Ys Origin

 Switch
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 33
  3. Negative: 3 out of 33

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  1. Steyraus
    Jan 1, 2021
    10
    This is a great game for hand held play. Great Ys game , not with Adol as the main character. New attacks feel like a twin stick shooter.
  2. Flammie
    Jan 9, 2021
    8
    Y's origin is an action RPG. This is the first ys game I played, so I cannot compare to others, but it is a basic very linear action RPG, with a quite thin plot. You climb a tower in a mostly linear fashion, few cut scenes here and there to tell a plot. The gameplay is good and battles and boss battles are well-made, based on skill and pattern recognition more than quick reflexes and sheerY's origin is an action RPG. This is the first ys game I played, so I cannot compare to others, but it is a basic very linear action RPG, with a quite thin plot. You climb a tower in a mostly linear fashion, few cut scenes here and there to tell a plot. The gameplay is good and battles and boss battles are well-made, based on skill and pattern recognition more than quick reflexes and sheer luck. The music is fantastic, I might just get the soundtrack to listen to. It's a very short game with some 10 hours of game play, though two heroes to select from so probably a bit of replay value as well, and some extra modes to unlock.… Expand
  3. bak64
    Dec 23, 2020
    9
    A perfect introduction in the series! It's considered to be the best JRPG and as soon as you start the game you'll get to know why, straightforward and engaging story & characters, fluid controls designed for both easy-going or speerun gameplay, great atmospheric music at all times and non-stop action. It brings to mind a mix of of classic games such as Secret Of Mana, Zelda: A Link To TheA perfect introduction in the series! It's considered to be the best JRPG and as soon as you start the game you'll get to know why, straightforward and engaging story & characters, fluid controls designed for both easy-going or speerun gameplay, great atmospheric music at all times and non-stop action. It brings to mind a mix of of classic games such as Secret Of Mana, Zelda: A Link To The Past and even Metroid & Castlevania. Ys Origin is a great and very enjoyable game with high replayability, a must play for all rpg/action fans.… Expand
  4. mtkf
    Mar 3, 2021
    7
    Really good hack and slash RPG but is gets really cryptic when trying to progress in certain areas. One example; I had to look online on how to open a certain door after hours of dying and frustration and there was NO hint or explanation of how to properly do it.
  5. Sunshadow87
    Dec 14, 2020
    9
    Un juego de Ys chapado a la antigua pero con las mecánicas actualizadas. Los que hayan jugado a los Ys originales sabrán que eso significa que estamos ante un juego de acción rápida y desbordante y donde los más mancos grindeareamos para no ser comida de los jefes. El juego tiene menos componente de puzzle (esta presente pero en poca medida) que los dos primeros Ys, siendo más similar alUn juego de Ys chapado a la antigua pero con las mecánicas actualizadas. Los que hayan jugado a los Ys originales sabrán que eso significa que estamos ante un juego de acción rápida y desbordante y donde los más mancos grindeareamos para no ser comida de los jefes. El juego tiene menos componente de puzzle (esta presente pero en poca medida) que los dos primeros Ys, siendo más similar al Ys 3 en su enfoque de acción (aunque la vista en este no sea lateral). El juego es corto pero altamente rejugable, y si queremos conocer realmente la historia al completo deberemos completar el juego con los tres personajes, solo así conoceremos qué es lo que realmente esta ocurriendo en la torre y quien es el verdadero villano del juego (puntos extra para aquellos que hayan jugada a la duología original).
    Y si os quedáis con ganas de más, podéis dedicaros a intentar superar sus frenéticos retos fuera del modo historia o rejugarlo en máxima dificultad.    … Expand
  6. Phuz
    Dec 30, 2020
    10
    Edit: So before I get on to Ys Origin, I came back to update this as a word for any of you that (like me) don't like Ys 8, or 9. Don't let them put you off this and other games on the old Ys engine. I got half way through 8 after several attempts and boredom quitting and 9 lasted even less. Anyone in to Zelda's such as Link to the Past, Minish Cap, Link Between World's etc will loveEdit: So before I get on to Ys Origin, I came back to update this as a word for any of you that (like me) don't like Ys 8, or 9. Don't let them put you off this and other games on the old Ys engine. I got half way through 8 after several attempts and boredom quitting and 9 lasted even less. Anyone in to Zelda's such as Link to the Past, Minish Cap, Link Between World's etc will love Y's Origin.

    In short Ys 8 and 9 have a terrible amount of loading times and a dysfunctional map that brings you out of the load screen nowhere near where you entered it on the map, meaning re-entering the load screen you just came through. The dialogue and voice acting are abysmal, characters cheesy and annoying and the action can be very stop start. They're really quite generic JRPG's and it seems bizarre that SAO games get slammed for crap dialogue yet Ys 8 and 9 don't. The 3D game engine they switched to for 8 and 9 is just simply not as much of a joy to play. And there's other issues such as having to faff on trading at one shop to get items to upgrade at another. No respect for the players time.

