Ys I & II Chronicles+
- February 13, 2013
- Nihon Falcom
- 8h median play time
Get on Steam"Ys I & II Chronicles+" is a remastered compilation of the first two games in the Ys series, an action RPG franchise. The games follow the adventures of Adol Christin, a red-haired swordsman, as he explores the island of Esteria and the land of Ys. This version features updated graphics, audio, and gameplay elements, as well as multiple language options.
Reviews
- Engaging and charming story that introduces players to the world of Ys and its characters.
- Unique 'bump' combat system that, while unconventional, provides a refreshing change from traditional attack mechanics.
- Incredible soundtrack that enhances the overall experience and is often cited as one of the best in gaming.
- Frustrating boss design, particularly the final boss, which can feel unfair and heavily reliant on luck.
- Lack of clear direction and guidance, making it easy to get lost and requiring the use of a guide for progression.
- Dungeons can be maze-like and tedious, leading to unnecessary backtracking and confusion.
- music685 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in the Ys series is universally praised, with many reviewers highlighting its exceptional quality and variety across different soundtracks. Players appreciate the ability to switch between multiple versions of the soundtrack, including the original PC-88, the Complete version, and the Chronicles arrangement, allowing for a personalized experience. Overall, the soundtrack is often described as "godlike," "phenomenal," and a standout feature that significantly enhances the gaming experience.
“The updated art style, combined with a remastered soundtrack, elevates the overall presentation and makes for an immersive experience.”
“The music from the shrines is one of the best OSTs I've ever heard in a video game; the gameplay is simple, yet it has its learning curve.”
“The music is so captivating that you'll likely find yourself adding it to your playlist.”
“The music is a combination of rock and pop that makes the game perfect.”
“The music switches between soft town themes and serene temple themes, to pulse pounding electric guitar riffs in dungeons and combat zones.”
“Unfortunately if you can't get the luck you need to beat him early, you may wind up listening to the same music for hours.”
- story662 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story of Ys I & II is characterized as charming and straightforward, blending classic fantasy elements with engaging narratives that, while simplistic and trope-driven, effectively set the stage for the protagonist Adol Christin's adventures. Players appreciate the nostalgic presentation and character interactions, though some find the quest design and linear progression lacking depth. Overall, the story serves as a solid introduction to the Ys series, appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans despite its dated mechanics and occasional confusion in progression.
“The storytelling in Ys I & II is charming, blending fantasy elements with a straightforward yet engaging narrative.”
“With its engaging story, fast-paced combat, and modern enhancements, it provides a nostalgic experience for fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.”
“The story is, certainly there, but it still gives the feeling of going on an adventure to save the world.”
“The story is fairly simplistic and very tropey, mostly being another 'save the world from the evil demons' story, and the game design could be considered 'archaic' or 'outdated' by some people.”
“The story is barely there, and the leveling stops at level 10.”
“The story is completely throwaway.”
- gameplay420 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the Ys I & II Chronicles+ edition is characterized by its unique "bump" combat system, where players must run into enemies at an angle to deal damage, creating a fast-paced and engaging experience. While the mechanics may feel dated and simplistic to modern players, the game retains a certain charm and nostalgia, enhanced by updated graphics and music. Overall, the gameplay is enjoyable for those willing to embrace its quirks, though it may not satisfy players seeking more complex RPG mechanics.
“The combat system is fast-paced and intuitive, allowing players to engage enemies in a unique 'bump' mechanic that feels fluid and satisfying.”
“The gameplay is simple but is consistent and works well for what it's trying to accomplish.”
“The bump system is what makes or breaks Ys I and II: it's a really bizarre, indirect combat mechanic.”
“However, while the enhancements are commendable, some aspects of the gameplay may feel dated to modern players.”
“The simplistic nature of the quests and the linear progression might not satisfy those looking for more complex RPG mechanics.”
“The gameplay is a far more refined version of the classic 'run-and-bump' gameplay associated with the series.”
