Tales of Zestiria the Cross (Tales of Zestiria the X)

The Celestial Records speak of the existence of the "Seraphim," a race of divine beings who give blessings to humanity and are offered prayers by them in return. Those who are anointed with the ability to interact with these spirits are known as "Shepherds." Hailed as heroes for their prompt appearances in times of crisis, while also being feared for their power, the Shepherds are imprinted in common folklore along with the Seraphim.

Sorey is a young human who has spent his entire life living in harmony alongside the Seraphim in the village of Elysia. Fascinated by the myths of the Celestial Records, he explores some nearby ruins with Mikleo—his childhood Seraphim companion—hoping to enlighten himself about the Seraphims' history with mankind.

Unfortunately, they become trapped in the depths of the historical site during their investigation. While searching for an exit, they come across a mysterious girl who desperately seeks the help of a Shepherd to save the world, which is on the brink of being consumed by darkness. Despite Mikleo's warning about making contact with other humans, Sorey decides to help the stranger, which unknowingly leads him closer to the dream of peaceful coexistence between man and Seraphim.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

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Background

Tales of Zestiria the Cross is an animated television series adaptation of the Japanese role-playing game, Tales of Zestiria, which is the fifteenth main entry in the Tales series. The game was developed by Bandai Namco Studios and tri-Crescendo, and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It released in January 2015 in Japan on the Playstation 3, and the Playstation 4 version was subsequently released in July 2016 in Japan.

Episode Videos

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Related Anime

Adaptation:	Tales of Zestiria: Michibiki no Toki
Alternative version:	Tales of Zestiria: Doushi no Yoake
Prequel:	Tales of Zestiria the Cross: Saiyaku no Jidai
Sequel:	Tales of Zestiria the Cross 2nd Season
Character:	Tales of HR

Tsuda, Kenjirou
Japanese

More staff

Staff

Cook, Justin

Producer

Kondou, Hikaru

Producer, Sound Director, Storyboard, Planning

Kisara, Youhei

Producer

Tomita, Kouichirou

Producer

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Opening Theme

"Kaze no Uta (風ノ唄)" by FLOW (eps 1-4, 7-11)

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Ending Theme

	1: "calling" by fhána (eps 1-4, 7-11)
	2: "White Light" by Superfly (eps 5)
	3: "BURN" by FLOW (eps 6)

Reviews

Sep 25, 2016

Stark700

Recommended

After watching just the first few minutes of this show, I can safely say that Ufotable has once again proven that they are worthy of handling CG. Beyond the visuals, Tales of Zestiria the X is more than just another Unlimited visual porn.

The series is based on the video game of the franchise although it has its own set of principles. Early impressions of the show establishes a set-up as we meet the main protagonists – Alisha, Sorey, and Mikelo. From the setting, there are many conflicts, mostly those that revolve around the supernatural and unnatural phenomenons. In addition, the story indulges with its ... fantasy setting and deep history. Of course, there’s world building that has its importance. The show seems to hit the right spots from the beginning and able to stretch its story all the way through. Even early exposition doesn’t bring the series down as we learn just why the world of Zestiria is so interesting.

Although the characters are somewhat generic, they do each have their own unique traits. For instance, Sorey is brave that puts others’ well-being above his own. He isn’t afraid to take risks either and we often see him go beyond lengths to get the job done. In nature, he is a classic adventurer, the type that is curious about the wonders of the world. His easygoing personality makes him easy to find new friends and thus, we see that he earns a lot of allies. Meanwhile, there’s Alisha. She’s a princess and knight who loves her kingdom and people. However, she does have some personal demons and is afraid of being unable to carry her responsibilities at times. Similarly to Sorey, she is courageous and isn’t afraid to take risks either whether it’s to put her own life at risk or getting involved in situations that puts her in disadvantageous positions. Finally, we got Mikelo, Sorey’s best friend and sometimes rival. Unlike Sorey, he is very calm and often quite analytical for just about anything. This actually sets up for a duo that can compliments on each others’ strengths and weaknesses. They are not just the only characters though as we meet others in the series that joins on their quest such as Liliah, Edna, and Rose. Their role in the series varies although all offer something to bring to remember by. Sorey’s relationship with them is also important to note as he develops trust with Alisha while his friendship with Mikelo, Lilah, and Edna show us more of his true character.

One other important thing to note is that the show promotes another game from the Tales universe, Tales of Berseria. As such, expect to see main female protagonist Velvet from that game to make her presence. It share the same world as Zestiria and takes place in the Holy Midgand Empire. What’s interesting about Velvet is that she is very different from the main characters form Zestiria. This is because of her role as an avenger after the tragic past she suffered at the hands of a man named Artorius. While the series doesn’t conclude her main story, it does well establish Velvet’s characteristics as a cold woman, a contrast to Sorey or Alisha. And even though the purpose of those episodes are just to promote the game, it really makes us wonder more about her story. I have not played the game before but Velvet definitely brings something unique to the show overall. Her stance as a vengeful warrior seeking revenge may be generic on paper but also shows just how tragedy can change a person in their world.

