Info about Ys SEVEN:

Official game description:
Originally released as a PSP exclusive, Ys SEVEN was the first fully 3D Ys title, the first Ys title to include a party-based battle system allowing players to swap control of characters in real-time, and the most story-heavy Ys game of its time.  
This original PC port presents the game in full upscaled HD with a wide variety of resolution options, smooth 60 fps gameplay, full Steamworks integration featuring a variety of new achievements, and even a revised localization to ensure players receive the most immersive gaming experience possible.  
Join redheaded adventurer Adol Christin and his loyal companion, Dogi, as they make good use of their pirate connections from adventures past to weigh anchor in the bustling port city of Altago – a former world trading capital that was cut off from foreign visitation for far too long by an all-too-recently ended war with the Romun empire.  
The people of Altago are still distrustful of foreigners, and the land is crawling with monstrous creatures who are invulnerable to standard steel, rendering Adol’s tried and true arsenal of weapons from games past ineffective. Forced to rearm and retrain from scratch – and to prove his worth to this new country’s somewhat xenophobic populace – Adol takes up a king’s quest to explore a nearby set of ruins, only to find himself embroiled in a high-stakes game of appeasing ancient dragons and saving the world… yet again.  
Along the way, he’ll meet a variety of companions old and new who will join him in his quest via the newly introduced party system, wherein up to three characters may be controlled at any one time. Only by mastering the use of pierce, slash, and thrust attacks, as well as dozens of unique skills, quick dodging, “flash guarding,” and more can Adol and his team uncover the mystery of the Five Great Dragons, the five ancient tribes of Altago, and the recent string of earthquakes that threaten to tear apart this ancient and storied land.  
Come take part in the first Ys adventure of the modern era! The frenetic challenges and massive bosses that made this historic series famous are back, and they’re bigger than ever.  
Make SEVEN your lucky number!
Key Features:
-------------
*   Fast, real-time combat with dozens of unique abilities, both physical and magical  
*   A brand new party system allowing for up to three playable characters at once, including Adol’s loyal sidekick Dogi and fan-favorite mercenary Geis from Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim  
*   Enormous screen-filling bosses set to quintessentially Ys rock music composed by the legendary Falcom Sound Team jdk  
*   One of the most complex and involving storylines of the entire series, spanning well over 20 hours’ worth of gameplay  
*   Upscaled HD graphics and consistent 60 fps framerate bring this former PSP-exclusive title up to modern PC standards  
*   Full Steamworks integration, including a bevy of new achievements

Release date: Aug 30, 2017

Categories: Action RPG, Party-based Combat, Real-time Combat, JRPG, Fast-paced Combat, Skill Progression

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 40; verdict: Minor Tweaks Required; summary: The game is playable on Linux/Steam Deck with Proton GE, which resolves cutscene playback issues. However, official Proton versions exhibit a bug where Japanese fonts break in newer versions and cutscenes fail in older versions, requiring users to manually select a specific Proton build or use GE. This is a moderate friction point but does not prevent gameplay after tweaking.
- Steam Deck: score 45; verdict: Playable with Tinkering; summary: Ys Seven runs on Steam Deck contrary to Steam's label, but requires custom Proton (GE) to fix cutscene playback and has minor controller mapping limitations. Some users report Proton version conflicts with Japanese fonts and crashes with unofficial patches. Overall, the game is playable with moderate tinkering.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews highlight that the game was purchased on sale for around $15 and is considered excellent value at that price. One review explicitly advises non-fans to wait for a sale, suggesting the full price may be too high for casual buyers. This indicates the community sees a fair base-game price as higher than the sale price but still modest, likely in the $20-$30 range to justify purchase without a discount.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 25.0h
  - Story completion: 20.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The first two quotes provide explicit playtimes for completing the game (21 hours on Normal, 30 hours on Hard with side content), supporting a game completion estimate of 20–30 hours. The third quote directly states the story length as 20 hours, supporting the story completion metric. No reliable evidence exists for typical session length or meaningful endgame content, as multiple reviews note the absence of post-game modes.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game provides immediate fun with accessible controls and smooth combat, though some mechanics remain unexplained outside the manual and tutorial skipping can hinder completion.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: flash guard not explained in-game; no tutorial for advanced mechanics; skipping tutorial prevents 100% completion
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: must complete tutorial for full beastiary; must read manual for flash guard mechanic; player must accept skill leveling tedium; player must tolerate mid-game backtracking
- Player Archetypes:
  - Skeptical Series Veteran (sale)
    - Motivation: To compare and evaluate the game against classic Ys entries, appreciating its quality while mourning the loss of solo-focused design.
    - Playstyle: Compares mechanics to older games, may play on higher difficulties but feels the party system and AI detract from the experience.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Oath of Felghana; Ys VI; Ys 8; Ys 9; Celceta
  - Enthusiastic Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: To enjoy a polished, fast-paced action RPG with a good story and music that is easy to pick up.
    - Playstyle: Plays on lower difficulties, focuses on main story and exploration, appreciates the guidance and party system.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Ys 8
  - Grinding Completionist (sale)
    - Motivation: To achieve full character mastery, collect rare items, and complete all skill upgrades through grinding.
    - Playstyle: Meticulously farms levels, materials, and skill points; uses higher difficulty settings to intensify the grind; often plans routes to minimize backtracking.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


