Ys I & II Chronicles

 PC
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 53
  3. Negative: 11 out of 53

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  1. BasilZero
    Apr 23, 2017
    8
    Game: Ys I Chronicles +
    Genre: Action RPG
    Publisher/Developer: XSeed/Falcom System: Steam (PC) Total Score: 74/100 Value Score: 7.4/10 • Story: 8/10 • Characters: 8/10 • GamePlay: 7/10 • Graphics: 8/10 • Sound: 7/10 • Music: 9/10 • Length: 4/10 • Replay Value: 6/10 • Player Value: 7/10 Pros +Includes artwork choice between the original 1980s version and the re-released    Game: Ys I Chronicles +
    Genre: Action RPG
    Publisher/Developer: XSeed/Falcom
    System: Steam (PC)
    Total Score: 74/100
    Value Score: 7.4/10

    • Story: 8/10
    • Characters: 8/10
    • GamePlay: 7/10
    • Graphics: 8/10
    • Sound: 7/10
    • Music: 9/10
    • Length: 4/10
    • Replay Value: 6/10
    • Player Value: 7/10

    Pros
    +Includes artwork choice between the original 1980s version and the re-released Chronicles version from 2009.
    +Includes the choice of using music from 4 different versions of the game
    +Achievements
    +Storyline and events based on Chronicles version which came out on PSP
    +Time challenge Boss event mode
    +Ability to play Easy, Normal, Hard and Nightmare mode for challenge

    Cons
    -Uses a bump combat system which can be annoying and increase difficulty of the game
    -A lot of backtracking and annoying fetch quests
    -Can become tediously grindy
    -No voice acting unlike some other versions of the game
    -Very short

    ----------
    Game: Ys II Chronicles +
    Genre: Action RPG
    Publisher/Developer: XSeed/Falcom
    System: Steam (PC)
    Total Score: 82/100
    Value Score: 8.2/10

    • Story: 9/10
    • Characters: 9/10
    • GamePlay: 8/10
    • Graphics: 8/10
    • Sound: 8/10
    • Music: 10/10
    • Length: 6/10
    • Replay Value: 6/10
    • Player Value: 8/10

    Pros +Includes artwork choice between the original 1980s version and the re-released Chronicles version from 2009. +Includes the choice of using music from 4 different versions of the game +Achievements +Storyline and events based on Chronicles version which came out on PSP +Time challenge Boss event mode +Ability to play Easy, Normal, Hard and Nightmare mode for challenge +Magic system and more usable items which improve gameplay from the first game +Gift ability which allows you to develop a relationship with characters to get different items from them Cons -Uses a bump combat system which can be annoying and increase difficulty of the game -A lot of backtracking and annoying fetch quests -Can become tediously grindy -No voice acting unlike some other versions of the game -A bit short compared to other games in the series and other RPGs    … Expand
  2. Ansatsu83
    Mar 3, 2013
    8
    These games are old school rpg bliss. Worth every penny I spent, comes with the first and second game in the series. The only reason I rate it lower than a 10 is that the game is not that long, and it has lack of variation in the equipped weapons/armors looks. The game is challenging on the harder difficulties, and ys II is actually a well thought out, upgrade, of ys I. If you like oldThese games are old school rpg bliss. Worth every penny I spent, comes with the first and second game in the series. The only reason I rate it lower than a 10 is that the game is not that long, and it has lack of variation in the equipped weapons/armors looks. The game is challenging on the harder difficulties, and ys II is actually a well thought out, upgrade, of ys I. If you like old style rpgs that are NOT similar to final fantasy's turn based combat, then this is a game for you.

    It features a bump system for combat, meaning you have to line your character up at an angle and not rush the enemy head on. However some of the level designs tend to force you to fight head on, when at a harder difficulty this can be your doom.    … Expand
  3. Paikia
    Nov 24, 2013
    9
    I love this release of the first two games of the Ys series. It's the old-school gameplay I love, with modern graphics and sound.

    The games are a little on the short side, that's true, but the reviewer who mentioned 2-3 hours probably never played any of the games. It took me a little less than 10 hours to beat Ys 1 on Normal difficulty level, while I know the game very well from the    I love this release of the first two games of the Ys series. It's the old-school gameplay I love, with modern graphics and sound.

