Ancient Ys Vanished Book 1
Here we are again with another Ys title. Feels like forever since I posted about the Wanderers of Ys remake. While today we're talking about the lovely remake of the first Ys game.
I have actually played one of the original releases of Ancient Ys Vanished for the turbo graphics. So I can say not only does this remake stay true to the original system of gameplay (which can be a downside) but the general overall presentation.
The dungeons and town layouts are pretty much exactly the same save for some graphical improvements. Meaning I was able to fly through this game rather easily on the remake knowing where I needed to go.
One thing they have improved slightly is no longer being so vague as the original was. It gives you a better idea on where to go and what to do next. This is extremely helpful because I remember getting lost in the original many times without a clue what to do next.
This happens mostly since the world map is all open at the start of the game. You are likely to find the second dungeon of the game and get destroyed since it's off the first open field area. While the actually first dungeon is beyond that field and another town all together.
It's just one of those trial by error things that comes part in parcel with old games. Though it feels a bit odd in this game. Again, it's a remake. I get that. But Wanderers got a complete do over while still feeling like the original. With this it's more of a nostalgia trip with improved graphics and more explanation. One of the problems with Final Fantasy IV for the DS.
The other problem is the combat. It hasn't been revamped to the hectic hack and slash that the series normally uses now. It has been reduced to the basics the series started with. Running into monsters with your face and hoping for the best. There isn't much more strategy to the game then that sadly.
Because of this I find it hard to recommend this title. I'd much rather tell you to buy Ys Seven or Oath since those are amazing games for the PSP. While this is more for those who are looking for a certain experience.
It's hard to say if the story is good enough to make up for these flaws. I love this game and it's story but in the modern day it is so classic it's overdone.
Adol Christian is the hero of this tale and all Ys games that follow. He only isn't the main character in Origins that takes place several hundred years before hand, if I remember correctly.
Interestingly enough, Adol the red is one of the original silent rpg protagonists. He has never had any true lines of dialogue. It's allows referred to that he speaks. But it's never put into words. It's an interesting tradition to keep and a reason I have a big fondness of Adol.
Neither the less the thin story of Ys is that Adol is a traveller who gets wrapped into the situation occurring. Something that happens a lot to the poor guy. Though he never complains.
You're told by a local fortune teller that she foresaw your arrival, and would help them with the trouble sweeping the land. By this she means monsters. Of course it has to be monsters. With that you get your equipment and head out to find the reasoning behind the appearance of monsters.
While investigating Adol finds tomes that were written by the sages of Ys. An old continent said to float in the sky above the clouds. It seems like the appearance of these creatures have something to do with Ys vanishing.
If you're interested in a tough old school game then try out this installment of Ys. Though it isn't for everyone, so do be cautious.
Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.