Tales of Zestiria is worth considering if you want a substantial fantasy JRPG with an action-focused battle system and an appealing cast, but it is not an easy recommendation for players who put technical polish first. Critics’ views were divided: the PS4 version’s Metacritic score is 72/100, while reviews praised combat and story and also raised concerns about visuals, camera behavior, and technical compromises.
What reviewers say about Tales of Zestiria
On Metacritic’s PS4 critic page, Tales of Zestiria has a 72 Metascore from 59 critic reviews, categorized as “Mixed or Average.” The page displays 32 positive reviews (54%), 26 mixed reviews (44%), and one negative review (2%); the percentages are rounded. This is a snapshot of the PS4 listing, not a platform-neutral score or a permanent measure of reception. Metacritic’s PS4 critic reviews
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Tales of Zestiria - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition (Renewed) | $19.34 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Tales of Zestiria - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Tales of Zestiria (PS4) | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Tales of Zestiria, 1 PS4-Blu-ray Disc | $9.60 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Tales of Zestiria: Collector's Edition - PlayStation 4 | $218.19 | Buy on Amazon |
What reviewers liked
Combat is a recurring strength in the critic excerpts. GameOver.gr describes the battle system as exceptional, while Vandal praises both the story and gameplay. Metacritic reproduces Vandal’s October 19, 2015 review excerpt: “Tales of Zestiria is an outstanding game we’ve enjoyed as much as many classic Japanese RPGs. Great story and great gameplay work together to create a game worth playing to celebrate Tales of 20th anniversary.” That is Vandal’s assessment, as reproduced by Metacritic, rather than a consensus statement.
Where the reviews diverge
Other excerpts point to uneven presentation: GameOver.gr mentions camera glitches and technology tied to the prior generation, while MeriStation praises combat but criticizes the visuals and open-world locations. These are individual reviewers’ judgments, not proof that every edition or player encounters identical issues. Taken together, the score and excerpts suggest a game with substantial appeal whose execution did not persuade every critic.
#1 Best Overall
- A Whole New World - Explore a medieval fantasy world with cues taken from classic literature and wide and expansive environments
- Instant Aggression Seamless transitions from exploration to the trademark Tales of real-time battle system skirmishes
- Fusion Battle System - Strategically fuse two characters together in battle into a more powerful form to achieve victory against vicious enemies
- The Echoes of Lore - Follow the exploits of Sorey on his mission as the Shepherd told through real-time and animated cut-scenes with the original Japanese voice overs or newly added English voices
What kind of game is it?
GameSpot classifies Tales of Zestiria as an action role-playing game and lists PC, PS3, and PS4. Steam identifies Bandai Namco Studio Inc. as developer, Bandai Namco Entertainment as publisher, and October 19, 2015 as the PC release date; release dates and availability can differ by platform and region. GameSpot’s game listing · Steam’s PC listing
The official Steam description centers on Sorey, the Shepherd, who fights Malevolence and seeks to reunite humans and Seraphim in a world shaped by war and political conflict. It presents a medieval fantasy setting, varied environments, and battles that transition seamlessly into their surroundings, with Sorey able to fuse with Seraphim. Those are the publisher’s feature descriptions; the critic excerpts show that execution and presentation were not universally praised.
Rank #2
- A Whole New World - Explore a medieval fantasy world with cues taken from classic literature and wide and expansive environments
- Instant Aggression Seamless transitions from exploration to the trademark Tales of real-time battle system skirmishes
- Fusion Battle System - Strategically fuse two characters together in battle into a more powerful form to achieve victory against vicious enemies
- The Echoes of Lore - Follow the exploits of Sorey on his mission as the Shepherd told through real-time and animated cut-scenes with the original Japanese voice overs or newly added English voices
Should you get Tales of Zestiria?
It is a better fit if the draw is an action-oriented JRPG, its cast, and a fantasy story. If you are especially sensitive to dated visuals, camera problems, or technical compromises, the recurring review reservations are worth weighing before you buy. The PS4 aggregate supports a qualified recommendation rather than a blanket verdict, and it should not be treated as a score for the PC or PS3 editions.
- Consider it if: combat and character-driven fantasy appeal to you more than cutting-edge presentation.
- Think twice if: visual polish and consistently smooth camera work are essential to your enjoyment.
- Keep platform in view: the cited 72 score is specifically for PS4; it does not establish which version is best.
Which platform should you choose?
The available evidence does not establish a definitive best platform. Choose based on access and preferred input, and do not assume the PS4 critic score describes the PC experience.
Rank #3
- Diversified and huge! You’ll discover vast environments throughout your adventure with the help of Seraphim.
- Advanced Battle System! Fusions between Sorey and seraphim bring about new strengths and incredible Artes. Plus there’s no more need for loading screens or transition as the battle scenes are now seamlessly integrated into the environments.
- Medieval Fantasy World! Tumble head first into Sorey's epic journey across beautiful landscapes with a companionable cast of character and beautiful animations realized by the famous animation studio, ufotable.
| Edition | What the available sources establish | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| PC | Steam lists the digital edition and dates its release October 19, 2015. Bandai Namco’s PC manual documents keyboard-and-mouse controls and gamepad support with X-Input and Direct-Input modes. | The manual does not guarantee support for every current controller. Check your preferred input setup and regional storefront availability. |
| PS4 | GameSpot lists the platform. Metacritic’s cited critic aggregate is 72/100 from 59 reviews. | The score is a PS4-specific snapshot; it is not a technical comparison with PC or PS3. |
| PS3 | GameSpot lists the platform. | The sources here do not provide a comparable critic aggregate or technical assessment for this edition. |
For PC input details, consult the Bandai Namco PC manual.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need the downloadable content?
Steam lists downloadable add-ons, including an additional Alisha story chapter and cosmetic or item packs. Their presence is a content consideration, not evidence that any add-on is required to play the main game. If you want a particular chapter or extras, check the contents of the edition and storefront offer in your region before purchasing; current prices and availability are not established here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A Whole New World - Explore a medieval fantasy world with cues taken from classic literature and wide and expansive environments
- Instant Aggression - Seamless transitions from exploration to the trademark Tales of real-time battle system skirmishes
- Fusion Battle System - Strategically fuse two characters together in battle into a more powerful form to achieve victory against vicious enemies
- The Echoes of Lore - Follow the exploits of Sorey on his mission as the Shepherd told through real-time and animated cut-scenes with the original Japanese voice overs or newly added English voices
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
