History VideoGame / TalesOfTheRays

* HeelFaceMole: [[spoiler:Chester]] is supposed to be this for the Salvation Front, but they quickly settle into DoubleAgent after finding out their friend joined up with the party.

* '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfPhantasia Phantasia]]:''' Ami Burklight

* '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfRebirth Rebirth]]:''' Claire Bennett, Agarte Lindblum

* '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfHearts Hearts]]:''' Fluora Spodumene
* '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfGraces Graces]]:''' Lambda, Kurt Bessel

* '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfInnocence Innocence]] (Orange):''' Luca Milda, Illia Animi, Spada Belforma, Kongwai Tao, Ange Serena, Ricardo Soldato, QQ Selezneva

* '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfInnocence Innocence]]:''' Coda, Chitose Cxarma, Hasta Ekstermi, Mathias

*** [[Videogame/TalesOfVesperia Rita Mordio]] is given a Sinon costume. Both are voiced by Creator/MichelleRuff.
*** Kirito's skit primarily has him and [[VideoGame/TalesOfGraces Asbel]] talking about their siblings. This is nothing but Creator/BrycePapenbrook TalkingToHimself.
*** Law and Kirito since they share both English and Japanese actors. Happens in Arise too.

** Unintentional English examples with the ''LightNovel/SwordArtOnline'' collaboration:
*** [[Videogame/TalesOfVesperia Rita Mordio]] is given a Sinon costume. Both are voiced by Creator/MichelleRuff.
*** Kirito's skit primarily has him and [[VideoGame/TalesOfGraces Asbel]] talking about their siblings. This is nothing but Creator/BrycePapenbrook TalkingToHimself.

* '''LightNovel/{{Slayers}}:''' Lina Inverse, Gourry Gabriev, Zelgadis Graywords, Amelia Wil Tesla Seyruun

** '''LightNovel/{{Slayers}}:''' Xellos

Unlike many free to play mobile titles (including the franchise's own ''VideoGame/TalesOfLink''), the gameplay is actually surprisingly complex, faithfully recreating the series' tried and true Linear Motion Battle System, resulting in fast-paced, FightingGame style combos that works surprisingly well on a touchscreen, as well as CPU controlled allies (with adjustable AI) in a fully 3D battlefield. The game is advertised as a "Console-Quality Tales title" and it shows. Instead of gaining them exclusively through the "gacha" roll mechanic, characters are given to you for free as rewards for playing the game (either on its main quest or in side events), and the gacha style summoning aspect is only for equipment (and the attached skills) for said characters.

Sadly, while those who played it tended to ''really'' like it for being an ambitious attempt at replicating a "proper" Tales game on mobile devices, Bandai Namco was unsatisfied with its performance outside of Japan, and decided to shutter the global English version in late March of 2018, with the final switch being flipped on May 29th of that year.

* CoversAlwaysLie: The original splash screen gave off the impression that all the main protagonists would join the party by the end of Arc 1. Yet by the time the final chapter was released, [[VideoGame/TalesOfTheTempest Caius]], [[VideoGame/TalesOfInnocence Ruca]], and [[VideoGame/TalesOfHearts Kor]] were still NPCs. For the worldwide version, this trope ended up being played straight. The Japanese version eventually subverted this by making them main story recruits in ''Mirrage Prison''.

* '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfXillia2 Xillia 2]] (Blue):''' Ludger Will Kresnik, Julius Will Kresnik, Gaius, Muzet, Milla, Victor, Ivar

Unlike many free to play mobile titles (including the franchise's own ''Tales of Link''), the gameplay is actually surprisingly complex, faithfully recreating the series' tried and true Linear Motion Battle System, resulting in fast-paced, FightingGame style combos that works surprisingly well on a touchscreen, as well as CPU controlled allies (with adjustable AI) in a fully 3D battlefield. The game is advertised as a "Console-Quality Tales title" and it shows. Instead of gaining them exclusively through the "gacha" roll mechanic, characters are given to you for free as rewards for playing the game (either on its main quest or in side events), and the gacha style summoning aspect is only for equipment (and the attached skills) for said characters.

The game's story is currently split into four arcs. The second arc is subtitled ''Mirrage Prison'', the third arc is subtitled ''Fairy's Requiem'' and the latest and current arc, subtitled ''Last Cradle'' was released in Autumn 2020.

** Brought up with [[Videogame/TalesOfTheWorld the Kanonnos]], [[Videogame/TalesOfLink Kana]], and the Videogame/TalesOfCrestoria team who initially mistake everyone for their alternate counterparts. However they quickly brush it off as something that frequently happens when traveling between worlds.

* AscendedExtra: Similar to VideoGame/TalesOfAsteria and its story arcs, a few returning characters receive higher billing as key figures after Arc 1.

** With the closures of VideoGame/TalesOfLink and VideoGame/TalesOfCrestoria, the members of their respective casts appearing as playable characters have become this.

