Extra question time with TOArise Producer Yusuke Tomizawa!

We previously got a story overview on Tales of Arise from producer Yusuke Tomizawa from TGS 2019. This time, we managed to get a few more of our questions answered, so read on!

As you might be aware, Arise‘s theme has been said to be derived from “Inheritance” and “Evolution”. He tells us about the new art style inheriting the warm illustration style, with an added realistic touch. This much we can understand from the use of Unreal Engine 4. As they inherit the essential elements as established in the long running Tales of series, the evolution comes from actively refreshing the way of expression and structure to make them more attractive. An important step in the development of Arise is to examine these elements thoroughly, as they strive to strike a good balance between “Inheritance” and “Evolution”.

Tomizawa is heading Arise now, but he’s also involved in God Eater and Code Vein. He tells us how both God Eater and Code Vein projects start off with individualizing the Action Game and Dungeon Exploring Game format. They do have their variety of characters and dramatic storylines, of course.

In regards to the Tales of series, he understands it as revolving around the presentation of interesting stories of characters, and the bonds between them through the RPG format. Game design and mechanics remain important, naturally. He tells us the different game development approach can really be felt when the ideas to make characters appealing begin to diversify. Ideally, both methodologies would be stimulus for Tomizawa to provide feedback to each project.

A summon that looked like Efreet could be spotted in the announcement trailer. However, regarding player controlled summons, or if summons would be part of a character, Tomizawa is unable to disclose the battle system yet. He does say that the announcement trailer covered just one of the mandatory enemy encounters, adding that he’s sure more unprecedented, dynamic battles will be coming our way.

Arise features two planets, Dahna and Rena. It would be reasonable to assume that since Rena ruled Dahna for quite a while, interplanetary travel is possible between them, perhaps even with a spaceship. Once again, however, Tomizawa will not be disclosing these story elements presently. He merely says the Tales of series is known for appealing to fans with its magnificent adventures, and the team aims to present a story that will live up to that expectation.

Should the rulers and governors be benevolent, surely Dahna would have no reason to rebel against Rena? Tomizawa points out Alphen’s tattered clothing and appearance in the trailer, saying the Dahnans are not in an environment where a proper livelihood is guaranteed by good governors. The Dahnans have been stripped of many things by the Renans, like their freedom, even lives.

As such, a rebellion is not surprising at all from the Dahnans. However, the world is vast, and the Dahnan and Renan relationship may not be necessarily the same elsewhere. Tomizawa hopes players will be looking forward to how the story progresses!

Tales of Arise is currently slated for release in 2020.