Namco has updated the official website for its upcoming PlayStation 2 RPG Tales of the Abyss. The development team at Tales Studio is implementing a new variation of the good old Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS) into the game: The new Flex Range Linear Motion Battle System (FR-LMBS) will allow for a greater freedom of movement during the 3D battles. To achieve this new level of freedom, free lines have been set up, allowing the player to move his or her party of up to four charcters more freely across the battle field.

In addition to the previously introduced protagonist Luke fone Faber, heroine Tear, the elite necromancer Jade Curtiss and Anise Tatlin, today's update revealed yet another character, named Mieu. The tiny Mieu is a a young Qigul. Qiguls are the sacred beasts of the religious organization which Tear and Anise both work for.

Those who pre-order Tales of the Abyss in Japan will be in for a special present: the Tales of Fandom Gaiden DVD. To commemorate the series' tenth anniversary, this disc will not only feature an original drama and artwork from Tales of the Abyss, but also a gallery containing all characters that have appeared in every Tales game since the 1995 debut title Tales of Phantasia.

Tales of the Abyss will be available in Japan on December 15th for 6,800 yen ($61.99 US).

• GameWatch

• Official Tales of the Abyss Website