The 17th entry in the long-running Japanese RPG series was first officially shown off during Microsoft’s E3 2019 Xbox Press Conference, but since then we’ve heard precious little about the project. The game was delayed indefinitely in June 2020, and since then Bandai Namco has been keeping its cards pretty close to its chest, much to the chagrin of series fans. “Spring is just around the corner, and we’ve been working hard to make it unforgettable!” Bandai Namco said as it re-revealed the game. “Catch the first new glimpse from Tales of Arise.” Take a look at the new trailer below. An official blurb for the game reads: “Tales of Arise takes place in a solar system containing the two neighbouring planets of Dahna and Rena. The inhabitants of Dahna have always paid reverence to their planetary neighbours on Rena - a planet they can clearly see in their sky - as a land of the righteous and divine. For the people of Dahna, legends and lore about Rena and its inhabitants have been handed down for countless generations, and through time, have become facts in their minds that have masked a cruel reality for the people of Dahna. “For 300 years, the people of Rena have ruled over Dahna, pillaging the planet of its resources and stripping its people of their dignity and freedom. Tales of Arise begins with two people, born on different worlds, each longing to change their fate and create a new future for themselves and perhaps their people. Featuring an original cast of characters, a dramatic storyline, dynamic combat, breath-taking environments, with some classic Tales Of elements included; Tales of Arise marks a new beginning for the famed JRPG franchise.” We may hear more about the game at the recently-trademarked Bandai Namco Next, which could be Bandai Namco’s version of Sony’s State of Play or Nintendo’s Direct. Either way, the publisher is promising more updates on the game in spring 2021.vi
