The Blast Gauge (ブラストゲージ Burasutogeeji?), also localized as Break Gauge, or BG for short, is a recurring battle feature in the Tales series. It governs the usage of unique mechanics characteristic to different takes on the Linear Motion Battle System and execution of mystic artes. A feature unique among other battle gameplay elements is that the Blast Gauge allows storage of partial bars, potentially allowing the user to use low cost mystic artes more often if needed.
Appearances in Original Titles[]
Tales of Destiny (PlayStation 2)[]
In the PlayStation 2 remake of Tales of Destiny, Blast Gauges govern the use of mystic artes for playable characters, which is why they are also known as Blast Calibers. Swordian Masters have a maximum of three levels, most other playable characters have two, and Lilith Aileron has one. Enemies also have Blast Gauges that fill to 100%. Once their Blast Gauge reaches 100%, they will immediately escape a combo and perform a powerful attack.
Tales of Zestiria[]
In Tales of Zestiria, Blast Gauges govern the usage of Battle Actions for humans and seraphim, as well as the use of Rejuvenations and Banish Blasts for armatized humans. It is also used to perform mystic artes. When obtained, each character begins with a maximum of 3 BG, but it can be raised up to 9 BG.
Tales of Berseria[]
In Tales of Berseria, Blast Gauges, also known as Break Gauges, govern the usage of Switch Blasts and mystic artes. Switch Blasts cost 1 BG to execute to swap a character out with one in reserve, while mystic artes cost 3 BG or more. Like in Tales of Zestiria, each character begins with 3 BG once acquired. This amount can be increased up to 9 BG. Learning characters' second and third mystic artes grant them 1 more BG per arte. Armory Acerites I, III, and VII each grant 1 more BG to characters wearing equipment that has been enhanced a combined total of at least 5, 15, and 35 times, respectively. Some types of equipment carry an Enhancement Bonus that grants 1 more BG to the wearer when unlocked, and the mystic arte titles can grant up to 2 BG when equipped.
Blast Gauges are mainly charged by using Break Souls, with the amount gained differing with each break arte. The amount recovered can be multiplied with certain equipment skills. Blast Gauges will also increase a small amount at the beginning of each enemy encounter. A normal encounter will restore a percentage equal to the total number of arte mastery stars the character has acquired, rounded down. Engaging an enemy from behind doubles this amount (before rounding), but no BG will be restored if the player is engaged from behind.