Ys: The Ark of Napishtim

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
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  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    Ys noticeably lacks ambition, but it totally nails the classic feel it's going for. [March 2005, p.126]
  2. Game Chronicles
    70
    A tight, relatively deep gameplay system combines with classic styling and characters to create a time warp of a game that is still well worth a look for older gamers.
  3. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    Fun and even a little addictive - it's still an interesting walk down memory lane for us twenty-something geezers. [March 2005, p.101]
  5. Next Level Gaming
    69
    The music, controls, combat and environments all feel like they are straight out of my SNES, simply updated with a few nice touches added on for fun. Basically this game was put together well, and they stayed true to their design core.
  6. Worth Playing
    69
    While retro fans are sure to appreciate its nostalgic sense of game design, the simple-minded combat and primitive graphics severely take away from its entertainment value. And since the main selling point of Ys is that it plays just like old games... well, why not just put this game down and go play some actual old SNES RPGs?
  7. 1UP
    65
    It's a solid if uninspiring little game with a definite nostalgic appeal for fans of old action-RPGs such as "Crystalis" or "SoulBlazer." Or "Ys", for that matter.
  8. Weekly Famitsu
    60
    6 / 7 / 6 / 5 - 24 [Vol. 848]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. G4 TV
    60
    It's not nearly on the level of "Kingdom Hearts," and really doesn't stand out in a crowd.
  10. Eurogamer
    60
    Ys simply falters in the face of the better games now on the market, and in that context, it's hard to recommend it as much more than a curio for the hardcore RPG fan.
  11. Game Revolution
    50
    While certainly not a revolutionary game or even a difficult one, it does hit the nostalgia chord perfectly and then, with perfect timing, quits.
  12. Computer and Video Games
    50
    This is a game that knows its small target audience (basically anyone who's played an Ys game before) and sticks to it without even trying to appeal to anyone else. Good luck to you if you fall into that category. [PSW]

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Best PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 36
  3. Negative: 1 out of 36
  1. CurtisB.
    Mar 11, 2005
    10
    Excellent, overlooked, and very nostalgic - this is the game I've been waiting the last ten years for. I think it's high time we Excellent, overlooked, and very nostalgic - this is the game I've been waiting the last ten years for. I think it's high time we get away from "cutting edge" 3D stuff, and just have some fun again. This game provides that chance.… Full Review »
  2. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    Absolutely underrated RPG. I wish it was easier, because i remember having to abandon it despite investing hours and hours of grinding. ItAbsolutely underrated RPG. I wish it was easier, because i remember having to abandon it despite investing hours and hours of grinding. It still hurts i could not finish it.… Full Review »
  3. frederik1478
    Jan 10, 2023
    7
    It's really nice to play a rpg were all characters voice actors and the intro cutscene is hilarious to watch because of the voice acting.

    the    It's really nice to play a rpg were all characters voice actors and the intro cutscene is hilarious to watch because of the voice acting.

    the gameplay is fast paced you can hit them for a lot Damage but they can also hit you for lot so it feels like a real intens fight.

    This game has some insane level scaling. It feels like three levels can be the difference between getting an good boss ,and completely destroying by the boos.

    The game has a good story with a lot of interesting characters and awesome twist in the plot that I didn't see coming. I would recommend this game if you can find it.    … Full Review »
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