- graphics257 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the remastered Ys I & II collection have received mixed reviews, with many praising the updated visuals and charming pixel art that breathe new life into the classic titles. Players appreciate the option to switch between original and modern art styles, enhancing the nostalgic experience while maintaining the essence of the original games. However, some critiques highlight that despite the graphical improvements, the visuals still reflect their retro origins, which may not appeal to everyone.
“Visually, the enhanced graphics breathe new life into the classic titles.”
“The updated art style, combined with a remastered soundtrack, elevates the overall presentation and makes for an immersive experience.”
“The graphics are great in my opinion and the gameplay is minimalist but straight to the point.”
“Graphics (5/10): the visuals remain unchanged from Ys I, retaining the classic old-school style.”
“While this may appeal to fans of retro aesthetics, it doesn’t bring anything new to the table.”
“Overall (5/10): Ys II makes strides in gameplay and story but falls short in user-friendliness and graphical innovation.”
- grinding111 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect in the Ys series is a mixed bag; while some players find it necessary to level up for challenging bosses, others view it as tedious and frustrating, especially with the low experience gains and backtracking involved. Many appreciate the real-time combat system that makes grinding feel less monotonous, but the overall experience can be marred by difficulty spikes and the need for significant time investment. Overall, grinding is present but varies in enjoyment depending on player preferences and goals, with some finding it rewarding and others deeming it a chore.
“No tedious grinding, no cryptic BS that you absolutely need a guide for, no annoying puzzles.”
“The game's had almost no grinding at all, but if you find a boss frustrating, it is rather enjoyable to grind up a lot and mow it down when you are over-prepared.”
“There is no grinding or a lot of backtracking in any RPG that I mentioned above.”
“The game demands a significant time investment due to its grindy nature.”
“Grinding to level up or get gold is a bit time-consuming at first, but it is easy to become overpowered pretty early in the game.”
“There are some elements of the games that haven't aged well, notably some inscrutable puzzles, mandatory level grinding, and plenty of backtracking through large, mazelike dungeons.”
- humor30 mentions
- 97 % positive mentions
- -7 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The humor in Ys 2 is described as a delightful blend of charm and wit, with players noting the presence of funny characters, hilarious dialogue, and amusing easter eggs throughout the game. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to balance humor with emotional moments, creating a unique experience that elicits both laughter and nostalgia. Additionally, the quirky achievements and offbeat interactions add layers of comedic value, making the game enjoyable beyond its main quest.
“There are funny moments along with intense moments.”
“The easter eggs and hidden character dialogues are hilarious.”
“There's a ton to do, lots of side quests, some genuinely funny writing, and some twists that are actually pretty surprising.”
“It's not funny.”
“The jokes fall flat and feel forced.”
“I expected more laughs, but it just didn't deliver.”
- atmosphere16 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its strong sense of adventure, captivating music, and unique art styles that enhance the immersive experience. Reviewers highlight the harmonious blend of sound and visuals, creating a mystical and engaging environment that draws players into the fantasy world. Despite some criticisms regarding the combat and story depth, the overall ambiance and compelling lore contribute significantly to the game's appeal.
“Very, very atmospheric and has a very strong sense of adventure.”
“The soundtrack and atmosphere in general are amazing in both games, and you can swap between more modern and older art styles and music.”
“The world and environment really hammer the fantasy atmosphere home.”
“Which fits the calming yet vigilant atmosphere the game evokes constantly.”
“Surprisingly, even though there's not much to speak of story-wise in these games as the writing is very formulaic and limited, they somehow manage to create a mystical atmosphere, which especially for Ys I felt like playing Greek legends.”
“The game, however, is a strange fusion of multiple anime art styles in the intro, as well as the game having an ear-gouging soundtrack that seems to break the atmosphere of the game.”
- replayability14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the fun and short nature of the experience, along with options like difficulty settings and time attack modes for speedrunning, others find the replay value limited primarily to completionists and achievement hunters. The presence of secrets and extras can enhance replayability for some, but many agree that the game lacks substantial incentives for multiple playthroughs.
“You'll probably cruise through these pretty quickly, but it's a fun cruise, and the difficulty options (along with the speedrun potential) offer plenty in the way of replayability.”
