Summary
TheTalesseries has been a beloved staple of theJRPGgenre since the mid-1990s when the first titleTales Of Phantasiaappeared for the Super Famicom. Like its peers,Final FantasyandDragon Quest, the franchise enjoys a devoted following and enjoys success in the present day across several platforms.
The games are known best for a vibrant cast and also a firm emphasis on story and character development. These are games that tell epic stories and the arcs undergone by the protagonists leave them utterly changed. In particular, the series boasts some especially memorable female characters. Here is a list of some of the strongest.
Released in 2011,Tales Of Xilliawas a huge hit with fans around the world and went on to sell over a million copies. Not only that, but it also got adaptations in the form of manga, novels, and an audio CD. The game,which includes some of the best combat in the series, was so popular that it got a sequel, and appearing across both games was Milla Maxwell, one of the two main protagonists who feature in the game.
As the incarnation of the Lord of Spirits, it is her solemn duty to protect the world and its inhabitants, Milla’s strength lies in a deep sense of commitment to this task, and the first game’s plot involves her discovery of a catastrophic loss in the spirit world. She possesses very high magic stats, making her an MVP for spellcasting, and her fighting style combines agility with a strong offense. The result is a fan favorite and one of the most distinctive characters in the series.
Velvet Crowe stands out in JRPGs for havingan especially tragic backstory. InTales Of Vesperia,she is originally a happy young woman, but her world is shattered forever when her village is attacked by demons. She loses her family before seeing her entire village slaughtered by foul beasts. In the wake of such an atrocity, she becomes possessed by vengeance and transforms into a deadly fighter.
Altered by daemonic powers, Velvet has incredible close-range combat skills, as evidenced by the devastating claws that she uses to dish out punishment to enemies. Still, she can also use her otherworldly abilities to devour opponents. Her backstory makes for a powerful revenge arc in the game, but she also has a great sense of loyalty and stays true to her companions across the course of the narrative.
Estellise startsTales Of Vesperiaas a princess living in opulence who enjoys a sheltered life. None of this can stop her desire to discover the wider world beyond the confines of her palace and along the way, she discovers that she possesses an incredible power as Child Of The Full Moon and all its healing abilities are at her disposal. The young monarch then sets out on an incredible odyssey of discovery, where she uncovers the deeper meanings behind strength and friendship.
Her formidable healing powers make her an essential member of the party, but Estellise is also an asset by way of her ability to use light-elemental physical attacks. Her spell-casting talents are exceptional, as she is able to cast without interruption. Unlike most cleric-class characters, she has high defense, can sit comfortably on the front lines, and is a solid melee character who is adept at tanking enemies.
Tales Of Symphoniais remembered as being a standout title for Nintendo’sGamecubeand another standout game in the franchise. Its blue-eyed lead Colette is an iconic part of the game. Cheerful and big-hearted, she becomes the Chosen Of Mana and much like Milla Maxwell, must save the world. Such an undertaking comes with a price, and at one point in the game, she must make enormous sacrifices as she undergoes a soul-wrenching transformation.
Colette’s intricate arc is reflected in her versatile fighting style, mixing damage with spellcasting and support for other party members. She does a great job with aerial combat, making her ideal for tackling flying enemies. Her trademark chakrams are well-suited to both close and long-range fighting. Her robust magic abilities have high stats and are especially useful in the game’s climax.
Judith belongs to the Krityan people. InTales Of Vesperia,she first appears as a figure known as the Dragon Rider. Her life’s mission involves destroying ancient magical devices called ‘blastia’, which she believes are wreaking havoc on the planet, a throwback to the Mako Reactors inFinal Fantasy 7. Judith comes across as a calm, considered figure, but beneath the exterior lies a lethal, dextrous fighter. Her backstory contains tragedy and loss when it is revealed that her father was killed by a blastia device.
Aerial combat is her specialty, and her fighting prowess is a sight to behold as she juggles multiple enemies in the air before finishing them off. Her burst damage attacks are furious, and she is capable of dishing out light elemental attacks so she has the upper hand against dark-aligned enemies. Highly agile and with high attack points, Judith is one of the most powerful fighting characters in the series.
Alisha Diphda is a double threat - not only a princess but also a knight of the kingdom of Hyland. Despite her lofty status, she is dedicated to protecting her people and strives to create a more just and equitable society. She chooses to fight with the spear and she wields it with determination and discipline, making for some spectacular battles inTales Of Zestiria. Her own story takes in political struggle, as she struggles to overcome bias in order to inherit the throne.
Alisha’s proficiency with the spear means she is an excellent choice for ground-based combat, and she is capable of mixing precise thrusts with an ability to keep multiple enemies at bay. Her burst attacks dish out devastating damage and like Judith, she is also a dab hand at light-elemental attacks. Overall, her stats and versatility in battle make her a sturdy and powerful ally.
Tales of the Abyss’Tear Grants looms large. First and foremost, she is a soldier of the Order of Lorelei, a quasi-religious military group, but she is also a user of the seventh fonon, and her magical abilities affect sound and healing. Outwardly, she gives off the impression of someone with immense discipline, but a deeper look reveals a person who is warm and vulnerable. These traits are explored in more detail as she gets to know party members during the story in thePlayStation 2classic.
Tear is a healer, casting magic in order to support the group, but her mid-range attacks shouldn’t be overlooked. For any prolonged battles, she is absolutely invaluable due to her high healing stats. As with Alisha, she wields a spear to deadly effect and her Piercing Line spear thrusts create a huge shockwave that can decimate enemies, even at mid-range. Like every good soldier, she is able to turn any skirmish in the heroes' favor.
