Ys III: Wanderers from Ys (1989 – SFC Port 1990)
Ys III: Wanderers from Ys is a landmark action RPG developed by Nihon Falcom and originally released for the PC in 1989. The Super Famicom port was published by Tonkin House on December 21, 1990. Ys III marked a significant departure from its predecessors, abandoning the traditional top-down perspective in favor of a side-scrolling action format, which drew comparisons to the Castlevania and Rygar franchises. The game follows the adventures of Adol Christin and his companion Dogi as they travel to the cursed kingdom of Felghana, where Adol must confront a mysterious evil and uncover the secrets of his own destiny.
Gameplay and Combat Overhaul
Unlike the "bump combat" system of the first two Ys games, Ys III features direct control action combat, where Adol swings his sword in real-time with button presses, and can perform special techniques like the "sword dash" and "jump slash" to defeat enemies. The game is set across multiple side-scrolling stages, each with vertical exploration, platforming challenges, and secret passages. Adol can collect power-ups to increase his attack, defense, and health, and he earns experience points to level up, improving his stats and unlocking new abilities. The game introduces a magic system, allowing Adol to cast spells like fireballs and lightning bolts, which are essential for solving puzzles and defeating certain bosses.
The game's narrative is more mature and complex than previous entries, dealing with themes of betrayal, redemption, and sacrifice. Adol travels through towns, dungeons, and castles, interacting with NPCs who provide clues and advance the story. The world of Felghana is rich with lore, and the game's soundtrack, composed by Falcom's sound team, features some of the most memorable themes in the series, including the iconic "Believe in My Heart" and "In the Dark Night" tracks, which are still celebrated by fans today. The game's difficulty is challenging, with tough bosses and labyrinthine levels, but it offers a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon completion.
Ys III: Wanderers from Ys was a commercial success and received positive reviews, though it divided fans who preferred the earlier style. It was later remade as Ys: The Oath in Felghana for the PlayStation Portable, which returned to the top-down perspective and is considered one of the best entries in the series. The Super Famicom port by Tonkin House was praised for its vibrant graphics and faithful adaptation, and it remains a nostalgic favorite for many RPG fans who grew up with the series.