The Tales series is one of the most notable JRPG franchises of the genre, and it is very popular in Japan especially. Tales of Arise, the most recent game in the series, is reportedly not getting a sequel.
The first installment of the Tales franchise was released in 1995 and the series has only grown and thrived since with Tales of Symphonia being the most popular to date. Tales of Arise is the newest iteration in the franchise from Bandai Namco following a cast of engaging characters on their journey together to help the resistance against tyranny.
In an interview with Edge Magazine, Producer Yusuke Tomiwaza said that even though Tales of Arise was very successful, with 1.5 million copies in the first month of release, the game will not be getting a direct sequel. Tomizawa also said that he hoped that the story for Tales of Arise would be good enough as a standalone story wrapped up nicely so that fans wouldn't feel the need for more. The goal they have, he says, is that they want to be able to build off the success of Tales of Arise and bring in new fans to bring them "a cutting-edge flagship title that builds on the success of Arise, while also providing an opportunity to rediscover the history of the series."
Tales of Arise is especially revolutionary for its new take on the JRPG magic system, making its mark in the genre. With that in mind, and its status as the fastest-selling game in the Tales series, this news might come as a surprise to some. Especially since other entries in the franchise have seen direct sequels like Tales of Symphonia and Tales of Xillia respectively.
There could be a possibility for an anime series based on the reaction to the impressive Tales of Arise animated trailer released earlier this year. It might not be something the team is thinking about but if the fans really wanted it and called for it, the hope isn't out for that yet. This all depends on the studio of course and whether they have plans like this for the series.
Since there are other entries in the Tales series that have been given direct sequels, Tales of Symphonia and Tales of Xillia respectively, fans could be divided on this news. Tales of Arise is a strong game with a big fanbase that loves it and its compelling characters that are sure to be just as excited, if not more so, for a new game in the franchise.
Tales of Arise is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Games Radar
