Ys Origin

Ys Origin on PlayStation 4 is a very good port of a classic game that is the prequel to one of the best action RPG franchises of all time.

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"Ys Origin" is an action-RPG that follows a warrior or mage character seeking the disappeared Goddesses in Devil's Tower after a demonic invasion. The game offers 3 playable characters, multiple game modes, and various artifacts to use. With its engaging storyline, epic battles, and art direction, it's a must-play for RPG fans, available in several languages and for both PS4™ and PS Vita systems.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,624 reviews

story336 positive mentions

grinding134 negative mentions

Fast-paced and engaging combat with a variety of characters to choose from, each offering a unique playstyle.
Challenging boss fights that require learning patterns and strategies, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Great soundtrack that enhances the overall experience and keeps players motivated.

Repetitive gameplay due to the need to play through the same areas multiple times with different characters.
Unskippable cutscenes and lengthy dialogues that can disrupt the flow of the game.
Some players may find the grinding necessary for leveling up to be tedious, especially on higher difficulties.

story
1,039 mentions
32 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The story of *Ys Origin* is a prequel to the main *Ys* series, featuring three playable characters—Yunica, Hugo, and the unlockable Toal—each with their own unique perspectives and gameplay styles. While the narrative is generally straightforward and somewhat typical of JRPGs, it offers engaging character development and emotional moments, particularly in Toal's route, which is considered the true canon story. Players must complete the game multiple times to fully appreciate the overarching plot, as much of the story unfolds differently depending on the character chosen, though some reviewers noted that the repetitive gameplay and similar level designs can detract from the experience.
- “Ys Origin is a fantastic action RPG that's easy to get into and, while its story is nothing we haven't seen a hundred times before, it's presented in a way that keeps things fresh.”
- “The story is engaging and has a nice sense of mystery, with memorable characters and a well-paced plot that will keep you hooked from start to finish.”
- “The story offers some great character moments, the music is excellent and the gameplay a lot of fun – from fighting to exploring and solving the various puzzles.”
- “The story is overall mediocre.”
- “Cartoonishly evil villains, only mildly interesting protagonists, in between a few highlights, but mostly just a typical high fantasy anime story.”
- “Each playthrough is very similar, especially for Hugo and Yunica; a few different bosses, some story differences, but that's it.”
gameplay
528 mentions
45 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Ys Origin is widely praised for its fast-paced, hack-and-slash mechanics, offering a blend of action RPG elements reminiscent of classic titles like Zelda and Castlevania. Players appreciate the distinct playstyles of the three characters, each providing unique combat experiences and strategies, which enhances replayability despite some repetitive elements. The game features challenging boss fights that require skill and pattern recognition, making the overall gameplay engaging and rewarding.
- “The gameplay is fantastic; three unique characters that each get their own special abilities and varied fighting styles, as well as boss battles that are tailored to their story rather than set bosses.”
- “The gameplay is fast-paced and there is just enough story to keep you interested in what is going on, but not so much that you are just mashing your keys to get through dialogue so you can get back to the action.”
- “The gameplay is incredibly fast, fun, addictive, and challenging.”
- “While it is certainly a great game with fantastic music and gameplay, it is simply too repetitive.”
- “The only thing that changes between playthroughs gameplay-wise is your character.”
- “The gameplay falls somewhere between Castlevania and Gauntlet.”
music
507 mentions
66 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The music in "Ys Origin" is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its exceptional quality and ability to enhance the gameplay experience. The soundtrack features a mix of original compositions and remastered tracks from earlier games in the series, delivering a blend of orchestral and rock elements that energize combat and exploration. While some users noted occasional repetitiveness, the overall consensus is that the music is a standout feature, making it a significant draw for fans of the genre.
- “The music is marvelous, and it perfectly complements the mood and atmosphere of the game.”
- “The soundtrack is absolutely amazing as always and the story, while simple, satisfyingly adds depth to the lore of the first two games.”
- “The music in this game is amazing, one of my favorite video game soundtracks.”
- “The soundtrack is a bit underwhelming.”
- “Some tracks make me think of royalty-free music, rather than something made for the game.”
- “Music also took a step down from Oath, most of the non-boss music feels really limp and underwhelming.”
graphics
202 mentions
