The Redemption of a Series: Why Tales of Berseria Remastered Matters
There’s something deeply satisfying about witnessing a franchise rise from the ashes of its own missteps. The Tales series, a long-standing staple in the JRPG world, had its fair share of stumbles—none more glaring than 2015’s Tales of Zestiria. Personally, I think what made Zestiria so underwhelming wasn’t just its bland plot or forgettable characters; it was the sense that the series had lost its way. But then came Tales of Berseria in 2017, a prequel that didn’t just redeem the series—it redefined it. And now, with Tales of Berseria Remastered on the Switch, we’re reminded why this game was such a turning point.
A Protagonist Who Breaks the Mold
One thing that immediately stands out is Velvet Crowe, the game’s protagonist. In a genre where heroes are often paragons of virtue, Velvet is a refreshing departure. Her backstory—driven by vengeance after her brother’s sacrifice—is raw and visceral. What many people don’t realize is how rare it is for a JRPG to center a female antihero with such complexity. Velvet isn’t just angry; she’s broken, yet fiercely determined. This isn’t your typical 'save the world' narrative—it’s personal, and that’s what makes it compelling.
A Cast That Feels Like Family
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Berseria’s characters evolve. Take Laphicet, the boy Velvet adopts, whose emotional journey mirrors her own. Their relationship isn’t just a plot device; it’s a study in healing and redemption. Then there’s Eleanor, whose arc from devout follower to disillusioned rebel is one of the most satisfying character developments I’ve seen in years. If you take a step back and think about it, Berseria’s cast isn’t just memorable—they’re relatable in their flaws and growth.
Combat That Keeps You on Your Toes
Berseria’s real-time combat system is a masterclass in balance. The Soul Gauge mechanic forces you to strategize, rewarding both offense and defense. What this really suggests is that the developers understood the importance of pacing in combat. It’s not just about mashing buttons; it’s about knowing when to strike and when to retreat. The Break Souls attacks, with their cinematic flair, add a layer of spectacle that never gets old.
Remastered, But Not Reinvented
The Switch port introduces quality-of-life tweaks that address the original’s biggest flaws. Faster running speed and unlimited warp items? Yes, please. These changes might seem minor, but they transform the experience. However, the lack of graphical upgrades is a missed opportunity. From my perspective, this isn’t a remaster that pushes boundaries—it’s more of a polished re-release. But does that matter? Not really, if you’re playing it for the first time.
Why Berseria Still Resonates
What this remaster does best is remind us why Berseria was special. It’s a game that dared to be different, both in its storytelling and gameplay. In a sea of JRPGs, it stands out as a bold, character-driven epic. Personally, I think its impact goes beyond the Tales series—it’s a blueprint for how to revive a struggling franchise.
Final Thoughts
Tales of Berseria Remastered isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a testament to the power of strong characters, innovative gameplay, and a willingness to take risks. If you’ve never played it, this is your chance. And if you have? Well, it’s worth revisiting just to see how far the series has come. This raises a deeper question: how many games can truly claim to have redeemed an entire franchise? Berseria is one of them—and that’s why it matters.
