Why the Tales video game series calls itself a character playing game, not RPG
In short: The Tales franchise, which has shipped over 30 million copies since 1995, rejects the traditional role-playing label. Developers view these titles as character-focused experiences where players watch protagonists grow rather than using them as blank avatars. This philosophy shapes everything from their anime-inspired art to their unique battle systems.
The Tales series began with Tales of Phantasia in 1995, developed by Wolf Team for the Super Famicom. The franchise is defined by its Linear Motion Battle System, a real-time fighting mechanic that diverged from the turn-based norms of the era. While most entries are independent, they share high fantasy settings and recurring themes, such as the coexistence of different races. The series is famously categorized by its producers into Mothership titles for main entries and Escort titles for spin-offs, though these internal distinctions are often omitted in Western localizations.
A defining characteristic of the series is its focus on narrative and character development. Producers decide on a central theme—often inspired by real-world events—before naming the game or finalizing character designs. This approach extends to the game's unique terminology, such as the Characteristic Genre Name, which serves as a subtitle to outline the specific theme of each entry. The developers explicitly refer to these games as Character Playing Games to emphasize that the player is learning about the cast rather than simply controlling a hero.
The series has evolved significantly in its production and art style. Originally, Namco Tales Studio operated with two distinct teams, Team Destiny and Team Symphonia, which allowed for simultaneous development of 2D and 3D titles. Following the studio's absorption into Bandai Namco in 2011, production was streamlined under Bandai Namco Studios. Despite shifts in technology, such as the move from cel-shaded aesthetics to more realistic designs, the series maintains a consistent reliance on anime-style cutscenes to establish its tone. From the early days of Phantasia to the 2026 release of the Tales of Eternia Remastered version, the franchise remains a pillar of the JRPG genre.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Tales (video game series)
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