With a doubt, TALES OF ARISE on the PS5 is easily one of my favorite games this year. The graphics, gameplay, combat, story, and characters are all fantastically done.

I’m trying to be a Completionist, so I’m playing all of the Main Quests and all of the Sub Quests. Completing the sub quests mostly gets you extra Gald, various points (SP, CP, EP), and often recipes. I’m still trying to find every Owl, but Hootle coos enough that there’s at least 2-3 owls on every map, some very well hidden. Wearing surround-sound headphones and listening to where the Hoo-Hoo-Hoo is directionally coming from helps tremendously in finding some of the most obscure owls.

Shionne, Kisara, and Rinwell are all my favorites. As you play the game, listen to their stories, and talk with them at Camp, each can be romanced. Shionne will grow closer to you, Kisara grows closer to Dohalim, and Rinwell grows closer with Law. It’s not entirely like Mass Effect, but each has a satisfactory story and relationship.

And don’t try to take on the Raging Mantis by the railroad tracks until you’ve beaten all Five Lords. The first Giant Zuegle Boss you encounter is actually Lvl 43, and will kill you in a single blow or two (even at Lvl 27). You need to be Lvl 39 or higher, have everyone in your party, and be well armed/equipped/stocked.