    So Ys Origin. I can't believe how far down the list of best Switch games this comes. This is one of my favourite games ever and no nostalgia, I only played it in the last couple of years

    This is an action, adventure, puzzle RPG, with end to end dungeons, with great bosses at the end of them. It's challenging but fair, with multiple difficulty settings. If you're not a finger wizard, even normal is tricky at times.

    I generally hate menu's but the menu's in this are easy to navigate and two simple pages.

    Graphics - great, looks really nice. I prefer games with a lighter colour scheme but I like everything on this. I think the look is really fitting with other elements of the game.

    Sound - I really enjoyed the sound track, absolutely superb music, again it suits the game and keeps the vibe of the game flowing.

    Enemy variety - loads of bosses, with new types of baddies on each level.

    Boss battles - brilliant, can seem incredibly hard at first but once you do a few attempts and learn the attack patterns, they get easier until you win. Depending on difficulty setting, you may need to level up. Levelling up is fun and if too much levelling is required, then it is because you have chosen the wrong difficulty. If you do need to grind a level do it near your highest accessible area as it will bump up way quicker.

    Gameplay - Just loads of fun. 2.5D platforming, hack and slash, puzzles, story. A bit of everything but lots of mashing up baddies.

    Story - I don't care for game stories because they're usually rubbish, or have terrible voice acting. This is written dialogue and great stories. Different depending on who you play through as.

    This whole game just gels so well, with all elements of it being fun. The graphics, sound, story, bosses everything is just balanced really nicely and all of the aspects compliment each other really well.

    I just can't understand the lack of attention this game gets. To sum it up, it is like a top down Zelda game on speed but without the overworld. Just a fantastic game and I mentioned the word fun a few times, it is something so many games lack and that is simple fun entertainment.

    I still come back to this game regularly and there are not many games I return to.

    I do think Origin out shines other similar entries such as, Napishtim, Celceta and Felghana, so if you enjoyed those but they don't quite make the grade, Origin is basically like a more refined version.

    Final note, other reviews have mentioned this as being a beat em up. It isn't, if you want a Final Fight, or Ninja Turtles game, this isn't it. It's and action/adventure RPG.    … Expand
  7. tom974
    Jan 3, 2022
    8
    This game made me feel nostalgic about the Secret of Mana era. This is my first entry is the Ys series and that's quite a nice one. Everything feels simple at first : old school 2D graphics, classical RPG musics and ARPG gameplay, a story of good and evil. But, the whole thing plays so smooth, good rythm, punchy fights, nicely put bosses, fairly balanced challenge, a story a bit deeperThis game made me feel nostalgic about the Secret of Mana era. This is my first entry is the Ys series and that's quite a nice one. Everything feels simple at first : old school 2D graphics, classical RPG musics and ARPG gameplay, a story of good and evil. But, the whole thing plays so smooth, good rythm, punchy fights, nicely put bosses, fairly balanced challenge, a story a bit deeper than anticipated, what do we need more ? For those like me who never played the franchise, this is a good entry point I think.
    It could've been a bit better in terms of replayability (can't say more without spoiling).    … Expand
  8. Lightsiyd
    Apr 25, 2023
    9
    I rarely find myself enjoying an RPG game and to my delight, this is one of those few exceptions to the rule.

    Pros 1. Simple and concise story. 2. Combat ramps up as the game progresses. 3. Very action-focused. 4. Power-ups feel very meaningful and rewarding. 5. Doesn't feel grindy (Normal Mode) 6. Story is character-focused. 7. Challenging bosses requiring careful tactics to    I rarely find myself enjoying an RPG game and to my delight, this is one of those few exceptions to the rule.

    Pros
    1. Simple and concise story.
    2. Combat ramps up as the game progresses.
    3. Very action-focused.
    4. Power-ups feel very meaningful and rewarding.
    5. Doesn't feel grindy (Normal Mode)
    6. Story is character-focused.
    7. Challenging bosses requiring careful tactics to beat.

    Cons
    1. Combat lacks variance and can eventually feel repetitive.
    2. Leveling up doesn't feel meaningful (Normal mode)
    3. Lacking complexity.

