Tales of the Abyss: A deep story and character development

Tales of the Abyss: A Tale of Fate and Prophecy

"Tales of the Abyss" is a TV anime series that aired from October 3, 2008 to March 27, 2009, and is based on the popular RPG by Bandai Namco Games. This work depicts an epic story that determines the fate of the planet Oldland, and has fascinating characters and profound themes that draw the viewer in. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of "Tales of the Abyss", as well as recommended points.

Overview

"Tales of the Abyss" is a fantasy work set on the planet Oldland, depicting a world of prophecies (scores) and phonemes (phonims). A thousand years ago, a war was raging on the planet Oldland over the "Seventh Phoneme," which holds the memories of the birth and extinction of stars. This war devastated not only the people but also the planet itself, and large-scale crustal movements created the "Hazaki." Then, the genius score magician Julia Jue read the "memory of the stars" and sealed away the Hazaki, preventing the planet's destruction. However, her great achievement gave people the opportunity to blindly believe in prophecies, creating a world dominated by the prophecies issued by the Lorelei Cult.

Currently, the world is divided into two great powers, the Kingdom of Kimlasca-Lambardia and the Malkuth Empire, and peace is maintained by a fragile balance. However, guided by the "Planet Score" known only to the leaders of the Lorelei Cult, the world is about to enter a new age of war again. Meanwhile, Luke, the spoiled son of the Duke of Fabre, experiences a super vibration with Tia, a girl soldier of the Lorelei Cult who has broken into the mansion to target his sword master Van, and is sent to the enemy country of the Malkuth Empire. Luke has no memory of what happened before his kidnapping, so he cannot hide his surprise and confusion at the outside world that he is experiencing for the first time. With Tia's help, he hurries back to his hometown of Kimlasca, but is captured by Jade, a soldier of Malkuth, on the way, and meets Ion, the mentor who is an emissary of peace negotiations and the supreme leader of the Lorelei Cult. However, a faction of the Lorelei Cult that hates peace sends out the Six Divine Generals to attack Ion. A terrible conspiracy that would determine the fate of the planet was being hatched where Luke was headed.

Broadcast information

Tales of the Abyss was broadcast on the following stations:

• TOKYO MX: October 3, 2008 to March 27, 2009 (Every Friday 21:00-21:30)
• Mainichi Broadcasting System: October 5, 2008 to March 29, 2009 (Sundays 1:55-2:25, Saturday night)
• Chubu Nippon Broadcasting: October 5, 2008 to March 29, 2009 (Sundays 2:40-3:10, Saturday night)
• BS11: October 31, 2008 to April 24, 2009 (Every Friday 23:00-23:30)
• Animax: November 3, 2008 to May 11, 2009 (Mondays 19:00-19:30)

Each episode is 30 minutes long, and the series consists of 26 episodes.

Production Staff

The production of this work involves many talented staff members: Director Kodama Kenji, Assistant Director Sato Teruo, Series Composition Mende Akemi, Character Design Hishinuma Yoshihito, Monster and Mechanical Design Ishigaki Junya, Art Director Ikeda Shigemi, Color Design Akama Misako, Director of Photography Ogawa Shigemi, CG Directors Komori Inaho and Fukushi Naoya, Editor Tsurubuchi Tomoaki, Music Sakuraba Otomu, Sound Director Kimura Eriko, Sound Production Tohokushinsha, and produced by Sunrise, Bandai Visual, Bandai Namco Games, and Mainichi Broadcasting System.

Main Characters

Tales of the Abyss features a large cast of unique characters. The main characters are listed below:

