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In this regard, Tales of Luminaria largely succeeds, offering a strong showing for the series on mobile devices. There’s a lot to like in Tales of Luminaria from its compelling story to its endearing characters, but like any video game, there are also a few things it just doesn’t get quite right.
10 Beautiful Visual Style
Tales of Luminaria is one of the most visually appealing mobile games in years, rivaling Genshin Impact in terms of character design. It feels cinematic in a way many console games don’t manage to pull off, establishing it as one of the most beautiful anime-style RPGs in recent memory.
While the environments don’t always get the same level of love, the character models are absolutely fantastic and could easily fit into any mainline Tales game without changing a thing. There’s a strong sense of purpose to the game’s look that reinforces the overall story.
9 Single Button Controls
The single-button controls in Tales of Luminaria are less than ideal, even if they’re intentionally designed to allow the game to be played with one hand. The fact that movement, attacking, and dodging are all cued to the same button often creates catastrophic mixups during hectic battles.
It’s especially frustrating when compared to similar mobile games like Genshin Impact or other Tales games like Tales of Arise that have much more versatile, enjoyable combat systems. While the intention of making the game more convenient to play is a noble intention, the imprecise controls often make it more difficult to play.
8 Charming And Compelling Characters
Each and every one of the 21 playable characters in Tales of Luminaria is a joy, bringing a range of motivations and intrigue that will keep players on the edge of their seats throughout each episode. Even characters that fit an archetype, such as Leo or Alexendra, feel refreshing in their delivery and history.
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A lot of this comes down to the writing and performances from the voice cast, a cast that includes well-known anime actors like Christina Vee and Colleen Clinkenbeard. Tales of Luminaria has one of the strongest rosters in any game this year, which is an impressive feat for a mobile title.
7 The Camera
The camera in Tales of Luminaria is one of the more frustrating hurdles players will have to overcome during their time in the game, as they have no control over it whatsoever. Since the game is also locked in portrait mode, battles can often feel frustrating within the limited window of view.
This can lead to enemies disappearing from the screen even as they’re still attacking you, which makes it a challenge to enjoy the game’s exceptional story around its uneven combat. While the developer intended for this to make the game easier to pick up, it doesn’t feel great during actual gameplay.
6 The Episodic Storytelling
Tales of Luminaria eschews a traditional, linear story in favor of an episodic, Rashomon-style narrative that shifts between each of its 21 playable characters over the course of a multi-year conflict between two warring factions.
The story is fascinating and features character betrayals, shocking revelations, and wicked revenge plots that impact the fate of entire nations. The episodic nature of the storytelling allows each character the time to shine, meaning that no one character ever feels sidelined by their irrelevance to the overall plot.
5 Limited Multiplayer
Most mobile games with gacha mechanics offer a suite of multiplayer options that give players the chance to either work together or go head-to-head in PvP style gameplay. While Tales of Luminaria does have some element of cooperative multiplayer, its offering is very lean at the moment.
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Players can team up in groups of four to take on a large boss monster in an arena-like setting, but there’s nothing else on offer as far as multiplayer systems go. Episodes can’t be played through with friends, despite AI-controlled characters often joining the player during the adventure.
4 Variety Of Combat Styles
Every character in Tales of Luminaria sports a unique and surprisingly deep set of combat capabilities that sets them apart from other characters in the roster. While many of the characters wield melee weapons and choose to strike from close quarters, more than a few have ranged kits that keep them on the backline.
Attack styles differ even among characters who use the same weapons; some sword wielders strike with slow deliberate attacks while others string quick combos together before darting out of harm’s way. There are numerous different weapon types that dramatically alter how each character dishes out damage.
3 AI Controlled Teammates
Many episodes in Tales of Luminaria feature AI-controlled teammates who join up with the player character to assist them during that episode’s mission. While these allies are usually a welcome addition (especially when playing as a ranged character), the lack of player control over them can be a bit annoying.
These allies often charge ahead without caution which leads to them getting knocked on their butts. The inability to coordinate attacks with them is an unnecessary frustration, especially after experiencing the team synergy offered in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
2 The Soundtrack
Great, atmospheric music is a staple of RPGs, and Tales of Luminaria more than lives up to this legacy. The score, composed by musician Go Shiina, varies between an electric rock anthem and softer, more emotional beats that enhance every scene they back.
The original songs created for the game are just as great, with the opening and ending songs (by Japanese artists Frederic and Keina Suda, respectively) standing alongside the best anime themes out there today.
1 Lack Of Open-World
If Genshin Impact has proven anything it’s that mobile games can be just as big, if not bigger, than console titles. It’s a lesson Tales of Luminaria could benefit from, as its current structure limits its potential as a mobile juggernaut.
The lack of an open world prevents players from truly living in the story the developers have designed. It also makes grinding a repetitive chore, forcing players to replay episodes in order to max out their characters’ levels.
Tales of Luminaria was released on November 3, 2021, and is available on Android and iOS.
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