Tales of the Abyss

 3DS
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
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  1. Nintendojo
    Feb 22, 2012
    33
    From its soulless and utterly unendearing cast of characters to its needless backtracking and convulted story, Tales of the Abyss has very little to offer even die-hard JRPG enthusiasts.

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Best 3DS Game of 2012
10
#10 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2012
8
#8 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 216 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 172 out of 216
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 216
  3. Negative: 19 out of 216
  1. frantisek
    Feb 14, 2012
    10
    Tales of the Abyss, the first game in the series to make use of the free run system for its 3d battles, is probably the best entry in theTales of the Abyss, the first game in the series to make use of the free run system for its 3d battles, is probably the best entry in the franchise so far and has aged very well. The world of Auldrant is extremely well portrayed, and the plot is convincing, deep and enthralling till the ending credits, with a solid, likeable cast that will often surprise you with their interactions and they way they develop during the game's events.

    The game is also filled to the brim with optional scenes that will make a lot of difference if you want to fully understand what's going on, and the Tales series' skits are a nice way to have a constant feedback from your party members. All those features make the game extremely lengthy, too: with all the side material this game can last even more than 100 hours.

    The battle system is also great, and makes use of the 3d arena by allowing you to freely move your characters and build up combos of skills and magics in extremely fast paced action battles. The PS2 version had some issues, like the unnerving loading times and glitched world map, but this 3DS port completely solved them, making this the definitive way to enjoy this game.    … Full Review »
  2. Alderan77
    Feb 14, 2012
    10
    Back in the days I learned about the Tales series with Symphonia, and when I learned another Tales game was hitting the States I was elated.Back in the days I learned about the Tales series with Symphonia, and when I learned another Tales game was hitting the States I was elated. It turned out to be the right reaction, since Tales of the Abyss is one of the greatest Japanese RPGs I have ever played.

    Vesperia (and Graces F, when it will be out next month) could have made its combat system obsolete, but it's still funny as hell and more modern, deep and enjoyable than most rpgs out there.

    Also, the characters are fantastic. You will probably hate Luke at the beginning, but during the game each hero and heroine manages to shine, and by the end you will hope the game lasts forever (it happened to me). Since this game was made for the series' anniversary it was a bit rushed from a technical standpoint (long loading times before the fights being the worst offenders), but the 3DS version happily has none of those problems, and is a must have for any RPG fan and Tales fan out there.    … Full Review »
  3. Rockstarjantzen
    Feb 15, 2012
    10
    Fans of the "Tales of" series are obviously going to be very pleased with the first (and hopefully not last) entry on the 3DS. There is aFans of the "Tales of" series are obviously going to be very pleased with the first (and hopefully not last) entry on the 3DS. There is a staggering amount of material in this game, especially for being a cart portable game. The game is gorgeous, fun, and engaging.

    Story - Easily the strongest part of the game, the story is very engaging and it is amazing to watch the character development. The main protagonist can be a bit annoying in the beginning of the game, but the maturing that he does in the 40 - 60 hours of your game-time will be well worth the annoyances early on. The main plot is full of twists and turns, and does not fill up your time with 20 minute cutscenes.

    Presentation - Essentially a port from the PS2 title of the same name, Tales of the Abyss has near-identical appearance from it's original release. That is not to say that they are bad at all! The art style has made this game age very well and the graphics are actually a bit impressive for a handheld RPG title. The menus are easy to use and there's plenty of customization available.

    Sound - The sound is what you would expect from an RPG. There are sweeping scores, fast-tempo rock battle music, and sometimes-annoying menu sound effects. The English voice-acting is very well done and fits the game perfectly.

    Overall - This game is worth any RPG fan's time. If you've been pining away for that engaging title that you could sink your teeth into on the 3DS, this is the game for you! Don't wait too long, though, because NAMCO is notorious for releases the Tales of games in limited production runs. Get it from your local retailer now, before it is only available on EBay for $90.    … Full Review »
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