• Luke fon Fabre (voiced by Chihiro Suzuki)
  The protagonist. The only son of the Duke of Fabre, his mother is the sister of the King of Kimlasca. He was kidnapped seven years ago and has no memory of what happened before. He was forced to live under house arrest in a mansion until he came of age, but he experiences a super vibration with Tear and is transported to the Malkuth Empire. He is caught up in a plot that shakes the foundations of the world, causing the collapse of Akzeriuth, but begins to act with his allies to atone for his sins.
• Tear Grants (voiced by Yukana)
  The heroine. One of the few who can use the "Seventh Phoneme," she infiltrates the Fabre family to assassinate Van. She creates a hyper vibration with Luke and is sent to Malkuth. After that, she acts together with Luke.
• Jade Curtis (voiced by Takehito Koyasu)
  He is the trusted adviser to Emperor Peony IX of the Malkuth Empire. He excels in strategy and tactics, and is top-notch in both musical arts and combat techniques. He always has a carefree smile on his face, but he is a tricky character who shows a sadistic side towards his allies.
• Anise Tatlin (voiced by Haruko Momoi)
  A member of the Shield of Oracle Knights, she is the guardian of the guru Ion. She likes older men and is a bit cunning. Three years after volunteering to join the cult, she was promoted to guardian of the guru. She fights by enlarging her stuffed Tokunaga.
• Guy Cecil (voiced by Yasunori Matsumoto)
  A servant of the Fabre family. He is like an older brother to Luke and a loyal servant. He has a bright and generous personality, is knowledgeable about music and loves sound machines.
• Natalia L.K. Lambardia (voiced by Michiko Neya)
  She is the princess of the Kingdom of Kimlasca and Luke's fiancée. She is noble, proud, and responsible. She is an expert archer and a martial artist.
• Mew (voiced by Miki Maruyama)
  A member of the sacred beast Chiagle tribe who made a contract with Yuria. With the power of the Sorcerer Ring, he can spit powerful flames. Luke saved his life, and he accompanies him to repay the favor. He is like a mascot for the party.
• Ion (voiced by Yumiko Kobayashi)
  The supreme leader of the Lorelei cult. The successive leaders have been symbols of world peace, and Ion also takes the lead in lobbying for peace between Malkuth and Kimlasca. He is an honest man who values ​​simplicity and dislikes extravagance.

Story and Themes

Tales of the Abyss is about prophecy, destiny and individual choice. Luke grows as he searches for who he is and what he must do. His journey is not just an adventure, but one of self-discovery and self-actualization. The story follows Luke as he and his friends try to stop a plot that could affect the fate of the planet, and as he does so he comes to terms with his inner self.

The film also depicts the conflict between fate and free will through the concept of "prophecy (score)." Should we follow the prophecy, or should we carve out our own future? This question prompts viewers to ponder deeply. In addition, the drama of each character, such as the relationship between Luke and Ash, the growth of Tia, and Jade's cunning, is not to be missed.

Rating and Recommended Points

Tales of the Abyss has been widely supported by fans of the original game and anime alike. Below are some reviews and recommended points:

• Profound Themes : Themes of destiny and free will, self-discovery and growth are explored in this thought-provoking film.
• Attractive characters : The characters, including Luke, are all unique and have a rich storyline that draws viewers in. The relationship between Luke and Ash is particularly noteworthy.
• Epic Story : The epic story that decides the fate of the planet has the power to draw viewers in. You won't want to miss the developments that are woven together with various elements such as conspiracies, battles, friendships and love.
• Stunning Visuals : Beautiful animation from Sunrise brings the fantasy world to life, especially in the battle scenes and backgrounds.
• Emotional Music : The music by Osamu Sakuraba enhances the atmosphere of the story and stirs emotions in the viewer. The opening theme "Karma" and the ending theme "Adventure Comet" are particularly impressive.

Related works and media mix

Tales of the Abyss is not only an original game, but has also been expanded into various media mixes. Here are some related works:

• Viva☆Tales of MX Special : This special program introduced the appeal of the "Tales of" series and also featured information about "Tales of the Abyss."

Theme songs and music

The theme songs for "Tales of the Abyss" are as follows:

• OP1 "Karma"
  • Lyricist: Motoo Fujiwara
  • Composer: Motoo Fujiwara
  • Arrangement: BUMP OF CHICKEN
  • Sung by: BUMP OF CHICKEN
• ED1 "Adventure Comet"
  • Lyrics: MOR & MOTOO FUJIWARA
  • Composer: MOR & MOTOO FUJIWARA
  • Vocals: Kurumi Enomoto

Conclusion

"Tales of the Abyss" is a wonderful work that combines profound themes, fascinating characters, a grand story, beautiful visuals and music. It is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the original game but also to anime fans. If you want to enjoy a story of fate and free will, self-discovery and growth, please watch this work.