Updated thoughts on Tales of Abyss so far (after 5 hours 43 minutes of play):
It's funny, because even though it seems like a lot of time to be playing it, I'm a stickler for training, so I haven't even gone that far. As we speak, I'm only at the middle of the Fubras River, and both Luke and Tear are at level 15; Jade is level 13-14 (I forget), and Guy just turned 12. I also have each character decked out in the most powerful available gear right now, thanks to the Gald earned from so many battles.
No, seriously. At the one point where you're on the Tartarus, I used the trick where walking towards the center has Jade say "We're not foolish enough" and the two enemies respawn on that area, and used that to level Jade twice before I continued. I am a sick, sick man, and I don't doubt I'll raise everyone to almost another level before I leave the River.
Music is still sub-par, but battle is getting better. I just got a taste of TWO FoF changes (even BEFORE learning about them!), those being Luke's Blast move into Freeze Blast, and his Fang Blade into Lightning Tiger Blade, and ONE change after the explanation, that being Guy's Crescent Blade FoF. I look forward to figuring out more of these, although I wonder if each skill only has 1 FoF it reacts to.
And, Guy. GUY. MY GOD, WHY DID THEY HAVE TO MAKE IT SO OBVIOUS. My friend and I had theories on his orientation as soon as we first saw him, and THEN THEY HAVE TO GO AND MAKE HIM AFRAID OF WOMEN. Way to keep it a mystery, guys.
Symphonia was still more fun, at least concerning how far along I am at this point, but considering I usually go to every area ANYWAY, backtracking won't be much different.
I still do like randomly firing the Sorcerer's Ring though. No, it does not have anything to do with hearing an adorably cute voice.
MIEEUUUU!