Solid JRPG Experience
Gameplay is great can mix in combos very well.
Story is Above average at best, uses alot of story plots you have seen before if you play alot of Jrpgs.
Characters are good but felt alittle lack luster with only 6 party members in total.

Really recken The "Tales of" games need to bring back the good ol Overworlds to explore.
In Arise its really only going to one hub to the other. Don't really get the scale of where states and places are.
Tales of Vesperia is a fine example of world exploring with the Overworld.

Anyway great game but would probs wait for sale if unsure.