What do you think about Zestiria's story?

[HaloEliteLegend]

I read some reviews saying that this game lacks in story. I'm a fan of the Tales series, and so I'm interested in this game. Tales games are known for having great plot, so does this game live up to that? I want your opinions on this.

I'm currently waiting until this game goes on sale to purchase it, as Steam holiday sales start in a month and I'm eyeing a lot of games this holiday season and don't want to blow my wallet.

I don't want any spoilers, if you can help it! :)

[Venaborn]

Well this is mine first tales games. And from what i played so far story is decent. But nothing extraordinary. They have many interesting contepts but many are just fall flat. There are many story decision which doesnt make any sense Alisha leaving for example. As i said story is good but it could me much more....

[HaloEliteLegend]

Originally posted by lukasopalka0908:

Well this is mine first tales games. And from what i played so far story is decent. But nothing extraordinary. They have many interesting contepts but many are just fall flat. There are many story decision which doesnt make any sense Alisha leaving for example. As i said story is good but it could me much more....

Ah, I see. If it's the common JRPG tropes that I'm used to, then I'll probably be fine. Aside from that, since this is your first Tails game, I recommend Tales of Symphonia and Tales of the Abyss, my two favorite Tales games, if you have time. You can probably find an emulator and an ISO for both of them online somewhere. Symphonia is releasing on Steam next year as well. Highly recommend those! The rest of the series is pretty great, too.

[Dregora]

Tales aren't known for having a great plot at all. They're known for having generic good vs evil storylines, which they almost all are, with the exception of here and there.

If you've played tales games before or even seen your generic shounen anime, you'll know what it's all about. A little plottwist here and there, but nothing that makes you go ''omgnoway''.

I don't know who ever thought the Tales games ever had genius plots, because they never have. I think people with nostalgia glasses say this.

That being said, if you're not too difficult about story in general and enjoy your typical good vs evil storyline, you'll enjoy this too. I do enjoy it, despite it's simplicity. I enjoy the characters and for once, there's not a single member of the party that annoys me. They're all great and fun in their own way.

Beware of nostalgia knights, though. People will say this is the worst ever in every single way, from gameplay to story wise, because they think their Vesperia and Symphonia are so much better.


I should warn you though, because this bothered me as well: Leveling does not matter AS MUCH as in the previous titles. Moderate/hard is actually difficult as heck if you are not properly geared. That doesn't mean simply finding good gear. This means getting used to the overly complicated fusion system that goes with the game and it's equipment. It's like the fusion system from Graces, with the exception of:

Only able to fuse equipment with the exact same name
You have 4 skill slots per equipment, that have three rules coming with them

These skill slots can boost you extremely, if you know what you're doing. And if you don't.. hard is going to kick your behind.


If you buy it, I suggest playing through normal first, get used to the combat system and the fusion system without too much hassle. Get to know the game. You can always go god mode in your next playthrough when you fully understand the fusion system.

[Aruhen]

I like it. I haven't finished it but I'm at that endgame moment so another 2-3 hours and I should be done. I'll be frank and say while it is a really interesting story it is def not the best among the series. Is it still worth it though? 100% yes.

[Venaborn]

I pre ordered Zestiria so i already have Symphonia. I personaly hope more tales games come on steam. Bestiria have probably best chance now.
And yes story of Zestiria is good from my perspective but it could me much more. Another good example is Seraphins and Humans and reuniting races. That is interesting conteps but in game Seraphins are invisible holy beings which humans workship and evan after your intervention races stay separated and after few hundred years thing will be same maybe evan worse then before your intervention.

[aquapendulum]

Tales games are more know for having character-driven stories than plot-driven stories.
Zestiria continues the tradition.

[Cyphro Innudae]

I'd say if you compare it to the other tales games the story isn't as strong as the others. But the character development and some of the innovations they did to their battle system makes it worth it. Needless to say they did a good job with the story but don't be expecting the same old.

But I would have to say that the game is a good journey. Not one to be rushed through.

[Aruhen]

Originally posted by siphrogynitrod:

I'd say if you compare it to the other tales games the story isn't as strong as the others. But the character development and some of the innovations they did to their battle system makes it worth it. Needless to say they did a good job with the story but don't be expecting the same old.

But I would have to say that the game is a good journey. Not one to be rushed through.

I agree. Don't rush it. There's a lot of side stuff that expands the world.

[Druid]

I dislike how Sorey became hero of the people, his motivation is so silly, he doesn't even try to question his decision. This anime-like cliche is really annoying. Other than that i like the cast of characters, they are the axis of the game. The main story feels generic so far (i am only near Marlind at the game) and probably will remain so. Good villain could help alot though, doubt if i'll see one.

[Steefy_92]

Originally posted by DNI_R:

I dislike how Sorey became hero of the people, his motivation is so silly, he doesn't even try to question his decision. This anime-like cliche is really annoying. Other than that i like the cast of characters, they are the axis of the game. The main story feels generic so far (i am only near Marlind at the game) and probably will remain so. Good villain could help alot though, doubt if i'll see one.

@ ONI_R read spoiler:

Well, then you will be glad to find out, that Sorey isn't main character and real Shepard .. ... just keep playing.

Although you have a long way to go, game really begins after Lastonbell, before that it's just mere introduction. Story isn't bad, it's decent.It works well for what it is

[kandnm115709]

Originally posted by HaloEliteLegend:

Tales games are known for having great plot, so does this game live up to that? I want your opinions on this.

I'm pretty sure that's just nostalgia talking as the story in most of the previous Tales' games were average at best. Tales of Zestiria is no different, albeit with a different flavour. Expect a lot things you've already seen in other JRPGs in this game. If you're okay with that, give this game a try.

[Volture]

I'm enjoying it. It hits a lot of familiar beats but the great cast is improving it greatly.

I do really like the fact that it's a purely medeval story and doesn't try to force sci fi in like Graces.

[Marksteele]

Personally I feel like they had to rush the story out to meet deadlines. It seems like many aspects of your average tales plot is missing or added as an afterthought. The overall story isn't bad but it's missing someting for sure

[HaloEliteLegend]

Originally posted by Inférnum~:

Tales aren't known for having a great plot at all. They're known for having generic good vs evil storylines, which they almost all are, with the exception of here and there.

If you've played tales games before or even seen your generic shounen anime, you'll know what it's all about. A little plottwist here and there, but nothing that makes you go ''omgnoway''.

I don't know who ever thought the Tales games ever had genius plots, because they never have. I think people with nostalgia glasses say this.

Well, it seems I have nostalgia glasses, haha! I love Tales plots, even if they're based on the same tropes as past entries.

[HaloEliteLegend]

Originally posted by aquapendulum:

Tales games are more know for having character-driven stories than plot-driven stories.
Zestiria continues the tradition.

Yes, I think that's what I meant to say. I like 'em for fleshing out all their characters.