Tales of Berseria

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
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  1. Games Master UK
    Apr 2, 2017
    73
    In some ways, this is the most innovative Tales game for years. In others, it's still stuck firmly in the past. [March 2017, p.78]
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  2. games(TM)
    Mar 9, 2017
    70
    It's rarely been so good to be bad. [Issue#184, p.80]
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  3. Slant Magazine
    Feb 16, 2017
    70
    A great, heart-filled tale that may not always know how to best tell its story—or is occasionally limited by the series's trappings—but nonetheless always pushes through to bigger and better things.
  5. Hardcore Gamer
    Feb 4, 2017
    70
    Thanks to the distinctive story and a number of improvements to the overall combat, Tales of Berseria ends up being one of the better Tales games in a while. With that said, this accomplishment isn’t exactly the most difficult hurdle to overcome considering the last decade hasn’t been too kind on the series. The problem is just how slow-paced and one-note the early goings are.
  6. Stevivor
    Jan 24, 2017
    70
    Character development is pushed to new nights with the use of the Tales series optional skits.
  7. Trusted Reviews
    Jan 23, 2017
    70
    With a good storyline, great characters and a fantastic, action-heavy combat system, this is a high point for Bandai Namco’s JRPG series – but it lacks the attention to detail, great design and polish that could elevate that series to the big leagues over here.
  8. GameSpot
    Jan 23, 2017
    70
    Tales of Berseria’s weak presentation and dull world design may not excite, but they only account for a piece of an otherwise enjoyable tale. The refined combat, and the darker tone, paired with the sinister characters, makes for a more engaging experience overall . In these ways, Tales of Berseria actually takes the series in an intriguing new direction.
  9. EGM
    Jan 23, 2017
    70
    Tales of Berseria flips the traditional heroic story on its head, taking up instead with the vengeance-driven journey of daemon-eater Velvet Crowe and the unapologetically villainous crew of misfits she picks up along the way. A fun premise and some great skits make for a good story, though middle-of-the-road combat and fairly boring dungeons and fields bog the gameplay down.
  10. New York Daily News
    Feb 3, 2017
    60
    The story takes some interesting twists and turns, although the gameplay does not. Mechanically, this is largely the same game it’s always been, meaning some fun real-time battles that can grow rote over time.
  11. Gamer.no
    Feb 1, 2017
    60
    The series has stagnated. The gameplay elements have grown stale, and I hope that the developers try to do something new in the next one.
  12. Metro GameCentral
    Jan 26, 2017
    60
    A much more interesting story and lead character than usual for the series, but the weak script and aging combat system fail to make the most of it.
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  1. Kotaku
    Jan 24, 2017
    Like most recent entries in the Tales series, Tales of Berseria is an epic adventure packed with stuff to do. There are mini-games to play, cosmetic items to collect, food to cook and treasures to uncover. Those goofy fun trappings are draped across a much more serious whole this time around, offering welcome respite from a tale that’s not afraid to take its memorable characters to some very dark places.
  2. Vice
    Mar 2, 2017
    As a Tales fan burned by several years of repetition and "greatest hits," it's been a joy to see the series strike out into uncharted territory with Velvet and her band of anti-heroes.

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best PS4 Game of 2017
42
#42 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017
27
#27 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 588 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 405 out of 588
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 588
  3. Negative: 136 out of 588
  1. snakekill321
    Jan 24, 2017
    10
    It is so amazing to be playing another tales game. Coming off zestiria with tempered expectations, i was blown away by how amazing this was.It is so amazing to be playing another tales game. Coming off zestiria with tempered expectations, i was blown away by how amazing this was. They truly outdid theirselves with Berseria. Each character is fleshed out, and the soundtrack really set the aumbiance. The opening this time was beautifully crafted (Flow always does the best work) and the story has you walking the thin line between good and bad, and the story pulls at the feels. definately worth the money… Full Review »
  2. Here4aMoment
    Jan 25, 2017
    10
    The darkest, most intriguing Tales game to date with tons of weapons and armor to collect so you can learn skills from, 100 Katz for you toThe darkest, most intriguing Tales game to date with tons of weapons and armor to collect so you can learn skills from, 100 Katz for you to find, a giant bestiary to complete, loads of skits for you to view, and and average completion time of 70+ hours (based on Japanese players and those who imported) this game has more than enough content to keep you entertained for a long time without becoming a drag.

    The combat system is the best it's ever been with fluid controls and the ability to customize your own combo strings, it's never been so newcomer friendly while still allowing the long time fans to take full advantage since the more you know the better your attacks will be. If someone finds the combat broken or unbalanced then there's a good chance they either haven't played the game or they just don't have the knowledge to make the character they play as truly great.

    The sound design is fantastic. The music sets the tone very well and enemy noises will always fill you in on when you need to be wary and what kind of enemy it is that is approaching you. The voice acting is the best it's ever been in a Tales game, with an all-star cast who clearly knows what they're doing. The graphics tend to be hit and miss with people, while it's mostly due to the style of the game it can tend to look a little rough to players who expect every game to look (and have) a AAA budget, but the graphics never once detract or distract from the game.    … Full Review »
  3. Leon_Magnus03
    Jan 24, 2017
    10
    Finally, after so many years we received a new great Tales game. Berseria is fantastic, Velvet is a pretty good protaganist and the supportFinally, after so many years we received a new great Tales game. Berseria is fantastic, Velvet is a pretty good protaganist and the support character are memorable (my favorite character is Eizen), it's way better than the last Tales game, "Tales of Zestiria", and after play Berseria you should be hyped for the future of the franchise.… Full Review »
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