Next to Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, the Tales of series is the most popular RPG franchise in Japan. It’s been around since 1995 and has amassed a dedicated following in the West with critical and commercial hits like Tales of Symphonia, Tales of Vesperia, and Tales of Berseria.

RELATED: Tales Games You Need To Play Before Tales Of Arise

It’s the combat system in the Tales series that sets it apart from its turn-based rivals. The combat system uses a real-time combat system that shares many similarities to arcade beat-em-ups like Street Fighter and Powerstone. Each game in the series uses a variation of the series’ patented Linear Motion Action System. The newest title, Tales of Arise met and surpassed expectations but with such a great fighting system it's worth looking back at the Tales library.

Updated on September 22, 2021, by Michael Llewellyn: The Tales series has always found a way to separate itself from its rivals. The games are more lighthearted than Final Fantasy but more serious than Dragon Quest. However, underneath it all, they share a common theme that centers around acceptance, prejudice, and war. This theme has been explored again in the series latest title Tales of Arise. Another theme that the games share is, of course, the battle system. Each mainline entry has taken a more action-oriented approach to its combat while maintaining a layer of strategy underneath it all. With a brand new game and other entries that deserve a mention let's see how they stack up.

13 Tales of Zestiria

tales-of-zestiria Sorey and Mikleo
  • Released: 2015
  • Platform: PS4 and PC

Released in 2015, Tales of Zesteria appeared to be a love it or hate it, title. Some fans loved its setting and a loose adaptation of Arthurian-based mythology. However, others were disappointed in some of the loose ends that were left after the end of the game and the fighting system. Thanks to its prequel Tales of Berseria, the story is more complete with its clever ties and connections to Zesteria.

The fighting system in Zesteria is called the Fusionic Chain Linear Motion Battle System. It’s needlessly complex compared to its predecessors and the paper, rock, scissors elements can be frustrating. The team usually consists of two humans and two Seraphs who can combine their attacks in battle. It does, however, become more rewarding when the player adjusts themselves to implementing a good defense consisting of blocks and side-stepping.

12 Tales Of Legendia

Protagonist Senel Coolidge and the cast of Tales of Legendia
  • Released: 2005
  • Platform: PS2

Over the years, Tales of Legendia has become something of a black sheep of the Tales series family. In the West, it had the unfortunate timing of being released between Tales of Symphonia and Tales of the Abyss. As a result, this experimental title was compared unfavorably to the two best games in the entire series.

RELATED: Tales Of Arise: Each Character's Best Weapon (& How To Unlock Them)

Where Legendia shines is the character development and its post-game content. At the time of its release, it felt like a throwback to the 2D Tales games like Tales of Destiny and Eternia. The fighting system went back to the 2D plane and environments are explored in a top-down viewpoint. Its combat system is almost identical to that of Tales of Eternia but the use of 3D character models meant that it felt less responsive. However, outside of combat, players can customize their button layout to fit with their fighting style and the skill progression is simplistic yet satisfying in its execution.

11 Tales Of Destiny

Stahn using the Dymlos Sword
  • Released: 1998
  • Platform: PS1

Released on the PS1, Tales of Destiny launched in North American territories in 1998. It was the follow-up title to Tales of Phantasia but it was the first title in the Tales of series to be released in the West. It was remade for the PS2 but it never made it to Western shores.

Tales of Destiny features an updated version of the “Linear Motion Battle System” from Phantasia. Its real-time fighting system was revolutionary for JRPGs at the time. It offered a solid alternative to turn-based JRPGs in the 1990s with a system that resembled a 2D fighter without losing any of the depth one would expect from an RPG.

10 Tales Of Eternia

Reid in combat Tales of Eternia
  • Released: 2001 and 2006
  • Platform: PS1 and PSP

Originally released in North America as Tales of Destiny II, Tales of Eternia was released on the PS1 in 2001. The combat system plays the same as its predecessor where it allows the player to have a lot of control of the player’s teammates.

The fighting system was faster and more responsive than its predecessors. Eternia features a flexible and satisfying combo system where experienced players can land up to 50 hits at a time.

9 Tales Of Symphonia

Lloyd conversing with Kratos
  • Released: 2004 and 2013
  • Platform: GameCube, PS3, and PC

Originally released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2004, Tales of Symphonia was remastered together with its sequel Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World on the PlayStation 3 in 2013. It was the first game in the series to implement a 3D battle arena that elevated the series’ fighting system to the next level. Additionally, its story and characters are excellent and serve as a great introduction to the series.

RELATED: RPGs With The Deepest Lore, Ranked

Tales of Symphonia uses the Multi-Line Linear Motion Battle System. Players could move the characters around the 3D space in linear lines to gain an advantage over the enemy. Additionally, Symphonia uses the team-based “Unison Attack” system where players would fill up their Unison Gauge and execute a special team move. Symphonia marked the introduction of the “Over Limit” mechanic that grants the characters special abilities and buffs in combat.

8 Tales Of Xillia

Tales of Xillia Jude and Milla ready for battle
  • Released: 2013
  • Platform: PS3

Released in North America on PlayStation 3, Tales of Xillia is the first game in the series to feature dual protagonists with Jude and Milla. Both characters have their own unique fighting style, traits, and stats. Taking advantage of the extra horsepower provided by the PS3 the combat was the most visually impressive at the time.

