The film chronicles the events leading up to the beginning of the video game 'Tales of Vesperia'. It focuses on Yuri Lowell and his journey as a young knight in the Imperial Knights, exploring his early encounters and the moral complexities he faces. The story delves into the origins of the conflict between humans and the monster known as the 'Belius' and the political intrigue within the empire.

Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike was generally well-received by critics and fans of the 'Tales' series, praised for its high-quality animation, compelling storyline that expanded upon the game's lore, and well-choreographed action sequences. Some reviews noted that while it provided good backstory for fans, it might be less accessible to those unfamiliar with the source material.

• Praised for its visually stunning animation and faithful adaptation of the game's world.
• Appreciated for delving into the backstory of key characters, particularly Yuri Lowell.
• Noted for exciting and fluid action sequences that appeal to fans of the JRPG genre.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be an excellent companion piece to the video game, appreciating the expanded story and character development. Many highlighted the impressive animation quality and action, making it a satisfying experience for fans.

The film's story was specifically created to bridge the narrative gap between the start of the 'Tales of Vesperia' video game and its main plot, offering new context for the characters and their world.