In Tales of Zestiria, legends speak of the Shepherd, a savior who will bring peace to the seraphim and human worlds. Sorey has spent his life studying ancient books and exploring ruins to learn more about the legendary savior. When he and his seraphim companion Mikleo encounter a mysterious girl in the ruins, the stories of the Shephard become Sorey’s reality. Is he strong enough to take on the evil Lord of Calamity?
The Review – Tales Of Zestiria
Sorey quickly learns that one of his allies in the fight against Lord of Calamity has a dark past. Rose leads the Scattered Bones. They are a group of mercenaries seeking vengeance against those who threaten peace. Through a series of flashbacks we get a small glimpse into Rose’s past. We also learn how she came into the company of wind Seraph Dezel. She may have the right intentions in trying to deal justice to those who have caused so much harm. However, she nearly gave herself and Dezel into malevolence.
After digging out from that near disaster Sorey continues to grow his ability to be the Shepard. His team of humans who are able to merge with Seraph now includes Rose and the Princess. Alisha and Rose continue to practice armatization in an effort to support Sorey. On their trip to follow theLord Of Calamity they stop by Ladylake to save Alisha and protect the town from tornados. They also get the opportunity to test their armatization skills while purifying a dragon.
With all of that behind them, they head north to follow the Lord Of Calamity who appears to be heading back to the birthplace of all energy on earth. During their approach they are attacked and Dezel scarifies himself for their survival. Sorey vows that his death will not be in vain. It turns out the Lord of Calamity was the previous Shepherd turned Heldalf. A Rolance military general at the time, he turned into a cursed immortal being by infusing himself with the fallen Seraph Maotelus when he refused to provide aid to his village when it was invaded: this filled his life with hatred and turned him into the Lord of Calamity.
The team bands together and they fight against the Lord Of Calamity in the battle to end all battles. However, Sorey sacrifices himself to seal Heldalf away. Alishia and Rose are convinced since they are alive that Sorey is as well. In a post credit scene as we revisit where each character has gone, we see a slightly aged Mikleo wandering the world and he reunites with a now awakened Sorey. They set out for more adventures in ruins around the world.
Admittedly the story for Tales Of Zestiria certainly plays out like a video game story. Things tie up too nice and convenient with an at times convoluted twist at the end. However, the characters are interesting and the world building is a lot of fun. I kind of wish there had been another season to go outside the bounds of the video game story itself. I think an OVA film would be in order for this series. Either way the visuals are stunning and if you enjoyed season 1 you have to finish the story by catching season 2.
The season 2 release comes on blu-ray and DVD along with a digital copy of season 2. You will also get episode commentary, textless songs, commercials and trailers. There is no limited edition for season 2.
Be sure to pick up your copy over at Funimation.com.
