Tales of Arise is one of the more highly-anticipated games of 2021. With its release date steadily getting closer, details regarding Tales of Arise's different purchasable editions have begun to be announced.
Bandai Namco's JRPG franchise celebrated its 25th-anniversary last year, making it one of the longest-running Japanese video game series of all time. Tales of Arise marks the 17th main entry in the long-running franchise, coming after 2020's mobile title, Tales of Crestoria.
In addition to Tales of Arise having a standard version of the game, Bandai Namco has also created a Digital Deluxe and Ultimate edition. The $84.99 Digital Deluxe version of the game will bestow players with three different packs: The Premium Item Pack, which contains gold, cooking items, and Boosts, a Premium Costume Pack containing eight full costumes and six accessories, and a Premium Travel Pack, which boost player's cooking and crafting abilities, along with in-game shop discounts.
Those looking for the next step up may want to grab the $109.99 Digital Ultimate Edition, as it comes with all content from Digital Deluxe as well as additional character costumes, some of which will be crossovers from other Bandai Namco IP.
However, for the ultimate Tales of series fans, Bandai Namco is offering an exclusive physical Collector's Edition of the game only through its website. This edition includes the standard edition of Tales of Arise, along with an 18-cm (about seven inches) figurine of the title's protagonists, Alphen and Shionne. The Collector's Edition also comes with a steelbook case, a 64-page hardcover book filled with game art, and a physical CD soundtrack. Arriving with a whole host of physical collectible goodies, the Collector's Edition comes in at $189.99, making it the most expensive option.
Although hype for the game has been steadily building, Tales of Arise has a tough balancing act to perform. Bandai Namco has made it clear that the game will be representative of a new milestone for the franchise, intended to revitalize the series, and particularly for western audiences. While Tales of Arise "carries the DNA" of the franchise, the game is demarcated from its predecessors in several ways.
Arise will feature an evolved combat system to allow for a better sense of spectacle, along with a visual "Atmospheric Shader" intended to evoke the look of a hand-drawn painting. The game's story is also being advertised as "more mature" and will hit more on essential themes than previous games, suggesting a more emotionally deep and engaging plotline.
News of multiple editions of Tales of Arise should come as good news to fans of the series, solidifying that Bandai Namco is pulling out all the stops for its next entry in its beloved JRPG series. Those who haven't delved into the high-fantasy franchise can easily try out one of the series more popular entries, as Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is available on Xbox Game Pass.
Tales of Arise launches on September 10 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.