Today Bandai Namco sent in a press release chock full of lovely 1080p screenshots and art of the upcoming Tales of Berseria, that will release on August 18th in Japan for PS4 and PS3, and early next year in the west for PS4 and PC.
We get a look at the way we can customize characters with the attachment system, a few minigames, including a balloon popping game reminiscent of Tales of Destiny II, long jump and a collectible card game featuring characters from the series.
We can also enjoy three mystic artes: Rokuro's Zero Void, Magolou's Ascending Angel and Eizen's Perfect Mayhem. The "Rare Board" hoverboard (that will let you travel faster and over impassable terrain) and cooking are also showcased.
Cooking will let you discover different recipes from around the world. You can use them to restore HP or even get additional effects. Each character can increase his or her own cooking skill separately.
The Jump, Bienfu! minigame will prompt you to control Bienfu to see how far you can jump, while Chamballoon 2 will let you try to beat your own record by popping as many balloons as possible.
The outfits and accessories you use to customize each character will carry over during cutscenes, and there are several ways to change everyone's appearance, from hairstyles to costumes and accessories.
Players will also be able to send scouting ships to explore regions of the sea. They will return after a while loaded with materials, treasures and cooking recipes.
We also get a look at "Katz Boxes," that can be opened with “Katz Spirits" that can be collected around the world. Opening them will grant players items, including customization ones.
Last, but not least, we get the introduction of two characters:
Shigure Rangetsu:
Gender: Male
Age: 31 year old
Height: 185 cm
Weapon: Long Blade
Fighting style: Legate
Tribe: Human
Japanese voice actor: Kazuya Nakai
Shigure is a Legate from The Abbey, an organization of exorcists. He is Rokurou’s brother and is the head of the Rangetsu family. They employ a unique fighting style in order to be the strongest warriors.
Even if he is a Legate, he has a freewheeling attitude unappreciated by serious-minded exorcists. However, he justifies his carefree behaviour with his prowess in battle.
His sole source of joy is to fight tough opponents and can’t help but laugh when his opponent is stronger than him. Thus, he will never turn down a new challenge if the opportunity presents itself.
Melchior:
Gender: Male
Age: Unknown
Height: 165 cm
Weapon: Orb
Fighting style: Legate
Tribe: Human
Japanese voice actor: Nobuo Tobita
A Legate elder versed in the ancient legends and a master in alchemy from The Abbey. His years of experience places him as an advisor for Artorius, the head of the exorcists.
He recognises the importance of the exorcists’ missions and that they cannot always be accomplished through good deeds. He is willing to take on the unpleasant tasks.
Even though his main role is to support the organisation with strategy and resources, he is a powerful arte-wielder.
Check them all out below.