Tales of Berseria cover art

Tales of Berseria

2016Bandai Namco StudiosPlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows)

In Tales Of Berseria players embark on a journey as they assume the role of Velvet, a young woman whose once gentle nature has been replaced and overcome with a festering anger and hatred after a traumatic experience three years prior to the events within Tales Of Berseria imbued her left hand with a special ability. Along her journey, Velvet will meet a whole cast of characters, including a young boy named Laphicet. If Velvet is the embodiment of "darkness," then Laphicet is created in the image of "light" and will be an important ally to Velvet.

What it feels like

A pervasive sadness and loss underpin the narrative as Velvet's gentle nature has been consumed by darkness, with glimpses of what was lost. A grave, subdued seriousness with the hush of grief permeates the narrative as Velvet grapples with loss and hatred. The character-driven story and emotional beats of self-discovery and trauma are presented with sincere, unironic conviction.

Melancholic68%
Somber65%
Earnest62%

What it's about

A grim fantasy world of decay and moral darkness, where the protagonist Velvet is consumed by hatred and revenge after trauma, embodying darkness itself. Velvet's journey is explicitly driven by festering anger and the need for vengeance following a devastating three-years-prior traumatic event. The contrast between the protagonist's fallen state and her encounters with light (Laphicet) suggests an arc of redemption and moral transformation.

Dark Fantasy85%
Revenge75%
Redemption70%
Coming of Age55%

How it plays

Close-quarters weapon and martial combat is the core interactive loop throughout the game. Fast, combo-driven real-time melee combat is a signature Tales series mechanic emphasizing stylish, expressive execution. Velvet assembles and directs a squad of distinct characters including Laphicet, core to tactical decision-making.

Melee Combat90%
Character Action80%
Party Management75%
Character Builds65%
Relationship Sim50%
Skill Checks40%

How it looks and sounds

Japanese animation-inspired character design and visual language define the game's aesthetic identity, confirmed by Steam tags. Camera follows the player character from behind during exploration and combat, standard for the series. The "Great Soundtrack" tag and Tales series tradition suggest a sweeping orchestral or symphonic score.

Anime Style85%
Third-Person80%
Orchestral Score65%
Hand-Drawn 2D60%

How it's structured

A bounded, authored story arc following Velvet's journey with a clear narrative spine and defined character arcs. Designed as a single-player experience with Velvet as the protagonist, despite optional multiplayer features. The world and story are deliberately authored rather than procedurally generated, with deliberate narrative and environmental design.

Campaign85%
Single-Player75%
Handcrafted World60%
Linear Levels55%
Local Co-op35%

Shares Melee Combat, Third-Person, Character Action, Dark Fantasy.

Both lean into Melee Combat, Single-Player, Campaign, Third-Person.

Melee Combat85%Single-Player90%Campaign80%Third-Person80%

Shares Dark Fantasy, Revenge, Anime Style, Melee Combat.

Both lean into Dark Fantasy, Revenge, Anime Style, Melee Combat.

Dark Fantasy75%Revenge80%Anime Style65%Melee Combat55%

Shares Melee Combat, Anime Style, Third-Person, Character Action.

Both lean into Melee Combat, Anime Style, Third-Person, Character Action.

Melee Combat85%Anime Style85%Third-Person80%Character Action75%

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Campaign88%Dark Fantasy88%Single-Player95%Third-Person82%

A lesser-known kindred — Anime Style, Third-Person, Character Action, Party Management. 91% positive across 4,466 Steam reviews.

Both lean into Anime Style, Single-Player, Third-Person, Campaign.

Anime Style75%Single-Player80%Third-Person75%Campaign70%
Overlord II37% match

A lesser-known kindred — Third-Person, Dark Fantasy, Party Management, Character Builds. 89% positive across 4,940 Steam reviews.

Both lean into Third-Person, Dark Fantasy, Single-Player, Campaign.

Third-Person90%Dark Fantasy85%Single-Player90%Campaign80%
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