Speaking of world, Tales of Zestiria offers plenty of time for building more into its fantasy themes. From malevolence to devious Hellions, it has the feel of a high fantasy adventure. The kingdoms and towns themselves also have history as well so viewers won’t be left stranded about being confused. There’s also terms that are important to understand such as Shepherd and Seraphim. These are important as Sorey’s role as a Shepherd can make great changes in their world. One other thing I want to point out is that the show isn’t afraid to take risks as it sometimes bounces between calm and fast paced episodes. The pacing in general is crafted well although some plot elements are rather predictable in particular with the revelation of Rose’s identity or some conclusions to the various battles.

Animated by Ufotable, a powerhouse studio well known for their high quality. This show does not disappoint at all when it comes to visuals. In fact, if there’s anything to talk about, it would the high level production. It’s basically 3D done right whether it’s the character designs, the monsters (Hellions), or intense battle segments. In addition, the choreography of the character movements complements well in almost every scene with little still shot scenes. Camera angles are timed properly and there’s minimal fan service. Well, you do get service in the full action packed in-your-face kind of way.

Even the soundtrack of the series is admirable. The OP and ED theme songs are dosed with instrumental beats that will get the adrenaline pumping. There’s character voice mannerism that works quite well to fit their personalities. I have to admit that even the OST has impact on the show to add emotional value.

Tales of Zestiria the X is the kind of series that can entertain far more than just what it seems to be. It puts on a memorable world with its cast of characters on their adventures. While the story itself may or may not suit everyone’s tastes, it’s still quite special for a fantasy series. The show also offers a sneak peek to the world of Berseria so fans can get a taste of the game. With that being said, the series almost feels like a movie each episode. As a way to chronicle their adventures further, even a second season was announced before the finale. It’s a good time to be a Tales fan.

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Sep 26, 2016

KuroKagami

Mixed Feelings

I admit it, I watched this because ufotable never disappoints me when it comes to animation. I wanted to have some eye candy, and I had. The problem with Tales of Zestiria is that nothing is memorable, the animation is pretty decent...but, what about the story, the characters. Where's the spirit?

Story 3/10

The story is about a boy who lives in a magical world and he becomes the "chosen one" to defeat evil because...yeah, that's something totally original. The story is so bad I don't even feel sympathetic with the creatures that live in this world. The world is your typical ... fantasy world: dragons, people sometimes use magic, almost everything in this world are woods and there are evil beings. Nice. I haven't played Tales of Zestiria, but Tales of the Abyss had a more interesting story. I give it a 3/10 just because Tales of Berseria has a more promising story and it seems more like something I would love. I hope we get more of Tales of Berseria on second season instead of Zestiria.

Art 10/10

Yeah, it's beautiful. It's colorful and great. But with the awful character writing and awful situations, I would rather watch Fate/Zero again. Thanks ufotable though!

Sound 6.5/10

Sound is very good, but not really special. It feels like an epic moment is going on when nothing special is happening. I don't like the opening, the ending is meh. I feel like ufotable is trying too hard with the sountrack.

Character 1/10

God, this is why I hate this show. At least Re:Zero had some character development. These characters are terrible. Not even they fail to feel emotions, they fail to accomplish their stereotypes. Genki boy Sorey is so boring, he is a good guy and wants to save everyone from evil...nice. Mikleo is protagonist's best friend and he's always telling the protagonist how great is to explore ruins; he's also there to inform the protagonist the situation. Pincess Alisha is a woman that I don't like just because she has no personality at all, she is just a princess. Then we have Lailah, who is there to inform the protagonist: "that's an hellion, purify him". I forgot how the loli character was called, but she's terrible too. And then we have 3 more characters that get almost no development at all.

Enjoyment 5/10

This show is boring. Yeah, you get some nice animation, but that's all. The only reason i will watch season 2 is because I would like to see some more Tales of Berseria, but if you want some eyecandy, go watch Fate/Zero.

Overall 5/10

Tales of Zestiria the X is a skippable anime. I wouldn't recomment it to anyone, and I mean, I would rather watch something that doesn't bore me than this "good vs evil in a fantasy world" show.

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Oct 2, 2016

Need_for_Steed

Not Recommended

I've was patient with this series. I really was. But after everything, the show still didn't have a clear plot or direction. It didn't even have an atmosphere, something that the equally poorly paced God Eater (also produced by ufotable) at least had.

What pisses me off the most is that the rules of this world seem to be written by a six year old: "So there's these ruins, and then there's this hero who can see spirits but only he can, and then there's this princess who really likes him. And then he goes off to kill dragons and stuff." There's not much behind ...

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Tales of Zestiria the Cross

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