This JRPG Should’ve Been Remembered Alongside Final Fantasy X and Persona 3

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Japanese role-playing games, or JRPGs, have always been highly praised, but the 2000s were a particularly special time for the genre. Advances in gaming technology allowed for more immersive stories, with fully voiced characters becoming standard. Developers also began tackling more complex and mature themes than just traditional hero-versus-villain plots. This era wasn’t just popular for JRPGs; it fundamentally changed how players experienced stories, character development, and emotional connections in games. Games like Final Fantasy X and Persona 3 are prime examples of this impact.

Another game stood out just as much, and it was part of a well-established series. In fact, Tales of the Abyss was arguably the best game in the series so far. While it didn’t reach the same long-term popularity as games like Final Fantasy X and Persona 3, that’s unfortunate. It was just as ambitious in its story, characters, and gameplay, and deserved to be considered among the best JRPGs.

Tales of the Abyss Was One of the Best JRPGS of Its Time

Even after twenty years, Tales of the Abyss stands out because of its focus on characters and their development. The main character, Luke fon Fabre, starts out as a frustratingly spoiled, arrogant, and sheltered person. Instead of trying to make him more agreeable, the game embraces his flaws, and they become central to the story’s emotional journey. It felt similar to Final Fantasy VII’s Cloud, who was popular and cool, but also a bit of a difficult character.

Taking this creative direction was a gamble, but it ultimately succeeded. Luke’s journey from flawed character to someone worthy of admiration is one of the most powerful and believable in JRPG gaming. His development feels realistic, showing both struggle and growth, and is made stronger by the characters around him who hold him accountable. The game explores important ideas about who we are, taking responsibility for our actions, and believing in ourselves, creating a story that stays with you long after you finish playing. Even now, it’s rare to find a game with such well-developed characters.

As a Tales fan, I always thought Tales of the Abyss really changed things up. The way they let you move around freely during battles – that Free Run system – felt awesome and added a whole new level to combat. Plus, the Field of Fonons made me actually think about where I was standing and what elements would work best. It wasn’t just button mashing! Honestly, a lot of what Abyss did ended up shaping how future Tales games played, and it really helped define what the series is known for today. Even now, the combat feels so smooth and different from those older, more traditional turn-based RPGs like Final Fantasy X and Persona 3.

An Incredible Title Overshadowed by Giants

Although Tales of the Abyss was a good game, it came out at a tough time. The PlayStation 2 had a lot of popular and well-known Japanese role-playing games, including big names like Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and Persona. These games were already very famous and had a lot of marketing power, which Tales lacked. Even though the Tales series had done well before, it wasn’t as widely known in Western countries.

Timing also played a role. Final Fantasy X had already set a new standard for storytelling in JRPGs, and Persona 3 was about to change the genre with its unique social elements and contemporary setting. Tales of the Abyss offered some new ideas, but it didn’t quite reach the same level of impact as those other games. With so many innovative titles being released at the same time, it was difficult for any one game to truly grab the spotlight.

The game’s serious and thoughtful tone might have also contributed to its challenges. Tales of the Abyss explores complex ideas like morality, the meaning of life, and the dangers of following orders without question. Although these themes are appreciated by many players now, they weren’t as popular when the game first came out, as many JRPG fans were looking for something more lighthearted. Like Xenogears before it, Tales of the Abyss demonstrated that even a fantastic game needs to be released at the right time to truly succeed.

Two Decades Later, Tales of the Abyss Has to Get a Remake

As Tales of the Abyss approaches its 20th anniversary, now is the perfect time to introduce it to a new audience. A complete remake or even a high-quality remaster could finally give this beloved game the attention it deserves. With today’s technology, the game’s visuals could be significantly improved, the combat could be smoother, and the voice acting could truly capture the story’s emotional depth. We’ve seen remakes of older games like Final Fantasy Tactics and Trails in the Sky Chapter 1 become very successful, and I’m confident Tales of the Abyss could achieve the same.

Today’s players of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) are much more open to stories with complicated characters and moral dilemmas. Games such as Persona 5, Final Fantasy XVI, and NieR: Automata have shown that players want games that make them think and feel. Because of this, Tales of the Abyss wouldn’t seem unusual now – it would fit right in. This is especially true given the success of games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which was heavily inspired by classic JRPGs.

Bandai Namco has a history of revisiting its older Tales games with updated versions and special events. Giving Tales of the Abyss the same attention as other beloved JRPGs could solidify its status as one of the all-time greats. With a remastered version of Tales of Berseria coming out next year, fans are hopeful that a remake of Tales of the Abyss will follow.

Despite not receiving widespread recognition at the time, Tales of the Abyss has had a significant and lasting impact. Its influence is visible in later Tales games, fans still adore its characters, and its thought-provoking themes continue to be debated even today. As the JRPG genre grows and changes, it’s important to revisit games that were influential, especially those that didn’t get the attention they deserved. Tales of the Abyss isn’t just a standout title in the Tales series; it’s a truly exceptional JRPG. Had it received the same level of praise as other games of its time, it likely would be considered one of the most important JRPGs of its generation.

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2025-12-15 22:12