October, 11, 2006 - Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that Tales of the Abyss™, the stunning new epic tale from Namco Tales Studio's Team Symphonia, has shipped to retailers nationwide today. The must-have RPG of the season is also the most captivating Tales game to date, following a young aristocrat—Luke fon Fabre—who, after years confined to his family's manor, is suddenly thrown into the outside world. Tales of the Abyss draws the player into this world as each action will determine the destiny of Luke, his kingdom and all that he knows and loves.

Exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Tales of the Abyss also brings forth an exciting new battle system where players are able to freely run around the battlefield as well as see right away what monsters are set to attack you for better strategic battle play. Returning to the Tales series are two beloved features: cooking, which allows the player to make a variety of dishes in order to heal your party, and skits, which give the player more insight into the characters' thoughts and emotions.

"Tales of the Abyss will set a new standard in immersive story-telling as it tells a wondrous new story that will immerse the player into the game the minute they sit down and start playing," Yoshi Niki, Product Group Director at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. said. "Adding to this, Tales of the Abyss features the most realistic looking characters to ever grace the series, based on the character designs created by Kosuke Fujishima, well known in Japan for his incredible design work."

About Tales of the Abyss

Developed by Namco Tales Studio's Team Symphonia, Tales of the Abyss will offer up a grandiose new RPG adventure with a brand new storyline and the most realistic looking character models ever seen in the series, making the game come to life before the players' own eyes. Tales of the Abyss' stunning character designs were created by Kosuke Fujishima (known for his character designs in the Ah! My Goddess manga) and its beautiful anime cut scenes by Production I.G. Tales of the Abyss will follow the story of the young aristocrat, Luke fon Fabre. Kidnapped seven years ago, Luke returns to his family with no memories of his life before. In order to protect him, Luke's family keeps him confined to the quiet lifestyle of the palace. Suddenly, Luke is thrust into the outside world, caught in the workings of the Order of Lorelei and the Oracle Knights who serve as keepers of the prophecy known as the Score. He knows nothing of those who might be his allies or those who are already his enemies. He must learn of the power of friendship and feel the pain of sacrifice. Luke's actions could save the world or destroy it.