The Best Games In The Tales Series, Ranked

Summary

• Tales series is highly regarded, with themes of racism and loss, standing out as a top JRPG series.
• Different mobile games in the Tales series faced mixed reviews due to microtransactions and combat mechanics.
• Each entry in the series offers unique elements, from real-time combat to turn-based systems, appealing to diverse audiences.

Published and developed by Namco, the Tales series launched in 1995 with the launch of Tales of Phantasia. It was considered revolutionary at the time due to its Linear Motion Battle System that featured real-time combat as opposed to turn-based. This beat-em-up-like combat helped the series stand out among a crowded genre in the '90s and became a series staple that evolved with every new mainline launch.

10 Best Opening Themes In The Tales Series

J-rock and J-pop royalty come together for the very best theme songs from the Tales series.

Over 20 years later, the Tales series is considered one of the top three Japanese RPG series next to RPG giants like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. Despite being considered RPG-lite compared to its rivals, many of the games have far more depth than they are given credit for. The themes of racism and loss are a mainstay of the series and convey a much darker undertone than many first realize. It's a vast series that caters to many tastes, so where does your favorite rank?

All release dates listed reference the North American launch, not the Japanese launch.

Updated Aprill 11, 2025 by Aydan Sattler: Bandai Namco continues to remaster classic Tales of games! Following Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition, this year brings Tales of Graces f Remastered. Now available on modern consoles with enhanced graphics and quality-of-life improvements, both new and longtime fans can experience the adventure anew.

20 Tales Of Link

• Released: 2016
• Platform: Android and iOS

Tales of Link was a mobile RPG from the Tales series, launching in Japan in 2014 with a global launch following in 2016. Despite its initial success, the game was shut down in 2018. One notable aspect of Tales of Link was the discrepancy in content between the Japanese and global versions; the Japanese servers had more story content and side quests that were never made available to global players, leaving some storylines incomplete for the international audience.

The game’s combat system centered around linking matching characters based on their elemental affinities. You could enhance your team through boosts, upgrades, and by acquiring new characters. You could grind for your pulls, but Tales of Link encouraged microtransactions. Despite this, the game garnered attention for its extensive array of character skins, which remain popular among fans of the series to this day.

Upon its closure, fans could purchase a limited-time Soundtrack CD and Memorial Artbook.

19 Tales Of Luminaria

• Released: 2021
• Platform: Android and iOS

Tales of Luminaria was notable for being the first mobile game in the Tales of series to feature a completely original cast, without any character cameos from previous Tales titles. The game’s story was told through the perspectives of 21 distinct characters, each with their own story arc, allowing for a multi-faceted narrative. Unfortunately, Tales of Luminaria was the shortest-lived Tales mobile game, with service ending just eight months after its release, on July 19, 2022.

While Tales of Luminaria's run was short, it received an anime spin-off to tell a succinct version of its story.

Unlike typical gacha games, Tales of Luminaria made all 21 characters playable immediately after completing the tutorial. Instead of pulling for characters, you rolled for weapons, costumes, and materials to level up characters. This approach set it apart from other mobile RPGs but was not enough to maintain a long-term player base.

18 Tales Of Rays

• Released: 2017
• Platform: Android and iOS

Launched in 2017, Tales of Rays was a mobile RPG designed to look and feel like a mainline entry in the Tales series. It indeed looked top-notch, especially compared to the chibi-style of Tales of Link. But like Tales of Link, Tales of Rays was celebrated for its many, unique character skins. It's also one of few mobile games where you have the option to play antagonists, such as Dist the Rose from Tales of the Abyss.

Tales of Rays's global servers were closed in 2018, though the Japanese servers lasted until 2024.

Unfortunately, this was a game that didn’t live up to its presentation. The free-to-play mechanics quickly reared their ugly heads and, as with the other mobile titles, it just feels like another cash grab riddled with microtransactions. Furthermore, the fighting system used the series’ real-time combat system, but it felt unresponsive thanks to the touch-screen elements.

17 Tales Of Crestoria

• Released: 2020
• Platform: Android and iOS

Tales of Crestoria was a mobile JRPG that delved into themes of crime, betrayal, and moral conflict. True to the Tales series, it featured a rich main story, character-driven skits, sub-quests, and character episodes, creating a deep narrative experience for fans. Although the game was shut down in 2022, the main story continued through a spin-off anime and manga series, providing closure for dedicated players.

One notable departure in Crestoria was its combat system, which utilized a turn-based format - quite different from the real-time combat that the Tales series had employed since Tales of Phantasia. While the game’s story and characters were praised, like most Tales mobile entries, it heavily relied on microtransactions for progression. The difficulty ramped up significantly as you progressed, forcing you to either grind for rare pulls or spend money to advance in the narrative.

