Discover the Hidden Action RPG Masterpiece You’re Missing Out On

The history of action games is rich and well-documented, with many gamers believing that the sub-genre gained significant momentum during the SNES era. However, it’s important to note that the genre actually originated in 1984, spearheaded by several Japanese developers who introduced titles like Falcom’s Dragon Slayer, which was released for the NEC PC-8801 that year. Dragon Slayer is recognized as the first Action RPG, as it abandoned command-based, turn-based gameplay in favor of real-time combat, swordplay, and puzzle-solving.

1989 saw the massive success of “Dragon Slayer” in Japan, followed swiftly by a sequel titled “Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes”. Interestingly, this game laid the foundation for the ongoing “Trails” series. Although modern installments of the Trails series incorporate action elements, they are essentially turn-based RPGs at their core. On the other hand, the essence of “Dragon Slayer” lives on through Falcom’s other enduring franchise, “Ys”, which debuted in 1987 with “Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished”.

The Origins of Long-Forgotten Bump Combat

Simple, But Shockingly Fun

The initial Ys game showcased a unique form of combat, known as Bump Combat. Instead of attacking with a button press, players collided their character, Adol Christin, into adversaries to inflict harm. Yet, charging straight at enemies would result in mutual harm for both the enemy and Adol, encouraging players to strike from behind, sides, or slightly off-center positions to dodge damage.

The game is remarkably straightforward to grasp, yet proving mastery proves surprisingly challenging, while still being incredibly entertaining. What’s more, it doesn’t linger too long since it can be completed in just a few hours. The developers have likened the gameplay mechanics to popping bubble wrap, turning an otherwise tedious task like level grinding into something enjoyable. Over the years, the game has been remade and ported multiple times for platforms such as Master System, MSX2, TurboGrafx-CD, NES, Sega Saturn, Windows, Nintendo DS, and even the Switch, with the original PC-88 version available on this last one.

As a gamer, I’ve embarked on countless adventures in this series, and each tale shares a common thread: The protagonist, Adol Christin, a skilled swordsman, finds himself in the land of Esteria. A mysterious soothsayer predicts his arrival, setting him on a quest to discover the six Books of Ys. These ancient tomes are said to hold the wisdom needed to vanquish an impending evil.

From bustling towns to hidden dungeons scattered across the continent, this journey takes me through diverse landscapes and introduces me to numerous non-player characters (NPCs). Along the way, I gather new equipment and gear up for the challenges ahead.

In the conclusion of the first game, Adol triumphs over Dark Fact, gathers all the books, and is transported to an enigmatic location. The second game, Ys II, continues immediately from this point, with Adol landing on the floating islands of Ys to unravel the mysteries surrounding an ancient civilization. Unlike many games in the series, Ys II serves as a direct sequel rather than a standalone chapter in Adol’s extensive travelogues, which were discovered posthumously.

A Slow But Steady Refinement

From Top-Down to Side-Scrolling and Now Fully 3D

In Ys III: Wanderers from Ys, the gameplay switched to a side-scrolling format akin to Zelda II. As a result, combat no longer involved bumping into enemies but required pressing a button for attacks. The game boasted various versions, with the latest being a remastered version of the PSP remake named Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felgana, which reverted to the top-down view. This game unfolds three years after Ys I & 2, as protagonists Adol and his friend Dogi, visit the latter’s hometown, leading them straight into another exhilarating adventure.

As a gamer, I find it fascinating to delve into the unique world of Ys IV. This series doesn’t follow the typical pattern; instead, it consists of four distinct video games that even include remakes. Here’s an intriguing twist: Falcom, the developers, allowed two different companies, Tonkin House and Hudson Soft, to develop a fourth game each. This led to the creation of Ys IV: Mask of the Sun by Tonkin House and Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys by Hudson Soft.

Initially, The Dawn of Ys was considered the canonical storyline, but that changed with the release of Ys VI. However, it was eventually Ys VI that aligned with the events of Mask of the Sun. But don’t be confused, as both were later overshadowed by a pseudo-remake titled Memories of Celceta. All these games are set between Ys II and III, marking the beginning of a trend where the titles aren’t in chronological order.

