Fans of the Tales JRPG series have been waiting years for Bandai Namco to release a new game. Now Tales of Arise is confirmed for release in September later this year and Bandai Namco is working to persuade fans that it has been worth the wait. As part of that effort, Bandai Namco is showcasing the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of Tales of Arise. That includes a variety of features that the PS5 and X/S enable for Tales of Arise, as well as next-gen screenshots.
As for next-gen features planned for Tales of Arise, Bandai Namco has split them up between features shared between PS5 and X/S consoles and PS5-exclusive features. The shared next-gen features are additions that players expect from games made for next-gen platforms. The first is shorter loading times compared to current-gen consoles. Both PS5 and XS platforms will also have two graphics modes. Performance mode will prioritize 60 frames per second and graphics mode will prioritize 4K resolution on both next-gen platforms.
Bandai Namco is also advertising two PS5-exclusive features that aren't supported on Xbox's next-gen platforms. The first is understandable, as it's support for haptic feedback via the PS5's DualSense wireless controller. The second is somewhat mode confusing. It's listed as "Game Help" and is only described as "support." It could be that Game Help is in reference to the PS5's unique Activities feature, which allows players to load into specific moments in a game to complete specific challenges and tasks, though that isn't explicitly stated. Bandai Namco will hopefully elaborate on this at a later date.
As for the new Tales of Arise screenshots, Bandai Namco has shared almost 30. These screenshots are said to come from the next-gen version of Tales of Arise, so these are the visuals that players should expect from the game at its graphical peak. The screenshots mostly capture characters from Tales of Arise, though there are a few combat shots as well.
In all fairness, the new next-gen console details and screenshots probably aren't going to prove too exciting to most Tales fans. They're useful for fans to pick a platform or to get to know some of the cast, but aren't otherwise interesting. Still, they do add to the idea that Tales of Arise is real. Tales fans have been waiting for half a decade, but the wait is finally ending.
For those hoping for something more material from Bandai Namco, the studio also shared a short trailer from Tales of Arise. It too isn't substantial, but it does offer a first look at Tales of Arise's Mystic Artes for characters including Alphen, Shionne, Rinwell, and Law.
Tales of Arise releases September 10 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.