Ys noob wanting some help

[chaozcloud]

Hello!

I've just finished my first Ys game, aptly named Ys Origins (steam version). I really liked the game and thought it was a blast to play through.

I've never played an Ys game before and now I want to get into the series. Problem is I don't know where to start. Steam has Ys 1+2, 3 and 6 and PSN has 7. Now are the steam versions good versions of the games or should I go with the older versions like the SNES ones? And where can one find 4 and 5 if one wishes?

Thanks for the help

[bonesnapdeez]

For Ys I & II it depends on how old-school you wanna get. These games originated in the 8-bit era. In my mind the TurboGrafx CD (PC Engine CD) compilation "Ys Book I & II" contains the best and most "definitive" versions of these games. Of course playing this requires some obscure and expensive hardware. Nothing wrong with Steam Ys I & II though - I've played through it myself (the GOG.com version, in actuality) and had a blast. It's a lightning-fast remake with fluid controls.

Okay, onto part III. What you see on Steam is actually a full-fledged REMAKE done in the same engine as Ys VI and Ys Origin. The original Ys III was released on Japanese computers and (old) consoles and is more of a 2D action-RPG like Zelda II. I'd actually recommend playing an original version of III and then The Oath in Felghana (the remake). Once again, the TurboGrafx port of III is probably the best though the game isn't terrible on SNES or Genesis. Felghana is perfectly fine on Steam, though it's also on PSP is you wanna go the portable route.

Ys IV. There are two different 16-bit "Ys IV" games - one for Super Famicom and one for the PC Engine CD. They share some plot elements but are completely different games, with the PC Engine CD one being way better. You can find these on eBay and elsewhere. They aren't terribly expensive.

V is again Japan-only, and for the Super Famicom. Check online. Note that if you have a Retron 5 you can actually apply patches to play authentic Super Famicom IV and V in English.

VI was originally released on PC in Japan, and the Steam version is quite good. Do it up.

I had no idea Seven was on PSN. Great game. Get that shiz.

There a few others games and many other ports I'm leaving out, but this should set you for now.

[asi85]

I don't know why people focus so much in playing the games in chronological/romun numeral order. Falcom don't release the Ys titles that way since they released their first 3D Ys. If you don't follow the release order, you are going to keep jumping between different gameplay styles for worse, plus the lore doesn't unveil itself that way. For example, you would jump from the most modern game to the very first 3D Ys.

Just go for release order. Falcom did it in purpose, to keep jumping between the different adventures of Adol.

Ys I & II Chronicles is probably the best way to play the first two Ys. It's a great remake that enhances them.
Then you have Ys III, the 2 Ys IV and Ys V. Most of these games aren't that good, plus newer games are new versions of these titles, so you can skip them.

Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim
Ys: The Oath in Felghana
Ys Origin

All these Ys (I & II, VI, Oath, Origin) are available on Steam, GOG and the Humble Store, and its PC versions are the best.

Ys Seven (PSP)
Ys: Memories of Celceta (PS Vita)
Ys VIII (PS4 / PS Vita)

This is just my opinion, but from my experience regarding recommending the Ys series, everyone who followed this order was able to appreciate the games better than those who didn't. For example, the first group appreciates a lot Ys VI for its lore, new gameplay style, how Ys evolved using the 3D, etc and how Oath and Origin improved even further that gameplay style; the second group dislikes it and some even hate it because it was tedious, boring, and not enough polished since they were too used to the last games.