It's hard not to be biased when writing a review of an anime based on such an amazing game, but I'll try...
The story is excellent, if condensed. It doesn't delve as deep as the original game, and isn't nearly as intricate, but there are still moments when you can go "Wha...? What's going on? I don't understand...", due to its residual complexity and devious plot twists. You aren't meant to understand some things until later, but it keeps you guessing in the meantime.
One of the most disapointing things about this is that Jade loses most of his snide remarks. They were one of the best parts about the game, but presumeably they couldn't fit into the anime. That made me very sad. Dialogue for the most part is more than sufficient, and is in the same depth that I've come to expect of the Tales series. It doesn't advances the characters as much as the game did, but it's still quite easy to see that they are in fact different characters with distinct personalities, unlike most other anime in general. Almost unique in that the characters are actually, well, characters. Believeable, and you can imagine them actually existing.
Animation exceeds the level of that achieved in game. Although that's not saying too much. Still, it looks good, and above the level of that achieved in many other anime.
Only partially ruined by playing the game beforehand, I still found this greatly entertaining. It still captures the essense of the game for those who don't want to play it, and goes that bit further than the common or garden animation.
The game will always be better, but for a taste of the brilliance that is the Tales series, this is well worth a watch. Better than most others I've seen. (show less)

this anime is based off of a video game by the same name released by namco. tales of the abyss is part of the tales series of games. each game is sparate from each other in story and characters but are all worth the play. this anime adaptation of the game is fantastic and met my expectations. it is definatly worth the watch if you're into fantasy story with adventure and the whole saving the world theme. full of loveable characters, great story, great animation, and a bit of humor. if you've already played the game then there isn't much you will gain story wise with the anime. (show less)