Heroine of Shoujo

Tales of the Abyss (Review)

March 5, 2010 at 11:20 am | Posted in Anime/Manga Impressions, Reviews, Tales of the Abyss | 2 Comments
Tags: Tales of the Abyss

Luke Fon Fabre, the son of the duke of Kimlasca, was kidnapped when he was just a little child. He was soon freed by his abductors, but as a result of the kidnapping, he lost his memories, and he was forbidden by his parents to get out of the palace to ensure his safety.

Luke grew up aspiring to be a great swordsman and wishing to see the world outside the palace walls.

One day, while having a mock swordfight with his teacher, Van Grants, a mysterious woman (who later told her name as Tear Grants) used her Fonic Hymn to illegally get inside the palace. This woman unhesitantly attacked Van, wherein Luke intervenes to save his mentor and at the same time fight Tear. Much to their dismay, Luke’s attack caused some unknown force to activate. It was then that Luke realized that he, together with the woman, was transported into a faraway place.

Soon, Luke and Tear joined forces so as to get back to Kimlasca. They encountered and made more comrades during their journey (Jade Curtis and Tatlin Anise) and were joined by old friends (Guy Cecil and Natalia Lanvaldear). Of course, antagonists (The Six Generals) appeared to make their adventure more exciting.

Because of my love for this anime, I became patient enough to watch it online –despite the fact that it took me almost two weeks to watch it because of those annoying ‘buffling/loading video’!! Nevertheless, it was REALLY worth it. Truth is, I want to re-watch this series again, but I still haven’t bought (and found) the DVD (T_T)

So far, among the fantasy and adventure genres I have already watched, only Tales of the Abyss had given me the best quality of magic and swordfightings, together with a little comedy (Jade Curtis’ and Miu’s parts!), love story (Tear and Luke, Natalia and Asch) and history.

Tales of the Abyss is not the usual anime that you know. It’s not like the anime’s that go on with fighting, nor those comedy love stories, nor a Japanese-themed anime. My opinion is that this anime is more of classical European style.

STORY :
From the story of each of the six main characters to their journey together, Tales of the Abyss, without a doubt, has a great story. My interest gradually increased since the start of the anime (no? I got interested by just reading the plot in Otakuzine # 37!!) because of the magic involved.

From the very intriguing story of Luke Fon Fabre, to those wars and spectacular Fonic Artes, Tales of the Abyss is a great fantasy & adventure genre anime to watch. Fans of such genres (like me!) would really love this anime.

~Oh, if you’re looking for a love story, you’ll also find it in Tales of the Abyss. Here goes the TearLuke and NataliaAsch pairings!

All in all, I’ll give it a rating of a perfect 5!

GRAPHICS :
The graphics are superb! Compared to the usual Japanese-setting anime’s, Tales of the Abyss’ setting takes you to its own unique world of Auldrant (it’s like you’re really there!). Also, the drawings of the characters are ‘sorta’ realistic – it goes with their personality too. *I love Tear’s hair!*

Rating: 5

CHARACTERS :
This anime gives a wide array of interesting characters with their own personality that goes well with its drawing (see Graphics). Each character have their own characteristics – Luke: spoiled, determined…Tear: a military woman but you’ll love to see her blush!…Guy: a happy-go-lucky gentleman…Natalia: a good ruler, keeps her promises…Jade: serious and sarcastic (huh??)…Tatlin: cute and funny ^.^…There are more of the characters that you’ll also love, like the pig-lover Emperor Peony, and Miu.

My favorite? In terms of personality, I love Natalia, and in terms of beauty, I love both Natalia and Tear.

Rating: 5

MUSIC :
I can’t say enough with the music, the opening theme is the original OP of the PS2 game: Karma by Bump of Chicken, while the ending theme is Kurumi Enomoto’s Bouken Suisei (‘Adventure in This Decant World’ <??>).

 

 

 

 

 

Rating: 4.8

DUB :
Here we go with the tough part, the dab. The dab isn’t bad, besides, I think Haruko Momoi’s cute voice really goes well with Tatlin’s personality (that is what I first noticed!). Michiko Neya’s mature dabbing fits Natalia, while Yukana’s alluring serious tone suits Tear.

And with my favorite seiyuu, Yukana, being a part of the ToA crew…I’ll give Tales of the Abyss a perfect 5! (Bias!!!! ^.^)

 

All in all rating:    4.96!!