Just got an email from my friend in the business, Tales of the Abyss is coming to the US!

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (April 27, 2006) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today its plans to bring their newest installment in the enormously popular Tales series, Tales of the Abyss™, to the U.S. market exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The most stunning and immersive Tales game to date will set a new standard in the RPG genre when it hits North American shelves this Fall 2006.



Tales of the Abyss boasts a revolutionary new free roaming battle system allowing players to move anywhere on the battlefield, a first in the Tales series which brings new depth to the intense, high-action battles that Tales games are knows for.



Developed by Team Symphonia, Tales of the Abyss will offer up a grandiose new RPG adventure with a brand new storyline and the most realistic looking character models ever seen in the series, making the game come to life before the players’ own eyes. Tales of the Abyss’ stunning character designs were created by Kosuke Fujishima (known for his character designs in the Ah! My Goddess manga) and its beautiful anime cut scenes by Production I.G.



“The Tales games have always been known for delivering memorable RPG experiences to the player and Tales of the Abyss stands to deliver once again,” said Yoshi Niki, Product Group Director at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “Its’ incredible realism, in-depth story line and new free roaming battle system will position Tales of the Abyss as a ‘must have’ for RPG fans when it launches this Fall.”



Tales of the Abyss will follow 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.

I will confirm that Symphonia fans will eat this one up.. of course, if they have a PS2.

Yeah, finally, I caught this news last night and said thank god! We deserve if nothing else for having to support Tales of Mediocrity. Like the 18 page GAF thread stated, Namco really needs to cut back on pimping out the Tales every year next gen and add some consist quality again.

Heh. I liked Symphonia and LOVED Legendia.. but through both I was thinking "Man, this series isn't really going anywhere.." They really are over-saturating the series at this point. Abyss is really nothing new either.. same generic anime stereo-types you've seen in EVERY Tales game.. same cheap Casio-keyboard soundtrack present in all but Legendia.. etc., etc. The improvements to the battle system are great (think Symphonia but you can break out of line and move freely), but still minor in the grand scheme of the series' progression.

US Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5r1iyS_9os

I'll definitely be picking this up.

The trailer really helped put me in a better mood for it! I'm not sure what put me in such a sour mood when I posted the above comments (I really liked Legendia except for having to go through the entire game a second time). Hell, THREE English Tales games in one year? Excellent.

To be honest though, I'm probably 100 times more excited for the Tales of Destiny remake.

Thanks for the info. I love Tales and I'm currently playing Eternia on PSP and I love it. I heard Legendia is $30 at Wal Mart also

How much is the retail price?

EB/GS list $49.99. Amazon and CD Universe list $29.99

I assumed it was $50 most places, but then again it's been a while since I checked.

That looks sweet! Thanks for posting the video!