Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn Review (FusedSouls)
TL;DR: If you enjoyed tales of arise, and wish you could have spent more time with it's characters after the story concluded, then I'd say that this DLC is for you.
THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FROM THE BASE GAME
When Tales of Arise released, a common consensus I noticed among fans (including myself) was that they really enjoyed the ending, but wished they could have spent more time with these characters after the events of the main story had passed. This DLC MORE than scratched that itch for me.
Completion: 100%
-All Achievements
-All Quests and Sub Quests
-All Skits
Time for 100%: 25 hours
The Story
Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn is set one year after the events of the conclusion of the base game, and has us following our same cast of characters as they deal with the after effects of the merging of the twin worlds. While not as long, or grand in scope as the base game's plot, I think it does a fantastic job of showing the effects the merging has had on each of the worlds cities. This DLC gives us a look into how Dahnans and Renans react with having to share a single new world, and their attempts to coexist. The DLC also introduces a new character, Nazamil, who is half Dahnan, and half Renan. We get to see the extent of our characters growth from the first game as each of them do their best to help Nazamil find her own place in this new world.
The Characters
Similar to the main game, the characters are where this DLC truly shines for me. After finishing the main games story, I was left wanting more, I wanted to spend more time with the characters and see how they went about their lives in the new world. This DLC gave me that, and then some. Over the course of Beyond the Dawn we get plenty of new developement between the characters. While the DLC does take place a year after the end of the base game, it also takes place BEFORE Alphen and Shionne's wedding. I've seen some people complain about this, but I really enjoyed the extra relationship build up that this allowed for. Overall, I really enjoyed the parties continued chemistry and always looked forward to getting a new skit. I also really enjoyed the new character, Nazamil. It was so satisfying watching the original cast use their past experiences and character growth to help Nazamil with her own personal growth.
Gameplay
There isn't much different between Beyond the Dawn and the base game, though it's not ALL the same. As the DLC is playable without playing the main story, it starts you at level 65, and resets most of your skill tree. HOWEVER, if you have complete save data from the base game you do get various rewards. Depending on your progress from the main game you can get anywhere from 60k-110k Gald, 1,000-3,100 SP, and 30-100 CP. Combat is still responsive, flashy, and a blast to play. Characters now have character sub quests that buff their boost strikes into bigger and better boost strikes. While some enemies may seem like re-skins at first, some also have different attack patterns and new skills entirely. When you start the DLC be sure to check the "Unclaimed DLC Items" tab as their are some EX quests available that you won't want to miss! If I'm not mistaken this is also where you can find your carry over rewards.
The Visuals
Beyond the Dawn seems to have some kind of re-shade compared to the base game. The colors in the areas really POP now. We are also treated to a new sky-box now that the worlds have merged. One of the things that never really sat right with me after finishing the base game was that, any time I looked up into the sky I'd see the huge, ominous whirlpool of astral energy that was leaving Dahna. I won't spoil what it has changed to, but I was happy with it. Similarly, the landscapes and cities of the game have changed as well, some more than others. All in all, I was very happy with the changes made, and enjoyed seeing the changes in the world as a result of our characters sacrifices and hard work in the base game.
The Music
The Music in Beyond the Dawn was another big stand out for me. Area's which had previously had gloomy or foreboding themes may now up lively and uplifting music. This combined with the new look of the areas went a long way for making them feel fresh and exciting for me.
Conclusion
Having read plenty of other reviews about this DLC myself, I understand why their are mixed opinions on it. Things like resetting levels, the fact that it taking place before Alphen and Shionne get married, etc. I get it. However, these things didn't impede my enjoyment of the DLC. I still enjoyed getting to spend more time with these characters that I've come to love, and explore the world after the events of the first game. If you, like me, wanted nothing more than to spend some more time with these characters after finishing Tales of Arise, then I think you'll enjoy this DLC. If the price seems a little steep to you, you can always catch it on sale. It goes on sale VERY often!