I was under the impression that the game took place before Ys I and Abel was someone completely different from Adol. Though I've yet to finish the game.
But yeah, I would agree that it isn't a whole lot of fun to play and it is pretty fugly for DS game when DS games are usually of a higher graphical calibur. I suppose the drawn artwork is decent, but the game's overall graphics are pretty horrendous.
The only redeeming part about it is that if you enjoy Game geography like I do, then you'll get a chance to learn about additional places within the Ys world. But then, I'm a map guy so maybe that only fascinates me...
-SkyeWelse