81| Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter

Released: December 21st, 1989

Definitive Version: PC; Also on: PCECD, DS, PSP, iOS, Android

There is a very good reason why I am listing Ys II and not Ys I, despite the games always being packed together. Ys I isn't a good game. To be fair most of the faults in the game lie in the ridiculously long incomprehensible "end" dungeon that takes up literally half the game. I could go into more detail, but this entry is about it's far superior continuation, Ys II. The best way to describe the game is that it is like Zelda but more focus on combat, story, and RPG elements. The game uses the same bump combat as Ys I, which involves the player just merely running at an enemy to damage them. This may sound too simplistic at first but depending on the timing and what angle the player hits the enemy, the amount of damage the player inflicts on the enemy and vice versa changes. It's actually really cool once one gets the hang of things.

Being honest, there isn't much to say about this game other than it really illuminates the classic "16-bit" adventure feel from games of that era. The game will give you "nostalgia chills" that you received from playing more well known 16-bit games from back in the day such as A Link to the Past and Beyond Oasis. The world is varied with a lot of charm and attention to detail put into it. While the story isn't the most lore heavy, it's engaging just enough to have your mind fill in the blanks. The game is also well paced as it seems whenever the player completes an objective, there is something else that interests them to keep them going.

Another shoutout that is well deserved is the quality of the remaster. Ys Chronicles I and II + for the Playstation Portable, Nintendo DS, and PC is wonderful. Falcom did a perfect job in updating the game for the modern era with redone sprite work, a choice of music between versions, and a retranslation. The game could seriously pass as being developed from the ground up rather than a reworking of an existing product. Truly the definitive version of the game.

Falcom is one of the best developers in the industry, and Ys II standing the test of time so well proves why. Since its inception, the company has always focused on charming characters and tight game design first and foremost. The company doesn't always follow the flavor of the month trends many other companies do and it truly shows. If you want to play a game that is a testament to Falcom's game design, Ys II isn't a bad choice.