Ys: The Ark of Napishtim

 PlayStation 2
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
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  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 get away from "cutting edge" 3D stuff, and just have some fun again. This game provides that chance.
  2. MarcD.
    Mar 26, 2005
    6
    We've seen it all before, and its been done much much better. Way too generic to warrant a purchase.
  3. MichielvanL.
    Oct 31, 2004
    8
    Ys VI is one of the easier Ys games, much like Ys III. The graphics are o.k., the gameplay is simple, and the soundtrack is above average. Ys II is still the ultimate Ys game of all time, in my opinion, and Ys VI: The Ark Of Napishtim doesn't come close, but is still a very pleasant way to pass your time. You're constantly tempted to level up 'just a few more times' in Ys VI is one of the easier Ys games, much like Ys III. The graphics are o.k., the gameplay is simple, and the soundtrack is above average. Ys II is still the ultimate Ys game of all time, in my opinion, and Ys VI: The Ark Of Napishtim doesn't come close, but is still a very pleasant way to pass your time. You're constantly tempted to level up 'just a few more times' in order to kick the boss' ass, and that's good! It's best to see the game as an Ys spin-off instead of a whole new Ys game. That way you won't be too disappointed. I finished the game in about 20 hours (if I remember correctly), but I could've done it much faster. The 8 that I gave this game is because the game looks nice (not great, just nice), has no learning curve whatsoever, and is addictive. Oh, and it's got Ys in the title. Ys fans: buy this. New to Ys? Better rent it first, then buy as much Ys titles as you can afford. If you remotely liked Ys VI, you'll just *love* Ys II (and much of the rest of the series).… Expand
  4. YordanD
    Oct 31, 2022
    6
    gameplay is simple but satisfying, but i wouldn't have been able to finish the game without help from online walktrough guides. it is not clear where to go and what to do next at any point in the game. I mean, you have to talk to a merchant to get a vital item in order to move forward in the quest. Not a sage, not a king. A merchant. And no other NPC will give you hints to talk to him,gameplay is simple but satisfying, but i wouldn't have been able to finish the game without help from online walktrough guides. it is not clear where to go and what to do next at any point in the game. I mean, you have to talk to a merchant to get a vital item in order to move forward in the quest. Not a sage, not a king. A merchant. And no other NPC will give you hints to talk to him, Another issue. At a point in the game you get an item that lets you see in the dark. BUT no explanation at all that this is also another key item in order to progress furhter in the story. No hints as to where to use it etc. The player had to have discovered the cave beforehand, and consequently know that this is the place to use it. No hints no NPCs giving directions. Bad, bad, bad, BAD quest and story progression design.… Expand
  5. 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 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    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.    … Expand
  6. 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. It still hurts i could not finish it.

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Best PS2 Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Weekly Famitsu
    60
    6 / 7 / 6 / 5 - 24 [Vol. 848]
  2. 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.
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  3. Gamezilla!
    80
    The only complaint I have is there isn’t much to set it apart from many other RPGs.
    Read full review
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