As a gamer diving into the world of Ys, I’ve found it fascinating that each game in the series stands on its own, offering a self-contained storyline. This means you can jump right into any Ys title without worrying about missing crucial backstory or context from previous games. For instance, you might start with Ys Seven, which set the stage for the modern, 3D action games the series is known for, complete with multiple playable characters. However, be warned that Ys Seven can be quite challenging, and later entries in the series might be more welcoming to newcomers.

Into the Modern Era

A Castaway Adventure, a Monstrous Journey, and a Voyage Across the Sea

For the majority of gamers, it’s suggested they embark on the following game, titled Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana. In this installment, Adol finds himself shipwrecked on an isolated island. The objective is to save fellow castaways and unite them for survival, as the island appears to be inhabited by creatures resembling dinosaurs. Moreover, the gameplay transitions into full 3D action, akin to combat sequences in games like , where players can execute combos and special moves while dodging and guarding against enemy attacks.

The game titled “Lacrimosa of Dana” is remarkably engaging, boasting an exceptional narrative. Some argue that its sequel surpasses it in quality. In the game Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, Adol finds himself unjustly imprisoned. During a daring escape, he’s struck and afflicted by a mysterious witch, bestowing upon him unique abilities but trapping him within the city of Balduq. United with others similarly cursed, they embark on a mission to combat hordes of otherworldly monsters that lurk unseen amongst us.

In 2023 and 2024, the new game titled “Ys X: Nordics” will be launched in the western regions. Compared to its predecessors,

In order to sever their connection, the duo needs to traverse the oceans and confront formidable creatures called Griegr. The game uniquely introduces sailing and ship-to-ship combat for the first time in the series. Players can now engage in cannon battles against enemy ships or board them for a direct assault. Additionally, evasion and defense mechanics have been revamped in this installment of the game. Unlike before, where dodging an attack would slow down time, and blocking an attack perfectly would provide temporary invincibility, the new version offers a more intricate system in Nordics.

In this game, controlling both characters, Adol and Karja, simultaneously is possible by pressing and holding the block button. This team-up allows for a strategic balance between offensive and defensive moves. Timing a block perfectly triggers a unique combo, while regular blocking increases a meter known as the Revenge Gauge. As this gauge accumulates, the subsequent power of their special abilities increases, inflicting more damage.

The changes make the game less repetitive for some players, though others might consider that aspect part of the charm in Lacrimosa and Monstrum. Regardless, all three games are exciting, each with its unique appeal. VIII boasts an engrossing story, an excellent cast, and a metroidvania-style world filled with exploration tools. IX is set in a single location, giving it a cozy, familiar feel. X is the latest addition, but it also offers a captivating cast of characters and a strong female protagonist.

Among these three options, any one of them serves as an excellent foundation, but delving back into the original games’ brawling mechanics remains captivating. There are certain titles you might want to steer clear of initially, like “Mask of the Sun” or “Seven,” but each game offers its own distinct charm and intrigue. If you’re inclined to start with the most recent title, there are some factors to ponder. The upcoming enhanced edition titled “Ys X: Proud Nordics.” is exclusive to the Switch 2 and includes new character abilities, enemies, and quests.

Although it’s been released in Japan shortly after the Switch 2, there’s no news about its global release yet. Given Falcom’s history of delaying or never localizing their games, and considering a new publisher is handling their other series with Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, the future of the series remains uncertain in the west. Patients waiting for Proud Nordics might have to wait for over a year, while those who play the base game now can do so immediately.

Regardless of the choice made, players are in for an extraordinary experience as they delve into this game. The Nordics appear complete and brimming with activities and options. The primary narrative spans approximately 24 hours, but a fully completed playthrough takes around 50 hours. Remarkably, there’s also a free trial version of the game available, offering the initial 6-8 hours of gameplay. This allows players to test the game on their preferred platform and continue their saved progress if they decide to buy the full game.

2025-05-22 04:02