    The games are a little on the short side, that's true, but the reviewer who mentioned 2-3 hours probably never played any of the games. It took me a little less than 10 hours to beat Ys 1 on Normal difficulty level, while I know the game very well from the Sega Master System version. I also have quite a few hours logged in the second game, and I still have a while until I beat it. So 2-3 hours? C'mon... Not even close to anything realistic. Probably a troll.

    As for the bump system, it takes some getting used to, but once you're on top of it, it's actually fun and refreshing.

    All in all, those games are a lot of fun and definitely worth getting.    … Expand
  4. Tetsuro
    Feb 3, 2014
    5
    This game is just mediocre. It's not a bad game but it gives no satisfaction. Story seems on the weak side, graphics are pleasant, the music is good. The combat system is the weakest spot of the game. You have just to bounce on enemies. Weaponry too is just plain bad. I would not recommend this game, better to stick to other series (like Suikoden, Final Fantasy, Breath of Fire, etc.).
  5. chad12420
    Jul 25, 2013
    1
    If level capping, having all the gear in the game, and rolling the credits in 2-3 hours sounds like fun go for it. This game is literally so short it is not even worth playing. The "bump" system.... are you serious? You mean "lazy ass run into stuff system"? The first town you see in the game has 3/5 of the gear you get in the entire game. Don't let the pretty Japanese animation when youIf level capping, having all the gear in the game, and rolling the credits in 2-3 hours sounds like fun go for it. This game is literally so short it is not even worth playing. The "bump" system.... are you serious? You mean "lazy ass run into stuff system"? The first town you see in the game has 3/5 of the gear you get in the entire game. Don't let the pretty Japanese animation when you talk to item shop owners fool you. There is 0 content here. Seriously like 5 side quests, all the bosses you just run in circles then run into them, there are like 10 maps, this game is a waste of money even at $5. It starts off good, then you realize it's almost over, and there is nowhere to go, and nothing to do. I have played indie greenlight games made with rpgmaker better and richer with content than this. I would be so pissed if I didn't get this on the steam summer sale, what a joke. I love all the old school FF, breath of fire, amd dragon warrior games. But this is like 2% worth of an RPG. Level capping in 1.5 hours off the like 3rd map you run into, yeah, lots of fun here. Minimize the game and listen to the music, that is literally the best part of this demo (since I can't even call it a game).… Expand
  6. philthymcnasty
    Dec 31, 2013
    0
    I have played a lot of J-rpgs in my day. This one is garbage. Do not even bother pirating this stupid game. I was under the impression that this would be a secret of manna clone, but it is far worse. This plays like a junior high computer class project. the "bump'" system is where you "bump" into enemies to deal damage. It is garbage. There is no skill, no challenge, not even an animationI have played a lot of J-rpgs in my day. This one is garbage. Do not even bother pirating this stupid game. I was under the impression that this would be a secret of manna clone, but it is far worse. This plays like a junior high computer class project. the "bump'" system is where you "bump" into enemies to deal damage. It is garbage. There is no skill, no challenge, not even an animation for the sprite. Garbage. There are better games for FREE on IOS. The developers should be ashamed of themselves. Its like they spent all their money on stupid anime cut scenes and nothing on the actual game programing. Only play this game if you REALLY love anime, and even then, this game is sooo bad, that you may STOP liking anime because it ruined it with its horrible cut scenes.… Expand
  7. shado474
    Feb 12, 2021
    7
    Ys I: 6/10
    Ys II: 8/10
    This collection definitely hit me with nostalgia as I played the original games on Turbo Duo in the last 90's. Some of the bosses fights are quite bad in Ys I but Ys II definitely improved on that part, notably because of the addition of ranged attacks. The music, although slightly inferior to the PC Engine version of the original releases, still slaps and    Ys I: 6/10
    Ys II: 8/10

    This collection definitely hit me with nostalgia as I played the original games on Turbo Duo in the last 90's. Some of the bosses fights are quite bad in Ys I but Ys II definitely improved on that part, notably because of the addition of ranged attacks. The music, although slightly inferior to the PC Engine version of the original releases, still slaps and definitely adds a strong flavour and atmosphere to each area.
    Although Ys I is the weakest game in the franchise imo, it is also by far the shortest so I would recommend it if only to experience the story that connects to Ys II and Ys Origin.    … Expand
  8. TheHambro
    Oct 11, 2022
    6
    As a recent fan to the Ys series, I want to go back and play the older titles, so I’ve started from the beginning with Ys I & II Chronicles+. These are remakes of the titles originating from the late eighties, and although it does have a brand new coat of paint on it, it does still feel like a product of its time.