* JustFrameBonus: Keeping true to the Linear Motion Battle System's Fighting Game Roots, Tales Of The Rays has these. If you input the next Arte in your chain at the right moment, which is just as the previous arte ends, the game displays the word "Just!" at the bottom of the screen. If said Arte is an attack and it connects with an enemy cleanly (i.e. they do not block and their Iron Stance is broken) it will also show how much bonus meter you get, which lets you use your Mirrage Artes faster. The bonus given depends on how high your chain went, how many Just Inputs you got in a row, and how many enemies your attack hit. However, if you do not have enough Chain Capacity to cover the full cost of your next arte, you will not be able to get this bonus

*** [[{{Videogame/Tales of Symphonia}} Kratos]] being [[spoiler:Lloyd's father]] tends to come up whenever he appears.

** The only aversion at first was VideoGame/TalesOfArise due to having only been released about 1 month prior before debuting in the game itself. However, the embargo seems to have been lifted after the 1-year anniversary as characters receive art depicting late-game moments.

*** Unfortunately applies to the VideoGame/TalesOfArise cast whose rapid addition the game seems to have resulted in their portraits lacking any variety in poses, a quality usually only reserved for minor characters.

* OldSaveBonus: Before its Japanese shutdown, players of [[VideoGame/TalesOfLink Tales of Link]] were allowed to select 5 units on a pre-determined list (assuming they owned said units). These players were eventually rewarded with free copies of the associated characters' mirrage gear and the ability to change the artwork to the chosen ''Link'' illustrations.

** With the final addition of every main party member up to and including VideoGame/TalesOfBerseria joining the roster by the 4th anniversary, any new playable usually ends up being this trope.

* LockedOutOfTheLoop: Ix tends to be the victim of this. Some of the more intelligent party members like [[VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia Raine]] and [[VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss Jade]] figure things out before everyone else starts getting suspicious, but they choose not to say anything.

** '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfPhantasia Narikiri Dungeon X]]:''' Dio, Mell, Rondoline E. Effenberg

* '''LightNovel/SwordArtOnline:''' Kirito, Asuna

** '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfPhantasia Narikiri Dungeon X]]:''' Couleur

** Zig-zagged for the Summon Spirits. They belong to Tir Na Nog, but due to the exoflection of so many worlds, they possess the memories and personalities of every incarnation throughout the ''Tales'' series which lets them have personal relationships with the party.

* AnAssKickingChristmas: The annual Christmas events

* AprilFoolsDay: The 1st released a fake trailer for a [[VideoGame/TalesOfEternia WHIS mini-game]]. The 2nd made it real and was released permanently after some additions and adjustments. The third took the form of a 3D sequel to little known PSP game ''Tales of VS''.

** Allies don't take advantage of the mechanic where the first arte used with a full CC gauge can't be blocked unless Iron Stance is still active. They attack immediately if not on the defensive.

** Healers without attack spells have tendencies to [[SuicidalOverconfidence walk up and start bashing enemies]] if everyone's buffed and healthy. [[VideoGame/TalesOfPhantasia Mint]] in particular is infamous given her limited offensive options.

* BeachEpisode: The annual back-to-back summer events.

* BraggingRightsReward: Chaos difficulty quests pit you against extremely powerful bosses to the point the recommended power level is 99,999 (a value impossible to achieve). Winning merely rewards you with a few puny chiral crystals that can be farmed in larger quantities from the easiest quests.

** With the closure of VideoGame/TalesOfLink, the cast appearing as playable characters ends up being this.

* CoversAlwaysLie: The original splash screen gave off the impression that all the main protagonists would join the party by the end of Arc 1. Yet by the time the final chapter was released, [[VideoGame/TalesOfTheTempest Caius]], [[VideoGame/TalesOfInnocence Ruca]], and [[VideoGame/TalesOfHearts Kor]] were still NPC's. For the worldwide version, this trope ended up being played straight. The Japanese version eventually subverted this by making them main story characters in ''Mirrage Prison''.

* DeflectorShields: Instead of whacking enemies with his book, [[VideoGame/TalesOfPhantasia Claus]] now surrounds himself with up to two layers of InstantRunes that protect him while he casts.

* TheEmpire: The Asgard Empire has conquered most of the world by ''Mirrage Prison''. While it seems to be genuinely trying to establish order in the aftermath of the Mirrorshift, the ruling body is conducting shady experiments on captured nexuses and clearly has ulterior motives.

** [[spoiler:Ix's memories were altered by Phil, resulting in a slightly exaggerated personality from the original but still retaining his core values.]]

** Many antagonists from the main series also pull this off. Due to begin in different world and circumstance such as losing a reason to do so, [[LoveRedeems their loved one come back]] or they're exoflected from the time before [[MoralEventHorizon they cross the line]]. Some choose to stay netural and continue to observed humanity (Though they will assist the heroes if they around the area) while some choose to join up with the heroes after begin convinced by them. However irredeemable antagonist exist and stay true to their villain role.

