Parents' Guide to Tales of Berseria

Despite its dark overtones, this is a fun, action-heavy role-playing game, but it isn't without a couple of shortcomings. While a great amount of attention was devoted to the story, character development, and dialogue, all of it weighs down the pacing and gameplay. There seems to be a lot of unnecessary and/or repetitive exchanges between characters that will no doubt affect the gamer's interest. It's also a much darker story than in previous years. But the action is what will keep you glued to your screen. Mastering attacks during frenetic real-time combat is a blast, and pulling off timed combos and chained moves is quite easy and gratifying. One of the best parts of the combat is playing around with the variety of abilities (called "artes") across all half-dozen party members.

Visually speaking, the game looks dated, and there isn't much to be said about the basic level design and occasional, simple puzzles. The action is intense, which makes up for it, but that also grows repetitive after a while, despite the variety in party members, weapons, and abilities. Consider it a feeling of "rinse and repeat" after a few hours with controller in hand. But overall, Tales of Berseria is a solid game for fans of the franchise. For everyone else, it might be best as a weekend rental or worth picking up once it drops in price.