Ys (Japan)

Ys (Japan) NES is a pioneering action role-playing game (ARPG) renowned for its unique "bump combat" system. Players control the protagonist, the red-haired adventurer Adol Christin, as he washes ashore on Esteria, an isolated island fraught with danger. Adol's primary goal is to uncover the island's mysteries, locate the six ancient books of Ys, and defeat the evil forces threatening the land.

The combat system in Ys is distinct from other ARPGs of its time. Instead of pressing a button to attack, players simply move Adol into enemies. Damage is calculated based on the approach angle and the stats of both Adol and the enemy. If Adol attacks head-on or from the side/rear, he deals more damage. However, if an enemy strikes Adol from an unfavorable angle, Adol will take damage. This system requires players to employ smart movement tactics to optimize damage output and avoid injury.

Game progression is somewhat non-linear, encouraging players to explore various areas of Esteria, including towns, caves, dungeons, and towers. By defeating enemies, Adol gains experience points (EXP) and gold. Experience points allow Adol to level up, increasing his core stats like strength, defense, and health, making him stronger and better equipped to face tougher foes. Gold is used to purchase new equipment such as swords, armor, and shields from shops, or to buy healing items and other crucial items to aid his adventure.

The game also features puzzle elements and interactions with NPCs. Players need to converse with the island's inhabitants to gather information, hints, and sometimes crucial items to unlock new areas or advance the storyline. Dungeons often contain switches, locked doors, and simple puzzles that require players to think to overcome them. The narrative of Ys unfolds gradually through dialogues and the discovery of the ancient books, weaving an epic tale of lost gods and the resurgence of evil.

The NES version of Ys offers colorful 2D pixel art graphics and memorable chiptune music, contributing to an engaging adventure atmosphere. While there are some minor differences from the original PC-88 or Master System versions, the NES rendition retains the core spirit of the Ys series, providing a classic and worthwhile ARPG experience.