* LethalJokeCharacter: [[VideoGame/TalesOfBerseria Dark Turtlez]]. His new moveset is goofy and his basic attack string involves two whacks with his bazooka then performing seiza to drink tea. However, if one learns to avoid using the latter move, he's a fairly capable fighter whose only main drawback is the inability to access the 2nd mirrage gauge.

* LinearWarriorsQuadraticWizards: Non-elemental attacks lack any methods to increase damage. Therefore mages tend to deal higher numbers due to elemental weaknesses and resistances. However, this can be played with. Damage for physical artes with elemental attributes is biased towards either the Phys or Arte stat depending on whether the character's more magically or physically oriented, respectively. CompetitiveBalance makes it so that their weapons favor the less important stat. However, nothing is stopping you from equipping a swordsman with his best elemental arte, slapping the best magical equipment into the remaining slots, and then watching his damage numbers blow up.

* '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfArise Arise]]:''' Hootle

** Many antagonists from the main series also pull this off. Due to begin in different world and circumstance such as losing a reason to do so, [[LoveRedeems their loved one come back]] or they're exoflected from the time before [[MoralEventHorizon they cross the line]]. Some choose to stay netural and continue to observed humanity (Though they will assist the heroes if they around the area) while some choose to join up with the heroes after begin convinced by them. However [[CompleteMonster irredeemable antagonist]] exist and stay true to their villain role.

** In his home game, [[VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss Ion]] was only an AssistCharacter for Luke, and couldn't actually do any real fighting due to his [[IllBoy health]]. Now, with Tir Na Nog giving him a boost in strength, he's capable of fighting monsters with the party. However, his health still is a concern. He has the lowest health and if he uses up his CC he'll temporarily immobile, thus making this somewhat Downplayed.

** Brought up with [[Videogame/TalesOfTheWorld the Kanonnos]] and [[Videogame/TalesOfLink Kana]] who initially mistake everyone for their alternate counterparts. However they quickly brush it off as something that frequently happens when traveling between worlds.

** UpToEleven in Chapter 14 and beyond where certain characters are just using their status image or random art as their skit portrait, but subverted as they become retroactively updated when they become playable with a complete set of portraits.

[[quoteright:375:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/torfr.png]]

* '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfCrestoria Crestoria]] (Unknown):''' Kanata Hjuger, Misella

** [[VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss Miktran]], one of the earliest main villains of the series, is finally given a spotlight as a playable character after being absent in lots of crossovers.

* AntiFrustrationFeatures:
** The app closed accidentally, or your phone ran out of batteries during battle? No worries. You can continue from the beginning of the fight.
** The ''Oversmash'' feature keeps the last enemy alive until the active queue of Mirrage Artes is depleted. Helpful for objectives requiring a certain number performed or total amount of damage.
** Because there are no revival methods outside extremely rare equipment, party members gain a LastChanceHitPoint during enemy Mirrage Artes.
** Currency for reprinted events is acquired through missions completed through normal gameplay, eliminating any need to micromanage energy between events.
** Selling 15 unwanted mirrages lets players purchase a selection ticket redeemable for any regular mirrage of choice up to a certain release date.
** A single character cannot have more than 3 enemies targetting them, so as not to overwhelm you if your party starts dwindling against groups of enemies.

* '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfBerseria Berseria]] (Orange):''' Velvet Crowe, Laphicet, Eizen, Eleanor Hume, Magilou, Rokurou Rangetsu, Shigure Rangetsu, Artorius Collbrande, Dark Turtlez, Teresa Linares

* '''[[VideoGame/TalesOfBerseria Berseria]]:''' Bienfu, Morgrim, Oscar Dragonia

* LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters: The largest amount of characters in the series to date, boasting *every* playable character across the series for a total of over **200** playable characters. Even though every playable party member from the mothership games is already in, the game will add many more from spin-off party members to boss characters!

->'''Note:''' All collaboration characters have Rainbow Anima, except for '''VideoGame/TalesOfAsteria''' characters.

* '''VideoGame/TalesOfAsteria:''' ''Claw'' [[note]]Yuri Lowell[[/note]], ''Fang'' [[note]]Lloyd Irving[[/note]], ''Roar'' [[note]]Milla Maxwell[[/note]], ''The One Who Leads To Ruin'' [[note]]Kanonno Earhart[[/note]]

* '''Manga/{{Gintama}}:''' Gintoki Sakata, Kagura, Okita Sougo, Toshiro Hijikata

* RecycledSoundtrack: This game brings back tons of battle themes from the franchise. In the case of Phantasia, Destiny, Innocence, and Hearts, the music is lifted from their remakes.