Tales of Luminariais the latest title in theTales ofseries from Bandai Namco, a franchise renowned for its distinct art style and compelling, action-RPG combat systems. As the first dedicated mobile title in the series to release outside of JapanTales of Luminariahas a strong legacy to live up to.

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In this regard,Tales of Luminarialargely succeeds, offering a strong showing for the series on mobile devices. There’s a lot to like inTales of Luminariafrom its compelling story to its endearing characters, but like any video game, there are also a few things it just doesn’t get quite right.

10Beautiful Visual Style

Tales of Luminariais one of the most visually appealing mobile games in years, rivalingGenshin Impactin terms of character design. It feels cinematic in a way many console games don’t manage to pull off, establishing it asone of the most beautiful anime-style RPGsin recent memory.

While the environments don’t always get the same level of love, the character models are absolutely fantastic and could easily fit into any mainlineTalesgame without changing a thing. There’s a strong sense of purpose to the game’s look that reinforces the overall story.

two young men in eccentric clothing walk forward; two young men in school uniforms stare down an enemy

9Single Button Controls

The single-button controls inTales of Luminariaare less than ideal, even if they’re intentionally designed to allow the game to be played with one hand. The fact that movement, attacking, and dodging are all cued to the same button often creates catastrophic mixups during hectic battles.

It’s especially frustrating when compared to similar mobile games likeGenshin Impactor otherTalesgames likeTales of Arisethat havemuch more versatile, enjoyable combat systems. While the intention of making the game more convenient to play is a noble intention, the imprecise controls often make it more difficult to play.

a man in red cloak shoots red lightning at an enemy knight; a woman in black clothing stands at the entrance to a large cave

8Charming And Compelling Characters

Each and every one of the 21 playable characters inTales of Luminariais a joy, bringing a range of motivations and intrigue that will keep players on the edge of their seats throughout each episode. Even characters that fit an archetype, such as Leo or Alexendra, feel refreshing in their delivery and history.

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A lot of this comes down to the writing and performances from the voice cast, a cast that includes well-known anime actors like Christina Vee and Colleen Clinkenbeard.Tales of Luminariahas one of the strongest rosters in any game this year, which is an impressive feat for a mobile title.

7The Camera

The camera inTales of Luminariais one of the more frustrating hurdles players will have to overcome during their time in the game, as they have no control over it whatsoever. Since the game is also locked in portrait mode, battles can often feel frustrating within the limited window of view.

This can lead to enemies disappearing from the screen even as they’re still attacking you, which makes it a challenge toenjoy the game’s exceptional story around its uneven combat. While the developer intended for this to make the game easier to pick up, it doesn’t feel great during actual gameplay.

a large man in dark, heavy armor rests a large sword on his shoulder; two young men in school uniforms cross paths with their swords drawn

6The Episodic Storytelling

Tales of Luminariaeschews a traditional, linear storyin favor of an episodic, Rashomon-style narrative that shifts between each of its 21 playable characters over the course of a multi-year conflict between two warring factions.

The story is fascinating and features character betrayals, shocking revelations, and wicked revenge plots that impact the fate of entire nations. The episodic nature of the storytelling allows each character the time to shine, meaning that no one character ever feels sidelined by their irrelevance to the overall plot.

a blonde young man throws daggers that leave a lightning trail; a white-haired man in red and black clothes casts a spell

5Limited Multiplayer

Most mobile games with gacha mechanics offer a suite of multiplayer options that give players the chance to either work together or go head-to-head in PvP style gameplay. WhileTales of Luminariadoes have some element of cooperative multiplayer, its offering is very lean at the moment.

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Players can team up in groups of four to take on a large boss monster in an arena-like setting, but there’s nothing else on offer as far as multiplayer systems go. Episodes can’t be played through with friends, despite AI-controlled characters often joining the player during the adventure.

4Variety Of Combat Styles

Every character inTales of Luminariasports a unique and surprisingly deep set of combat capabilities that sets them apart from other characters in the roster. While many of the characters wield melee weapons and choose to strike from close quarters, more than a few have ranged kits that keep them on the backline.

Attack styles differ even among characters who use the same weapons; some sword wielders strike with slow deliberate attacks while others string quick combos together before darting out of harm’s way. There arenumerous different weapon typesthat dramatically alter how each character dishes out damage.

a purple haired woman watches two young men talking; the two young men stand facing the purple haired woman

3AI Controlled Teammates

Many episodes inTales of Luminariafeature AI-controlled teammates who join up with the player character to assist them during that episode’s mission. While these allies are usually a welcome addition (especially when playing as a ranged character), the lack of player control over them can be a bit annoying.

These allies often charge ahead without caution which leads to them getting knocked on their butts. The inability to coordinate attacks with them is an unnecessary frustration, especially after experiencing the team synergy offered inMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

a group of characters face a large, spectral lion; three characters stand in ankle-deep water in a cave with coral on the wall

2The Soundtrack

Great, atmospheric music is a staple of RPGs, andTales of Luminariamore than lives up to this legacy. The score, composed by musician Go Shiina, varies between an electric rock anthem and softer, more emotional beats that enhance every scene they back.

The original songs created for the game are just as great, with the opening and ending songs (by Japanese artists Frederic and Keina Suda, respectively) standing alongside the best anime themes out there today.

a young woman and man with a spear and daggers respectively face a group of knights; a large man in heavy, black armor sends a group of knights flying with his sword

1Lack Of Open-World

IfGenshin Impacthas proven anything it’s thatmobile games can be just as big, if not bigger, than console titles. It’s a lessonTales of Luminariacould benefit from, as its current structure limits its potential as a mobile juggernaut.

The lack of an open world prevents players from truly living in the story the developers have designed. It also makes grinding a repetitive chore, forcing players to replay episodes to max out their characters' levels.

two young men and a purple haired woman standing at the top of a hill; a guard, a woman in white armor, and a man in a red cloak inside a camp

Tales of Luminariawas released on June 10, 2025, and is available on Android and iOS.

three warriors, two men and a woman, all in glowing, ornate armor; a group of two women and two men in eccentric attire, and the younger woman looks scared while the rest look excited

A woman in white armor, a man in a red cloak, and a girl in armor holding a spear stand together in a forest; a stylish, blonde woman with a spear stands in a town square with a giant, stone ram in the distance