Tales of the Abyss

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. Play Magazine
    90
    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]
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  2. TotalPlayStation
    90
    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.
  3. RPG Fan
    90
    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.
  5. Thunderbolt
    90
    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.
  6. GamePro
    85
    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.
  7. IGN
    83
    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.
  8. GameTrailers
    83
    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.
  9. Digital Entertainment News
    82
    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.
  10. GamesRadar+
    80
    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.
  11. GameSpy
    80
    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.
  12. GameDaily
    80
    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.
  13. 1UP
    80
    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.
  14. GameSpot
    79
    Tales of the Abyss is a familiar but entertaining role-playing game with a charming cast of characters that helps sustain the lengthy story.
  15. GameZone
    78
    TOA is a good game, just not the latest RPG masterpiece.
  16. Game Informer
    73
    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]
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  17. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    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]
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  18. GamerNode
    73
    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.
  19. Worth Playing
    72
    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.
  20. Yahoo!
    70
    An entertaining and occasionally even deep role-playing experience able to stack up against classic entries in the "Final Fantasy" and "Dragon Quest" series.
  21. PSM Magazine
    65
    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]
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  22. G4 TV
    60
    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."
  23. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    50
    Tales of the Abyss starts off as a carbon copy of every RPG ever made. [Dec. 2006, p.119]
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best PS2 Game of 2006
18
#18 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
35
#35 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 174 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 154 out of 174
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 174
  3. Negative: 9 out of 174
  1. AmandaF.
    Dec 1, 2009
    10
    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 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.… Full Review »
  2. MSAddict
    Sep 4, 2011
    9
    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 theI 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.… Full Review »
  3. Pencil
    Jun 15, 2009
    10
    Just thinking about this game gives me goosebumps, even though I played it a couple years ago. Epic storytelling, deep and fun battling 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?… Full Review »
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