Ys I & II Chronicles+

About

Ys I & II Chronicles+ is a single player role playing game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by Nihon Falcom and was released on February 13, 2013. It received positive reviews from players.

"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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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88%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,830 reviews

music459 positive mentions

grinding123 negative mentions

Unique bump combat system that adds a refreshing twist to gameplay.
Incredible soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
Short playtime makes it accessible for those looking for a quick RPG experience.

Frustrating boss design, particularly the final boss, which can feel unfair and RNG-based.
Lack of clear direction and guidance, making navigation confusing without a guide.
Dungeons can feel maze-like and tedious, leading to unnecessary backtracking.

music
833 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
43%
2%
The music in "Ys I & II Chronicles+" is universally praised, with many reviewers highlighting its exceptional quality and memorable compositions. The game features three different soundtrack options, including the original PC-88 version, a remastered complete version, and a new arrangement, allowing players to choose their preferred listening experience. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout aspect of the game, enhancing the gameplay and evoking a strong sense of nostalgia for fans of the series.
- “The music is fantastic, as you'd expect if you've played any game by Falcom now.”
- “The soundtrack is absolutely incredible, including options to even hear the retro versions as this is a remaster of games from the 80s.”
- “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.”
- “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.”
- “The game doesn't really have any bad music, but most of it is heard for too long, making it tedious, and it gets annoying after a while.”
story
784 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
63%
4%
The story in Ys I & II is generally regarded as simple and somewhat cliché, often revolving around classic themes of good versus evil and the hero's journey. While some players appreciate the charming characters and nostalgic world-building, others find the narrative to be basic and linear, lacking depth compared to modern RPGs. Overall, the games serve as an introduction to the larger Ys saga, with Ys II providing a more developed continuation of the story established in the first game.
- “The storytelling in Ys I & II is charming, blending fantasy elements with a straightforward yet engaging narrative.”
- “The story is surprisingly interesting, and its main gameplay mechanics are pretty good.”
- “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 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.”
- “Read up on the story or watch a YouTube video instead because playing this is miserable.”
- “The story is barely there, and the leveling stops at level 10.”
gameplay
497 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
67%
5%
The gameplay of Ys I and II is characterized by a unique "bump" mechanic, where players must collide with enemies at specific angles to deal damage, which can feel both engaging and frustrating. While the combat system is simple and fast-paced, it has been criticized for its dated mechanics and poorly designed boss encounters, leading to a mixed reception among players. Despite its simplicity, many find the gameplay charming and enjoyable, especially when paired with the series' excellent music and storytelling, making it a nostalgic experience for fans of classic RPGs.
- “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 mechanics have also received a significant overhaul, offering a seamless blend of fast-paced combat and exploration.”
- “It's a fun adventure with excellent music and beautiful pixel art, and once you get the hang of the bump system, the gameplay becomes lovable.”
- “The boss mechanics are really bad, especially the bat boss (you'll know when you get there), but pretty much all bosses are badly designed.”
- “Making a boss's mechanics reliant on frame rate and refresh rate of a monitor is absolutely insane.”
- “The gameplay is archaic and sucks.”
graphics
311 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
61%
3%
The graphics of the remastered Ys I & II collection have received mixed reviews, with many praising the charming retro pixel art and the nostalgic feel it evokes for fans of classic RPGs. While the updated visuals and character artwork enhance the experience, some players noted that the graphics can appear blurry on high-end monitors and may not meet modern standards. Overall, the ability to switch between different art styles and soundtracks adds a customizable touch that appeals to both newcomers and longtime fans.
- “The graphics use spectacular-looking pixel art, and you can choose between two sets of artwork for the character portraits: the complete (2001) artwork, which is more realistic and older in style, or the chronicles+ artwork, which looks more like modern-day anime.”
- “The updated art style, combined with a remastered soundtrack, elevates the overall presentation and makes for an immersive experience.”
- “With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and unforgettable soundtrack, it stands as a shining example of how to modernize a classic while staying true to its roots.”
- “If you are playing on a high-end monitor and graphics card, you are absolutely screwed.”
- “The graphics are weak (even for 2001).”
- “The graphics still look like they're from the SNES era. This does not bother me personally, but some people do not like old-style graphics.”
grinding
129 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
95%
The grinding aspect in both Ys I and II is a mixed bag, with players noting that while grinding is often necessary to progress, it can feel tedious and repetitive, especially during boss fights. Some players appreciate the quick leveling and the engaging combat system that makes grinding less of a chore, while others find the overall experience frustrating due to difficulty spikes and the need for extensive grinding to achieve 100% completion. Overall, the games offer a nostalgic experience for fans of old-school RPGs, but the grinding can detract from the enjoyment for some players.
- “To begin with, it has a short duration and requires little to no grinding, making it the perfect choice for those with limited time to play.”
- “+You hit the level cap by the end of the first half of the game, there's no grinding to offset being bad.”