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 soundtrack quality (weight 0.58): Players consistently praise the soundtrack as sensational and the best in the series. The music is highlighted for its overall quality and its role in enhancing boss battles.
- Satisfying and fast gameplay (weight 0.54): The gameplay is described as very satisfying, fun, fast-paced, and fluid. It maintains the core feel of the Ys series while delivering top-notch enjoyment.
- Fun and dynamic combat (weight 0.43): Combat is praised for being fast, smooth, and exhilarating, with a satisfying hack and slash feel. It includes skill and burst power systems that keep fights engaging.
- Engaging story with twists (weight 0.34): The story is acclaimed as surprisingly good, engaging, and filled with plot twists. It maintains momentum and is worth experiencing from start to finish.
- Great addition to series (weight 0.28): This game is seen as a fantastic addition to the Ys series, remaining true to its roots while offering a solid experience. It is a good entry point for newcomers.
- Challenging and engaging bosses (weight 0.27): Boss battles are noted as challenging but fair, requiring skill. They are well-designed, engaging, and provide a good test of the player's abilities.
- Innovative party system (weight 0.21): The introduction of a party system is well-received, adding variety and a nice change of pace to the gameplay. It is noted as a first in the series.
- Flash Guard mechanic (weight 0.11): The Flash Guard mechanic is highlighted as a new addition that makes combat more interesting and adds tactical depth to encounters.
- Playable Dogi feature (weight 0.11): Players are pleased that Dogi is playable for the first time, describing the experience as satisfying. This adds a new layer to the gameplay.
- Crafting and gathering system (weight 0.1): The game includes a crafting system with respawning materials and synthesis, providing additional depth for resource management and item creation.

Common complaints:
- Dated PSP-era graphics (weight 0.52): Many reviewers note the graphics are outdated, reminiscent of the PSP origin, with low resolution, polygons, and blurry textures. This is a consistent complaint across multiple clusters.
- Slow story pacing (weight 0.33): The first half of the game is described as slow, dull, and dragging, making it hard to engage with the plot early on. This pacing issue is frequently mentioned.
- Inferior to other Ys games (weight 0.26): Players feel the combat, story, and overall experience are not as good as Ys 8 or Memories of Celceta, with some calling it a watered-down version. This comparison to newer titles hurts its reputation.
- Excessive grinding for achievements (weight 0.26): Achievements requiring all skills at level 10 or maxing skill proficiency force extensive grinding, especially since skills are tied to weapons. This is considered excessive and tedious.
- No New Game+ or boss rush (weight 0.21): The lack of a New Game+ mode and boss rush options means players have to replay the entire game to finish achievements, which is frustrating. This omission is a common complaint.
- Poor party AI behavior (weight 0.18): AI party members are described as stupid, dumb, and running off to unreachable enemies instead of gathering supplies or fighting effectively. This negatively impacts gameplay.
- No Japanese voice acting (weight 0.12): The game lacks Japanese voice acting, with only English available, which disappoints players who prefer original voiceovers. This is a notable omission for fans.
- Unclear flash guard mechanics (weight 0.11): The flash guard mechanic is not explained in the game itself, only in the paper manual, leaving players confused about how to use it effectively. This lack of in-game tutorial is problematic.
- Annoying character sounds (weight 0.07): Aisha's voice and hit sound are considered annoying, adding a minor but persistent irritation during gameplay. This affects immersion for some players.
- Cannot remove Adol from party (weight 0.07): Adol is forced into the party, and players cannot remove him, with some wishing for a fourth party slot instead. This limits party customization.
- Japanese-style forgiveness plot (weight 0.06): Some players find the story full of Japanese-style forgiveness tropes and petty plots, which feels predictable and unoriginal. This alienates some Western audiences.
- Hard to find Chinese localization (weight 0.06): Chinese localization patches are very hard to find, and there is no official Chinese support on Steam, limiting access for Chinese-speaking players. This is a localization issue.