43 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are a mix of charming 2D sprites and 3D environments, which some players find nostalgic and appealing, while others consider them dated, reflecting the game's 2006 origins. Despite the varying opinions on visual quality, many appreciate the art style and smooth animations, noting that the graphics serve the gameplay well, even if they don't compete with modern standards. Overall, the visuals are described as functional and fitting for the game's retro aesthetic, with a distinct anime influence that resonates with fans of classic RPGs.
- “Ys Origin is an outstanding action RPG that offers a compelling story, engaging combat, and beautiful visuals.”
- “The presentation of Ys Origin is excellent, with 2D graphics that still hold up today and a fantastic soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's action.”
- “The graphics are a nice mix of 3D/2D and the soundtrack was never boring.”
- “The graphics are dated, not a surprise for a 2006 game.”
- “The graphics are definitely showing their age (the game was originally published in Japan in 2006 or so), but don't really detract from an otherwise enjoyable experience.”
- “The graphics are a little dated and look like they belong on the PlayStation 2, but that's a minor fault.”
grinding
136 mentions
1 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
99 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that grinding is a significant aspect of the game, with many players noting it can be tedious and time-consuming, especially on higher difficulties. While some find the grinding rewarding and manageable—often taking only 5-10 minutes to level up—others feel it disrupts the flow of gameplay and can lead to frustration, particularly when facing challenging bosses. Overall, the necessity of grinding varies, with some players suggesting it enhances the experience, while others see it as a drawback that may deter those who prefer a more streamlined approach.
- “Normal mode was not grindy at all, and unlike Ys I & II, Origin is much more straightforward in giving instructions.”
- “There is practically no grinding in this game if you do not skip mobs. Even if you are somehow still underleveled, it's relatively quick to level up to the proper tier for the boss.”
- “This game will hard wall the player into grinding more than most RPGs.”
- “The necessary grinding basically makes a symphony of a game clunk from time to time because it breaks the amazing flow that the levels have.”
- “I've played the game on nightmare to earn most of the achievements, but it was painful grinding to be able to beat the bosses; it took me 19 hours to finish one run.”
replayability
112 mentions
54 % positive mentions
43 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability, primarily due to its multiple playable characters, each offering distinct playstyles and story arcs, encouraging players to experience the game from different perspectives. With additional modes, unlockables, and varying difficulty levels, players can enjoy a rich and engaging experience that invites multiple playthroughs. Overall, the combination of character diversity and extra content significantly enhances the game's replay value.
- “The game also boasts high replayability, though it kind of needs to since there are 3 routes to this game.”
- “Playing the game with all three characters does add a significant amount of replay value, as they play completely differently, and also have some unique story elements.”
- “This game also has supreme replayability, as you can (and should) play as all three characters, each with a unique storyline and playstyle.”
- “The replayability makes this really stand out from other games in the Ys series to me, because usually there isn't much reason to go back after beating the main story.”
- “While the length for one character is the average of any other Ys, the replay value lies in the fact there are three characters in total, each one with their own play style and emphasizing one aspect or another.”
- “If going for full completion though, the replay value eventually depletes and the process turns into more of a grind towards the end of it.”
emotional
18 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its well-crafted narratives and character development, which provide depth and engagement despite a seemingly simple plot. Players appreciate the touching moments and interpersonal drama woven into the gameplay, making the experience feel heartfelt and memorable. While not considered high art, the game successfully evokes emotions through its quirky storytelling and relatable characters, enhancing replayability and overall enjoyment.
- “I highly recommend playing all three characters as the first two provide a huge amount of context and emotional weight to the final story.”
- “From the combat to the characters to the classic-but-heart-wrenching story, this game delivers on all fronts.”
- “At the start, it appears to be a fairly standard JRPG-esque story with the memorable and challenging hack and slash gameplay Ys is known for, but as you play through the game multiple times with each of the characters, what was first a simple, borderline cliché, if well-executed tale becomes far more memorable, complex, and touching.”
character development
17 mentions
53 % positive mentions
29 % neutral mentions
18 % negative mentions
