Info about Ys I & II Chronicles+:

Official game description:
Long, long ago, there was an ancient kingdom called Ys which prospered under the auspices of two heavenly Goddesses. Over time, the kingdom came to be known as Esteria, and its divine history was largely forgotten by all but the descendants of those who once preached the Goddesses’ will. The only reminder of this lost lore was a cursed spire at the foot of a giant crater, which locals came to regard as “The Devil’s Tower.”  
Eventually, the men and women who called Esteria their home began mining a uniquely radiant silver from the nearby mountains, and development boomed. Towns were built, and the land became rich with life.  
Then, all at once, monsters began to appear. Only a few at first – but soon enough, the land was swarming with them, and the Esterians had no choice but to hide in fear, remaining ever vigilant just to stay alive.  
Our story begins with a young man who’d heard rumors of these misfortunes, and strove to verify them with his own eyes; a brave swordsman with an adventurous spirit bolstered by his own youthful naiveté.  
His name was Adol Christin.  
With no regard for his own safety, Adol set sail toward Esteria through a heretofore impassable barrier of neverending storms. There, he was destined to become ensconced within a 700 year-old mystery that would ultimately take him to a long-lost land nestled amongst the clouds...  
Ys I & II Chronicles+ is the most modernized and up-to-date remake of Falcom’s classic franchise-spawning action RPGs from 1987 and 1988. Come see how the story began, and witness the birth of a legend!
Key Features
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*   Classic buttonless “bump” combat receives a full analog-enabled upgrade for gamepad users, and is augmented in Ys II by a robust magic system.  
*   Soundtrack selectable from among the original 80s FM-synth, an early 2000s MIDI-style remix or a modern studio performance by Falcom’s in-house rock band.  
*   Character art selectable from 90s-style portraits or more modern anime designs.  
*   Four selectable difficulty levels and optional boss rush mode grant players a true old-school challenge (if desired).  
*   Transform into a demon to speak with any and every standard enemy in the game, creating unparalleled depth that still impresses even to this day. (Ys II only)  
*   Unique Steam Achievements plus Steam Cloud support and leaderboards.  
*   Adjustable high-resolution PC graphics with a smooth, consistent framerate.  
*   Greater viewing area than in previously-available Ys I & II Chronicles editions.  
*   Decorative screen frames available from the earlier Japan-only Ys I & II Complete PC release, in addition to the more modernized full-screen viewport of previous Ys I & II Chronicles editions.

Release date: 14 Feb, 2013

Categories: Action RPG, Single-player Story, Character Progression, Exploration, Real-time Combat, Boss Rush


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Exceptional and iconic soundtrack (weight 0.97): The music in Ys I & II is consistently lauded as outstanding, with many players calling it iconic and a masterpiece. The remastered versions, offering various arrangements, are particularly appreciated for enhancing the game's atmosphere and battle sequences.
- Ys I & II are excellent classics (weight 0.92): Players widely praise Ys I & II as fantastic action RPG classics, noting their significant role in the series' origin and overall quality. Ys II is frequently highlighted as a substantial improvement over Ys I, enhancing gameplay, story, and world-building.
- Modernized visuals and quality-of-life (weight 0.8): The remastered versions are highly valued for their enhanced graphics, reorchestrated soundtracks, and modern gameplay options. Players appreciate the updated pixel art, detailed environments, and overall polished presentation that revitalizes the classic experience.
- Accessible and satisfying difficulty (weight 0.76): The games offer a manageable learning curve and various difficulty settings, catering to both new players and those seeking a challenge. Boss battles are noted for requiring strategy and providing satisfying victories, even on higher difficulties.
- Short, sweet, and great value (weight 0.75): Players appreciate the concise length of both games, finding them short enough to not overstay their welcome while still offering a complete experience. The bundle is considered a great value, especially when on sale.
- Compelling story and characters (weight 0.56): The games offer an engaging and well-connected story, particularly in Ys II, which features a more complex narrative and developed characters. Players appreciate the world-building, lore, and memorable NPCs that bring the world to life.
- Ys II's magic system improves gameplay (weight 0.52): The addition of magic in Ys II is a significant improvement, diversifying combat and making exploration and grinding easier. Spells like teleportation, demon transformation, and defensive magic are highlighted for adding depth and fun to the gameplay.
- Unique and engaging 'bump' combat (weight 0.25): The 'bump' combat system, while initially unusual, is highly praised for being responsive, fun, and surprisingly strategic. Players found it intuitive and engaging, adding a unique charm and fast-paced rhythm to exploration and grinding.
- Good localization and accessibility (weight 0.09): The English localization is well-received, with appreciation for the publisher acquiring fan translations. The availability of multiple language options, including fan-made patches, makes the game accessible to a wider audience.