- “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.”
- “It just sucks that the nightmare difficulty can be a lot of BS with pretty much no way for you to control it other than just keep grinding at the bosses.”
- “The bosses are pretty imaginative, considering the combat they were working with, and the progression is smooth, only requiring a bit of grinding occasionally, which the game's combat is perfect for, and the game usually provides what feel like dedicated grinding spots for you to abuse.”
- “The game demands a significant time investment due to its grindy nature.”
humor
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
97%
9%
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players appreciating its clever writing, funny character interactions, and amusing achievements that often elicit genuine laughter. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to balance humor with emotional moments, creating a charming and engaging experience. Additionally, the quirky combat mechanics and hidden easter eggs contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere that enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.
- “The writing actually had me laughing sometimes and the world is very beautiful.”
- “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 clever humor, but it just didn't deliver.”
replayability
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
55%
17%
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed, with some players noting that higher difficulty levels, achievements, and speedrun modes provide incentives to replay, while others feel that the game lacks substantial replay value beyond completionist goals. Many reviews highlight that while the initial experience is enjoyable, the desire to replay is primarily driven by achievements or mastering mechanics rather than a compelling narrative or gameplay variation.
- “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.”
- “Replayability: I wouldn't replay the game unless you're going for achievements, honestly.”
- “Although replay value is kind of limited to completionists, the journey is still well worth taking.”
atmosphere
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
23%
18%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and richly crafted environments, ranging from lush forests to chaotic dungeons, which draw players into a strong sense of adventure. The soundtrack complements the visuals, creating a harmonious and electrifying ambiance that enhances the overall experience, despite some criticisms regarding the combat and story depth. Overall, the unique art styles and compelling lore contribute to a mystical atmosphere that resonates with players, making it a standout feature of the game.
- “From lush forests to treacherous dungeons, every location is crafted with care, drawing players deeper into the game's rich atmosphere.”
- “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.”
emotional
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
93%
7%
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. While some players find the characters flat and the pacing tedious, others appreciate the refined gameplay and the ability to connect with the narrative, leading to a mix of nostalgia and emotional resonance. Overall, the game offers a blend of heartwarming moments and emotional highs, despite some design flaws.
- “Absolutely heartbreaking to watch the credits roll on Ys II for the first time in a long time.”
- “I honestly wasn't expecting Ys II's ending to be that heartfelt, and it was definitely the high point of both these games.”
- “I loved how the game pulled me into the story, made me feel nervous and desperate as Adol races towards the top of a tower in one of the focal points of the game.”
- “I rarely finish JRPGs either due to their insane difficulty spikes, incessant grinding, or boring story and characters.”
stability
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
88%
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, many others have encountered serious stability problems, making it difficult to recommend the compilation in its current state. Users suggest considering alternative versions or waiting for substantial discounts before purchasing.
- “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 didn't encounter any issues during my playthrough.”
- “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.”
optimization
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
Overall, the optimization of the game is mixed; while some users report smooth performance and no graphical issues, others describe it as poorly optimized. However, many appreciate its solid performance, especially considering its age, with no stuttering or significant problems noted. The game successfully balances nostalgic graphics and sound options, contributing to a generally positive experience.
- “Which performance-wise was great!”
- “Could read the text, no stuttering or other issues.”
- “The game also runs smoothly.”
- “This game is horribly optimized.”
- “The game seems to have aged well for a 2001/9 port and I had no graphical or performance issues.”
- “While simpler than the newer games, these games offer a good look at how the series started with beautiful 2D graphics, three soundtracks to choose from for those who want those old chiptune sounds or modern studio performance music, and a well-done English translation.”
character development
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
Character development in the game is praised for effectively setting up and exploring Adol's origin story, providing an engaging emotional experience through gameplay mechanics. However, some reviewers note that it lacks depth in storytelling and character development compared to modern JRPGs, with minimal visual representation of character growth. Overall, while the game excels in emotional engagement, it may not satisfy those seeking intricate character arcs.
- “If you are a fan of any game in the series, or enjoy deep storytelling and character development, as well as looting/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.”
- “Great game, good looking pixel art, great music, an iconic harmonica main theme, but also a lot of electric guitar in the dungeons, good looking character designs, the game can be beaten in around 8 hours or less, you can even get all the achievements in a single run if playing on the hardest difficulty.”
- “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'.”
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
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 in-game purchases are excessive and disrupt the balance, turning what could be a fun experience into a frustrating grind.”