namco Studios

Developed by Namco Bandai, Code Vein is an action RPG with mechanics similar to the Dark Souls series. The story and characters, however, are far more involved due to their anime influences. There is also a heavy emphasis on relationship-building and character-driven story arcs.

The art style will resonate if you're a fan of the Tales series, and the character development and story create an important message about friendship that's at the forefront of the game. Interestingly, many of the same production teams that worked on Tales of Arise and God Eater worked on Code Vein. In addition, it features outstanding character creation and job systems.

7 Resonance Of Fate

Unique And Satisfying Gameplay

Resonance of Fate - Vashyron attacking a gunman in Resonance of Fate

First launched in 2010, tri-Ace developed Resonance of Fate hit the shelves around the same time as Final Fantasy 13. Unfortunately, the hype surrounding the Square Enix's triple-A title meant that the Resonance of Fate went under the radar. In a twist of irony, tri-Ace helped develop Final Fantasy 13: Lightning Returns.

Being developed by tri-Ace, Resonance of Fate uses an action-based combat system similar to a Tales game. The combat system focuses more on gunplay instead of swords and fantasy weapons. It takes a lot of inspiration from the Matrix movies, and the Steampunk setting feels unique and suitably dark.

6 Infinite Undiscovery

A Hidden Gem For ARPGs

Infinite Undisovery Capell exploring in Infinite Undiscovery

Launched as an Xbox 360 exclusive in 2008, Infinite Undiscovery is one of the most criminally overlooked JRPGs on the system. Developed by tri-Ace, it has an action-based combat system that will likely instantly appeal to you if you liked Tales of Arise.

The storyline lacks the depth and length of Tales of Arise, but Infinite Undiscovery is a solid choice if you can look past the flaws. For Xbox One and Series X/S owners, the JRPG is backward compatible and deserves a second look.

5 Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 Remix

Six Games In One Whimsical Package

Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 Remix cover arts from each game included in the package

Kingdom Hearts is one of Square Enix's most popular IPs. After all, the combination of Disney, Final Fantasy, and original characters wouldn't normally be something you'd think works. But it does, and very well. If you're a fan of the Tales anime art style, you're in luck: the Kingdom Hearts games in this package embrace a similar style without trying to go too deep into realism (until you're in Disney worlds based on live-action movies, but those are the minority).

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The combat also doesn't hold back with the visual effects, much like Arise's, and the ongoing story can get surprisingly dark. There are some unintentionally silly moments, but there are few games sincerer than Kingdom Hearts, and 1.5 + 2.5 Remix lets you play and witness most of them on one disc.

4 Kingdom Hearts 3

The Magic Of Kingdom Hearts Continues

Sora, Donald, and Goofy as Keyblade Hero 3 in Kingdom Hearts 3.
Kingdom Hearts 3

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC , Switch
Released
January 25, 2019
Developer(s)
Square Enix

Launched in 2019, Kingdom Hearts 3 was one of the most hotly anticipated JRPGs of the decade. Despite having smaller entries in between, it was still a long 14-year wait for a numbered entry in the series.

Despite being far more complex than you might expect a Disney RPG to be, there are in-game videos to help you get up to speed and act as a refresher. Even putting that aside, Kingdom Hearts 3 is a lot of fun in its own right. It has stunning visuals that bring a lot of familiar Disney locations to life, and the varied combat system will appeal to fans of Tales-style real-time combat.

3 Ys 9: Monstrum Nox

Six Playable Characters, One Compelling Story

Ys 9 Adol and the party in a confrontation scene

The case for an excellent action RPG to jump into could be made for all the games in the Ys series. One of the most recent entries, Ys 9: Monstrum Nox, is the most polished entry (bar Ys 10) and has a stunning real-time combat system and great characters to boot.

The story once again centers around the protagonist Adol Christin. Adol is a series regular, but like previous entries, you can play it as a standalone title. As shown in the Trails series, the developers Falcom have a talent for excellent world-building, allusions to the past, and a great combat system that Tales fans will enjoy.

2 Tales Of Berseria

A Different Spin On The Typical Tales Story

Velvet sitting on the stairs in a snowy scene in Tales of Berseria

Craving something much more similar to Arise? Look no further than one of the best modern entries in the same series, Tales of Berseria. Even though Arise has moved the series forward, as a Tales game, Berseria is the next best thing, thanks to its mature tone.

Like Arise, you can move freely on the battlefield, and the Artes system is just as impressive. Furthermore, it has an excellent story that features a darker and more vengeful cast of heroes with believable motives. Its prominent theme of reason versus emotion and anti-hero characters make it a little different from other Tales games.

1 Scarlet Nexus

Reminiscent Of Tales While Maintaining Its Own Identity

Scarlet Nexus Yuito talking to Hanabi in the hideout
Scarlet Nexus

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC
Released
June 25, 2021

Not only was Tales of Arise one of the best games in the year it launched, but so was Scarlet Nexus — another JRPG hit from Bandai Namco. Although there are differences in setting, they feel and play very similarly. Instead of the high sci-fi fantasy setting seen in Tales of Arise, Scarlet Nexus is set in a cyberpunk-like alternate universe.

It features almost everything you'd love as a Tales fan: a blisteringly fast combat system and a heavy focus on character development with its version of skits called Bonds. These similarities are not by coincidence, however, as many of the same team worked on previous Tales titles and God Eater. The combat system occurs in bigger arenas than in Arise, with larger-scale fights reminiscent of God Eater 3.

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