“These games are absolutely amazing and have amazing replayability because of their short length (it was short to me, but it's average length for an 80-90s ARPG).”
“The game is filled with cool secrets and extras that add tons of replay value along with the newly added Steam achievements which will make you want to play through the game all over again.”
“Outside of trying to master the mechanics, the game has very little replay value.”
“[b]Replay value:[/b] none.”
“Replayability: I wouldn't replay the game unless you're going for achievements, honestly.”
- emotional13 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its engaging yet familiar story, with moments that can be genuinely touching, particularly in the heartfelt ending of Ys II. While some players find the character development lacking due to its retro origins, the overall narrative can evoke strong feelings, especially when players connect with the protagonist's journey. Despite some design flaws, the game manages to deliver heartwarming experiences that resonate with fans of the JRPG genre.
“Absolutely heartbreaking to watch the credits roll on Ys II for the first time in a long time.”
“It is clear this story can be incredibly touching with more characterization to really land that ending.”
“I honestly wasn't expecting Ys II's ending to be that heartfelt and it was definitely the high point of both these games.”
- optimization7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with many users reporting smooth performance and no significant issues, even for a port from 2001/2009. The graphics and sound options are well-received, contributing to a positive experience without stuttering or other performance problems.
“Which performance-wise was great!”
“Could read the text, no stuttering or other issues.”
“The game also runs smoothly.”
“This game is horribly optimized.”
- stability7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- -29 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
The compilation suffers from a significant number of bugs and glitches, ranging from minor annoyances to game-breaking issues, which severely impact the overall experience. While some players report that the core gameplay functions correctly without noticeable glitches, the overwhelming instability makes it difficult to recommend the compilation, especially at full price. Users suggest waiting for a substantial discount before considering a purchase, given the persistent technical problems.
“The game plays as it should control-wise and had no glitches that I noticed.”
“I experienced a smooth gameplay experience with no crashes or bugs.”
“The stability of the game is impressive; I haven't encountered any issues during my sessions.”
“Unfortunately, the compilation as a whole is riddled with bugs and glitches which drag the games down and range from being mild inconveniences to making the games completely unplayable in some cases.”
“Overall, I can't earnestly recommend the compilation mainly because of the plethora of bugs and glitches that I've experienced and which others have encountered; furthermore, I also can't recommend the games themselves because the core gameplay hasn't aged well over the past few decades.”
“The biggest flaw of the compilation is its overwhelming number of bugs and glitches that you might have to contend with.”
- character development4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Character development in this game is praised for its effective storytelling and emotional engagement, particularly in the context of Adol's origin story and the pacing of boss battles and village interactions. However, some players feel it lacks depth and visual representation compared to modern JRPG standards, suggesting a more simplistic approach to character growth. Overall, while the game excels in emotional resonance, it may not satisfy those seeking intricate character development.
“If you are a fan of any game in the series, or enjoy deep storytelling and character development, as well as looting and completing things, this is an incredible game that really does set up and develop Adol's origin story well, or at least his first major adventure.”
“Every boss battle you get, a village follows almost immediately, in a sense manipulating that feeling of tension-relief-tension-relief that slowly immerses the player into the world. It proves that it's all about understanding emotions rather than the depth of your lore, character development, or anything else that modern games would gladly toss at you in a pathetic attempt to prove their 'maturity'.”
“It is also light on story and character development from a modern JRPG perspective.”
“Your character development when it comes to visuals is 0.”
“Every boss battle you get, a village follows almost immediately, in a sense manipulating that feeling of tension-relief-tension-relief that slowly immerses the player into the world, no matter how deep or engaging, proves that it's all about understanding of emotions rather than the depth of your lore, character development or anything else that modern games would gladly toss at you in a pathetic attempt to prove their 'maturity'.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is criticized as a poorly executed attempt to capitalize on nostalgia, leading to a negative perception among users who feel it lacks quality and innovation.
“The monetization strategy feels like a blatant cash grab, prioritizing profits over player experience.”
“It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra money.”
“The constant push for in-game purchases detracts from the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game.”
