Tales of the Abyss - first impressions.

Okay, so, I fired up the new PS2 a few days ago and tried out Tales of the Abyss. I'm still really early in the game (finished Cheagle Forest and am now in the Tartarus), but a few thoughts:

-"Karma," the title song by Bump of Chicken (interesting band name... O_o), is really really nifty, even as an instrumental. ♥

-While I still don't hold any real love for battle systems like this one (or Star Ocean's), I have to admit, the character AI in this game is incredibly SMART, even on its default settings. I haven't had to babysit the rest of the party thus far in battle, which is a good thing in my book.

- Luke is an amazingly whiny ass. Seriously, Tidus' whining doesn't hold a candle to Luke's. But that is the reason why I like him (like I did Tidus). A lot. He's just so over the top that it's funny (especially when Tear delivers the smackdown afterward).

- Guy, for however briefly I met him, is rather adorable and amusing with his EXTREME fear of women. It's cute. XD

- Tear has the patience of a saint to deal with Luke. Hopefully her subplot with Van will turn out interesting.

- Jade seems like he'll be fun. I had to giggle at the "lover's quarrel" comment he made to Luke and Tear after defeating the Liger Queen, as well as smile in amusement at his little "Okay, I'll stay out of your way, as long as you do the same for me" snipe at Luke - he just sounded so playful when he did that. XD I also think chaoscheebs and scyllaopal would like him, at least aesthetically, as he's a Guy with Glasses.

- Haha, Anise's speech tends to end in hearts when she's talking to the (hot) guys. A playa in the making, maybe? XD

- Holy shit, Ion SERIOUSLY looks like a girl. And of course, talks like one too, to further confuse you. Other than that, I don't have a real opinion of him yet.

- Aww, Mieu is SO GODDAMN CUTE. Seriously. Poor thing gets abused so much by Luke, though, heh...

- While the game has yet to give me any hints on whether I'm right or wrong about this, ( cut in case I'm right and it ends up being a major spoiler, highlight text to read. )

Overall, first impression is: I think I will like this game (much more than Symphonia, which was kinda cute in parts, but overall... eh), even if I'm still not keen on the battle system (though at least now you can run in 3-D with the Free Run skill, thank god!).

Anyway, that's it for now. Gonna go play some more! :)