Holy jesus, Tales of the Abyss is so good. I got it around 10 days ago, and I've already put in 25 hours. I am loving everything about this game! The main character starts out as kind of a Tidus (you know what I'm talking about). All the characters, actually, are pretty generic at the start. After the super awesome secret plot twist, though, everyone starts to come into themselves. They all feel real, and you really begin to care about them.
Graphics are pretty good; not RE: Revelations good, but some of the locales look just fucking GORGEOUS (Baticul I'm looking at you). Also, after a good bit in the game more and more anime cut-scenes (since there is an anime based on the game) come into play and they just look great.
The battle system is VERY fun. It's almost like a 2D fighting game. You map spells to your stick + the spell button, as well as spells from other party members (for example, I have a healing spell from the healer of the party mapped to the touch screen. I tap it, she heals. Or a strong attack spell. Whatever.). Combat is very fast paced, very fun, very smooth. It flows really well. Boss fights are great, too. Extremely intense.
This game is great, coming from someone who has never liked a JRPG before. I know it's a little hard to find, but it is definitely worth it and the BEST RPG on the 3DS.