Gameplay feedback:
- Party-based action RPG (weight 0.7): The game is consistently described as a party-based action RPG with three characters, real-time combat, and character switching. This is the core genre definition from multiple clusters.
- Real-time character switching (weight 0.45): Players can switch between characters in real-time during combat. This enables tactical use of each character's unique abilities.
- Damage type system (weight 0.44): A rock-paper-scissors damage type system with Slash, Strike, and Pierce is a key combat mechanic. Players must match weapon types to enemy weaknesses for maximum effectiveness.
- Skill leveling system (weight 0.22): Skills level up through repeated use and are tied to weapon proficiency, with SP costs for upgrades. This enhances progression and strategic depth.
- Fast-paced combat (weight 0.2): Combat is extremely fast-paced, relying on speed and impact. Dodge mechanics allow rapid movement without stamina limitations.
- Difficulty modes present (weight 0.19): Multiple difficulty modes from Normal to Nightmare or higher are available, allowing players to adjust challenge. This caters to different skill levels.
- Boss fight strategy (weight 0.17): Boss fights feature large enemies with sweeping attacks and require exploiting weaknesses with specific party members. They are challenging and rewarding.
- Crafting and synthesis (weight 0.16): Players can craft and upgrade equipment through synthesis, which involves gathering materials. This supports gear progression throughout the game.
- Flash Guard mechanic (weight 0.16): A strict-timing flash guard defensive mechanic allows blocking at the exact moment. It is optional but adds depth for skilled players.
- Multiple playable characters (weight 0.12): Up to nine playable characters are available, each with distinct attack types. Dogi is specifically noted as a playable character.
- Grinding elements present (weight 0.07): The game introduces grinding elements for character progression. Some players may find this repetitive but it supports skill and gear development.
- JRPG style structure (weight 0.07): The game feels like a traditional JRPG in its structure and progression. This appeals to fans of the genre.

Performance notes:
- Smooth performance overall (weight 0.29): Players consistently note the game runs very smoothly, with stable 60fps and no bugs. Multiple clusters mention zero crashes and high stability.
- Resolution and display issues (weight 0.12): Some users report problems with native resolution, black bars, and screen cut-off, particularly on Steam Deck's 16:10 ratio. UI placement bugs also occur at certain resolutions.
- Steam Deck runs well (weight 0.12): Multiple users report the game runs perfectly on Steam Deck without tweaking or using specific Proton versions. This feedback indicates broad compatibility for most users.
- Proton compatibility nuance (weight 0.07): While most users report no issues, one user needed GE Proton to fix cutscene playback. Another reports general Proton compatibility problems, suggesting mixed experiences on Linux.
- Crashes with specific mods (weight 0.04): Some users encounter crashes specifically when applying a Chinese patch, which triggers a crash on achievement popup. This is isolated to modded gameplay.
- Audio balancing issue (weight 0.04): Sound effects are reported to be too loud relative to music by default, which can be annoying. This is a minor quality-of-life issue.
- Fullscreen launch problem (weight 0.04): The game does not launch in full screen by default for some users, but it can be fixed using a configuration tool. This is an inconvenience.
- Texture issues on large screens (weight 0.03): One user notes texture problems when playing on a large screen, which could affect visual quality for those with monitors or TVs.

Recommendations:
- Essential for Ys fans (weight 0.54): Multiple clusters strongly recommend this game to Ys series fans, calling it a must-have for action RPG enthusiasts and one of the best entries in the franchise.
- Great for ARPG lovers (weight 0.19): The game is highly recommended for fans of action role-playing games who value speed, clarity, and mechanical variety in combat.
- Good entry point (weight 0.16): Some clusters highlight the game as a suitable introduction to the Ys series for newcomers, though others warn against starting here.
- Buy on sale (weight 0.07): The game is recommended for purchase, but some players advise waiting for a sale to get the best value.
- Outdated graphics may deter (weight 0.07): Players who prioritize modern realistic visuals should be wary, as the game's graphics are considered outdated.
- Worth the price (weight 0.07): Feedback indicates the game offers good value for its cost, making it a worthwhile purchase.