Tales of Xillia uses the Dual Raid Linear Motion Battle System. The Dual Raid mechanic meant that inactive party members in reserve replace the lead line up during battle. The characters are able to attack enemies in unison with powerful linked Artes by sharing the benefits of Over Limit buffs.

7 Tales Of Hearts R

Tales of Hearts Kor holding his sword
  • Released: 2014
  • Platform: PS Vita

Released in 2014 for the PlayStation Vita, Tales of Hearts R is a remake of the Nintendo DS original that was only released in Japan. The game features updated visuals, audio, and expanded the original version’s story.

Tales of Hearts R’s combat is designed around the Aerial Chase Linear Motion Battle System. This system allowed players to hit their opponents in the air and continue to land combos. Furthermore, the player's chosen character can initiate a team attack called the Cross Chase finisher with an ally in battle.

6 Tales Of Xillia 2

Ludgar protecting Elle
  • Released: 2014
  • Platform: PS3

A direct sequel to Tales of Xillia, Tales of Xillia 2 was released on the PlayStation 3 a year after its predecessor. Unlike other games in the series, Xillia 2 featured a silent protagonist and choice-based mechanics that have an impact on the story.

RELATED: JRPGS in Dire Need Of A Remake

The combat in Xillia 2 is known as the Cross Dual Raid Linear Motion Battle System. It's an improvement on the first game’s system as it allowed for more linked Artes between allies. It also introduced the Chromatus mode which is unique for the protagonist, meaning he can change his form becoming more powerful for a limited time.

5 Tales Of Berseria

Velvet in combat Tales-Of-Berseria
  • Released: 2017
  • Platform: PS4 and PC

Released in 2017, Tales of Berseria was released as a prequel to Tales of Zesteria which was released two years prior. It was considered a major improvement over its predecessor by featuring better characters, a compelling storyline, and a responsive battle system.

Tales of Berseria’s combat is referred to as The Liberation-Linear Battle System. Mechanically, it's similar to Tales of Zesteria while using the systems from the highly praised Tales of Graces f. The characters can move freely on the battlefield, and Artes can be mapped to the face buttons at the player’s choice. Switching characters is also encouraged, allowing players to seamlessly select the best fighter to target enemy weaknesses.

4 Tales Of The Abyss

Luke before sword practice in Tales of the Abyss
  • Released: 2006 and 2012
  • Platform: PS2 and 3DS

First released in 2006 for the PlayStation 2, Tales of the Abyss was also ported to Nintendo 3DS in 2012. It is still considered a huge fan favorite in the Tales series because of its story, characters, and setting. It is an evolution of the combat system first introduced in Tales of Symphonia.

Tales of the Abyss uses the Flex Range Linear Motion Battle System. Unlike Tales of Symphonia, the characters are no longer restricted to linear movements in straight and diagonal lines. Instead, Abyss features the Free Run ability. This means that the characters can move freely within the 3D space attacking at will. It's not as complex as some of the modern entries but the simplicity and freedom of movement made for a great fighting system.

3 Tales Of Vesperia

Yuri and Flynn team up
  • Released: 2009 and 2019
  • Platform: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, and PC

First released on the Xbox 360 back in 2009, Tales of Vesperia was remastered and released again in 2019 for the Xbox One, PS4, PC, and the Nintendo Switch. It’s one of the Tales series most popular titles thanks to its charismatic lead, charming cast, and enjoyable story.

However, its combat system’s simplicity makes it one of the best in the series. As an evolution of the system in Tales of the Abyss, It isn’t as flashy as Tales of Berseria. However, the Evolved Flex-Range Linear Motion Battle System is more accessible. Now, players can jump into combat without a heavy learning curve or feel lost in its system of Artes and combos.

2 Tales Of Graces F

Asbel and Sophie in Tales of Graces f
  • Released: 2012
  • Platform: PS3

Released in 2012 for the PlayStation 3, Tales of Graces f is an enhanced port of the Nintendo Wii original that launched exclusively in Japan. It may not have the most compelling narrative when compared to Tales of Vesperia but the combat system is something special.

Tales of Graces uses the Style Shift Linear Motion Battle System which is both accessible and stylish. It forces the player to think on the fly, by landing devastating counterattacks that are executed by perfectly timed dodges. There is a strong emphasis on timing attacks and blocks correctly too. Furthermore, the fighting system is flexible as combinations of Burst Artes and Assault Artes can be used on the enemy depending on the Chain Capacity gauge. It's a system that served as inspiration for the newest entry in the series Tales of Arise.

1 *Tales Of Arise

Tales-of-Arise Alphen wielding the Nebilim
  • Released: 2021
  • Platform: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S. PS4, PS5, and PC

The latest entry in the series is none other than Tales of Arise. Not only is it a great game in the series, but it could also be a contender for one of the best JRPGs of the year. The game was built using Unreal Engine 4 giving it the graphical upgrade the series deserved and a visually stunning fighting system.

The fighting system borrows elements from both Tales of Graces f and Tales of Berseria to come up with a system that's both easy to learn and deep. Players will begin the game with Artes to attack with and this will increase to twelve. The combo system is easy to pull off but players are still forced to think about their next move as spamming will result in DPS penalties. The depth comes in the form of assigning tactics and behaviors to the supporting party. This is very reminiscent of the Gambit System in Final Fantasy 12 and setting up the right tactics before and during combat will be the key to victory in tougher fights. It's easy to pick up as Tales of Vesperia but it has the depth of Tales of Graces f.

Next: Tales Of Arise: Beginners Tips To Get You Started