    What else can I say? For an RPG it feels more intense than the norm and the story does not take excessive precedence in the game. Also, the game doesn't stuff you with morality but focuses on the relationship between the characters and their Goddesses. This was a definite plus for me and I thoroughly enjoyed playing this. I've put about 8-11 hours in and although I have not completed it yet, (with Yunica Tovah) I can definitely see myself coming back for a replay, probably with another character. I look forward to trying out the other two Ys games available on Nintendo Switch.    … Expand
  9. jandleslapper
    Apr 4, 2021
    5
    I would say this game is suited purely to jrpg fans. The dialogue is grating, and drawn out, while the plot is filled to the brim with tropes. This is not why I picked up this game though, the real time combat was the real draw. Unfortunately there are very few tools at your desposal, you cannot dodge or guard, but you can jump, attack, and use magic; however there are few ways in whichI would say this game is suited purely to jrpg fans. The dialogue is grating, and drawn out, while the plot is filled to the brim with tropes. This is not why I picked up this game though, the real time combat was the real draw. Unfortunately there are very few tools at your desposal, you cannot dodge or guard, but you can jump, attack, and use magic; however there are few ways in which you can use these abilities. The first boss took me a number of attempts mainly because I was trying to find ways to make the combat enjoyable, then to get it over with as quickly as possible, then I relented and beat the boss the proper way, by slowly running around and occasionally hitting it, there was no skill or thought required just my willingness to sit there, bored, and occasionally press the attack button. Variety does pick up later in the game when you unlock more magic/abilities, but the game still requires nothing from the player than to slowly pick away at the enemies health while easily avoiding attacks (which require no dodging or timing). Outside boss battles the game is a shallow beatemup, again there is nothing required of the player other than to mash the attack button while running to avoid slow attacks, shortly after starting the game I stopped fighting minor enemies entirely, not good considering that is a large chunk of the game. The enviroment is severly lacking in variety, there is an enormous amount of repitition and recycled content, the only interesting aspect of the game is the bosses which are disappointing as well.… Expand
  10. intersectbeast
    Dec 19, 2020
    7
    My first time playing a Falcom game and I did not leave disappointed.

    In Ys Origin, you play as either Hugo or Yunica and traverse to the top of a tower in search of two goddesses. I chose to play as Yunica, as that was recommended for those that wanted a challenge. Yunica uses short-range attacks that require you to play a bit more tactful than the counterpart's ranged attacks.    My first time playing a Falcom game and I did not leave disappointed.

    In Ys Origin, you play as either Hugo or Yunica and traverse to the top of a tower in search of two goddesses.

    I chose to play as Yunica, as that was recommended for those that wanted a challenge.
    Yunica uses short-range attacks that require you to play a bit more tactful than the counterpart's ranged attacks.

    The stories are also a bit personalized. Although clichéd, I managed to get engaged with the character, who is somewhat of an outcast due to her inability to use magic unlike her peers. She learns to face her weaknesses and grow as a person.
    The main story is nothing to write home about, but it gets a pass.

    As for the gameplay, it was very enjoyable at the start but felt monotonous as I got to the end. It's a good thing the game is relatively short. The boss battles however, engage you to remember patterns and scout out when is the best time to strike. This is probably the best part of the entire game.

    All in all, a good experience. In the perspective of a someone who has played a lot of Zelda, it feels like a Zelda game but with no sections in-between dungeons. If that sounds appealing to you, then this is your game.    … Expand
  11. Zski
    Nov 13, 2021
    7
    This a fun little game. Its like a low carb version of an action RPG, where it takes away a lot of the complexity and the spectacle of a major release, but keeps all of the core elements in tact. This almost feels like a remastered version of an SNES era action RPG, which is not a bad thing. There isn’t much here besides the gameplay, which is pretty solid and entertaining enough to get meThis a fun little game. Its like a low carb version of an action RPG, where it takes away a lot of the complexity and the spectacle of a major release, but keeps all of the core elements in tact. This almost feels like a remastered version of an SNES era action RPG, which is not a bad thing. There isn’t much here besides the gameplay, which is pretty solid and entertaining enough to get me to play the game to end. The story is bland, the characters are not interesting, the levels are unimaginative, the graphics are alright, the music is okay, etc. You really have to be a fan of retro action RPG and hack and slash games to get into it. Not a bad game, fun little gem on the eshop.… Expand
  12. chosen0ne
    Sep 22, 2021
    7
    Great action gameplay with a cutesy art style. Be warned, the story is nauseatingly cheesy and so painfully anime that you'll want to quit. The bosses and the action keep you around, but good lord the story is bad.

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best Switch Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    May 5, 2021
    75
    A fine way to get your feet wet with Falcom's long-running series. [Issue #50 – January/February 2021, p. 23]
  2. Cubed3
    Apr 12, 2021
    80
    Despite its age and the backdrop of the tower remaining the same, Ys Origin still manages to shine. All three play-throughs are enjoyable and engaging, each with its own story, and each character feeling so very different thanks to their drastically different play styles. Better yet, even after finishing all three play-throughs, there's much more to enjoy including brand new modes like Speed Run, Time Attack, and even an Arena mode; tight, fast, controls and combat; wonderful big boss encounters. It's easy to see why it garnered its cult status, and this latest re-release is going to introduce it to even more players; players who will be eager to experience more, and there's plenty waiting in the long-running story of Adol.
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  3. Worth Playing
    Nov 25, 2020
    80
    Ys Origin is a solid port of a solid game. The somewhat dated visuals and basic gameplay don't hide the generally strong game design. It never reaches far beyond the level of "pretty good," but it's still a blast to play. If you've never played any of the Ys titles, then Origin is an excellent place to start. If you have, Origin might seem too basic compared to some of the more recent offerings, but it's still well worth a look.
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