Common complaints:
- Excessive Boss Difficulty & Design Flaws (weight 0.79): Many players found boss battles, especially the final boss (Dark Fact) and the bat boss (Vagullion), to be extremely difficult, unfair, and often reliant on luck rather than skill. Issues include high speed, unavoidable projectiles, poor hitboxes, and mechanics tied to frame rate, leading to frustration and burnout.
- Outdated Gameplay & Mechanics (weight 0.69): The 'bump' combat system, lack of diagonal movement, and overall simplistic gameplay feel dated and unrewarding to many modern players. The game's design, including limited quality-of-life features and basic story, is seen as archaic and not comparable to contemporary ARPGs.
- Technical Issues & FPS Dependence (weight 0.68): The game suffers from significant technical problems, particularly with frame rate. Higher FPS makes certain bosses, like Dark Fact and Vagullion, disproportionately harder or even unplayable due to increased projectile speed and boss recovery, often without in-game warnings.
- Confusing Navigation & Backtracking (weight 0.66): Players frequently got lost in labyrinthine dungeons, especially Darm Tower, due to repetitive layouts and a lack of clear guidance. This is compounded by extensive backtracking requirements, making progression feel tedious and frustrating.
- Early Level Cap & Progression Issues (weight 0.62): The level cap of 10 is reached relatively early in Ys I, often halfway through the game. This halts player progression and makes later encounters, particularly in the final dungeon, feel pointless or overly difficult without further strength gains.
- Limited Story & Character Development (weight 0.58): The narrative is described as skeletal, short, and generic, with minimal character development. The story often serves as a cliffhanger for the sequel, leaving Ys I feeling incomplete on its own.
- Short Game Length (weight 0.54): Both Ys I and II are considered very short games, with Ys I often completed in 4-5 hours. This brevity can make existing pain points more prominent and leave players wanting more content.
- Lack of Language Support (weight 0.22): Despite being a Japanese product, the game lacks Japanese language support, which is a significant drawback for many players. There are also mentions of missing Korean language support.

Gameplay feedback:
- Evolving Bump Combat System (weight 0.88): Ys I features a unique 'bump combat' system where players attack by colliding with enemies, ideally from the side or back to avoid damage. Ys II significantly improves upon this by adding diagonal movement, magic spells, and ranged attacks, making combat more fluid and varied.
- Ys I & II as a Combined Story (weight 0.77): Ys I and Ys II are presented as two halves of a single, continuous narrative, with Ys II directly following the events of Ys I. Ys I often serves as a prologue, setting up the world and story that fully develops in Ys II, which is generally considered the superior game.
- Challenging Boss Battles (weight 0.66): Both games feature challenging boss battles, with some in Ys I being particularly difficult and requiring specific gear or even frame rate adjustments. Ys II bosses are often described as bullet-hell-like, requiring skill and pattern recognition, though some players found them more manageable than Ys I's.
- RPG Progression & Grinding (weight 0.65): The games feature traditional RPG elements like leveling up and acquiring equipment, which are crucial for progression. While Ys I has a low level cap (10) reached quickly, Ys II expands on this with a higher cap and more varied equipment, though both games can involve grinding.
- Lack of In-Game Map/Guidance (weight 0.64): Both Ys I and Ys II lack an in-game map, which, combined with complex, maze-like dungeons and vague objective hints, can lead to player disorientation and a need for extensive NPC dialogue or external guides for progression.
- Relatively Short Playtime (weight 0.62): Both games combined offer a relatively short RPG experience, typically ranging from 10-15 hours for completion, including achievements. This makes them suitable for a weekend playthrough, offering an intense but concise adventure.
- Adol Christin's Silent Protagonist Role (weight 0.1): The story follows Adol Christin, a recurring protagonist in the Ys series, known for his silent demeanor. Players embody Adol as he embarks on his first major adventure, exploring Esteria and uncovering ancient mysteries.
- Fast-Paced Action (weight 0.04): The gameplay is characterized by fast-paced action, fluid combat, and high player movement speed. This contributes to a swift and lethal combat experience, requiring precise positioning and quick reflexes.

