Retro Tales of Game Collection

What you get with a Tales Of game is usually a grand adventure focused on a group of characters, often with a world-ending threat looming. You'll spend a lot of time exploring towns, talking to people, and progressing through a story that usually involves themes of destiny, friendship, and overcoming personal struggles. The combat is where the Tales Of series really shines. Instead of turn-based battles, you're typically in direct control of one character, moving them around a 2D or 3D arena, dodging attacks, and unleashing special skills known as Artes. You might be stringing together quick sword slashes with a protagonist, casting powerful spells from a distance as a mage, or supporting the party with healing abilities as a cleric. The camera often follows the action closely, letting you see your character dash, jump, and perform flashy combos. You can often switch between party members on the fly, or set AI tactics for them, so you're always managing your team's actions during a fight. Many entries also feature a "Skits" system, which are optional, often humorous or insightful conversations between party members that pop up during exploration, offering more depth to their personalities and relationships outside the main plot.

You'll often find yourself managing skills, equipment, and character progression, customizing your party to tackle increasingly challenging enemies and bosses. The journey through a Tales Of title is typically a substantial one, filled with memorable characters and distinct world designs.