The Tales series is one that maintains a large number of series staple features, but Tales of Arise doesn't need to tie itself down with all of the series' traditions. Since its initial reveal, Bandai Namco has done a lot to show that Tales of Arise is going to be a fresh start for the long-running RPG franchise.

For a series with such a long history though, there's a good chance that Tales of Arise will pay homage to its predecessors by holding onto some of the Tales series' more iconic features. While this will certainly help the new entry maintain its identity as a Tales game, there are a number of features that are probably better left in the past.

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Leave it Behind: The Grade Shop

Tales Of The Abyss character's celebrating victory after combat

The Grade Shop is a Tales tradition that affects New Game+. As players fight through battles, they earn an initial currency known as grade. When starting New Game+, this currency can be used to purchase game altering mechanics such as decreased experience gains or holding onto certain items from the previous playthrough.

Not only does the Grade Shop force players to grind even more than what most RPGs demand, but it's for an arbitrary reason at this point. More recent RPGs use New Game+ to offer players more of a new experience than what the Grade Shop has ever allowed for. Dragon Quest 11 S' Draconian Quest mechanic allowed players to alter the game in a similar way for free, and it could even be done on the first playthrough. If the Grade Shop is to make a return in Tales of Arise, it would need some major tweaks to modernize the system.

Keep it: Skits

Tales of Vespera

Some fans would argue that the greatest point of the Tales series is is its wide array of loveable characters. With each game generally having at least eight main party members, it's hard to play a Tales game without clicking with at least one character. One of the ways that Tales games allow its characters to shine together is through its skit mechanic. It's a great way to see exactly how each game's party members feel about each other and the story as it unfolds.

If Tales of Arise hopes to feature a great cast that fans latch onto as much as with past games, the skit mechanic making a return is an easy way to do it. As an evolution of the franchise, it would be great if Tales of Arise would take skits to a new level by featuring them as more than still portraits interacting. Regardless, the Tales skit mechanic is a great one that shouldn't be left behind.

Leave it Behind: Cooking

Tales Vesperia cooking

The Tales series cooking mechanic is one that sounds great in theory, but has never amounted to much in-game. Across several of the Tales entries, players can find different recipes around the world and cook them after battle. For the most part, these meals just give a slight HP or MP boost or boost character's stats for the next battle. It's really easy to play through a Tales game without using the feature at all.

As it exists now, cooking really doesn't have much purpose in Tales of Arise or any future Tales titles. The recipes and ingredients needed aren't worth the hunt and the results of cooking are rarely noticeable. If the cooking feature were to make a return, it should come back as another way to see party members interacting, much like the previously mentioned skits feature. Likewise, its perks should offer a more permanent boost, similar to games like Final Fantasy 15.

Keep it: Titles and Costumes

tales vesperia titles

The Tales series has continued to evolve its titles and costumes mechanics with each entry. Together, the two have become series staples that allow players to personalize their parties both cosmetically and in terms of combat ability. Tales of Arise could get away without changing anything about these features, but it could go beyond with even more customization options than what previous games have offered. While it may look different from what fans are used to, Tales of Aries will likely maintain the spirit along with many of the features that keep fans feeling right at home.

Tales of Arise is in development for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

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