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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Tales of the Abyss
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 22 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 26 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Developer: Team Symphonia
Genre(s): Action, Role-Playing Game
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: October 10, 2006
Summary
Tales of the Abyss follows the story of the young aristocrat, Luke fon Fabre. Kidnapped seven years ago, Luke returns to his family with no memories of his life before. In order to protect him, Luke's family keeps him confined to the quite lifestyle of the palace. Suddenly, Luke is thrust into the outside world and caught in the workings of the Order of Lorelei and the Oracle Knights who serve as keepers of the prophecy known as the Score. He knows nothing of those who might be his allies or those who are already his enemies. He must learn of the power of friendship and feel the pain of sacrifice. Luke's actions could save the world or destroy it. [Namco Bandai]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: Tales of Legendia
Cheat Codes & Hints: GameSpot Hints & Cheats
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Play Magazine
I'm not going to say it's a better game than FFXII(although a part of me wants to), but I will say this: if you pluck one other RPG off the rack this year, this little gem should be it. [Nov. 2006, p.77]
TotalPlayStation
If you're a JRPG fan, you need this game. If you're a Tales fan, you need this game, and if you're a newcomer to either, this is an awfully good way to get started.
Read Full Review >RPG Fan
After a rocky start, Tales of the Abyss proved to be a truly enjoyable game; possibly the best in the series so far, and a contender in my book for game of the year.
Read Full Review >Thunderbolt
I despise most RPGs. I find them long, boring, and tedious. However, Tales of the Abyss is one of the few games in the genre that truly appeal to me. The story is both entertaining and memorable. The characters are well-written and interesting, and nowhere near as cliched and predictable as their Symphonia counterparts were.
Read Full Review >GamePro
When compared to past Tales games, Abyss has only really changed a handful of aspects. However, those changes are obvious upgrades and have made a huge difference in the overall gameplay experience.
Read Full Review >IGN
Some linear plot directions, long load times and a quirky battle system that sometimes degenerates into button mashing bogs down what is otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable RPG.
Read Full Review >GameTrailers
Like a well tempered sentence, Abyss is a complete thought. It’s solid on all angles but lacking any real sharp celerity, except in a plot seemingly based off a lost Einstein journal. It’s as good a Tales game as any, but it doesn’t raise any bars.
Read Full Review >Digital Entertainment News
Tales of the Abyss won’t be going toe-to-toe with "Final Fantasy XII" any time soon, but is a fun and entertaining tale in its own right.
Read Full Review >1UP
The combat may feel satisfyingly fresh, but the game's visuals look dated. Bland textures, simple geometry, and bouts of slowdown abound, and distressing load times hearken back to an earlier, more annoying RPG age.
Read Full Review >Games Radar (in-house)
Tales of the Abyss is nothing new. And some gamers will complain about that. But there's a lot to be said for taking something existing and doing it right.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
While Abyss may not be an all-time classic, its charming characters and exciting battles more than make up for its little problems here and there.
Read Full Review >GameDaily
The characters are great, but the numerous cliches throughout the story may leave some feeling tired, and it's curious the way the game almost seems to punish those who want to watch the optional skits.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
Tales of the Abyss is a familiar but entertaining role-playing game with a charming cast of characters that helps sustain the lengthy story.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
Abbyss defaults to basic roleplaying conventions too often to be unique, but it's hard to hate this well-rounded, classic RPG. [Dec. 2006, p.142]
Game Informer
But the marginally 3d action battle system is an improvement over the recent "Tales of Legendia", and the plotline has enough political twists and betrayals to keep you playing even if the main character is another confused youth with amnesia. [Nov. 2006, p.134]
GamerNode
When all is said and done, Tales of the Abyss will most likely find a home on the shelves of Tales fans, but it doesn't seem like this will be the game that makes Tales a mainstream RPG brand in the US.
Read Full Review >Worth Playing
The plot is overly long and a bit too predictable, and although the gameplay is fun, it just doesn't bring anything particularly exciting to the world either, and the new systems are basically useless.
Read Full Review >Yahoo! Games
An entertaining and occasionally even deep role-playing experience able to stack up against classic entries in the "Final Fantasy" and "Dragon Quest" series.
Read Full Review >PSM Magazine
The game is long and play is grindingly slow, hampered further by too-frequent loads, iffy translation, and interminable cut scenes. [Dec. 2006, p.82]
G4 TV
The excellent battle system and mostly likeable characters somehow transcend the game’s drawn out plot and niggling technical issues. This is a nice apology for the disappointing "Tales of Legendia."
Read Full Review >Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
Tales of the Abyss starts off as a carbon copy of every RPG ever made. [Dec. 2006, p.119]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 26 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Amanda F. gave it a10:
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.
Pencil gave it a10:
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?
Ben J gave it a10:
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.
Zero Hour gave it a10:
A truly wonderful RPG, and one of the best I've played. Few could earn that right.
Josh H gave it a10:
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.
Riwcain S gave it a10:
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.
Ty R gave it a10:
Tales of the Abyss deserves an 11. Enough said.