16 Tales Of The World: Radiant Mythology

• Released: 2007
• Platform: PSP

Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology is a crossover RPG that brings together iconic characters from the Tales series. It stands out as the only game in the Tales of the World spin-off series to receive a Western launch.

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The Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology trilogy are the only games where you create your own personalized main character rather than playing as a developed character.

You create a custom character who undertakes MMO-style quests to gain 'fame,' which unlocks more recruitable heroes from past Tales games. As you progress, you can recruit fan favorites like Luke from Tales of the Abyss or Lloyd from Tales of Symphonia to save the world of Terresia.

15 Tales Of Symphonia: Dawn Of The New World

• Released: 2008 and 2013
• Platform: Wii and PS3

Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World is a direct sequel to the beloved Tales of Symphonia on the GameCube, though it features a new protagonist, Emil Castagnier. In 2013, it was re-released as part of Tales of Symphonia Chronicles, an HD remaster bundled with the original game for the PlayStation 3.

Compared to its predecessor, Dawn of the New World is often regarded as weaker in terms of story and character development. Without playing the first Symphonia, newcomers may struggle to fully grasp the plot and its connections to the original game. However, when packaged alongside the exceptional first installment, it's still considered a worthwhile purchase for fans of the series.

14 Tales Of Hearts R

• Released: 2014
• Platform: PS Vita

Tales of Hearts R is a PlayStation Vita remake of the Japan-exclusive 2008 Nintendo DS original, Tales of Hearts. Unlike the original, which featured a combination of 2D sprites and 3D backgrounds, Hearts R showcases fully 3D characters and environments, enhancing the visual experience for players.

While Tales of Hearts R doesn't stray far from the more predictable tropes of the JRPG genre, it's still an enjoyable experience for fans of the series. One notable downside is the inclusion of old-school random battles, which can be jarring for modern players. However, the action-based combat system that defines the Tales franchise helps maintain the game's entertainment value, ensuring that battles stay engaging throughout.

13 Tales Of Legendia

• Released: 2006
• Platform: PS2

Tales of Legendia found itself overshadowed by the more popular Tales of the Abyss, which debuted the same year. Legendia's music and graphics are unique within the Tales of series, which was off-putting for many fans. Nevertheless, it remains a solid entry in the Tales series, especially for fans looking to explore more of its world and characters.

Tales of Legendia is the first game in the Tales of series not to be developed by Namco Tales Studio.

Legendia is split into two major gameplay segments: the main story and the character stories. In the first half, you follow the main narrative, which introduces key characters and develops a central plot. The second half is dedicated to character stories, which serve as a continuation of the main plot, focusing on resolving each character's personal arcs while tying together the overarching storyline. This structure allows for deep character exploration and ultimately has significant implications for the world's future.

12 Tales Of Phantasia

• Released: 1995
• Platform: GBA

Tales of Phantasia is the very first game in the Tales series, and its innovative real-time battle system was groundbreaking for RPGs when it launched. Although the system may feel dated by today's standards, it still delivers a fun and engaging combat experience that sets it apart from other RPGs of its time.

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With so many characters introduced through the entire Tales of series, be they good or evil, their designs are always eye-catching.

The game's time-traveling story and its memorable characters continue to charm fans, maintaining its status as a classic entry in the series. Many long-time fans hold out hope that Namco will eventually remake or remaster of Tales of Phantasia, bringing it to new platforms and revitalizing its legacy for modern audiences.

11 Tales Of Eternia/Tales Of Destiny 2

• Released: 2001 and 2006
• Platform: PS1 and PSP

Beware story spoilers for Tales of Eternia, Symphonia, Xillia, and Arise.

Tales of Eternia was renamed to Tales of Destiny 2 for the Western launch because Tales of Destiny was the first Tales title released in America, so the marketing team decided that Tales of Destiny 2 was better for marketing than Tales of Eternia.

Known as Tales of Destiny 2 in North America, Tales of Eternia launched during the twilight years of the PS1’s lifecycle. Eternia showcased attractive visuals that translated well to the PSP, maintaining its charm over the years.

One of the standout aspects of Eternia is its use of contrasting worlds - Inferia and Celestia - a favorite story motif that has reappeared in later Tales entries like Tales of Symphonia, Tales of Xillia, Tales of the Rays, and Tales of Arise. While Eternia may not have the narrative depth of some of its successors, it remains a beloved title in the series, offering a memorable and enjoyable adventure that has resonated with fans for years.