Other player notes:
- Korean patch exists (weight 0.04): There is a user-created Korean language patch available for the game. This suggests the game lacks official Korean language support, and players are relying on unofficial patches.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.33): Players are frustrated by numerous technical issues such as crashes, poor port quality, and control problems on keyboard. The unexplained Flash Guard mechanic, unfair boss designs with spongy enemies and poor AI companions, and excessive grinding for skills and materials further compound the frustration. The absence of New Game+, missable content, and clunky UI add to a generally tedious experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.26): Players are satisfied with the game's fluid and responsive combat, which, when mastered, provides a gratifying experience. The excellent soundtrack and engaging boss fights, along with a well-crafted party system, contribute to overall enjoyment. Good value for money and a compelling story with rewarding progression are also key factors.
- Disappointment (weight 0.17): Players are disappointed by the outdated 3D graphics and lack of voice acting, especially compared to other Ys titles. The weak story, unlikable characters, and lack of post-game content like boss rush or New Game+ diminish the experience. Technical issues like crashes and resolution problems on Steam Deck further contribute to the sense of a downgraded entry.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.14): Players enjoy the high-octane, fast-paced combat with party switching and skill leveling, which keeps gameplay engaging. The excellent soundtrack and satisfying mob battles, combined with a solid plot and fun dungeon design, create an addictive experience. The game's quick pace and dynamic action make it a joy to play despite some flaws.
- Excitement (weight 0.14): Players are excited by the spectacular story with plot twists and the phenomenal new party-based combat system. The outstanding soundtrack and thrilling later-half developments add to the excitement. Fast-paced gameplay, strategic character switching, and rewarding exploration contribute to a highly engaging experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.06): Players feel nostalgia for the solo adventures of older Ys games and miss the jumping and platforming elements. Many have fond memories of playing the PSP version during high school or junior high, and replaying it on Steam brings back those feelings. The game reminds some of classic titles like Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciate the solid gameplay and great story, typical of the Ys series, along with the top-notch soundtrack. The new party system and real-time combat are seen as a positive evolution. The music and world design effectively compensate for hardware limitations, showcasing the developers' care.
- Annoyance (weight 0.05): Players are annoyed by frequent crashes, especially when achievements pop up, and by the bad party AI that chases enemies and doesn't help with gathering. The excessive grind for skill levels and synthesis materials, slow walking, text toggle issues, and lack of New Game+ or Time Attack modes add to the frustration. Mandatory NPC interaction and a cumbersome map design are also sources of annoyance.
- Surprise (weight 0.04): Players are surprised by how much they enjoyed the game, with some calling it their favorite Ys title despite its reputation as one of the worst. The soundtrack quality and the unusually tragic story, featuring betrayals and a permanent loss, exceeded low expectations. The game's running smoothness and engagement were unexpected highlights.
- Love (weight 0.03): Players love the game for its evolved combat system with more characters and weapons, which feels like a natural progression. The great gameplay, story, characters, and BGM are deeply appreciated. The 3D model look and snappy dungeon crawling, along with the enduring soul of the Ys series, make it an all-time favorite.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Players are bored by the overused story formula with no surprises and the bland, poorly paced gameplay. The generic locations and tiring, button-mashy combat fail to engage. The skill leveling system is seen as boring, making the whole game feel like an endurance test.
- Sadness (weight 0.03): Players are saddened by the heartbreaking and unforgettable story of Tia, which evokes strong emotions and prompts reflection on the real world. The very sad, untypical ending for the series leaves a lasting impact. Emotional character death is a central cause of this sadness.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Players experience joy from the fun gameplay and great music, along with the lovely story. The well-written ending twist and touching soundtrack enhance the positive emotional experience. The combination of engaging action and emotional narrative brings happiness.
- Exhaustion (weight 0.02): Players feel exhausted by the final boss fight that can last two hours with over 40k HP and repetitive patterns. The marathon-like final battle and hours of dungeon crawling with little story drain energy. The extended duration of these encounters contributes to fatigue.
- Exhilaration (weight 0.02): Players are exhilarated by the fast and satisfying combat, especially the dodge mechanic that allows zooming around boss arenas. Pulling off super moves and executing good controls provides a thrilling rush. The overall combat speed and responsiveness are key sources of exhilaration.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players are angered by the infuriating final boss fight that forces the use of underleveled bench characters and excessive grinding. The killing off of character Tia and a last boss lasting over an hour with no healing items add to the rage. These design choices evoke strong anger.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players are amused by the spoiler moment where townsfolk are suspicious of Adol calling himself an adventurer, and by the cameo of Gaius in Ys 9 credits. The achievement for drowning to death and the reference to a series trope provide humorous relief. These light moments bring enjoyment.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the game for having the best soundtrack in the series, which is considered Falcom's peak. The grand story, great music, and comfortable feel are highly respected. The game is seen as a high point and a memorable peak in the franchise.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players are confused by the weird skill controls and uncertainty about the game's identity as a Ys title. The departure from traditional elements leaves some players feeling disoriented. The lack of clarity in certain mechanics adds to this confusion.
- Affection (weight 0.01): Players feel affection for the series despite its flaws, showing deep appreciation. The character Krusche is particularly cute and endearing, contributing to this positive feeling. Emotional attachment to the franchise fosters kind feelings.}