Tales of Berseria Score: Darker Tone Reception

Introduction

Tales of Berseria, the sixteenth main installment in Bandai Namco’s long-running Tales series, marked a significant departure from the franchise’s traditional tone. Released in 2016 for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and later for PC, the game embraced a darker, more morally ambiguous narrative, featuring a vengeful anti-heroine as its protagonist. This tonal shift was met with both acclaim and skepticism from fans and critics alike.

This article explores the reception of Tales of Berseria’s darker tone, analyzing how it impacted the game’s narrative, character development, and overall legacy within the JRPG genre.

The Shift to a Darker Narrative

Breaking Away from Tradition

The Tales series has historically balanced lighthearted adventure with moments of drama, often emphasizing themes of friendship, justice, and redemption. Protagonists like Lloyd Irving (Tales of Symphonia) and Yuri Lowell (Tales of Vesperia) embodied heroic ideals, even when grappling with morally complex decisions.

Tales of Berseria, however, subverted these expectations. The protagonist, Velvet Crowe, is driven by vengeance rather than justice. After witnessing the brutal murder of her younger brother at the hands of her former mentor, Artorius, she becomes a literal monster—a therion—consumed by rage. Unlike previous Tales heroes, Velvet does not seek to save the world but to destroy the man who took everything from her.

Moral Ambiguity and Character Depth

The game’s darker tone allowed for deeper exploration of morally gray characters. The party members in Berseria are not traditional heroes:

• Rokurou Rangetsu, a swordsman bound by a demonic curse, seeks only to kill his brother in a duel.
• Magilou, a seemingly carefree witch, hides deep emotional scars.
• Eizen, a pirate and former exorcist, struggles with his own cursed fate.
• Laphicet, a young malak (spirit), undergoes disturbing experiments before joining Velvet.
• Eleanor Hume, initially an antagonist, grapples with her rigid beliefs as she questions the world’s morality.

This ensemble contrasts sharply with past Tales parties, where camaraderie and idealism often prevailed. Instead, Berseria presents a group of broken individuals who, despite their flaws, form a dysfunctional yet compelling family.

Critical and Fan Reception

Praise for the Darker Approach

Many critics and long-time fans praised Berseria for its mature storytelling. The game’s willingness to tackle themes of trauma, revenge, and systemic oppression resonated with players who sought a more serious JRPG experience.

• GameSpot (8/10) commended its "strong, well-written characters" and "refreshingly dark story."
• IGN (8.8/10) highlighted Velvet’s "compelling descent into vengeance" and the game’s emotional weight.
• RPGFan (90/100) called it "one of the best Tales games in years," praising its narrative depth.

The darker tone also allowed for more nuanced world-building. The game’s setting, a theocratic society where emotions are suppressed, reinforced its themes of rebellion and personal freedom.

Criticisms and Fan Divisions

Despite its acclaim, Berseria’s shift in tone was not universally embraced. Some criticisms included:

1. Pacing Issues – The story’s heavy focus on Velvet’s revenge sometimes led to slow pacing, particularly in the middle acts.
2. Lack of Traditional Tales Charm – Some fans missed the series’ signature humor and optimism, feeling that Berseria was too bleak.
3. Combat System Polarization – While not directly tied to tone, the game’s battle mechanics received mixed reactions, with some preferring the more strategic depth of past entries.

Additionally, while Velvet’s character was praised for her complexity, some players found her relentless anger exhausting over time. Unlike previous protagonists who grew into heroes, Velvet remains largely unchanged until the final act, which divided opinions.

Legacy and Influence on the Tales Series

A Turning Point for the Franchise

Tales of Berseria proved that the series could successfully experiment with darker storytelling without alienating its core audience. Its success likely influenced later entries, including Tales of Arise (2021), which balanced mature themes with the franchise’s traditional optimism.

Velvet Crowe as a Defining Protagonist

Velvet has become one of the most iconic characters in the Tales series, standing out as a rare female lead in a genre often dominated by male protagonists. Her raw emotion and morally ambiguous journey set a new standard for character writing in JRPGs.

The Future of Darker Tales Games

While Berseria remains an outlier in tone, its reception suggests that fans are open to more mature narratives in future Tales games. Bandai Namco may continue to explore darker themes while maintaining the series’ signature charm.

Conclusion

Tales of Berseria’s darker tone was a bold experiment that paid off for many players. By embracing a vengeful protagonist and morally complex storytelling, it offered a fresh take on the JRPG genre while retaining the emotional depth the Tales series is known for. Though not without its critics, the game’s reception solidified its place as one of the franchise’s most memorable entries.

As the Tales series evolves, Berseria will likely be remembered as the game that proved the franchise could successfully venture into darker territory—without losing its soul.

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(Note: This article can be expanded further with additional analysis, fan quotes, or comparisons to other dark JRPGs like NieR or Final Fantasy Type-0 if needed.)