The September 2023 State of Play event sent ripples of excitement through the gaming community, particularly among RPG enthusiasts eagerly anticipating titles like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. However, one unexpected delight stood out amidst the showcase – the return of Tales of Arise, acclaimed as the best RPG of 2021, and the announcement of an upcoming expansion titled “Beyond the Dawn.”
This expansion promises to add a substantial amount of new content to the base game, further enriching the narrative of Alphen and Shionne. In this article, we delve into everything you need to know about Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn and how it will continue the captivating story of our beloved protagonists.
Release Date: November 9, 2023
The September 2023 State of Play trailer unveiled that “Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn” is set to grace our screens on November 9, 2023. Importantly, this expansion will be available across all the platforms that hosted the base game, including PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series, Xbox One consoles, and PC.
Standalone Expansion or Base Game Requirement?
“Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn” will be a substantial expansion but will require players to own the base game, Tales of Arise. However, there is good news for existing owners of the base game – Beyond the Dawn will be available as a free update. According to an official PlayStation Blog post, this expansion promises to inject over 20 hours of fresh gameplay content into the Tales of Arise universe.
Continuing the Saga: The Story of “Beyond the Dawn”
It has been two years since the release of Tales of Arise, and Beyond the Dawn is poised to pick up the storyline after a brief passage of time. This expansion will unfold events approximately a year after the conclusion of the base game, reuniting Alphen and Shionne with the remainder of their party. It aims to explore what transpires after their seemingly blissful conclusion.
However, the crux of Beyond the Dawn’s narrative revolves around the introduction of a new character named Nazamil. The PlayStation Blog post provides some insight into Nazamil’s background. She is the offspring of a Dahnan and a Renan, and one of her parents is a lord that players encountered in the base game. The identity of this lord remains shrouded in mystery, deliberately concealed by the developers to surprise players. Additionally, the expansion will introduce new skills, dungeons, and quests, enriching the player experience with fresh challenges and opportunities for exploration.
The most intriguing aspect of Beyond the Dawn, as articulated in the PlayStation Blog post, lies in its ability to grant both developers and players a rare opportunity – the chance to witness life after the world has been saved. Tales of Arise’s central focus revolves around the enduring conflict between the Dahnans and the Renans, two societies perpetually at odds with each other. Alphen and Shionne, hailing from opposing sides of this conflict, epitomize a profound parallel to these larger divisions. Yet, even after the events of Tales of Arise, lingering animosities persist.
Beyond the Dawn seeks to unveil the aftermath of these monumental changes, shedding light on how the world evolves in the wake of profound transformations. Yusuke Tomizawa, the General Producer at Bandai Namco, eloquently expressed his fascination with stories that resonate with real-life complexities. He articulated, “I like these intriguing stories that remain, which sometimes reflect reality. On the other hand, I love recalling the character’s later life and I suddenly wonder how the characters continue to deal with the world afterward in response to that question.”
Final Thoughts
The announcement of “Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn” has ignited excitement among fans of the base game and the wider RPG community. With its release scheduled for November 9, 2023, players can eagerly anticipate diving back into the vibrant world of Arise to discover how the tale of Alphen and Shionne unfolds after their initial adventure. The introduction of Nazamil and the promise of new skills, dungeons, and quests add layers of intrigue, ensuring that Beyond the Dawn will be an essential addition for those who cherished the base game.
Moreover, the expansion’s exploration of life after the world-saving heroics offers a unique narrative perspective, allowing players to witness the enduring consequences of their characters’ actions. Tales of Arise continues to captivate its audience with its intricate storytelling, rich characters, and thought-provoking themes. As we await the release of “Beyond the Dawn,” one can only speculate about the surprises and emotional depths that this expansion will bring to the forefront, ensuring that Tales of Arise retains its position as a compelling and unforgettable RPG experience.