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the depth and replay value, noting that significant plot points rely on prior knowledge from earlier titles, others criticize the lack of development for certain characters and find the designs bland. Despite these criticisms, many agree that the interactions and story progression contribute positively to the overall experience. Overall, character development is seen as a strong aspect, though it varies in execution across different characters.
- “Character development is pretty good as well; however, I can name at least three characters who weren't developed at all, yet it didn't affect my experience at all.”
- “I have played this game when it first came out long ago and it was really great. I had to buy it again through Steam because it is one of the best games out there; the story, music, and character development are great!”
- “Great replay value, great story, great character developments, music, and gameplay.”
- “Characters (Adol is boring and he's not in Origin) and Origin is the only game with any form of character development.”
- “Ignoring the ugly proportions and RPG Maker-level style, the character designs are just bland as all hell.”
- “All of the significant plot points and character developments rely on the knowledge of Ys I & II, which you can buy on Steam.”
humor
12 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its humor, featuring funny dialogue, quirky characters, and amusing gameplay mechanics that enhance the overall experience. While some characters may be stereotypical, the villains and side characters often provide comedic relief, making the game enjoyable and engaging. Overall, players find the humor to be a standout aspect, contributing to the game's charm and replayability.
- “It is a funny little action JRPG with some interesting lore elements.”
- “Great humor and character interaction.”
- “Really funny RPG/action/platformer game, totally worth the money :) 9/10”
stability
12 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Overall, user experiences with stability vary significantly. While some players report a smooth experience with minimal glitches, others encounter severe issues such as soft locks, crashes, and graphical anomalies that disrupt gameplay. The game shows potential for stability but is marred by inconsistent performance and occasional bugs that can detract from the overall experience.
- “Screen freezes, sound keeps playing; the only way to get it back is to press the reset button.”
- “Game is horribly buggy; I cannot even get to the tutorial because the game soft locks.”
- “I rated the game because it is buggy and crashes.”
atmosphere
10 mentions
70 % positive mentions
10 % neutral mentions
20 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is a mixed bag, with some reviewers noting a lack of storytelling in level designs, while others praise the marvelous music that enhances the overall mood. The grotesque and interesting designs contribute to a uniquely immersive experience, complemented by a rocking soundtrack that fits each zone perfectly. Overall, the atmosphere is described as engaging and atmospheric, particularly for fans of classic JRPGs.
- “The music is marvelous, and it perfectly complements the mood and atmosphere of the game.”
- “A gloriously atmospheric and rocking soundtrack supports the different zones of the tower while monstrous and menacing bosses bar your path to your ultimate goal of rescuing the goddesses.”
- “Enjoy the perfect atmosphere that this game has to offer, exploring a dangerous tower while interacting with allies and enemies, making your way towards the surprising ending.”
- “There isn't much atmosphere to it; next to no storytelling in level designs.”
- “Their designs are very interesting and grotesque, feeling very much like a culmination of the style and atmosphere of each zone.”
optimization
8 mentions
50 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with smooth performance on a wide range of PCs, including older systems. While there are minor issues, such as a black screen during cutscenes on Windows 10, these are easily resolved. The developers have demonstrated a strong commitment to performance, ensuring compatibility with modern hardware and maintaining a consistent framerate even in demanding situations.
- “The game is very well optimized, and it can run smoothly on any PC, even your grandma’s.”
- “I have played three games from the Ys series so far (Ys I & II, Origin, and Felghana) and each one of them clearly shows the extreme effort Falcom and Xseed put into every aspect of the game: super smooth gameplay with solid mechanics and very few bugs or inconsistencies, pretty challenging difficulty, excellent performance, very flexible settings that support even 120Hz and up monitors and modern resolutions.”
- “Both the engines of Ys I & II and Origin & Felghana have the perfect balance between graphics, performance, and gameplay quality.”
- “This boss killed me probably 20 times, but it was still a great experience because each time you can make tiny optimizations or notice something new about an attack that will let you avoid it more easily.”
- “+ the engine has a minimum guaranteed performance: for example, if there's too many effects on screen some of them will not display, that way there is always a guaranteed minimum framerate even in the worst scenario.”
monetization
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the Ys series appears to be underappreciated, potentially due to insufficient marketing efforts compared to its overseas presence.