Science-fiction and fantasy are both popular genres for video games to explore, and for good reason. Not only do both genres open up an array of fantastical worlds and epic storylines, they also offer a treasure trove of creative possibilities for developers. Each has its own specialities and relative weaknesses that can make them better suited for specific types of games. However, some titles - such as Tales of Arise - try to take the best of both worlds. Tales of Arise isn't the only game to balance both fantasy and sci-fi elements, but it may be one of the best.
Tales of Arise is the seventeenth mainline entry in the Tales series, and right off the bat fans knew it was going to be different. Previous Tales games featured strong themes, memorable characters, and creative worlds, but they were all set firmly in the fantasy genre. The Tales games have always made it a goal to challenge, interrogate, and defy the conventions of JRPGs, and most of the JRPGs they target have also been fantasy titles. The decision to make Tales of Arise as much a sci-fi game as it is fantasy put a new spin on the relationship between the twin worlds of Rena and Dahna.
Tales of Arise's Magic is Indistinguishable From Technology
Franchises like Star Ocean have taken magic to the interstellar age and turned computer simulations into fantasy worlds, World of Warcraft has brought players to other planets, and Doom Eternal pits Doom Guy against the legions of hell. However, most of these games remain firmly entrenched in the themes and logic of one genre, while the second is simply added for flavor. Tales of Arise looks at the ways that fantasy and sci-fi can cover each other's weaknesses.
Tales of Arise has some elements in common with previous Tales games, but right from the beginning it establishes itself as being a darker story. Most Tales games feature two peoples or worlds that must find a way to co-exist, but the decision to make Rena and Dahna separate planets forms the backbone of the game. While the Renans are functionally alien invaders, once they're on Dahna they act like a ruling class of magical aristocrats. Rena's technological and cultural dominance over Dahna also provides fresh stakes for the series while hitting a very important and relevant theme found in both fantasy and sci-fi.
Tales of Arise is About Colonialism
Colonialism is something of an elephant in the room in fantasy and sci-fi stories. While relatively few classic titles set out to try and portray imperialism and the destruction of other cultures, these themes surface regardless. From Star Trek calling space the final frontier to The Lord of the Rings making it acceptable to massacre orcs, fans have noticed uncomfortable undertones in classic sci-fi and fantasy works for years. Tales of Arise breaks from the norm by directly addressing the issue: Rena has conquered Dahna, enslaved its people, and is in the process of callously stomping out its culture in pursuit of short-sighted gains. It also doesn't hide how terrible this is.
Dahnans are being harvested by Renan society, a form of systemic horror usually found in sci-fi. At the same time, there's a plot point that the Dahnan Rinwell has the same abilities as a Renan - not because she's part-Renan, but because the Renans are descended from people like her. Alphen's mask appears to be a fantastical element until it's revealed it is a device meant to inject sedatives into his system as a treatment for trauma. After this revelation, players might expect Shionne's Curse of Thorns to have a similarly scientific explanation, but her ailment really is magical in nature. This decision to weave together sci-fi and fantasy plot beats, all against a backdrop designed to uncover both genres' dirty laundry, makes for an unforgettable experience.
Tales of Arise is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
