The Tales of series officially turned 30 years old on December 15, 2025, and Bandai Namco marked the occasion with a beautiful memorial video that takes fans on a journey through three decades of beloved JRPGs. The first entry, Tales of Phantasia, launched for the Super Famicom on December 15, 1995, introducing players to a world of anime-inspired storytelling, real-time combat, and memorable characters that would define the franchise for generations.
The anniversary video showcases the evolution of the series, highlighting every mainline Tales game from its 16-bit origins to the stunning visuals of Tales of Arise. But this isn’t just a look back. Bandai Namco’s message is clear: the 30-year milestone isn’t an ending but the start of a new journey. The company promises to continue delivering the “Tales of style” that fans have loved across generations while weaving new stories together with the community.
From Super Famicom to Modern Consoles
Tales of Phantasia was revolutionary for its time. Released in 1995 on the Super Famicom, it featured voiced dialogue and CD-quality music on a cartridge, technical achievements that pushed the hardware to its limits. The game followed Cress Albane and his companions as they traveled through time to stop the demon king Dhaos, establishing the series’ tradition of time-spanning adventures and morally complex antagonists.
Over 30 years, the franchise expanded to 17 mainline JRPG entries, each bringing unique worlds, battle systems, and stories while maintaining core elements that define the Tales experience. The Linear Motion Battle System evolved from 2D side-scrolling combat to fully 3D arena battles. Character interactions deepened through the Skits system, those charming dialogue scenes that reveal party dynamics and backstory. And the series maintained its commitment to anime aesthetics with collaborations featuring renowned studios and artists.
Some entries became legendary within the JRPG community. Tales of Symphonia introduced many Western players to the series when it launched on GameCube in 2004. Tales of Vesperia brought Xbox 360 owners a mature, politically charged narrative with one of the franchise’s most beloved protagonists. Tales of Arise, released in 2021, became the best-selling entry in the series, proving that decades-old franchises can still innovate and attract new audiences.
The Anniversary Celebration Goes Beyond One Video
Bandai Namco didn’t just drop a memorial video and call it a day. The publisher launched an official 30th anniversary website featuring a comprehensive timeline of the franchise’s history, exclusive content, and updates on upcoming events. The site serves as both a museum for longtime fans and a guide for newcomers wondering where to start with 30 years of games.
An anniversary livestream held on December 16 gave fans even more to celebrate. The broadcast included heartfelt messages from developers, a fan Q&A session, and most importantly, gameplay footage of Tales of Graces f Remastered. The remaster launched on January 17, 2025, bringing the beloved 2010 RPG to modern platforms with visual improvements, quality-of-life features, and over 80 DLC packs included in the base game.
More Remasters Are Coming
Producer Yusuke Tomizawa has made it clear that the 30th anniversary is about more than nostalgia. In a 2022 interview with Famitsu, Tomizawa stated that if there wasn’t a new title for the 30th anniversary, he wouldn’t have fulfilled his responsibility to the series. While specific announcements remain under wraps, the producer emphasized delivering what fans are looking for while expanding the Tales series’ range.
More importantly, Bandai Namco confirmed plans to release Tales remasters “fairly consistently” and “as much as possible.” Tales of Xillia Remastered arrived on October 31, 2024, and Tales of Graces f Remastered launched in January 2025. This commitment to bringing older entries to modern platforms addresses a longstanding fan request. Many Tales games remain locked on older hardware, making them difficult for new players to experience legally.
Why Tales Of Endures After Three Decades
The Tales series survived 30 years in an incredibly competitive genre by balancing tradition with innovation. Each game introduces new battle mechanics, but the core focus on real-time action combat remains. Stories explore different themes and settings, from high fantasy to sci-fi, but maintain the series’ emphasis on friendship, sacrifice, and challenging moral questions.
The franchise also benefits from passionate fan communities worldwide. Tales games may not outsell Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest in the West, but they’ve cultivated dedicated followers who appreciate the series’ anime aesthetic, character-focused storytelling, and dynamic combat systems. These fans have kept the flame burning through long gaps between releases and have vocally advocated for ports and remasters of classics trapped on discontinued platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Tales of series begin?
The Tales of series began with Tales of Phantasia, which launched on December 15, 1995 in Japan for the Super Famicom. The game was developed by Wolf Team and published by Namco.
How many Tales games have been released?
There are 17 mainline Tales entries plus numerous spin-offs, mobile games, and remakes. The most recent mainline entry is Tales of Arise, which released in 2021 and became the best-selling game in the franchise.
What is the memorial video about?
The 30th anniversary memorial video showcases the evolution of the Tales series from Tales of Phantasia to Tales of Arise. It’s a nostalgic tribute celebrating 30 years of the franchise while promising that this milestone marks the beginning of a new journey rather than an ending.
Are more Tales remasters coming?
Yes, Bandai Namco has confirmed plans to release Tales remasters “fairly consistently” and “as much as possible.” Tales of Graces f Remastered launched in January 2025, and producer Yusuke Tomizawa has committed to bringing more classic entries to modern platforms.
Will there be a new Tales game for the 30th anniversary?
Producer Yusuke Tomizawa stated in 2022 that he would not have fulfilled his responsibility if there wasn’t something special for the 30th anniversary. While no new mainline game has been officially announced, the anniversary website and livestream hint at “new plans” coming in the future.
What makes Tales of games unique?
Tales games are known for their real-time Linear Motion Battle System, anime-inspired art style, character-focused storytelling, and the Skits system that reveals party dynamics through charming dialogue scenes. Each entry maintains these core elements while introducing unique mechanics and settings.
Which Tales game should newcomers start with?
Tales of Arise is often recommended for newcomers due to its modern graphics, quality-of-life features, and welcoming design. Tales of Symphonia Remastered and Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition are also excellent entry points for those who want to experience beloved classics on current hardware.
Conclusion
Thirty years is a remarkable achievement for any gaming franchise, especially in the JRPG space where tastes and technology constantly evolve. The Tales series has endured by staying true to its core identity while embracing change when necessary. The memorial video serves as both a celebration of what came before and a promise for what’s ahead. With remasters bringing classics to new audiences and hints of fresh projects in development, the next 30 years of Tales could be just as exciting as the first three decades. For fans who grew up with these games and newcomers discovering them for the first time, this anniversary marks not an ending but a beginning. The journey continues, and there are still countless stories left to tell.