    What I found with the Ys series so far is that it uses simplicity to its    As a recent fan to the Ys series, I want to go back and play the older titles, so I’ve started from the beginning with Ys I & II Chronicles+. These are remakes of the titles originating from the late eighties, and although it does have a brand new coat of paint on it, it does still feel like a product of its time.

    What I found with the Ys series so far is that it uses simplicity to its favor. At first glance, the “Bump” combat looks odd but, weirdly enough, it works and is actually quite fun because you have to mind your position and the angle of your attack, or else take a bit of damage. And, what I have also discovered with Ys, is its absolute banger of a soundtrack. I don’t know why it’s so good, but it is.

    Now, here is what I mean when this still feels like a product of its time. First, no map. It’s easy to lose track of where you are and get lost, making backtracking a chore. Second, the bosses are not designed well at all and are just not fun to fight. But, the most frustrating part of these games are its ridiculous pseudo puzzle elements to progress. Think the tornado puzzle in Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest. It’s almost feels like you are meant to just stumble on it, or beat your head against a wall until you figure it out. Honestly, just do yourself a favor and look up a guide; that way, you can focus more on the good things.

    This one was tough, and even though I still enjoyed Ys I and II, I also wanted to just beat them and be done with it. I’m giving this a thumbs up because I felt it warrants a playthrough for anyone who, like me, started with Ys VIII as my first game; loved it; became a fan, and wanted to see what the rest of the series has to offer; but also knowing these two titles might be something you’ll need to stomach through.    … Expand
  9. Neatqt
    Apr 19, 2021
    6
    Cast: 6/10
    Story: 5/10
    Fun: 6/10
    Gameplay: 5/10

    Not Recommended
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  10. Archvile-UT
    Nov 28, 2021
    6
    Action-jRPG с необычной боёвкой, где нет кнопки атаки и нужно врезаться во врагов. Забавно в первые часы игры, но заталкивать большое кол-во разных монстров быстро надоедает - задумке не достаёт глубины. Разработчики поняли ошибку и во второй части, чтобы разнообразить бои, добавили немного магии. Аж одно атакующее заклинание! Мдааааа….хотя магия дающая возможность поговорить с монстрамиAction-jRPG с необычной боёвкой, где нет кнопки атаки и нужно врезаться во врагов. Забавно в первые часы игры, но заталкивать большое кол-во разных монстров быстро надоедает - задумке не достаёт глубины. Разработчики поняли ошибку и во второй части, чтобы разнообразить бои, добавили немного магии. Аж одно атакующее заклинание! Мдааааа….хотя магия дающая возможность поговорить с монстрами забавна.
    Сюжет: герой идёт спасать мир, девушек и вообще всех, кто попадёт в беду. Подано все с душой и отторжения не вызывает, а происхождение башни и летающего острова даже немного поддерживает интригу.
    Игру портит необходимость беготни туда-сюда по лабиринтоподобным локациям с респавнящимися монстрами. Ввиду примитивной боёвки и отсутствия карты, эти метания быстро утомляют.
    Хочется отметить хороший саудтрек - некоторые мелодии очень запоминаются и подобраны идеально. Ну и картинка симпатичная – аккуратно-анимешное 2D.
    В принципе игра, как ремейк очень древних первых 2х частей Ys, неплоха. Будет интересно взглянуть на следующие части, а в этой дилогии нужно было все же поменять геймдизайн с 88-ого года.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
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No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. CD-Action
    May 7, 2013
    60
    It’s curious that XSEED waited so long to publish Ys I & II Chronicles, as both games are visibly more primitive than their successors from 2012. Instead of dessert we were served a stale biscuit. [CD-Action 05/2013, p.70]
  2. RPG Fan
    Feb 27, 2013
    75
    While both games feature a rather banal save-the-world plot, there's an underlying sense of mythology that remains just clouded enough to suggest a grander scheme. Although the characters are somewhat lifeless, the games themselves bear a strong sense of personality heightened by the music, the frenetic action, and the very sound of their name.
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  3. Hardcore Gamer
    Feb 18, 2013
    60
    Everyone else should probably steer clear. The simple truth is there are better Ys games out there, ones that are already on Steam even. So check those out long before Chronicles+.
    Read full review