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. Digital Chumps
    Feb 29, 2012
    74
    Tales of the Abyss is JRPG through and through, something which may be appreciated by a 3DS audience which doesn't yet have a lot of other choices of this variety. It arrives with many of the caveats that come with the territory, and its age is unfortunately visually evident. But the strength of its real-time battle system and a progressively interesting story can keep you hooked if you trudge through the less-thrilling opening hours.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    Feb 21, 2012
    72
    There's tons of content to play though here if you've never experienced Tales of the Abyss. If you have, though, skip it, because there's not so much as a single word of dialogue added to this release.
  3. Machinima
    Mar 5, 2012
    70
    A broad comprehensive battle system makes each fight worthwhile, if a bit repetitive. The story is told at the right pace and will keep you interested throughout the entirety of the game. But the experience isn't entirely perfect, with some odd sound issues, a knack for getting you lost, and 3D visuals that should never be used.
  5. GamesRadar+
    Feb 14, 2012
    70
    Despite the various quibbles with the port quality, Tales of the Abyss is still a superb RPG. It's got excellent combat, a secret-packed world to explore, and a wonderful cast of characters you'll come to love adventuring with.
  6. IGN
    Jan 9, 2012
    70
    It's impressive that Namco-Bandai has managed to port a full-sized, voice-acted Japanese RPG to the 3DS without sacrificing any of the content from the PlayStation 2 version. But it's also a six-year-old game that hasn't aged well in all respects, and if you're a North American Tales fan, it's likely to be one you've played before.
  7. Nintendo Power
    Jan 4, 2012
    70
    It's ultimately interesting enough to keep you playing until the end. [Jan/Feb 2012, p.88]
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  8. XGN
    Dec 13, 2011
    70
    Tales of the Abyss is not a great remake because of the poor 3D effect, but it's still a pretty decent RPG. The deep story, interesting characters and great combat system make it worthwhile, though the annoying character Luke and necessary grinding might wear you down.
  9. Gamekult
    Dec 6, 2011
    70
    Quotation forthcoming.
  10. 3DJuegos
    Dec 5, 2011
    70
    A bad port, but still a great J-RPG. It has worse graphics than the PS2 version and 3D effect is not brilliant, but its unique gameplay and huge length will attract "Tales of" fans that couldn't play the original game.
  11. GameSpot
    Nov 28, 2011
    70
    Tales of the Abyss is still an entertaining role-playing game, but poor 3D makes this handheld version slightly disappointing.
  12. Game Informer
    Mar 8, 2012
    68
    There isn't a huge selection of RPGs on the 3DS, and Tales of the Abyss will definitely appeal to the handheld gamer that wants to take this particular genre on the go. It hits all the beats of your typical JRPG, for better or worse.
  13. Gameblog.fr
    Dec 16, 2011
    60
    A PlayStation 2 success coming to the 3DS, Tales of the Abyss is a modest but polished adventure. A riche heir, a quest, and all of a sudden, the truth. A "lost in time" episode that comes back from 2006, with dated 3D graphics, without the in-your-face attitude from today, nor an open-world extravaganza with weird looking characters ; only to tell a good story that already proved itself as such. It's a classic, smooth, JRPG experience for 2011.
  14. Metro GameCentral
    Dec 8, 2011
    60
    A good script and fun characters can't save an otherwise workmanlike Japanese role-player, in this unconvincing 3D remake.

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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