Tales of Phantasia is the first game in the JRPG series, Tales, and follows traditional norms, while adding a new and inventive combat system (something that the Tales games are well known for).
Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS)
The LMBS is the one of the most recoginzable aspect of the Tales games, with characters being able to move throughout the battle field and interact with their allies and opponents.
This basic version of LMBS has enemies and players limited to only left and right movement, though the system is still real time. Moving to either edge of the screen results in an Escape Gauge.
Artes
Artes are Tales form of spellcasting and can be used to dish out extra damage aside from typical character combos. In general, these abilities are learned over the course of the game by leveling and, in some cases, side events. Moves are usually designated to one button and 4 artes can be mapped Linking these moves with your normal combos is the bread and butter of the Tales series in terms of being offensive.
