Two years after the release of Tales of Arise, Bandai Namco gifts us with more of what I loved from the original in Tales of Arise Beyond The Dawn. The burning question remains: has the wait been worth it?
Fair warning: There may be spoilers ahead if you haven’t played the base game.
Immersing myself in the enriched world of Arise felt like a nostalgic journey, revisiting characters and landscapes that had left an indelible mark on my adventure. The tale unfolds a year after the main game, weaving a narrative that explores the amalgamation of the once-separate worlds of Dahnans and Renans.
At the core of the expansion lies Nazamil, a girl of noble lineage embodying both Dahnans and Renans—a striking combination met with disdain from the world around her. In a twist of fate, she crosses paths with Alphen and the gang of misfits, leading to an unexpected warmth of acceptance.
I couldn’t help but feel a personal connection to this storyline. The theme of acceptance resonated deeply with me, reminding me of moments in my own life where understanding and friendly vibes prevailed over prejudice. However, as the plot unfolds, Nazamil takes a drastic turn, opting for a misguided attempt at control using dangerous technology.
The way the gang distanced themselves from Nazamil’s actions really hit home, serving as a strong reminder of the need to resist tyranny. I got caught up in their story, wrestling with the intricacies of friendship and the outcomes of our decisions.
Tales of Arise Beyond The Dawn isn’t just an expansion; it’s a heartfelt reunion with the beloved Arise cast. Completing the expansion took me around 9 hours, and that’s not counting the coffee and snack breaks. With the added treasure trove of side quests, the game easily kept me engaged for over 20 hours—I was hooked!
Boss fights were a bit of a challenge for me in the core game. I initially opted for an easier setting but cranked it back up when the boss was felled. The prolonged battles felt like an ongoing struggle, almost mirroring the grind of real-life challenges.
Let’s delve deeper and explore further.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of Tales of Arise Beyond The Dawn, exploring the nuances that make this expansion both a familiar embrace and a step into the unknown.
The narrative, though compact, weaves a tale that resonates with emotional depth. Nazamil’s journey, from an outcast burdened by her heritage to a misguided seeker of control, struck a chord. As I guided the gang through this new chapter, I couldn’t help but reflect on the choices we make in the pursuit of understanding and acceptance.
The expansion invites players to question the blurred lines between right and wrong, showcasing the consequences of desperate actions. In doing so, it adds layers to the characters and their relationships, making the short but impactful storyline a memorable experience.
Tales of Arise Beyond The Dawn doesn’t merely rest on the laurels of its narrative, offering a robust package for fans hungry for more. The addition of 40 side quests injects a healthy dose of variety, each quest unveiling snippets of the characters’ personalities and backstories. It’s a delightful extra layer that not only extends the gameplay but also enriches the overall lore of the Tales Of Arise universe.
However, the expansion falls short in some aspects, particularly in its reluctance to break away from the established formula. While the inclusion of new enemies tied to the narrative is appreciated, the absence of fresh mechanics or expansive new areas leaves a sense of familiarity. It’s a double-edged sword, providing comfort for longtime fans but potentially leaving them yearning for more innovation.
The visual spectacle of Tales Of Arise is undeniably captivating, and Tales of Arise Beyond The Dawn continues this trend. The landscapes, though traversing familiar ground, maintain a visual allure that adds to the overall immersion. Yet, the presence of long, empty corridors introduces a pacing issue, stretching the experience without significant engagement.
Boss fights, a divisive element for many players in the core game, make a return with their endurance-testing nature. My personal gripe with these battles was compounded in the expansion, where the seemingly endless button presses felt like a test of patience. The final showdowns, against colossal foes often larger than the camera can capture, added a layer of frustration.
However, amidst the grind, a redeeming quality emerges—a climactic final fight sequence that delivers both in terms of gameplay satisfaction and narrative impact. This sequence, while powerful, wouldn’t have resonated as strongly without the preceding challenges.
As I reflect on Tales of Arise Beyond The Dawn, I can’t ignore its flaws. The familiar corridors, the enduring boss battles, and the occasional pacing issues may deter some players. However, it’s crucial to view these aspects not as detractors but as elements that shape your adventure in Arise.
In conclusion, Tales of Arise Beyond The Dawn is more than a mere expansion; it’s a rekindling of emotions and a rediscovery of a beloved franchise. The narrative, though brief, carries a weight that lingers, and the additional content satisfies the hunger for more Tales Of Arise. Priced at £24.99, it’s a decision every dedicated fan must weigh. For me, it was a no-brainer—a chance to immerse myself once more in the enchanting world of Arise.
Tales of Arise Beyond The Dawn Launch Trailer
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Edited by Natalie Thomas for Craig Roberts
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