Performance notes:
- Manual FPS/Refresh Rate Cap Needed (weight 0.21): To mitigate the frame rate issues, players must manually cap the game's FPS, often to 30 or 60, using external tools like graphics card control panels or by adjusting monitor refresh rates. The in-game frame limiter is reported as ineffective.
- Modern PC Configuration Required (weight 0.16): The game requires players to 'mess with graphics configuration' to be playable on modern systems, especially concerning refresh rates and V-Sync settings, to avoid bugs and unintended difficulty.
- Resolution and Display Limitations (weight 0.05): The game's resolution cannot be changed in-game and must be configured externally. Some players note that the game's visuals are not designed for modern high resolutions, appearing as an enlarged low-resolution image.
- Windows 11 Compatibility Issues (weight 0.03): Players on Windows 11 experience significant issues, including green corruption in cutscenes and black screens after initial dialogue. Updating Intel drivers may resolve some black screen problems.
- Steam Features Included (weight 0.02): The Steam version of the game includes modern features such as cloud saving, achievements, and ranks for Time Attack mode.

Recommendations:
- Accessible Entry Point (weight 0.46): Despite its age, Ys I & II Chronicles+ is frequently suggested as a good starting point for newcomers to the Ys series, particularly for those who appreciate classic JRPGs or action RPGs. However, some suggest starting with Ys Origin or Ys VIII for a more modern experience before diving into these older titles.
- Essential for Ys Fans (weight 0.45): Ys I & II Chronicles+ is highly recommended for existing Ys fans, especially those curious about the series' origins or Adol's early adventures. It's considered a must-play to understand the franchise's roots and is often seen as an essential part of the saga.
- Difficulty & Boss Fights (weight 0.43): The game, particularly Ys I, can be challenging, with some boss fights being notoriously difficult. Players are advised to adjust difficulty settings (often recommending Easy or Normal) and to save frequently, especially before boss encounters, to mitigate frustration.
- Strong Music & Story (weight 0.41): The games are praised for their memorable stories and incredible soundtracks, which significantly contribute to the overall atmosphere and player enjoyment. These elements are often cited as reasons to play the games, even if other aspects are dated.
- Consider Purchase on Sale (weight 0.41): While generally recommended, especially for fans of the genre or series, many reviewers suggest purchasing the game during a sale. This makes the experience more worthwhile, particularly for those curious about JRPG history or the Ys series' origins.
- Play Ys I & II Together (weight 0.4): It is strongly recommended to play Ys I and Ys II consecutively, as Ys II is a direct story sequel and significantly enhances the overall experience. Playing them as a duology provides a more complete narrative and gameplay arc.
- Use a Guide for Navigation (weight 0.07): Many players recommend using a guide, especially for Ys I, to avoid getting lost, reduce backtracking, and prevent frustration from cryptic progression. This can help streamline the experience and allow players to focus on the story and action.
- Achievement Hunting Caution (weight 0.04): Players pursuing achievements are advised to be cautious and make separate, gradual saves. Some suggest starting on Nightmare difficulty from the beginning for achievement hunting, but warn against losing nerves due to the challenge.

