Gaming News - April 2006

Santa Clara, CA (April 27, 2006) - Namco Bandai announced today that it plans to bring Tales of the Abyss to the U.S. market exclusively for the PlayStation 2. The game will ship to North American shelves this Fall 2006.

From Namco Bandai:

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.