The Tales of Arise series has gained immense popularity, leaving fans eager to explore more of its rich storytelling and captivating gameplay. In a recent interview with IGN, Tales of Arise producer Yusuke Tomizawa expressed his desire to localize older games in the series for Western audiences. However, Tomizawa recognizes the complexity and challenges associated with this endeavor.
Tomizawa acknowledges that bringing older Tales games to new audiences is not a simple task. It involves careful consideration of factors such as determining the best formats and platforms for localization. Additionally, he questions whether the content of these older games should remain unchanged, given the advancements in the gaming industry.
One of the main goals is to cater to newcomers who have recently joined the franchise with Tales of Arise. Tomizawa emphasizes the importance of providing them with access to a full localization experience. This requires a thorough preparation to ensure that newcomers can seamlessly enjoy the older games without feeling disconnected from the overall series.
Unfortunately, numerous Tales games remain confined to older platforms. For instance, Tales of Eternia is stuck on the PSP, while Tales of Legendia is limited to the PS2. These technical limitations make it challenging to bring these games to modern consoles and reach a wider audience. Additionally, the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop further complicates the availability of Tales of the Abyss in the West.
In April 2022, Bandai Namco stated that there were no plans for a Tales of Arise sequel. However, the recent announcement of Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn, a paid-for expansion with over 20 hours of new gameplay, came as a pleasant surprise to fans. This serves as a reminder that plans can change, and the future localization of older games cannot be ruled out entirely.
The much-anticipated expansion, Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn, is set to launch on November 9 across all platforms. This expansion promises to deliver fresh content and extend the immersive experience for both existing and new players. Its release exemplifies the commitment of the Tales of Arise team to continually provide engaging adventures for fans.
Localization of older Tales games for Western audiences presents a complex and multifaceted challenge. Yusuke Tomizawa and the Tales of Arise team are eager to bring these beloved classics to new players while ensuring a seamless transition and enjoyable experience. Despite the technical limitations and uncertainties surrounding future plans, the release of Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn demonstrates the team’s dedication to expanding the franchise and captivating fans with captivating tales yet to be told.
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