The Tales of series is one of the most renowned JRPG franchises in the gaming world. With more than 15 mothership titles and several spin-offs and sequels, it continues to dominate as a franchise built on lovable characters, continually improved combat systems and graphics, and so much more.

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As a franchise that has been releasing games since 1995, fans have seen and experienced the best and the worst of the Tales of games. Between stories that have become critically acclaimed over the years, to the ones that have been long forgotten or criticized for questionable content, here are the top 10 Tales of games with the best Metascores.

10 Tales of Hearts R (76)

A remade version of the original Tales of Hearts, Tales of Hearts R was released on the PlayStation Vita with fully rendered 3D models. Interestingly, the original Nintendo DS-version of the game doesn't appear on Metacritic, suggesting that the PS Vita is either the better version or the more well-known of the two.

The game follows Kor Meteor, a quintessential Tales of protagonist, on a journey to restore the heart and soul (Spiria) of a mysterious girl named Kohaku Hearts. Beyond the modeling differences between the two versions, the PS Vita edition adds two new party members and a cooking system (which is a classic JRPG element that has become integral to the Tales of series).

9 Tales of Phantasia (76)

Tales of Phantasia is the first game in the series. Released in 1995 on the Super Famicom in Japan, it eventually came to North America on the Game Boy Advance in 2006, with more versions releasing up until 2014. The Metacritic score of 76 refers to the Game Boy Advance version; an ios version of the game is ranked remarkably lower at 35.

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As the first Tales of title, Phantasia solidified many of the classic mechanics deeply embedded into every game in the franchise. It stands as a pillar of the series and impressively still ranks in the top 10.

8 Tales of Zestiria (77)

Tales of fans have long been conflicted about Tales of Zestiria, which is apparent given its lower ranking compared to other newer releases. There is also a score discrepancy between systems, with the PC version averaging a 77 and the PlayStation 4 release (released at the same time as the PC) scoring a 72.

The additional mechanic of fusing playable characters together through armatization (combining host with seraphim) and removal of separate battle screens attest to the polarizing opinions on this entry. Regardless, the story, which follows Sorey, Rose, and their seraphim companions, is quite charming. The game also shows the franchise is willing to try new things.

7 Tales of Graces f (77)

Another remake, Tales of Graces f for the PlayStation 3 added an additional post-game storyline onto the original Wii version. The ported version, which holds the 77 Metascore, retains most of the same content but adds new cutscenes and updated graphics.

In spite of criticism for its cliché portrayal of friendship, the game is nevertheless packed with solid graphics for its time, extensive and engaging lore, and surprisingly challenging battles. It simultaneously pays tribute to the many Tales of games that precede it, while integrating new and exciting mechanics to entice long-time Tales of fans.

6 Tales of Xillia (78)

Tales of Xillia is lauded as mixing classic Tales of elements with new and inventive ideas, which would go on to be further explored in the releases that followed it. Its 78 can be attested to several variables: its freshness as a recent release, the introduction of a new combat system, and its memorable personality.

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A major selling point of Xillia is the way it handles its characters, with two centralized characters (Jude and Milla) as opposed to just one. While Tales of Xillia is one of the few games with a sequel, the latter ranked lower on Metacritic at 71.

5 Tales of Eternia (78)

One of the games responsible for spearheading the Tales of franchise, Tales of Eternia first came out in Japan on the PlayStation in 2000. As with all Tales of games of this era, Eternia features 2D anime-model sprites with linear combat. It does, however, still manage to hold up alongside recent releases that have superior graphics.

Tales of Eternia is often mistaken for Tales of Destiny 2, a sequel to Tales of Destiny that features Kyle Dunamis, son of Stahn Aileron (Tales of Destiny's protagonist). This is due to Tales of Eternia being renamed Tales of Destiny II when it was released in North America to avoid trademark complications, only creating greater confusion in the process.

4 Tales of the Abyss (78)

Tales of the Abyss is the eighth mothership title in the Tales of series and is special as the franchise's tenth-anniversary game. a 3DS port was released in 2012, but it, unfortunately, ranked lower on Metacritic at 75.

There are many classic Tales of elements found in Abyss, including skits, cooking, titles being significant, and earning Grades. Because of this, it's very approachable for new Tales of players, while still managing to improve upon many of the mechanics associated with the franchise. Though dated by its graphics, Abyss does maintain its notoriety with its easy-to-understand combat and well-rounded storytelling.

3 Tales of Berseria (80)

Tales of Berseria serves as a prequel to Tales of Zestiria and follows Velvet Crowe (the franchise's first sole-female protagonist). As a game that precedes Zestiria, many of Zestiria's lore is established in Berseria, including the first Shepherd (a position Sorey later takes on in Zestiria), malakhim (who become the seraphim), and malevolence.

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As the newest release in the franchise, Berseria has the benefit of having the most updated graphics and the widest audience. Nevertheless, it is a title that manages to retain the classic Tales of charm and pull in new players while satisfying old fans with its improved battle system, features, and classic Tales of mechanics.

2 Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition (83)

While many versions of Tales of Vesperia are on Metacritic, the highest-ranking is the latest version, the Definitive Edition. Featuring the same storyline and cast from the original version, the Definitive Edition adds two additional playable characters (that were previously unavailable in North American versions of the game) and additional content like side-quests and more costumes.

Tales of Vesperia has often been credited as the perfect starting point for people wanting to get into the Tales of franchise. Beyond its approachability, its characters are a standout despite there being so many of them, and following their journey has kept fans continually coming back to this game.

1 Tales of Symphonia (86)

Tales of Symphonia is beloved amongst JRPG fans. Tales of Symphonia introduced the 3D battle system to the franchise while still retaining 2D elements. In addition, it also brought in costumes for the first time, which would later become a staple of the Tales of franchise.

Tales of Symphonia ranking the highest on Metacritic should come as no surprise to fans, as the game's popularity has always been apparent. Symphonia was given a sequel (which unfortunately did not do as well), a manga, an animated series, and several remasters with new content added each time. Ultimately, it stands as an iconic title that has helped keep the franchise on the gaming map.

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