Ys

Ys is the landmark action role-playing game published by Victor Entertainment for the Famicom, ported from Nihon Falcom’s original computer release. Players control the adventurer Adol Christin arriving on the cursed island of Esteria, searching for the six Books of Ys to defeat the dark entity Darm. The title’s signature bump combat system, atmospheric world and iconic soundtrack established Ys as one of Japan’s most beloved action RPG franchises.

The interconnected world spans villages, grassland wilderness and multi-floor demonic dungeons. Adol attacks enemies by colliding with their sides rather than dedicated swing inputs. Victories grant experience for levelling and gold to purchase weapons, armour and healing potions. Villages act as safe hubs for rest and gathering quest information.

Powered demonic bosses guard fragments of the Books of Ys. Hidden passages contain rare equipment that drastically improves survival odds against late-game threats within the final dungeon.

Victor Entertainment’s Famicom adaptation features memorable orchestral-inspired soundtrack optimised for Famicom hardware. Melodic, energetic background themes shift tone between peaceful town visits and tense dungeon exploration.

Strategically, successful lifting of the island curse requires prioritising levelling and equipment upgrades before venturing deep into high-threat dungeons. Underequipped exploration leads to repeated punishing encounters with powerful demonic foes.

Culturally, Ys pioneered Falcom’s long-running action RPG series. For modern retro RPG enthusiasts, this Famicom port is a vital early console iteration of the iconic Ys I narrative.