Tales of the Abyss

Subject: Tales of the Abyss Sun Mar 15, 2009 7:29 pm

Okay, well it's based off a video game, and apparently almost follows the exact storyline as it's counterpart.
''Tales of the Abyss'' takes place on Auldrant, a planet composed of called ''Fonim'' in the Japanese version. For much of Auldrant's history, only six fonons were known to exist, representing the elements of Shadow, Earth, Wind, Water, Fire and Light; but eventually a seventh fonon, controlling Sound, is discovered. Its discovery brings great chaos: using this newest Seventh Fonon allows one to read the future. One such Seventh Fonist, Yulia Jue, puts in place a future for the world for thousands of years to come, with the promise of unlimited prosperity at its end. This prophecy of the future's set path becomes known as the "Score" and is documented on "Fonstones" scattered throughout the world. The nations of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear and Malkuth have fought over the fragments of these tablets for generations, each uncovering them and hoping to discover the future before the other. Meanwhile, a holy order emerges dedicated to the reading of the Score and the keeping of the peace. This "Order of Lorelei" is headed by a Fon Master and maintains both religious/political and military branches. Finally, the Score and its promise of prosperity lead to a dangerous complacency within the general population of Auldrant; the slaughter of an entire people living on the island of Hod and the destruction of that landmass are countenanced because it was predicted in the Score.

Luke Fon Fabre, the young son of Duke Fabre of the Kimlasca Kingdom is the Light of the Sacred Flame, the scion of Lorelei's power, destined to bring prosperity to Kimlasca. Since being kidnapped seven years ago by the Malkuth Empire, he has been kept confined to the Fabre family mansion. The shock of the kidnapping has erased all of Luke's memories prior to the event. One fateful day, a mysterious woman breaks into the mansion and sets off a chain of events that drag Luke into the center of a massive conflict between those who would do anything to see the Score carried out, and those who would see it broken forever."

- Wikipedia Article

Well, as for my review. Well, for cast of Character I give this show a 5/5 and a 5/5 for Character Development as well. The cast is for the most pary likeable, and interesting. Luke undergoes a TON of character development from being a spoiled brat to becoming a great warrior in a matter of months.

Plot gets a pretty good 4/5 for a pretty interesting plot, you know no spoilers but... ;P The excellent cast of characters only amplifies this.

For production values I give this show a 3/5, the art was decent but not quite on the level of Haruhi Suzumiya or other High Production Anime. Music gets a 3/5 for mostly average stuff.

And finally fanservice gets a 3.5/5 for some decent stuff. (Tear is Moe somehow ;P).

Overall that means this series gets a 4/5, and ranks as my second favorite anime this year (Under .hack//Legend of the Twilight).