The best character development I've seen in a long time. So much emotion and heart went into this game without making it boring or stale. A very epic game, with an intense storyline. My favorite game of all time.

Just thinking about this game gives me goosebumps, even though I played it a couple years ago. Epic storytelling, deep and fun battling system, lots of fun mini-games-- did I mention the STORY?

Plot and characters so enjoyable and refined that it puts other recent RPGs to shame. This is an RPG as it should be, with the story and characters at the center!

Best of the "Tales" series, and definitely one of the best RPGs to be released this generation (I can say this by playing through an import copy). Lets be thankful they are bringing it stateside.

I fell in love with this game. At first I just started playing it while in the middle of playing FF12, then as I got farther into it, I completely blew ff12 off to finish this game. My favorite RPG so far.

Today, where in the gaming world, graphics are favored over the actual game itself, ToA is a nice change of pace. The designs are simple and original but very attractive as they arn't over done, giving it its appeal. Like the rest of the Tales series, it has a very anime flavor that may not appeal to all, though if you judge by simply it's style, you're probably missing out on a lot. The characters themselves are developed brilliantly, so there's bound to be something to like about every character. Even those annoying ones, when if one thinks about it, there's something to envy or admire about that character. More importantly, none of the characters are perfect, reveal a more down to earth characters to interact with. Voices overs are exstremely well chosen and don't become too annoying. The story itself is an wonderful thrill ride, though people might not think that entirely since it does feel a little controlled. There's always something to do, so one can spend hours on end following the story, exploring or doing side quests. The side quests are probably one of the most enjoyable features and gives the characters and world more depth. Gameplay wise, if you're impatient, loading time might be a problem, but its only 5 seconds of your life and the game is well worth the waiting. The only thing that's truely annoying is the small cutscenes where you see the character's head moving and the text speech displayed underneither that the player cannot simply scroll through, though they often contain interesting facts and again help deepen the world in which the player plays. but begger's can't be choosers really. This game nicely fits button mashers and strategists as you can choose which character you'd like to charge into battle with and rotate as you play, and it's fun to experiement with different characters. Battling itself is fast paced and enjoyable, (i like listening to how the characters interact during battle. If once character says something, another one might respond to them). I still vote 10 because but actual development of the game (story and character wise, the TRUE qualities of any RPG game) are perfect. I couldn't ask for more. overall, I enjoyed the simplicity of the game appearance, and the complexity of the story and characters. I've been a hardcore FF fan for the last several years, and ToA was a change that opened my eyes and broaded my view on all RPGs. and I think ToA deserves more fans.The whole tales series isn't getting the attention it deserves.… Expand

This game is totally addicting, and it moves along at a nice pace. The slow load times get annoying, but I still love to sit down just immerse myself in the game.

Tales of the Abyss deserves an 11. Enough said.

Although it starts off rather slow and generic, by about the fifth hour or so of gameplay, you will be addicted to the combat system. At about eight hours, the story will kick it up a knotch. And by hour fifty to eighty, you will wish the game could just keep going. Few games have such memorable characters, or such sympathetic ones.

Tales of the Abyss is a game full of charisma with an efficient gameplay; and that's all I need.

Jade is AWESOME! That's enough to get a sale out of me.

Definitely one of the greatest games I've ever played. The characters are so deep and realistic, and the game play is phenominal... By far one of the greatest games I've ever played.

Truly one one of the best games I've every played. I couldn't put this game down because of the dynamic changes in the story and the characters as well as the addicting battles. This is not just another Tales game, it's a masterpiece.

Another strong Tales entry, though it seems like the graphics are constant with those of games from 2002.

If you want pure intense action in RPGs, you can never go wrong with the latest "Tales of..." series game: Tales of the Abyss! You can also play multiplayer during battles, which is a definite BIG plus for those with friends who want to share in the awesome experience of this game.

A truly wonderful RPG, and one of the best I've played. Few could earn that right.

Excellent rpg, my favourite out of the Tales of series, even better than Symphonia. Following the same style of gameplay and combat that the previous Tales of games used, with some major improvments like being able to free run around the battle means the gameplay is even more enjoyable. Also the characters are well made and full of development all through out the story, none of them getting left out and the story and amusing conversations which is constantly dished out leaves you wanting more every second. A truely epic tale which any gamer should enjoy. The only minor let downs being one or two glitches, which are only noticable if you actually search for them. That all said, don't expect anything new from the series, most gamers go in expecting a completely new style and consequently get a tad disappointed when they find out the gameplay style and battle system is still the same, however don't let that put you off, the battle system is well refined and the dungeons aren't tedious like most.… Expand

This game kicks so much ass. Seriously, aside from Persona 4, this is the best PS2 game out there. Great story, awesome characters, cool soundtrack... The list goes on and on. Unless you absolutely HATE RPGs, you should give this one a shot. I promise you won't regret it.

What make Tales Of The Abyss a great game comes with the fact that everything it does it does well. The combat is fun as always and the free run system is an nice addition. The music and character growth is done superbly. And while I'm a fan of open world roaming I tend to get lost a lot when on a boat. The game has a lot of great moments if you can forgive the repetitiveness of go here, unleash magic seal thing, repeat. Tales Of Symphonia did the same thing while I don't mind it too much it can be annoying. Another small thing that irks me is some of the more interesting places you visit in the games you only visit once. But those are small problems, although the ending may leave something to be desired.… Expand

I love the contrast here. On the one hand you have rabid 'Tales' fans (which admittedly, include me) praising the game to no end. On the other, you have those who can't keep Tear alive for three seconds on any difficulty above Normal. Someone forgot about the A.I. settings *tsk*. Tales of the Abyss has many things going for it. An enjoyable and relatable cast, a great battle system, in depth customization, a great plot, immersive side-quests, costumes, and plenty of fanservice for anyone who could chance upon this game. The gameplay is fluid, though marred by obscene load times, particularly on the World Map, which you spend an unfortunate amount of time on. The story is equally engrossing, with twists and turns that you may or may not have seen coming, depending on how long you've spent at TVTropes. Unless you've never picked up a JRPG before, the difficulty is low, though starting out on 'Hard' as a certain reviewer did, is probably an endeavor best saved for the games eternal 'New Game Plus' feature, allowing you to keep parts of your old progress when you restart the game. The game is a vast improvement over 'Legendia' and in many ways, over 'Symphonia' as well. The 'Free Run' system is a very welcome addition to the series, and helps improve the battles flow, though the series trademark LMBS system still keeps fans attention. In short, Tales of the Abyss is a great game with really only one flaw. The painfully long load times that are only eclipsed by Sonic 2006. Get past that though, and you have one of the best games ever made, with complexity deeper than, well, and Abyss.… Expand

Tales of the Abyss is truely a great RPG. Not mindless walking around for hours with only a main quest but lots of conversations between characters while playing. Glad I found this game for my old PS2. Tales series always had one of the best battle systems and this one keeps at it. Every lover of JRPG should have played this one. Very recommendable