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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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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