Tales of Zestiria the Cross

Tales of Zestiria the X

Characters

Sorey

MAIN

Mikleo

MAIN

Alisha Diphda

MAIN

Lailah

MAIN

Edna

MAIN

Rose

MAIN

Dezel

MAIN

Zaveid

MAIN

Velvet Crowe

SUPPORTING

Maltran

SUPPORTING

Magilou

SUPPORTING

Bartlow

SUPPORTING

Rokurou Rangetsu

SUPPORTING

Sirel

SUPPORTING

Seres

SUPPORTING

Ian

SUPPORTING

Sergei Strelka

SUPPORTING

Landon

SUPPORTING

Symonne

SUPPORTING

Zenrus

SUPPORTING

Heldalf

SUPPORTING

Atakk

SUPPORTING

Lunarre

SUPPORTING

Eguille

SUPPORTING

Tales of Zestiria the X: Season 1 – A Visually Stunning Fantasy Adventure

Tales of Zestiria the X Season 1, which premiered on July 3, 2016, and ran until September 25, 2016, is a vibrant anime adaptation of the popular Tales of Zestiria video game, with elements drawn from its prequel, Tales of Berseria. Produced by the renowned studio Ufotable, directed by Haruo Sotozaki, and written by Hikaru Kondo, this 13-episode season introduces viewers to a fantastical world of Seraphim, Shepherds, and a looming darkness threatening the land of Glenwood. While the series shines with breathtaking animation and a compelling premise, it struggles with pacing and narrative coherence, resulting in a mixed but engaging experience for fans of the Tales franchise and newcomers alike.

A World of Seraphim and Shepherds

Set in the fictional continent of Glenwood, Tales of Zestiria the X follows Sorey, a young human raised among the Seraphim—divine beings invisible to most humans due to their lack of spiritual resonance. Sorey, voiced by Ryohei Kimura (Japanese) and Robbie Daymond (English), dreams of a world where humans and Seraphim coexist peacefully, inspired by the ancient myths of the Celestial Records. His journey begins when he and his childhood friend Mikleo, a water Seraph (voiced by Ryota Osaka and Michael Johnston), rescue Princess Alisha Diphda (Ai Kayano/Carrie Keranen) from a ruin. This fateful encounter leads Sorey to pull a sacred sword from a stone, becoming the Shepherd—a legendary figure tasked with purifying the world of malevolence, a dark force born from negative human emotions that spawns monsters called Hellions.

The narrative weaves a classic fantasy tale, blending adventure, duty, and the struggle against evil. The show introduces key characters like Lailah (Noriko Shitaya/Alexis Tipton), a fire Seraph who guides Sorey as the Shepherd, and later Rose (Mikako Komatsu/Caitlin Glass), a spirited assassin with her own ties to the Seraphim. The first season also incorporates episodes from Tales of Berseria, focusing on Velvet Crowe, a character from the prequel game, which adds depth to the world but disrupts the main storyline’s flow.

Visual and Auditory Excellence

One of the standout features of Tales of Zestiria the X Season 1 is its production quality. Ufotable, known for its work on Fate/stay night and Demon Slayer, delivers stunning visuals that elevate the anime. The lush landscapes of Glenwood, from verdant forests to ancient ruins, are rendered with meticulous detail, creating an immersive backdrop. Battle scenes are dynamic, showcasing fluid choreography and vibrant effects, particularly when Sorey “armatizes” with Seraphim to gain enhanced abilities. The character designs, adapted by Akira Matsushima from the original works by Mutsumi Inomata and Kosuke Fujishima, retain the Tales series’ signature aesthetic while translating beautifully to animation.

The soundtrack, composed by Motoi Sakuraba and Go Shiina, complements the visuals perfectly. The opening theme, “Kaze no Uta” by FLOW, is an energetic anthem that captures the spirit of adventure, while the ending theme, “Calling” by fhána, adds an emotional resonance. The voice acting, both in Japanese and the English dub by Funimation, is solid, with the cast reprising their roles from the game (except for Lailah, whose original voice actress, Miyu Matsuki, passed away in 2015 and was replaced by Noriko Shitaya).

Strengths: Action, Animation, and Strong Female Characters

The anime excels in its action sequences and visual appeal. Early episodes, particularly the first three, are packed with exciting battles as Sorey confronts Hellions and begins to understand his role as the Shepherd. The show’s attention to detail in its environments—such as the bustling capital of Ladylake or the serene village of Elysia—creates a believable world that invites exploration.

Another strength is the portrayal of female characters. Princess Alisha, far from being a stereotypical damsel, is a capable warrior and diplomat who actively investigates the kingdom’s crises. Similarly, Rose is a fierce and independent fighter, adding a layer of grit to the cast. The anime avoids overdone romantic subplots, focusing instead on camaraderie and shared purpose, which is refreshing for the genre.

Weaknesses: Pacing and Narrative Issues

Despite its strengths, Season 1 stumbles in its storytelling. The plot can feel disjointed, particularly with the inclusion of Tales of Berseria episodes (6 and 7), which shift focus to Velvet Crowe’s story. While these episodes are visually impressive and action-packed, they feel out of place, interrupting Sorey’s journey and raising expectations for a crossover that doesn’t fully materialize in Season 1. Some viewers found the pacing uneven, with early episodes moving slowly as Sorey travels and later episodes rushing through key plot points. Episodes 5 and 6, in particular, have been criticized for adding little to the overarching narrative.

Character development is another weak point. Sorey and his companions are likable but lack depth, often fitting into generic archetypes (e.g., the chosen hero, the loyal friend). The anime’s attempt to give Alisha more screen time—likely in response to fan backlash over her limited role in the game—feels forced and doesn’t fully flesh out her character. Additionally, the story can be hard to follow for those unfamiliar with the Tales games, as it assumes some knowledge of the lore, such as the concept of malevolence and the Shepherd’s role.

Reception and Legacy

Tales of Zestiria the X Season 1 received mixed reviews. On platforms like MyAnimeList, it holds a rating of around 7.3/10, reflecting its polarizing reception. Fans praised the animation and music, with many calling it “eye candy” for its high production values. However, critics noted that the plot and characters didn’t match the visual splendor, with some calling it a “beautiful but flawed” adaptation. The inclusion of Berseria content was divisive, seen as either a bold expansion of the lore or a distracting detour.

The season’s purpose was partly promotional, aiming to boost interest in both Tales of Zestiria and the then-upcoming Tales of Berseria. While it succeeded in showcasing Ufotable’s animation prowess, it didn’t fully satisfy fans expecting a faithful adaptation of the game’s story, as it takes liberties to create a parallel narrative.

Where to Watch

Season 1 is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, with purchase options on Apple TV. English subtitles vary slightly, with Daisuki using localized game terms and Funimation offering a more literal translation.

Final Thoughts

Tales of Zestiria the X Season 1 is a visually spectacular anime that captures the charm of the Tales series but falls short in delivering a cohesive story. Its strengths lie in its animation, music, and strong female characters, making it a treat for fans of fantasy anime and the Tales franchise. However, its uneven pacing, shallow character development, and jarring inclusion of Berseria episodes may leave some viewers wanting more. For those who prioritize aesthetics and action over narrative depth, it’s a worthwhile watch, especially as a gateway to the Tales universe.

Recommendation: Watch it for the stunning visuals and engaging battles, but temper expectations for a tightly woven plot. Fans of the Tales games may appreciate the alternate take, while newcomers should approach it as a standalone fantasy adventure.