Other player notes:
- Classic ARPG Foundation (weight 0.31): Ys I & II are considered foundational classics of the ARPG genre, laying the groundwork for the entire Ys franchise. These modernized versions remain faithful to the original 1987/1988 releases, introducing key characters, lore, and gameplay elements that persist throughout the series.
- Simple, Engaging Adventure (weight 0.13): Ys I & II offer a simple yet captivating hack-and-slash action-adventure experience with a classic fantasy story. While short and straightforward, the games provide an epic journey that evokes nostalgia for retro RPG fans and introduces Adol Christin's first adventure.
- Enduring Retro Appeal (weight 0.09): These games are highly regarded as great retro titles that have aged well, appealing to an audience that appreciates old-school gaming. They offer a wonderful piece of video game history, maintaining the charm of older games despite their age.
- Inspires Series Exploration (weight 0.04): Playing Ys I & II often motivates players to delve deeper into the Ys series, with many purchasing subsequent titles. This suggests a strong introductory experience that encourages further engagement with the franchise.
- Controller Recommended (weight 0.03): Players recommend using a game controller for an optimal experience. It is also advised to adjust sound, video, and button settings in the configuration menu before starting gameplay.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.25): Players felt satisfied by the game's excellent music, engaging gameplay (especially the unique 'bump combat' once mastered), and captivating world-building and story. The overall quality of the game, including visuals, localization, and its role as a faithful modernized classic, also contributed significantly to this positive emotion. The ability to switch between different art versions and the game's value for its price were also noted.
- Frustration (weight 0.21): Frustration primarily stemmed from the extreme difficulty of certain bosses, particularly the final boss of Ys I (Dark Fact), often exacerbated by technical issues like frame rate being tied to game speed. Poorly designed dungeons, confusing navigation, and a lack of in-game hints also contributed to players feeling lost or stuck. Some found the bump combat system itself frustrating, especially when combined with unfair boss mechanics or bugs.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.12): Enjoyment was derived from the game's overall experience, including its memorable music, engaging bump combat system, and captivating story and lore. Players appreciated the fast-paced combat, exploration, and the concise nature of the RPG experience. The improvements in Ys II were frequently highlighted as a source of increased enjoyment, along with the game's unique 'vibe' and charming old-school appeal.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): Disappointment arose from various issues, including porting problems like green corruption in cutscenes and black screen issues, as well as unfixed bugs. Players were also let down by outdated mechanics, the game's short length, and the lack of modern features in a remaster. The absence of Japanese language support and perceived inferiority of the PC port compared to other versions were significant sources of disappointment for some.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.06): Nostalgia was a strong emotion for players who had experienced older versions of the game or the series in their childhood. Revisiting the classic atmosphere, pixel art era, and familiar lore evoked a sense of magic and discovery. The game's old-school simplicity and its role as the origin of a beloved series also contributed to this feeling of fond remembrance.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciated the game's historical significance, recognizing its role as a classic JRPG and the beginning of a beloved ARPG franchise. The unique combat system, excellent music, and overall craftsmanship of the game were highly valued. Improvements in this edition and the enduring quality of the series despite its age also garnered significant appreciation.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement was generated by the game serving as an entry point to the Ys series, meeting expectations with its 'old-school magic,' and delivering an epic adventure with a legendary soundtrack and story. Players expressed extreme enjoyment, calling it an 'awesome game,' and were captivated by the experience, often fueling a desire to explore more of the series and genre.
- Challenge (weight 0.02): The game's difficulty, particularly in boss battles and on Nightmare mode, was a significant source of challenge. Players found the unique combat mechanics initially complex and noted the need for skill and leveling up to overcome tough bosses. Achievement hunting also contributed to the sense of challenge.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love for the game stemmed from a deep affection for the Ys series, its story, and characters, often rooted in childhood memories. Players cherished the classic Japanese RPG elements, the bump system, and the overall experience, viewing the game as a pillar of Falcom's legacy.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief was felt when players found solutions to difficult challenges, such as fixing frame rate issues that made bosses easier or using a guide for vague directions. Finishing Ys I and moving on to the perceived improvements in Ys II also brought a sense of relief.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players were surprised by unexpectedly becoming fans of the series, enjoying the bump system despite initial skepticism, and how well the game had aged despite its release date. The charming way developers crafted the game with limited graphics and the non-uniform character leveling also caused surprise.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy was experienced through the game's overall quality, its fun and charming nature, and smooth combat. Discovering the game and its quality, along with the feeling of playing the remastered version, contributed to this positive emotion.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger was directed towards specific boss designs, which some considered 'disgusting' or 'infuriatingly criminal.' Lazy programming and the game's unfairness due to physics being tied to refresh rate also provoked anger, particularly regarding the final boss of Ys I.
- Caution (weight 0.01): Caution was expressed when recommending the game to others, advising them about potential frustrations, especially regarding frame rate issues and the need to cap FPS before the final boss. Players also warned about the game's dated aspects and potential performance problems.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm was shown through strong recommendations for the game, a deep fandom for the Ys series, and a desire for more Ys games on Steam. The well-written story, amazing music, and fast-paced combat fueled this positive and energetic emotion.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arose from the unexpected difficulty of the final boss, vague game direction, and labyrinthine dungeon designs. Players found the game cryptic and often didn't know what to do or where to go, leading to frustration.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement was derived from Falcom's traditional practices, humorous descriptions of combat and performance issues, and seeing Adol's early adventures. The writing and world also contributed to this lighthearted emotion.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity was sparked by the game's unique linear ramming combat system and the desire to start the Ys series for historical or lore interest. Players were also curious about how the series evolved in later iterations.
- Helpfulness (weight 0.01): Helpfulness was demonstrated by players providing solutions for technical issues, offering crucial tips, and giving technical advice to others struggling with the game.
- Annoyance (weight 0): Annoyance was caused by specific boss designs, predictable story reveals, and bosses that felt like they required luck to beat rather than skill.}